For all the Dior Divas

I am asked fairly often about my list of Dior "must haves" as compared to other brands. While I use quite a few Dior products, I readily use other brands if they seem to work better for me and my skin.  After a few years of Dior product use, the favorites that I will keep buying well into the future are...

1. One Essential Super Skin Serum

As I've said before, serums pack the most skin treatment "oomph", and of all the serums, this is my favorite! It detoxifies, cleaning out and purifying skin cells, and boosting the effectiveness of all other products significantly.  Revitalizes and makes skin more radiant, and helps correct/prevent signs of aging. "Pollution, stress, fatigue, UV rays…the atmosphere in our biggest cities has proven to be just as intoxicating as it is harmful. The ozone alone increases toxin production by 44%. Every day, 7 billion toxins accumulate in the skin, preventing it from repairing itself and diminishing its glow. As if suffocated, the skin becomes dull and appears tired."  It's not cheap at $95 and $120 (two sizes), but in my opinion, worth every cent. 


2.  Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Creme

This is my current favorite moisturizer. It's a beautiful, thick, smooth creme, and it melts into the skin.  It improves multiple deeper layers of the skin to plump, smooth, structure, and illuminate the skin. At $155 a jar, it's not cheap, but once you purchase, you can buy re-fills for $140 that pop into this "jewelry box" case.  A little goes a long way, so re-purchasing should not happen often.  Dior also makes a "rich" creme version of this for very dry skin.

3. Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Eye Cream

I am very choosy about eye creams, and have yet to find any sort of miracle cream for firmness, moisture, and dark circles.  So far, this is one of my overall favorites.  It is extremely moisturizing, and helps fill in lines and wrinkles to firm around the eye.  It's wonderfully comfortable and feels a bit like a spa treatment. 

4. DiorSnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam

I recently blogged about this as my newest favorite cleanser - it foams, cleanses, brightens, but does not strip or dry the skin at all.  A great add to your cleansing routine.

5. DiorSkin Nude Natural Glow Radiant Foundation

For a nude/dewy foundation finish, this is still my go-to.  It comes in many shades, applies smoothly with a brush or sponge, and looks fresh through the day.  A nicely balanced foundation. 

6. DiorSkin Nude Compact

For a very even, natural, slightly satiny finish, this is my favorite powder.  It comes with a small brush for light application, and a sponge for more coverage, which is ideal for use throughout the day. I've used it alone and with all sorts of foundation. 

7. DiorSkin Airflash Foundation

This was the first product I ever got hooked on from Dior. Originally developed for professional makeup artists, this spray foundation gives amazing coverage that feels like absolutely nothing on your face.  It goes on easily with a brush or sponge, and is so thin, you forget you're wearing foundation. The finish is flawless and smooth, semi-matte, and long wear, especially with primer.

8. DiorSkin Nude Tan Healthy Glow Bronzing Powder

I've been a bit bronzer-averse since it seemed to be all the rage while I was in high school and early college, and it was so overdone.  As I learned how to use it lightly for an all-over touch of color OR for contouring, I started keeping it in my bag for every day use. This one is my favorite simply because it's so light and finely-milled.  It's hard to apply too much.  They make slightly illuminated shades (like the one above) with varied colors to look more natural.  The same bronzers are made in more matte shades, as well.  The compact comes with a handy kabuki brush for application and blending, but I typically opt to use a larger blush brush for a lighter sweep of color.

9. DiorSnow Lash Maximizer

This is a white formula that sweeps on smoothly, and dries clear.  It plumps, lengthens, and primes lashes for mascara. It's an active serum with soy proteins to promote long-term lash growth and strength. Lashes are hair, and need to be cared for.  This makes my lashes healthier, but also makes my mascara go on better and last longer. 

10. DiorShow Mascara

Dior has been famous for their mascaras for years, and they have several great options. My favorite is still the classic DiorShow. It's a buildable volume, slightly false-lash effect. The brush is very plush, and the formula is smooth.  It sweeps on easily, and - my favorite thing - wears SO well.  It doesn't get crunchy or flaky, and stays soft, almost like natural lashes.  I can brush them side to side and not rub off the mascara. My fave.

11. Dior Addict Gloss

I seriously probably have 40 lip glosses in my cosmetics trunks, but they're going into the recycle bin, because I only use this one, in different shades.  The formula is beautiful on - shiny, sparkly (if it's a shade with shimmer), and yet (here's the kicker) - NOT STICKY.  It infuriates me when my hair sticks in my lip gloss.  Addict Gloss comes in shades sheer enough to wear over other lip colors (stain, lipstick, whatever), and shades that are beautiful colors alone or with liner. 

Notable Mentions:

Dior Lip Polish - a pink gloss that exfoliates lips and keeps them smooth

Dior Lip Maximizer - a collagen-active gloss that goes on clear and plumps lips

Creme de Rose - a rosy lip balm that is incredibly moisturizing and smoothing, and easy to wear alone.

DiorShow Liner Waterproof - roll-up liner (comes with a sharpener on one end) that glides on smoothly, and stays put - comes in several great shades to avoid being boring with black each day.

 

Cleaning My Act Up - Cleansers, Spring 2014 Edition

Since my winter cleansing write-up, I've continued trying new cleansers to find a product with the right balance of cleansing power and benefits for the skin. 

(1) My sister gave me a bottle of DDF's Brightening Cleaner, which I used both with and without my Clarisonic for several weeks. 

Without the Clarisonic, it didn't seem super effective, but with the Clarisonic, I was much more pleased. It's a clear gel that doesn't foam much at all. After using, my skin was clean, and, yes, actually a bit brighter. I don't know if it's powerful enough to lighten dark spots or correct any discoloration (as it claims to do), but it definitely left my skin looking bright and awake. At $39, it's not a bad price, but Sephora doesn't carry the brand anymore, so you have to buy from BirchBox or Amazon, or DDF directly. 

(2) When Dior came out with the new DiorSnow White Reveal Melt-Away cleansing balm, I was excited to try it, since cleansing balms seem to be all the rage. 

It is super creamy, and you massage it into skin to break down makeup, then wipe off the excess. I was admittedly a little disappointed. It may be great for just a makeup remover, but not as a full cleanser. Can't use it with the Clarisonic, and at $50 I'd rather have an actual cleanser. 

(3) I moved on to Dior's (also fairly new) Instant Gentle Cleansing Oil. 

Cleansing oil? Seems counterproductive, right? Nope! This stuff is lovely. It's a silky mid-weight oil, and you rub it into your face to let it melt away makeup and dirt. After massaging it in, you rinse your face, and it becomes a tiny bit foamy/lathery. Not really for use with the Clarisonic either, but I didn't really need it - this took off all my makeup and left me really clean, without feeling dry or tight at all. For winter or people with drier skin, definitely a win at $36! 

(4) My last Dior cleanser test was the DiorSnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam. 

The DiorSnow line is formulated for brightening skin, and so far I mega-love this cleanser. It's perfection with the Clarisonic! Texture is super creamy, and with whatever, foams up beautifully. Unlike the case with some foaming cleansers, my skin doesn't feel the least bit dry or tight after rinsing. Lovely balance of clean and comfy! The tube is $45, but it's pretty large and lasts quite a while. Possible new favorite? 

(5) Birchbox sent me a couple of samples of the NUXE Reve de Miel cleanser, which I've been trying this week. 

I am torn on this product - it seems to do the job of cleansing my skin, but it doesn't remove eye makeup well, and I do not enjoy the smell.  It's made with honey and sunflower extract to leave skin soft after cleansing, but the smell is SO sweet - it's a bit cloying. Then again, the bottle is only $19, so it's on the cheaper end of French products. Overall, not BAD, but not great, either.  

(6) Last, but not least, I picked up a deluxe sample of Murad's Essential-C Cleanser after a recent facial.

This cleanser is made with a lot of antioxidants to cleanse and re-hydrate skin.  It has a fresh citrus scent.  It doesn't foam much, but it does the job.  Another mid-price ($36) cleanser that works, but didn't amaze me.

After all of the recent weeks of testing, my FAVORITES are:

DiorSnow White Reveal Gentle Purifying Foam

-and-

Philosophy's Purity Made Simple

Jazz up your Spring & Summer Manicure!

I am 100% stealing this from Lucky Magazine, and linking to their site here:
http://www.luckymag.com/beauty/2014/03/dainty-spring-nail-art-stickers

I am not averse to nail art, but I can't seem to make it last, or I get bored with it quickly, so all of these are great ways to "jazz up" the digits.

My favorites...of course, I adore the summery nautically-inspired Dior polishes and stickers that come along with them, especially the gorgeous Sailor blue.

Incoco's multi-colored bloom appliques are so ladylike and pretty!

Finally, Sephora's temporary cuticle tattoos? Adorbs!  Buying ASAP!

Facial Moisturizers: 2014 Winter Edition

I've been on a mission to evaluate moisturizers lately - since it's something we should all be wearing every day AND there are thousands of options on the market.  It's taken me a couple of months to try all of these.

So, let's get right to it...

1. Boscia, Self Defense Vital Antioxidant Moisture, with broad spectrum SPF 30 (for combination skin types)

Two words that describe my reaction to this: not moved.  Or, one word: meh.  If you're looking for a basic protective moisturizer with UVA/UVB protection, this isn't bad.  It's lower to mid-priced, at $36. Other than that, there's not a lot that's special about it.  It doesn't feel particularly great, i.e. it feels like any drugstore-brand moisturizer.  The SPF is nice, and Boscia's products are more on the natural side, but I am not driven to buy this again.


2. Dior, Capture Total Multi-Perfection Emulsion

If you're willing to pay bigger bucks for your moisturizer and your skin isn't dry, this is a great one.  It's pricey at $145, but the bottle is enormous.  I've been using it for months and am not even halfway through the bottle.  It's VERY lightweight, almost a liquid, but the moisture quality is lovely.  The best thing about this product is that it's a total anti-aging product as well - helps with wrinkles, firmness, uneven skin tone, pore size, etc.  Even if I didn't work with Dior, I'd use this.  The only drawback is that it doesn't have SPF in it, you need to use another sunscreen.


3. Dior, Capture Totale Multi-Perfection Creme

 

This is the creme version of #2, for all the same benefits, plus some extra plumping and moisture for drier skin. Also, fabulous.  Absorbs and makes your skin silky smooth and very much improved after a couple of weeks of use.  


4. Murad Illuminating Day Moisture, SPF 30

 

I was very pleasantly surprised by this one. I have tried Murad products over the years and never loved any, but this one I actually might purchase during summer when I am in the sun more.  It's an "illuminating" moisturizer, so it's made to brighten the skin while moisturizing and protecting it.  The SPF is UVA and UVB protection.  Sometimes products with sunscreen tend to make me oily, but this one goes on smooth and creamy, and almost has a matte finish. It lasted throughout the day.  No major scent to speak of. Overall, good experience.


5. Chanel Le Lift, Creme Fine

I was pretty excited to try Chanel's new line of skin treatment, the Le Lift cremes.  They are made to be used night and day (no need for two separate products), and they have a version for oily skin, normal skin, and dry skin.  I used it for about a week and have mixed feelings.  It is made to tone and firm the skin, and I think it probably delivers on those.  It smells and feels lovely. It runs $165, which is only $15 more than the Dior equivalent, but the Dior felt better on my face.


6. Josie Maran, Pure Argan Oil Light

Another pleasant surprise. I love Argan oil - it's amazing on the body.  Jose Maran came out with this lighter version of the oil for the face, and it's a great addition to the line.  It's (duh) lighter in texture and has a more matte finish on the face.  It hydrates and makes the skin calmer, more even-toned, and generally better textured.  At $48, it's super affordable, and something I'd consider using in the future.  The only small drawback is that it doesn't contain specific anti-aging ingredients, but it still improves the skin.


7. Algenist Regenerative Anti-Aging Moisturizer, SPF 20

Despite this product looking perfect on paper (moisture, SPF, anti-again, good ratings), I was completely underwhelmed when I tried it.  I didn't love the texture, or the way it wore - my skin did not keep looking nice throughout the day. I can't say it's a bad product, but it wasn't effective for me, especially at the $90 price point.


8. NUDE Skincare, Cellular Renewal Moisturizer

Basically, see the notes on #7 above. I wasn't wowed, which was disappointing, because I love NUDE's Pro-Genius oil! Boooooooo.


9.  Ole Henriksen, Pure Truth Vitamin C Youth-Activating Oil

Bit of a long name on this one, and at first I wasn't sure if it was a moisturizing oil or a treatment oil. After using it, I think it falls into both categories, but definitely takes the place of another moisturizer, so I've included it here. This is made with pure rose hips seed oil, making it a bit more natural than some options. It smells citrusy, is a very thin oil, and when I first put it on, looked a tad orange-tinted.  But as it absorbed into the skin, the color and texture became normal and quite nice.  It's brightening, hydrating, and high in vitamins A and C. Also affordable at $45.  Pretty good product.


10. SK-II Essential Power Moisturizing Cream

I have to be honest - the SK-II is really great, but at $205, I am not likely to buy in the future.  I received a gift of this that lasted me about 3 weeks. It's solid product, but not different enough from the Dior line to convince me to spend $50 more.  Sure, I want to look like Cate Blanchett and Kate Bosworth, but $205...it's not cheap. (Although SK-II's toner is the best and worth every penny. But that's another post.)


11.  SHISEIDO IBUKI Refining Moisturizer

This is made to make the skin more even in tone and texture, but it was a bit too sticky for me. It's possible that I just don't need the evening as much as other benefits, but I wasn't sold.  Decent price, but not my favorite.


After all the trials, I am more likely to use the Dior and Murad options going forward...they are, for me, the best mix of benefits and price. 

Stay moisturized, ladies!

 

Dior vs. Armani: Who wins the foundation battle?

When I saw that Armani was so very recognized for their Luminous Silk Foundation, I was excited to try it. It won things like "best liquid foundation of 2013" by InStyle. Alas, it was tough to find in Atlanta - only Nordstrom carries it, and I wasn't in the mood to trek to Perimeter Mall or Lenox Mall.  So, I waited.

In the meantime, my skincare consultation at Dior was scheduled, so by the time I got out to Perimeter, I was buying Diorskin Nude Foundation...because...well, because Dior gave me an entire skin care consultation and it was sort of fabulous.

Long story made short, I found Armani Luminous Silk in a Sephora in Le Defense in Paris.  Got color matched. Picked it up pronto.  Over the course of the next several weeks, I have used both foundations to see which is better.

The winner?  Definitely the Diorskin Nude.  It's lighter, and goes on much more naturally, while still giving lovely coverage.  It lasts all day (over a primer, of course) and is overall more naturally beautiful on my skin.

This is not to say the Armani isn't good - it is.  But in this case, Dior takes the ribbon. Other designer foundations I am curious about are from Givenchy, Guerlain, Dolce & Gabbana, and Marc Jacobs. Thoughts on this TBD...as I run out of foundation!