This month Dior introduces a newly reformulated version of Rouge Dior ($35 each for 3.5 g / 0.12 oz) designed by Dior Makeup’s creative director Peter Philips. There are 50 shades total in two finishes: 35 classic luxe satins and 15 new long-wear mattes. The new formula is split into five different categories: natural nudes, pretty pinks, passionate corals, legendary reds and extreme/pastels covering a wide range of color options.
If you’ve followed Dior launches for a while you know that most of the line has been reformulated over the years. It’s been a couple generations of reformulations since I’ve tried the Rouge Dior formula because I’ve gravitated towards the glossy formulas like the Addict Fluid Stick, Rouge Dior Baume and Rouge Dior Brilliant. As one who likes glossy moist lipsticks I have to say the new Rouge Dior formula does not disappoint and I was completely blown away by how incredibly smooth, hydrating, pigmented and comforting the formula looks and feels. They have Hyaluronic Acid to plump the lips and Mango Butter to nourish and protect. The color payoff is very good while still looking natural.
When it comes to lipstick, I have tons that I can recommend. It’s one thing I really like to experiment with, but for others so many factors come into play for finding the right one. Color options, coverage, finish, packaging, price and scent matter. Most of my friends are not into the matte lip look, they want something that has medium to full coverage with a bit of shine, moisturizes and preferably under the $40 mark. Most are ok with a bit of scent as long as it’s not too sweet or floral. The Rouge Dior fits the bill on all counts. There is a bit of scent to them but it’s not strong and fades within a few minutes.
A quick look at the color range:
For my last post on the Skyline Fall 2016 collection Dior offered a special promo code on their website for a limited time. Out of curiosity I placed an order for some items to see what it would look like in person. If you want to see the full haul let me know and I’ll do a separate post. But first a look at the packaging and presentation. Orders come in a gorgeous gift box tied with a bow (which in my excitement removed and untied immediately). There are always samples online at Dior.com, promos vary every week or so and you can always see them at the checkout page. With any $100+ order you get a deluxe sized sample (mine was the Sauvage Cologne) and 2 complimentary smaller samples come with every order.
For my review I have a look at nine of the Natural Nudes in the satin formula. I had a serious OMG moment when swatching these because as a nude and neutral lip lover I always find at least one shade doesn’t work for my pigmented lips. It’s happened with Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury and a number of other brands. The OMG moment is because every single one of these colors is just perfect. There are a few I wouldn’t really call “natural” or “nude” but compared to the other colors in the launch they are all relatively natural.
Top Row: Premiere, Grege 1947, Rose Montaigne, Bal, Hasard
Bottom Row: Saint Germain, Promenade, Dolce Vita and Rendez-vous
A closer look at all the colors and descriptions as I see them. All of these have flawless coverage. It’s similar in effect to their nail polishes in the sense that they glide on and have a naturally glossy finish. They feel instantly comforting without being thick or heavy. While they do feel moist they don’t feel like they will slide off the lips.
- Premiere is a cool-toned medium pink with a bit of brightness, I rarely can wear cool-toned blue based pinks because it makes my skin look sallow but this one is just stunning
- Grege 1947 is a medium beige pink cream
- Rose Montaigne is a lovely light pink, this is the most natural looking on me and had the least coverage, but still covered my lip entirely
- Bal is a warm pinky rose neutral
- Hasard is a light ballet pink
- Saint Germain is a stunning medium rose neutral nude
- Promenade is a warmer neutral nude
- Dolce Vita is a muted orangey color with a hint of copper
- Rendez-Vous is a neutral reddish color with a slight hint of plum
Closer looks at Premiere, Grege 1947, Rose Montaigne, Bal, Hasard
Saint Germain, Promenade, Dolce Vita and Rendez-vous
Swatched below on bare lips. For skintone reference I’m wearing the Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Foundation in Y315 set with NARS Powder Foundation in Punjab. All of the lipsticks apply nicely on the lips without emphasizing lip lines or creeping into crevices. Lasting power is very good as long as you don’t eat snacks. If you feel like your lips are dry and want to add a base, I’ve had good luck with the Dior Addict Lip Glow Pomade. It’s supposed to be a color reviver formula to adjust like the stick version. On me it just stays clear but I’ve been using it as a lip oil treatment which is easier to use and less messy than the Creme de Rose Balm.
Swatches side by side:
My top 3 favorites: Grege 1947, Saint Germain and Rendez-Vous, also Bal comes in close 4th
Since these had a naturally glossy satiny sheen some of them may look shimmery as the flash reflected off the surface. Even the colors that have some shimmer are very natural and soft in effect. To show the difference I have a couple shades to show with versus without flash:
For quick reference, other new colors that are part of the Rouge Dior launch:
- Rouge Dior Brilliant ($35 each) in Miss #047, Premiere #060, Red Smile #080
- Rouge Dior Contour Lip Pencil ($31 each), 7 new shades in Miss #047, Premiere #060, Red Smile #080, New World Matte #365, Sydney Matte #644, Euphoric Matte #756 and Mysterieuse Matte #994
Bottom line the satin formula is perfect. Just absolutely perfect. The rest of the week will be a lip-heavy week for posts as I have quite a few lipstick formulas going through testing and are ready for review. You may want to wait and see reviews on others if you’re trying to decide on one lipstick formula for fall, but I will say the new Rouge Dior is brilliant. I did not test the last round of formulas so unfortunately I am not able to compare the old vs new. The last Rouge Dior I bought was probably at least two years ago and I no longer own it so cannot compare it either. However, based on my experience trying other reformulations I can say that Dior does seem to improve the formula, texture, pigment and lasting power with each new generation of products.
I’m thoroughly impressed with the Natural Nudes shades. As one who finds a lot of “nudes” end up washing me out, I am really quite pleased to find a new line of easy to wear shades that don’t need any tweaking. I’m set for now although the formula is so good I have to admit I’m a bit interested in some of the plum-reds which I think could be nice for fall. I’ll have to go investigate this weekend.
You can find the Rouge Dior at Dior.com and all other Dior counters. Have you had a chance to look at these yet? If yes what do you think? How do they lineup next to the previous formula?
Eight of the Rouge Dior Lipstick shades were provided courtesy of Dior for review. One shade Rose Montaigne was purchased by me.
