REVIEW: Dior Smoky Crystal Eyeshadow Quint--I DIE!!!

It's here! It's here! My long-awaited Dior Smoky Crystal eye shadow quint!! Smoky Crystal is part of the Dior Holiday 2009 collection and I swear when I opened the Sephora box, the sun came out and I heard angels sing. It's stunning, spectacular, stupendous and all those other 'S' words. I can't wait to try it but I'm afraid to touch it so I've been gazing lovingly at it for the last 24 hours. Sigh, I will have to try it soon but first I will take pictures so I can remember it in all its splendor-- yes that's it!

Hmmm, I'm still a bit on the fence. Oh don't get me wrong--it's gorgeous and the shadows are silky soft, very easily blendable and the superb (there's another S word) quality we've become accustomed to with all Dior quints. Another plus--I don't even need a primer or base with this eyeshadow; the staying power is unbelievable. The problem is upon first application the shadows seemed too frosty. I used the silver shade on the lid, the charcoal shade in the crease and a light dab of the purple in the center of the lid. I had pretty much decided it was just too much when....I got a compliment at work on my eyes. Crap! Now I was going to have to try again! So....this past weekend I did try again and I used the pinky purple on the lid, and the charcoal in the crease with the silver applied very lightly on the brow bone and the inner corner of my eye. Guess what? Yep, more compliments AND one of them was from my 21 yr. old daughter--uh, now that's worth something! I said "but it's too frosty and sparkly" and she said "that's what I like about it"! To which I said "but aren't I too old for shimmery, sparkley eye shadow"? to which she replied "yeah, but I still like it". SOLD!!

The Dior Smoky Crystal Quint is comprised of (left to right) a sparkly silver, a charcoal grey, a pinky purple--maybe orchid (?), a light taupe and a pale sheer goldish taupe. These are all in the cool region but since there a few taupe shades so they seem to work for me. The name is a little misleading because you can't really do a traditional dark smoky eye with this quint, however I prefer a more subdued look anyway. I like the pinky purple for a nice pop or to soften the grey a bit. This quint is more shimmery than I would normally wear but since the shadows are so sheer, they impart a nice a sheen that makes my eyes glow rather than glitter. Me likey!

Packaging: The typical elegant blue compact with the Dior logo

Quality: Excellent--the shadows are soft and creamy, blend like a dream, shimmery

Value: $56 for a Dior eye shadow quint is not cheap. However, you are getting five eye shadows of very high quality.

Overall: This is an iridescent formula quint, therefore shimmery. However, it is sheer so it makes your eyes glow not glitter. Smoky Crystal creates a lovely silver or grey eye but has extra punch with the pinky purple shade.

Best For: Anyone that likes high end, high quality eye shadow palettes, cool toned beauties, or if you're like me, you enjoy silver sparkly things.

The Dior Smoky Crystal Quint is part of the Holiday 2009 collection and available at Dior cosmetics counters, dior.com and sephora.com

I purchased this item myself

5 Beauty Products I'm Loving Right Now!

1. Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray

I've tried just about everything for my fine hair. Every stylist I've ever had tells me I have lots of hair, it's just fine---fine as in skinny, fine as in sticks flat to my head, fine as in no body, fine as in I need 4,972 products to get it to look half as thick as a normal person. My current stylist used Bumble and Bumble Thickening Spray on me and I was impressed! First I like the fact that it's a spray, not a heavy mousse or serum which tends to weight my down, which is exactly what I don't want. It's light, smells great and gets the job done. It works best for me when I put it on damp hair and then style with my blow dryer.

2. Lancôme Oscillation Powerbooster

This is a vibrating lash primer that works wonders. I was a faithful Cils Booster XL user so of course I wanted to try the vibrating thingy. What I like about this lash primer is that it really does what it's supposed to. Hurray! The thin-ish rubber brush separates lashes beautifully so you eliminates clumps and it lengthens wonderfully too. The thing I most appreciate about this primer is that at the end of the day my lashes don't feel brittle or dry, that actually feel soft and flexible. Amazing!

3. My new Jones New York scarf. This makes me feel beautiful. I love the colors and it's faux silk so it feels elegant. I have a teal jacket that I wear it with and I always get compliments. Plus--I got it on sale at Macy's for like, $7 bucks.

4. Limited Edition DiorShow Black Out Look - Catwalk Eye Makeup - Sephora Exclusive.  An adorable set that includes DiorShow Black Out Mascara and a cute mini quint called Smoky Light (019). I would love it if Dior would make a regular size of Smoky Light. A pretty white shade in the center makes for the perfect highlighter, the top two shadows are a gold and a brown and the bottom two are a silver and gray. True to it's the name, Smoky Light is perfect for a subtle smoky or daytime smoky eye. If you wish, apply with a bit of a heavier hand for more drama. I think this makes a great holiday look too as you have both the gold combo silver combos. Highly pigmented and easily to blend, this quality of this mini is just as good as it's full sized relatives.

The mascara is good too. While I still prefer Dior Iconic, this is a nice change. The strong points are a wet formula which helps to separate; ultra black pigment and when it dries lashes still stay soft.

Here's a close up of the mini quint, the key word here is mini. That's my blackberry phone next to it. But hey, it's $24 for both which is the cost of the mascara alone so the quint is free!

 

5.  Laura Mercier Black Turquoise Kohl Eye Pencil
Love this creamy formula and the color is fabulous! I disagree with the shade name however. I don't find this to be turquoise at all, emerald or teal green would be more accurate. However you describe it, it's a beautiful color and one I've been wearing quite a bit this fall. See above reference to teal jacket and scarf. I know you're not supposed to match your makeup to your clothes, but hey, I'm old skool--habits are hard for us to shake. And besides, I see nothing wrong with matching aside from the fact that I am regularly ridiculed by my 21 yr old daughter for being too "matchy matchy'. Whatevah!!

Makeup Tip: Metallic Eyes

This fall eyes shine with shades of silver, gold, copper and bronze. I couldn't be happier. Bronze is my very very favorite eye shadow color and I have-- oh I don't know, like, 4,987,204,630 of them. Does that stop me from buying more? Hell-to-the no! Everyone can wear metallics, the trick is to find a hue that suits your skintone. Silver works with cool undertones, copper and bronze with warmer undertones and gold is universally flattering. Here are some tips for sparkling metallic eyes:

• Brush shadow under the eyes as well on the lid
• Apply the lightest shade on the inner corner of the eye
• Downplay lips and cheeks by staying neutral, but don't forget a bit of bronzer
• Use metallics in pairs--silver and pewter, copper and gold, bronze and dark grey
• Use a light hand, a sheer wash lets your eyes shine without looking like a disco ball
• Use a neutral matte shade for the brow bone to avoid too much shine
• Avoid colored liners, opting instead for black, charcoal or deep brown

Shades to try:

Laura Mercier Metallic Cream Eye Colour

Bobbi Brown new Chrome Eyeshadows, available in gold, bronze and pewter
Stila eye shadow trio in Gold Glow (gold, bronze, ivory)
Dior Beige 1-Colour Ultra-Smoothing High Impact Eyeshadow in
Argentic-gunmetal gray shimmer, Gold Touch-golden bronze shimmer


Less expensive alternatives:

Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eye Shadow in Copper Spice and Priceless Metals (see my Frugal Friday post here)
L'oreal HiP Metallic Duo in Platinum and Gilded

Try some sparkle and shine this Holiday season!!

Dior Holiday 2009 - I DIE!

I absolutely adore Dior cosmetics. Always pretty, wearable and classy. I would

take any of these palettes in a New York minute. Not only is the makeup silky smooth, blendable and just plain gorgeous but look at the packaging! As Rachel Zoe would say BA-NANAS!!! I want one of each plus all the Cristal Boreal collection too--see it here. Sigh, I need about 14 more jobs or a rich sugar daddy. Yeah, like that's gonna happen.

I can't wait to see these palettes in person this weekend--my Dior counter just got them in today. I'm especially interested in the eye shadow palette --I missed this last year and have been whining ever since. All these palettes look very soft and wearable. I'm scheduled for a makeover with Daniel, a Dior makeup artist who reminds me of Brad on the Rachel Zoe Project (which I am quickly becoming obsessed with) so I will let you know how it turns out!

 Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, this must-have palette features signature cannage stitching and silver "D" hardware along with a wardrobe of Dior's best travel essentials: six eyeshadows, a Diorblush, an all-ver face highlighter, and deluxe miniatures of Dior Addict Ultra-Gloss Reflect, and Diorshow Iconic Mascara.  Limited Edition  $75

 The hottest shades of the season for lips are inside this limited-edition, black patent palette! Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, Dior Holiday Lip Palette features signature cannage stitching and silver 'D' hardware, along with four perfectly coordinated shades of lip color. The perfect gift for your loved ones—or you! Limited edition. $42

The hottest shades of the season for eyes are inside this limited-edition, black patent palette! Inspired by Dior's ready-to-wear accessories, Dior Holiday Eye Palette features signature cannage stitching and silver 'D' hardware along with four perfectly coordinated shades of eye color. The perfect gift for your loved ones—or you! Limited edition. $42


There is also a brush set not pictured.

Dior Cristal Boréale Collection

 

The star of this collection is this stunning pendant which was inspired by the "Crystale Boréale," a legendary Swarovski crystal-studded pendant designed for Christian Dior in 1955. What an exquisite pairing--the House of Dior and Swarvoski Crystal! Inside the pendant is a crystal-effect gloss aptly named Pink Crystal. The pendant has a total of 52 Swarovski crystals of which 4 are Aurore Boréale. The necklace retails for $80.  It would look lovely on a black turtleneck or glamorous with a LBD (little black dress) for the holidays.  I love when Dior combines jewelry with cosmetics, they do it superbly. Available for pre-order at NeimanMarcus.com

There are two single eye shadows in the Cristal Boreal collection: Precious Purple and Silver Gem, each embossed with the Cristal pattern. These eye shadows feature light reflecting properties to create a soft shimmering eye. $30 each.

The collection also includes two of the famous Dior quints. I love these so much I have unconsciously started a collection, yikes! There are 5 shadows hence the name 'quint', which are beautifully coordinated to work together. I have found though, that you have to be very careful with the Iridescent Quints; while the iridescent quality can be striking, some of them can look quite frosty which I don't think is flattering on mature eyes.

On the left is Smoky Crystal (#089), on the right Purple Crystal (#169). Oh this is going to be hard to choose! $56. Again it seems pricy, but when a single eye shadow is $30 and you are getting 5 for $56, it doesn't seem so bad. That's my justification anyway!

Beauty tip: To highlight, apply the lightest shade to the inner corner of the eyelid. To deepen and intensify the eyes, wet the darkest shade and apply as liner along the upper row of lashes, blending outward. To add more dimension: blend in a third shade of your choice over the eyelid and outer corner.

As for the lips, Rouge Dior in Illustrious Pink #465 (left) and Aristocratic Mauve #585 (right) with Creme de Gloss in Violet Shine #485 round out the makeup portion of the collection. Gorgeous all of them.

In additon, there are two nail colors--Dior Vernis in Silver Purple #782 and
Dior Vernis in Rose Boreal #162. $20 and Black Sequins #904 at Sephora only. (not pictured)

Lastly, there is a new Style Liner in Sparkling Purple #174 - $31.00
(not pictured)

The look on the model is so soft, pretty and ethereal. I will have to see the collection in person but from what I've seen online, I adore it and it's all going on my wish list. Dior has superb quality, elegant packaging and who can resist sparkles for the holiday season?  The Dior Cristal Boréale Collection hits Dior counters nationwide this month.

Dior Smoky Jazz Palette

Dior is the epitomy of glamorous and the Smoky Jazz Palette is no exception.  It is billed as “The Total Eye Makeup Clutch” and it is exactly that. Just look at the elegant packaging!I wish I had a black patent clutch purse just like it, I’d carry it everyday!

Left to right:

• A black gel eyeliner that literally glides on and lasts all day

• A universal a brow powder—this suits me to perfection and I usually use a taupe or blonde brow pencil

• A gray taupe matte eye shadow perfect for a crease shade

• A shimmery (but not glittery) grey brown taupe

• A silvery taupe eye shadow

• And a pearly white topcoat

The palette includes two double ended brushes. One for eye shadow and the other for eyebrow or eyeliner application. I have used the slanted brush for both. It applies the brow powder perfectly and you can get the thinnest line of eyeliner with it. The brushes included in palettes, even high –end ones are not the best and I normally don’t even use them, but I thought the slanted brush in this palette was worthwhile.

I am amazed and how good my eyes look when I use this palette! Even though these shadows are neutrals, the palette can create a number of looks from a subdued work appropriate eye to sexy smoky for nighttime. I like the fact that there is a silvery taupe as well as the greyed brown taupe in the palette to give some options. The Dior Smoky Jazz Palette retails for $65 which may seem a bit steep but consider that it has 4 eye shadows, eyeliner and brow powder—just add some of my favorite Dior Iconic mascara and you’ve created a sophisticated and classic look. This palette is Limited Edition and available at Dior counters everywhere as well as Sephora. There is a second version called Purple Jazz which is a Nordstrom Exclusive.

I purchased this palette myself

Introducing Frugal Friday

In this economy we all need to save a buck or two whenever we can. Every Friday I’ll highlight a beauty product that is not only high quality but a great value as well.

Today’s product is Revlon Colorstay 12 hour Eyeshadow Quad. Four silky smooth color coordinated shades that last all day. Honest. There are 18, count ‘em 18 color variations; nudes, neutrals, browns, greens, blues, you name it. I chose Nude Elements which reminds me of the Dior Parisian Lights quint.

Revlon Nude Elements quad swatched. From left to right: pearly white, great to highlight under browbone, nude peach shade: a barely there peach shade, taupe shade: taupe with a wee bit of plum, charcoal shade: a light charcoal shade with a hint of blue. I wore this quad today--the white under browbone, peach on lid and inner corner, taupe in crease and charcoal used wet to line. Very soft and pretty!
Revlon Colorstay 12 hour eyeshadow quads retail for $6.99. I got mine on sale at WalMart for $5 and have seen them at various drugstores on BOGOF (buy one get one free) sales. That's only $3.50 each!!
P.S. Sorry for the bad swatch pic, I need to read the manual for my camera, but you can see my scars from my recent surgery--ewww.
What do you think of this quad? Let me know in the comments.

I purchased this product