My Picks From Dior Spring 2014

I'm all for pinks in springtime, so I was thrilled to see some fun releases in the Dior Spring collection. I can't resist a hot pink gloss, so i picked up the Addict Gloss in 772 Exquise and the Fusion Matte Mono Eyeshadow in 761 Mirage. 

When it comes to the gloss, I can't believe I hadn't tried these before. I love the scent-free, non-drying formula, and this pink shade is pink without being so in your face. It is entirely wearable, and I am happy to report that the color doesn't horrify me when it transfers! 

The eyeshadow, on the other hand, is a bit confusing to me. The name of the product says it is matte, but there is actually shimmer in this one. A very fine shimmer that I find pretty, but it is definitely not matte. Having never tried these eyeshadows before (they all seemed too shimmery for me before!), I really quite like the soft, almost spongy texture of these shadows. Sadly, this doesn't wear too well on me without primer - it fades and creases a bit with some shimmer migrating by lunchtime. With primer, this eyeshadow is a great everyday color, either by itself or for blending with other shades. I'm just a little depressed that I have to wear primer with it, and I'm not sure how to feel about that... 

Here's how these look on me. What do you think? Sorry I had to resort to this photo - I can't seem to catch the sun at all lately! And my skin is not so cute but I'm too lazy to put on concealer haha!

In the end, I think I've decided to return the eyeshadow. If I don't entirely love it, I think there's no point in keeping it! I also plan to do a comparison post of a few pink glosses later in the week. :)

Have you picked up anything from the Dior Spring 2014 collection? I'd love to know what you got and how they worked out for you! 

A Great New Mascara from Dior: Diorshow Iconic Overcurl

A few weeks ago, I saw this little Dior mascara at Sephora as a 100-pt perk, and I just had to have it. I love Diorshow Extase, and most of you probably know that I won't go without Diorshow Maximizer no matter what mascara I'm using.  So, how did this new mascara fare? In summary, I loved it. I would buy it if I weren't so currently entranced by Fairydrops Scandal Queen Mascara, but I'm definitely keeping it on the list for later.

As you can see, the wand of Diorshow Iconic Overcurl is that U-shape that you see so frequently with "curling" mascaras. Like with the Fairydrops Mascara, I do find more success with curling when using the U upside down. Who knew? I also find a better curling effect if you look down while applying and make an upwards curling motion.  This mascara also wears quite well, with no smudging or flaking that I can tell. I've worn it at least once for 12+ hours, and it worked just fine. Here's a look at my bare lashes. For those of you who don't know, my lashes are quite fine and do stick straight down in general.

No mascara!

Here's a look at the mascara in action. Not bad, right? I quite like it! Apologies again for the sad state of my skin and brows in these photos!

At the moment, this mascara is a Beauty Insider exclusive at Sephora. I'm not sure when the official release date is, but I'll be sure to post it when I find out! What do you think of Diorshow Iconic Overcurl? Will you be picking it up when it comes out? :)

Give Your Eyes Some Neutral Shimmer with Dior Earth Reflection!

I purchased this Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow palette on a trip to San Francisco last fall, where I fell in love with the Sephora on Powell Street as well as this gorgeous neutral eyeshadow quint.  At that time, I was really trying to learn ANY eyeshadow technique besides smoky. (The jury on that is still out, haha!) This palette was a winner for me because of the gorgeous neutral shades. The pretty shades weren't too dark, and could make a pretty eye brightening look. At the same time, you could still make a nice smoky eye! The kicker for me was if I happened to make a smoky eye with this shadow (which I am still quite prone to do in a rush!) the look would be subtle and minimal enough for everyday wear. Now look at these gorgeous colors in the sun! For some reason, I seem to have lost what order I swatched these shades in, so I'm so sorry about that!These shadows are quite smooth, and the microshimmer is quite fine. I always thought that Dior and Chanel eyeshadows were quite comparable, but lately I've found that Dior shadows and more pigmented and smoother to me. The shadows themselves last on me all day, and I can wear them without primer. Actually I'm not sure if I've ever wore them WITH primer! :)

I've always intended to try other Dior eyeshadows, but I'm really not in need of any more shimmery shadows. However, I have had my eye on the Smoky Pink and Smoky Brown trios since they came out, and their seasonal 5-Colour releases always tempt me!

Do you have any favorite Dior products? Have you tried this or any other eyeshadows from Dior? If you had this shadow, would you go smoky or more "nude"? :)

My HG Mascara Formula

These two products are absolutely my FAVORITE mascara combination for defined, lengthy lashes.

But, I can't always be spending $56 on a mascara combination, and am happy to report that Diorshow Maximizer + Maybelline mascara (currently Falsies Flared) is also a dream. One day I texted a shot of this summer combo to my best friend, and she was impressed.  I've even seen success with my own eyes, and not just on me!  A super long lashed coworker has super HUGE defined lashes with Diorshow Maximizer + regular Diorshow mascara. The first day I saw it I was seriously shocked! (And she previously used Diorshow too!)

Here is a shot of 1 light coat of Diorshow Maximizer  +  1 coat of Maybelline Falsies Flared. I apologize in advance for my droopy Asian lashes and the weird shadows of my hair around my eyes lol. Oh, also it would help if I did't always forget to curl my eyelashes... and opened my eyes more in photos outside... and was not inept at applying mascara in general... But seriously,  can you imagine this at 2 or 3 coats with some curling? Crazy.

If anything, you have to buy Diorshow Maximizer.  It's unlike any mascara primer I've ever tried. There is little to no white that is applied to the lashes, which I love.  Only real downside I see is that each tube I have had seems to lose a bit of its oomph after 2-3 months. I wouldn't say it expires in that time, just that when I first open it and apply it to bare lashes, there is an immediate effect and that wow factor is just less so at the 2-3 month mark. IT. IS. AMAZING.

Have you tried this primer? If you haven't, you need to go and try it now and let me know how it goes!