You know I like complaining about Western high end brands, bitching about how they are usually too prestigious for what they are (expensive but lacks the overall quality that I am looking for). However, Dior is an exceptions and a brand I kept going back to. To think of it, Dior is actually very competitive against the Japanese brands at the same price point: There is that beautiful packaging that's substantial and distinct. The seasonal colors are on trend yet very wearable. Lastly, their texture and feel are very good on skin.
I remember back in 2008, I absolutely adored their humongous tube of squeeze gloss called Diorkiss (my favorite was the Golden Green that turns peachy on lips) and my recent purchases were also enjoyable. Anyway, I got this Fluid stick two years ago, right before the range was discontinued and replaced with the lacquer plump (I can't say anything about that formula but the packaging and the wand definitely look cheaper to manufacture).
The shade I picked was 784 Chic, a berry rose that looks somewhat neutral warm (Welp on my lips it's pretty cool toned but luckily not Grandma magenta)
The texure of the Fluidstick is a thick creamy lacquer that's breathable and malleable- I can wear it very thiny as a non drying stain, build it up to a juicy berry with shine or load it on and get a full on shiny lacquer.
Partially applied, on the edge you can see it's quite nice used in thin layer.
784 Chic in thicker layer, it's getting a wee magenta but no auntie vibe yet...
Blotted as a light tint - This is also how it fades, into a thin layer of balmy film that's lightly moisturizing. Unlike other lip tints, it's doesn't stain upon contact or suck the moisture out. It can be removed with micellar water very easily so I can start fresh if I want to retouch during the day.
I really like the formula and maybe I should pick a warm shade instead but I guess it's too late now.
Yeah I remember the Dior fluidsticks back when it was first released. It was a BIG deal back then it got a lot of hype because not many brands made this type of lipsticks before. Then everyone started copying with Loreal brands coming out with their own versions like the Maybelline Color Elixir and Loreal Extraordinaire. But then the matte liquid lip trend came in and it kinda died down, well in the west at least. The new Dior version Lacquer stick or whatever it's called is crap, I have one of the shades, it is indeed a downgrade from the original. Same with the Dior Addict lipsticks they keep repackaging it every couple years and reduce the amount (from 3.5g to 3.2g) but still increase the price. I still like Dior cosmetics though but you can tell they are trying really hard to keep on top of the game.
ReplyDeleteOh the new liquid lip color does have a lower rating on sephora as well now I know to never get it ($37 is kind of expensive and there isn't a shade I like). I actually think the Fluidstick is much better than all the drugstore version back then, much better adherence and finish...
DeleteI never thought the matte trend was natural, it's more of an artificially introduced trend by LOreal into drugstores(to force those people pay more for the very well liked range). If sheer lipstick and liquid lip color really fell out of of favor, LOreal released a whole bunch of them through their highend brands (YSL, Armani and Lancome)...Anyway, I hate the corporate culture as a whole and beauty industry is no different.
Another example...I was browsing Bobbi Brown again and noticed they sell a face cream for $85, so I sampled it- it was nice but it reminded me of something I already own... So i googled it and Lord behold it's the EXACT same formula as MAC Studio Moisture Cream $56. So basically BB is pretty much a high end version of MAC cosmetics/Lauder group +/-
DeleteOn to other news, so I told you how my beloved Lancome Dual Finish Powder got discontinued in Australia, I'm still bitter about it because it was my HG. I've been bouncing from counter to counter trying to find a similar replacement. I did find Chanel powder foundation to be a nice replacement but holy mother lord it cost $102 for 13g and no refills available here to buy. Dior sell refill here for $76 but I'm not really a fan of the Dior powder foundation. I've tried multiple times to make that MAC Studio Fix Powder foundation to work but it's just a hot stinkin cakey mess. How it's a bestseller totally boggles my mind- people use it to set their foundation but it's actually a full coverage powder foundation. Then I realised I had bought the Clarins Ever Matte Powder before, so I dug it out again and this is, along with the Chanel powder foundation, the next best thing to Lancome Dual Finish Powder. It's so incredibly soft and silky, sets makeup beautifully but doesn't cake it up. Apparently the Queen uses this powder so I'm not surprised that it's that good. But the thing is, it was temporarily discontinued this year and no one knew about it, so of course I panicked and went on another replacement buying spree...only to find out this week that it's just been repackaged...face palm...
That's a lot for powder...I guesd the most I spent was near $40 US (for Japanese brand) and luckily it's good enough for me.
DeleteAlthough the Clarins Ever Matte Powder cost $50 each and I still have to buy 2 shades, 01 & 02, I don't have to mix a lot just a light swirl, it's still better than $102 every time. Lolz I'm really picky about powders, I feel like finding the right powder is more important than the foundation itself. I still haven't found a foundation that matches me 100% despite brands offering 30+ shades these days, but if I have a nice powder like the Clarins to set it, it will still look good if that makes any sense.
DeleteThis is one of my favorite lip range even to this date. What a lovely color on you! <3
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing you reviewed a rosy shade a while ago... I still wish I picked a warmer one though.
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