The creaminess and luxury of this lipstick are just inspiring and totally unexpected! Non-smudge pigment makes colour stay-in-place and you can completely rely on this lipstick. 

You would think this is just a lipstick but the moisture in this chubby little case in enormous!

"Result: my dry lips were absolutely recovered after the second application, the pigment is just awesome and it doesn't actually get into the lines on your lips. Since then this lipstick is never leaving my handbag!"

The texture is not just creamy but perfectly blendable even on the cheeks. I applied lipstick directly onto cheeks and blend it with a damp beauty blender (fingers works just fine too), I love the colour and it all went perfectly: beautifully matching lips and cheeks gives really pastel and fresh look in 808 Victoire shade.

Melts perfectly but non-oily residue, it's less creamy than crazy creamy YSL Volupte Lipsticks.

"Dior does stay on the lips and never on teeth and outside of the lips contour like Clinique for example.. Yes, I tried it. To be honest, Clinique has beautiful shades but their quality is not just there yet. 

Be sure, when you are wearing Dior lipstick you are absolutely party-safe!" 

So, whenever you want to wear bold colour go for Dior, I have tested all range of lipsticks: Dior Addict, Diorific, Rouge.. they are all reliable and perfect. 

Luxury Packaging is a black with the smooth finish and Christian Dior logo, the click will announce when it's closing. Quite lightweight and luscious packaging.

Now the favourite part is a swatches, I know it might be difficult to buy online if you have never seen lipstick in real life, almost impossible. 

 Only because Dior Rouge Lipstick made so much difference how soft my lips look and feel I decided to dig deeper and have a closer look at the list of ingredients.

"So, as I was finishing this blog post two ingredients in this lipstick really surprised me: 

C10-30 CHOLESTEROL/LANOSTEROL ESTERS which is basically wool wax or wool grease(!) and ALUMINIUM HYDROXIDE is actually medicine for heartburn and stomach aches.."

I give an explanation of each cosmetic ingredient and better understanding what's in your cosmetics you use. 

FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS:

POLYGLYCERYL-2 TRIISOSTEARATE - Skin conditioning agent, Texture Enhancer, Emollient (Softening and Soothing), Surfactant (), Emulsifying Agent (helps to blend in oils and water for example);

HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE- Synthetic polymer, gives smooth and non-sticky feeling  on the skin;

SYNTHETIC WAX- is a hydrocarbon wax produced from natural gases, functions: binder and emulsion stabiliser;

METHYL HYDROGENATED ROSINATE - organic origin compound derived from Resin (Rosin), film-forming agent; 

TRIMETHYLOLPROPANE TRIISOSTEARATE - Skin conditioning agent;

OZOKERITE - a brown or black paraffin wax occurring naturally in some shales and sandstones and formerly used in candles, polishes, and electrical insulation;

ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE - Fragrance ingredient, widely used in cosmetic products, may irritate skin or eyes;

C10-30 CHOLESTEROL/LANOSTEROL ESTERS -  is a mixture of cholesterol and fatty acid ester from Lanolin - wool wax or wool grease - animal origin product;

CALCIUM CARBONATE - inorganic salt, bulking agent, oral care agent; 

POLYETHYLENE - an abrasive, adhesive, binder or bulking agent, an emulsion stabilizer, a film former, an oral care agent, and as a nonaqueous viscosity-increasing agent.(Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17365139);

CERA ALBA (BEESWAX)- works great as a protective barrier from environmental assaults, emollient and moisture binder; 

CALCIUM ALUMINIUM BOROSILICATE - glass type material used as a bulking agent;

DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE - ingredient based on natural mineral  clay hectorite, suspending agent - nonsurfactant, anticaking ingredient;  

MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO SEED BUTTER) - plant-based, nourishing, skin conditioning agent, a rich source of fatty acids, skin soothing ingredient;

CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC  TRIGLYCERIDE - a compound derived from coconut oil and glycerine, skin-replenishing agent, emollient;

DECYLOXAZOLIDINONE - Plasticizer, skin conditioning agent, stabilising agent; 

PARFUME (FRAGRANCE) -  gives aroma and decreasing odour of raw materials might give a skin or eyes allergic reaction; 

HYDROGENATED VEGETABLE OIL - skin conditioning agent, viscosity increasing agent - thickener; 

LUFFA CYLINDRICA SEED OIL - plant also called Egyptian Cucumber, used in makeup as a base to give softer and smoother appearance;

ETHYLHEXYL HYDROXYSTEARATE - Plasticizer, skin conditioning agent, stabilising agent; 

BHT - Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is similar to BHA that is also listed as “generally recognized as safe.” It, too, is added to food as a preservative. The two compounds act synergistically and are often used together. BHT is not a listed carcinogen, but some data have shown that it does cause cancer in animals(Source:  EWG.Org.);

CRITHMUM MARITIM EXTRACT - Sea Fennel Extract, Rich in minerals and vitamins A, C, and E. Has antioxidant, toning, skin conditioning, and soothing properties. It is also often being used in anti-ageing products;

TRIHYDROXYSTEARIN- a type of fatty acid, lipid, skin conditioning;

PROPYL GALLATE - antioxidant used in food to prevent oxidization; 

BUTYLENE GLYCOL - dissolvent - helps the product to dissolve in water, viscosity-decreasing agent, skin conditioning agent; 

PHENOXYETHANOL - aromatic alcohol, used as a preservative, sources claims that it's safe and it's relatively new preservative and it's not completely studied yet;

GERANIOL - is alcohol primary component of Rose Oil, Palmarosa and Citronelle; 

ALUMINIUM HYDROXIDE - used to treat heartburn and stomach aches and kidney disease;  

SODIUM HYALURONATE - small molecules of Hyaluronic acid that gets deeper into the skin and works better as moisturiser and moisture retain; 

CITRONELLOL - colourless oily liquid with a rose scent,  functions: fragrance and masking; 

AMYL CINNAMAL - synthetic scent ingredient;

LIMONENE - extracted from Citrus, fragrance and solvent functions 

CITRAL - fragrance agent with a citrusy scent; 

TOCOPHEROL - fragrance ingredients, skin conditions, similar to VItamin E;

BENZYL BENZOATE -  insecticide ingredient (kills bacteria) and gives a pleasant aroma to cosmetic products.

The rest of the Ingredients like CI12085 (RED) are just colourants.

Conclusion: of course this is the only basics and when we see in the list of Ingredients Limonene which is extracted from Citrus but we know nothing about the method: how did they extract it and what kind of citrus they used. Only because it's a trade's secret.

"Dior Heritage has a long history of development and growth, they made a revolution in makeup and fragrance world and we should respect that too.

It's all purely is a question of choice. And I choose Dior as I keep coming back to their counter."

Lift in the jar: possible?

CATCH: Cream Mask that can visibly ‘lift and contour’ not only wrinkles but saggy skin areas (jawline, neck). Used along with Treatment Applicator for your Sonic Brush to double effect!

CONCERN: wrinkles, lines, dry skin (as has a good mix of instant moisturising ingredients), dull complexion (tired colour of the skin).

TEXTURE: Super creamy and concentrated, but not balmy texture (as majority antiaging masks can be) incredibly rich, non-greasy, absorbs without residue.

HOW TO USE: Smallest amount apply on the face and neck avoiding eyes after cleansing is complete. Apply 3 times per week. Can be left overnight. Rinse is not needed, just tissue off.

WHAT IT DOES: To say that this masks does lifting – NO. What it really does is replenishing, smooth and supple your skin instantly! Gives a good cocktail for skin to look alive and healthy!

PACKAGING: Plastic Jar with a screw top.

INGREDIENTS: Concentration from High to Low

Aqua – Usually used purified water

Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides – solvent, emollient and skin replenisher extracted from coconut, excellent for dry skin, help to replenish moisture balance.

Butylene Glycol – conditioning agent and solvent, makes texture thinner for easier application.

Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil – restores and soothes skin, perfect for replenishing skin’s moisture levels.

Isostearyl Neopentanoate – that what gives this mask lovely sparkly neon colour (after application you’ll see a very slight hint of colour), stabilizer agent, emollient.

Squalane – moisturising ingredient (can be found in olive oil or can have animal origin), lubricator.

PEG-100 stearate – mixture of natural oil (can be coconut and palm oils) with Stearic Acid.

Isopropyl Isostearate – skin conditioning agent, humectant (retains moisture), ester (mixture of Alcohol and Acid).

Glyceryl Stearate –  emulsifier, conditioning agent, waxy- like substance.

Cetearyl Alcohol – oil soluble agent, helps to dissolve oil based and water based ingredients.

Polysorbate 60 – dissolvent and refresher, that what makes mask texture non oily and without residue.

PEG-40 STEARATE- ‘is a synthetic polymer composed of PEG (polyethylene glycol) and stearic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid’(Source:ewg.org)

Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax – surfactant and emulsifier (derivate from beeswax).

NOW IS A GOOD STUFF:

Sweet Almond Extract – perfect for dry skin, soothing and regenerating.

Bambusa Vulgaris (Bamboo Extract) – soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, even antibacterial properties (Source: cosmedicine.com).

Barley, Chlorella, Cucumber, Pea Extracts, St. Paul’s Wort Extract are anti-oxidants and  good stuff for skin.

Caffeine – anti-oxidant and skin stimulant, in small amount can be fine, usually extracted from coffee or tea plants.

Crithmum Maritimum Extract – basically a plant, that gives skin conditioning and tonic effect, might have anti-aging benefits which currently under studying. 

Sodium Hyluronate – Clinique is proudly tell that most of their products contains Sodium Hyluronate - same as HA (Hyaluronic Acid) gets easier into skin due to its smaller molecule size, used in ‘youth injections’.

Ethylhexylglycerin – almost like Glycerine but derived from a sugar alcohol, might be used as preservative.

Nylon-12 – Polymer, makes skin matte and smooth, hypo-allergenic ingredient.

Whey Protein (Milk Protein) – skin conditioning agent with animal origin.

Carbomer – polymer and texture stabiliser.

Tromethamine – ‘buffering agent, and masking ingredient used in cosmetics’ - (According to truthinageing.com).

Acrylamide – stabilize products and bind ingredients, has foaming, anti-static and lubricating properties, the EU sets limits for the amount of residual acrylamide allowed in products containing polyacrylamide (Source: Safecosmetics.org).

Propylene Glycol Dicaprate – conditioning agent and moderate hazard ingredient that causes irritation (because this ingredient is on the bottom of Ingredient’s list the amount of it is very small).

Oryzanol  - is Rice bran oil, in cosmetics used as Carnauba Wax – polishing agent.

Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seedcake – is abrasive, absorbent and bulking Agent, plant origin, non-allergenic and non-toxic.

Isohexadecane – skin conditioning agent and a compound of petroleum (Mineral Oil, Petroleum Jelly).

Sorbitan Stearate – used as a fragrance ingredient and emulsifier (bulk of it costs almost nothing).

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil – process that makes mixture of any liquid oils with plant origin spreadable.

Polysorbate 80 – surfactant and emulsifier very often used in cosmetics.

Glucosamine HCL – compound of animal origin (shellfish) for skin rejuvenation.

Disodium EDTA – type of salts and preservative.  

Phenoxyethanol – preservative and alternative to parabens, it’s quite new ingredient in cosmetic industry – according to truthinaging.com ‘is toxic’

Titanium Dioxide and Mica are silicate minerals (talc) – cheap ingredients that gives shimmery effect to this mask!

A CATCH: It’s not just ordinary Make Up Remover, it’s Water-Free Cleansing Milk (no rinse needed just wipe off traces with toner and follow with moisturiser).

CONCERN: Dry Skin, Redness, Irritation from contact with waterGentle morning cleanser!

Removes Make Up, Impurities, SPF Creams + Detox! Doesn’t remove waterproof make up but works even on eyes (doesn’t stings) – apply on the cotton pad and hold onto eye lid.

TEXTURE: Creamy cleansing milk with a touch of light green colour, non-oily, refreshing, residue-free.

HOW TO USE: According to Clarins you apply directly on the face and massage slowly and gently to dissolve make up, then you press with your palm onto the skin (anti-sucking movements) for a deeper cleansing and SPA effect!   

PACKAGING: Plastic Squizy Bottle, sometimes the lid is not properly attached, would prefer a pump bottle which I think is available in Salon size.

INGREDIENTS: Concentration from High to Low –

+ Aqua – Usually used purified water

- Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides – solvent, emollient and skin replenisher extracted from coconut, excellent for dry skin, help to replenish moisture balance during cleansing and minimize moisture loss.

Octyldodecanol – helps mix oils and liquids, gives a smooth feeling to skin, anti-foaming ingredient.

Glycerine - water retention, conditioning, lubricating, (there are two ways of derivation – plant and petrol, I think Clarins uses more plant based Glycerine).

Pentylene Glycol – helps to blend-in unblendable, humectant, has antimicrobial properties and preserves.

Polysorbate 60 – dissolvent, cleanser and refresher! This is the ingredient that makes your skin feel fresh and clean!

Phenoxyethanol – preservative and alternative to parabens, it’s quite new ingredient in cosmetic industry – according to truthinaging.com ‘is toxic’.

Alpha glucan oligosaccharide - Emollient used in cosmetics that also has water-binding properties (Source: Paulaschoice.com – love her reviews, quite honest and brave!)

Perfume (fragrance) – makes the scent of raw materials pleasant, might be an allergen for 1 out of 100.

Stearyl Alcohol – ‘fatty’ alcohol from coconut, also emollient and thickener.

Limonene – extracted from citrus peel, used in medicine, helps penetrate the skin (only 3% are sensitive to Limonene).

19^th in the list of ingredients out of 51 ingredients in total. So, the actual quantity of Limonene might be too high for some skins and might create irritation (1 out of 80).

Linseed Extract  and Moringa Seed Extract – has anti-oxidant, anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory properties, makes skin firm and protects from free radicals (stress, smoke, pollution, caffeine – that causes skin’s aging)

Benzyl Salicylate – used as fragrance additive UV absorbent “allergenic” substance and the European Cosmetics Directive requires OTC leave-on products to indicate its presence, even at concentrations of .001% (Source: truthinageing.com)

Disodium Phosphate – regulates pH level and used as water softening compound, inorganic and even used in food industry.

Anise Alcohol – fragrance ingredient, makes beauty products smell nice.

Gentiana Lutea Root Extract – skin soother and anti-oxidant

Geraniol and Citronellol – derivated from Citronella oil, fragrance ingredient.

Althaea Officinalis  Root Extract – this is Marsh Mallow Extract – minimizes swelling, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Sweet Almond Extract – perfect for dry skin, soothing and regenerating.

Arnica Montana Flower Extract – anti-inflammatory properties.

Hypericum Perforatum  Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract – is  St Johns-wort – good for dry and damaged skin.

Juniperus Communis Fruit Extract – used in medicine as a natural painkiller, here used as a fragrance additive.  

Melissa Leaf Extract – helps to unclog pores and soothes + antioxidant.

Pinus Sylvestris Cone Extract is Pine Cone - anti ageing and anti-sagging ingredient.

Potassium Sorbate  -  preservative that used in wines and good.

Christian Dior Hydra LIFE is one of the decent ranges that contains REAL Hyaluronic Acid (HA) - a nice plumped effect for your skin and that young skin glow from inside!

Many Beauty Brands promise HA until you check ingredients label.

Hydra LIFE range has a plenty of products and one of the interesting ones is Hydra Life Close Up Pore Reducing Pro-Youth Moisturiser.

A CATCH: A good dose of Hyaluronic Acid with a good-for-skin plant extracts from ‘Dior Gardens’.

CONCERN: light moisturiser for Combination/Oily Skin, Pores and Dehydrated skin.

WHAT IT DOES:

• Soft and supple feeling without feeling ‘too much’;

• healthy glow without sebum shine;

• boost of HA makes skin bounce back;

• does corrects fine lines;

• good choice for 1^st Anti Age Cream!

TEXTURE: Emulsion light formula with a refreshing scent of fresh flower petals (but for me it has scent of freshly cut cucumber). Scent is very slight!

Has a slight of rosy skin-like colour which probably corrects skin tone a bit. Ideal under make up.

PACKAGING: REAL glass jar with a comfy pump, 50ml.

DOSAGE: One pump is usually pretty enough to give needed hydration for whole face (except eye area).

INGREDIENTS: Concentration from high to low

Glycerine - water retention, conditioning, lubricating, (there are two ways of derivation – plant and petrol, I think Dior uses more plant based Glycerine).

Silica – for a smooth sensations, but, of course,  it’s silicone which many would think clog pores and fill up wrinkles for instant effect, but Dior does inform that product is ‘NON-COMEDOGENIC’.

Pentylene Glycol – helps to blend-in unblendable, humectant, has antimicrobial properties and preserves.

Perfume (fragrance) – makes scent of raw materials pleasant, might be allergen for 1 out of 100.

Rosa Hybrid Flower Extract, Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract, Ajuga Turkestanica Extract – are good stuff and apparently they grow in Dior Gardens.

Hyaluronic Acid –plumps, protects, retains and hydrates!

Malva Sylvestris, Opuntia Figus Indica Extract – also from the Gardens and it’s nice to see natural stuff in a High End cream!

Limonene – extracted from citrus peel, used in medicine, helps penetrate skin (only 3% are sensitive to Limonene), as this is the last ingredient in the list the amount is microscopic!

Just recently Clinique created a clone for existing Superbalanced Make up and named it Superbalanced Silk. Superbalanced 2.0 Updated Version and more confusion for a customer.

A CATCH:

The new Super Silk Make UP (I'll name it short) promise to be more lasting, humidity and water resistant and  even sweat resistant! Apparently, it survives in the gym! 

CONCERN:

Controls oil and hydrates where is needed! Ideal for Combination to Oily skin, good for dry as well. Oil-free. Even protects from the sun on the way to your office, as SPF 15 won't be enough for all day on the sun/fair skin/sun sensitive skin. 

WHAT IT DOES:

Light to medium coverage that evenly covers what you want to cover and a feel like this foundation sits somewhere between your skin and air! Water-based foundation needs a bit of a shake, spreads and even immediately. 

And looks lovely on wrinkles and a bit of a pores - as light coverage won't clog much of something that shows your age ;)

TEXTURE:

More half-moussy texture, than silk.

Can't feel the SILKY texture, but finish is kind of not glowing but not completely matte, there you are! The finish might be a SILK! (Only after you apply it and then you look at your face - and it is a silky finish). The texture is more water based than silky (if you tried Lancome Air De Teint or Armani Fusion Make Up you'll see that texture is not silk at all)

PACKAGE: Glass bottle with screw cap, no pump, just pour on the back of your hand!

SHADES:

20 Shades of Beige! Silk Bare, Silk Bisque, Silk Sahara.. 

As you got too much choice, as more likely you can choose a wrong shade.. I like beige shades that makes you look glowing and healthy, so my choice is (I'm Fair to Medium Complexion) Silk Sahara - good, decent beige shade, matches perfectly so I even don't have to apply on my neck.

INGREDIENTS: water/silicone based polymers/thickeners/slip agents/sodium hyaluronate/brown algae/titanium dioxide (sun block)