joyful beauty

DIORSKIN NUDE

Hi everyone,

My latest purchase in feeding my foundation addiction is the Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Hydrating Makeup by Dior. Just as with the Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua (review here), part of why I was drawn to it was because its name suggested its natural, effortless feel. From the pamphlet inside the foundation’s box:

The art of the “nude” complexion is to recreate the illusion of naturally beautiful and radiant bare skin that doesn’t suggest even a hint of makeup. This feat is brilliantly achieved by the new DIORSKIN NUDE makeup range, a unique combination of ultra-sophisticated technology and rare and precious natural ingredients.

At the heart of the range: Mineralized Water, a natural source of freshness and beauty for the complexion. Injected into the heart of the formulas, infinite Mineralized Water micro-droplets capture and  reflect light with an interplay of layers of translucent materials, while blurring imperfections. The foundation is imperceptible and your compexion is enhanced, luminous and wonderfully natural.

Exceptionally rich in precious minerals, vitamins and trace elements, Mineralized Water acts like a hydrating and energizing cocktail for the skin. Your complexion glows with intensity and dazzles with well-being. Your skin gradually becomes more beautiful.

As fresh as water, this silky foundation envelops your skin in a precious halo of freshness and well-being that leaves the complexion even, vibrant, satiny, and glowing with natural beauty.

I purchased the Diorskin Nude foundation from Dior, Smith & Caughey’s, at $91. Luckily, the first shade I picked up happened to be just right for me! I discovered that Dior’s foundation shades are numbered cleverly - with numbers ending in 1 reflecting yellow undertones, numbers ending in 2 reflecting pink undertones, and 3 reflecting peach undertones. My shade, 030 Medium Beige, ends in 0, reflecting neutral undertones, which is perhaps why, when I had the shade just before and after 030 tested on me to be safe, I found their undertones didn’t match my skin tone as well. To me, 030 is perfect - just warm enough as I always prefer in my foundation shades, but not overwhelmingly so!

The foundation is presented in an absolutely beautiful glass bottle that personifies the brand’s luxury and elegance. I particularly like the pump, which is hygienic also and does not require squeezing, like many other foundations do. One pump is plenty, as the Dior make-up artist pointed out - enough for more than half my face, though normally I use about three pumps to ensure even coverage. I love this foundation’s texture - the consistency is so light and smooth, it feels similar to moisturiser! Applied with my flat top/round top kabuki brush as usual and stippled, it’s incredibly easy to blend. I would describe the coverage as medium - heavier than a tinted moisturiser and enough to even out my skin tone and create the flawless looking complexion I’m after.

My skin type is combination, and even on my oily areas it does not seem to create a problem with more oiliness, so although it is not oil-free, I feel that even those with an oily skin type could use this without experiencing any trouble, especially given (according to Dior’s website) it contains a high amount of water. It is also fine on my dry areas, feeling comfortable and hydrated. Because it is said to improve your skin’s condition over time (the Dior make-up artist told me it had improved hers!), I would recommend this to anyone looking for a foundation that does so :)

I am not fussy towards the scent of foundations; however for those who are, I noticed this foundation is fragranced quite strongly compared to other foundations. I’m indifferent towards it, though subjectively, I prefer the fragrance of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua - it smells very lovely to me.

Altogether, I rate this foundation highly - there is nothing I don’t love about it, only I would remember to apply extra SPF to add to its SPF 10 during the daytime, while this low SPF means still being photogenic in flash photos. Otherwise, I am in love with its texture, shade and coverage. I haven’t found my holy grail foundation yet, but this would definitely be one of the candidates!

Dior at Smith & Caughey’s, $91.

♥ Joy