Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in 834 Rose Porcelaine

Happily, happily, my grubby hands ripped open the box that was my birthday present. Imagine my delight to receive my very first -- lo and behold -- Dior 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette in 834 Rose Porcelaine (thank you 大姐 and 三姐)! I spent the next few hours ogling and ooh-ing the lovely thing.

Dior eyeshadow palettes are one of the most established in its category. From the numerous awards the shadows have won, they clearly have a firm grip in the cosmetics industry. The box comes in a beautiful midnight blue with a holographic CD logo stamped grandly.

The palette is protected with a velvet pouch, with CD again printed up front. 

It is obviously a dirt-magnet but nothing that a good wash can't take care of.

The most beautiful thing about this palette is the case. The CD logo comes to life at certain angles when it hits the light, as if glowing from within.

Under normal conditions this is how it looks like. The case carries a substantial weight and bespeaks pure luxury.

The plastic protective cover is clear, sturdy, and actually serves its purpose unlike those of old versions of Lunasol palettes where the thin film of plastic just slides and slips off on to the floor each time it is opened (very annoying).

Rose Porcelaine 834 is part of Dior's Spring 2012 New Look Collection, a campaign that pays homage to Christian Dior's first New Look runway show back in 1947. This nostalgic incarnation certainly adds a special touch to the product.

The colors from bottom left clockwise include a plum violet, a candy pink, a beige white, and a cool light pink. In the center is a warm-toned baby pink.

Standing like guards on opposite ends of the palette are two sponge tip applicators. The separate receptacle for each applicator keeps it clean and hygienic. It is a very nice, well-thought out design.

Above, the eyeshadows are swatched in similar order (from bottom left clockwise and then the middle). As can be seen, they apply very sheer. I am starting to think that the Rose Porcelaine name was derived from its glassy finish.

This is essentially an extremely cool palette that does not work well with my warm skin tone, which could also be one of the reasons why I have a hard time making the colors show up on my lids. The texture is satiny soft, and while build-able, are not as velvety as Urban Decay's formula. As most of the main colors are very light, the look I was able to create made my eyes look even more convex, which is not the most flattering result. 
Though it may take certain skin tones to make it work, Rose Porcelaine 834 can give a natural, clean, elegant look that does not compromise on quality and texture. The shadows stayed on my lids well throughout the day without creasing (under Lunasol Eyelid Base (N)). Paris of My Women Stuff created a beautiful look in her review.

An introduction to Dior eyeshadows. 

Various ways to maximize the use of 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palette.

The rear is a visual treat itself.

Ingredients list.

Product identification.

Bottomest bottom.

Dior x 2(Maquillage) Lips

I grew up accustomed to seeing my mother use branded cosmetics, and Dior was one of her staple lipsticks. In one of her rare moments to share ideas that would genuinely do someone good, she disclosed that Estee Lauder and Christian Dior make the best lipsticks in the market. Of course, this was during her time, and though it is still true today, many other brands can now hold their own in terms of lipstick quality. Among Japanese brands, Shiseido Maquillage is widely regarded as the lipstick connoisseur.

Seen here from left to right are Rouge Dior in Pink Scene 568, Maquillage Moisture Rouge (Color On Type) in BE231, and Maquillage Lasting Climax Rouge in RS208.

Among the three, Dior feels the most luxurious with its sturdy and heavy packaging. The dark blue quilted design also adds to its chicness and elegance. Both Maquillage lipsticks have bejeweled caps on top, but the Moisture Rouge is made of the flimsiest material. The Lasting Climax Rouge has a sleek, solid feel to it, which I quite like. These Maquillage lipsticks were all released two or three years ago, but I believe the ranges are still sold on adambeauty.

Shades of mauve, beige, and pink. 

Rouge Dior (on the left) applies so easily, like velvet coating the lips with rich color right away. The above color was swatched only once. Pink Scene is a rosy mauve veering on violet speckled with gold. I wouldn't say this is an every day lipstick. It is a more dramatic color therefore I would usually wear it for evening affairs paired with a dress in the purple/black family. I also like that this is a moisturizing lipstick. 

In the middle, Maquillage M Rouge in BE231, is my go-to lipstick for a pale look. The nude in it is balanced with a peachy orange so it does not wash out the complexion. Japanese lipsticks are more often sheerer than their Western counterparts. This was swatched around four times. It can be drying on the lips, that is why I always apply a lip balm before hand. 

Lasting Climax Rouge in RS208 on the right is a very cool toned pink/rose lipstick. It is great for a rosy pale look. This one is moisturizing, but the color applies on the sheer side. It was swatched four to five times. 

These aren't no-brainer lipsticks. I would say they're more "occasion" lipsticks that need to be paired with a look or an outfit properly. For their price and quality, I think they are well worth to have in one's collection. Both brands have a wide range of colors to choose from which can cater to most tastes and needs.