Dior Addict Androgyne 626 Lipstick

We're taking a break from Chanel Rouge Coco Shine for another new sheer lipstick range, the newly reformulated and repackaged Dior Addict. Easy summer lipsticks are all the rage these days, and I like this trend for daytime because it allows me to touch-up without fussing, toss a couple of the new lipsticks in every purse and not think to much about color coordinating, since the sheer formulas are quite forgiving.

Dior Addict The Next Generation is more moisturizing than Chanel RCS, a little less glossy but maintains its finish longer. I find that they do not leave much pigment behind, though, so reapplying is necessary after the first cup of tea.

Androgyne 626 is a natural my lips but a bit redder shade. It's a neutral color, at least on my lips and goes with just about everything and anything else I wear. I've had it for about six weeks now and have already made a serious dent in it, so obviously it's a big success for me.

The one annoying thing about Dior is the way they spread their exclusive shades among different stores. You can't always get all the colors you want at one place. Several Dior Addict lipsticks are Sephora exclusive, others are Saks or Nordstrom only. Androgyne, for example seems to be available anywhere other than Sephora. Go figure.

Dior Addict Androgyne 626 Lipstick ($28) is available from Bloomingdale's, Nordstrom and Dillard. I received this shade for consideration directly from Dior, together with two others that I will give away next week (stay tuned for that and follow me on Twitter for additional details). I also bought a couple of other shades that I will review with photos and swatches.

All photos are mine.

Rene Gruau in 3D at Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week

Fashion illustration Rene Gruau (1909-2004) worked for many of the classic couturiers. He also created the advertisement artwork for other very French items,from Champagne to Air France. But for many of us Gruau's  most iconic work is his Christian Dior fashion and perfume ads. And apparently, John Galliano feels the same.

Galliano's collection for Christian Dior Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 aimed to bring Gruau's illustrations to life. It was a complete success. This is couture and not Ready-to-Wear, so I don't predict any item making its way into my closet (though I would sell my soul for a jacket or two from this collection). The same goes for the red eyebrows. But the clothes were inspired and inspiring and the makeup look was as Dior as it comes, with sharp arched eyebrows, winged eyeliner and bright red lips.

Vintage Dior ads by Rene Gruau from paperpursuits.com.
Christian Dior Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 photos by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images via Zimbio

Diorskin Crystal Nude Natural Matte Skin Perfecter

Diorskin Crystal Nude Natural Matte Skin Perfecter  is a multitasker. It's a face primer, but one can also use it over foundation for a matte finish. Now, oiliness in winter is something I haven't encountered in decades, so I have no intention of trying the latter function. I've been testing Diorskin Crystal Nude as a primer under several foundations and tinted moisturizers, and this is what I'm reviewing here.

Dior also offers a radiance boosting primer, so I was worried Crystal Nude would be extremely drying. This wasn't the case, even on sensitive areas. Diorskin Crystal Nude is waxy and does feel a bit dry in the compact, but it responds well when it touches the skin. I've been applying it with the little sponge that comes in the compact, both dry and damp (though I suspect the latter is not recommended). Application is smooth even though it has far less slip than any other primer I've tried, for better and for worse.

The hardest part is keeping track:  because of the product's dryness and the fact it's completely clear you can't really see where you've already applied it and where you might have missed a spot. I have yet to find a way around this. I probably waste some product when making sure I've got it all covered, and considering the price per quantity issue (the compact holds 0.26 oz ) this is not a good thing. 

Every base color I've tried worked perfectly over Diorskin Crystal Nude, and this is something I appreciate- I've had several primers curdle under some foundations (or maybe it was the other way around- who knows?). This one stays in place and definitely helps achieve a better and smoother coverage.

I've never tested Crystal Nude under makeup-melting conditions, so it hasn't faced the horrors of an August in NYC. Also, my skin is not exactly Grease Central, so once again, there's only so much I can say about the promise of  a shine-free complexion. But it's not overdrying even in winter and it is a good primer as far as holding onto makeup.

That said, this is decidedly not the product for me. I can never be 100% sure it was the primer, but every use ends up with 3-4 clogged pores. Texture? Ingredients? I really don't care. Congested skin is not a good look.

Diorskin Crystal Nude Natural Matte Skin Perfecter ($40) is available from Dior counters everywhere as well as from Sephora. A press sample for consideration was sent to me by the company.

Both photos are mine.

Chanel Iman in February 2011 Elle UK

20 year old Chanel Iman has a whopping 18 page spread in February’s Elle magazine. She models Spring 2011 looks from Louis Vuitton , Miu Miu, Chanel, Fendi and more.

Chanel in Louis Vuitton

The article is called ‘The Collections’ and reports on the trends, cuts, colours and fabrics that are key this season. We’re off to buy our copy!

Chanel in Chanel

Chanel in Dior