Dior Fall 2015 Cosmopolite Review

I normally would not do collection reviews. However, being given ample access to this collection has prompted me to do a review of 4 items of the collection I personally own.

About the Collection

The Cosmopolite collection is the first by Christian Dior Makeup's creative and image director, Peter Phillips. Peter Phillips previously worked as creative director of Chanel's makeup and beauty lines. He rose to prominence following a photo shoot for American Vogue in 2005 featuring Lisa Cant.

What's New

There are plenty of limited edition pieces, as expected but this collection also introduces a few new permanent products and colours. Dior's Crayon Sourcils Poudre (Eyebrow Pencil) are repackaged with two new colours. Fix It is Dior's newest addition to the Backstage Pro family as a concealer.

The Limited Editions

Dior Addict Fluid Stick Top to Bottom: 455 Metamorphose, 289 Versatile, 499 Avant Garde, 784 Chic*

5 Couleurs Cosmopolite L-R: 766 Exuberante, 866 Eclectic

Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite

Dior Addict Fluid Shadow Top to Bottom: 655 Univers, 275 Cosmic, 025 Magnetic, 825 Aurora, 545 Phenix, 075 Eclipse

Dior Vernis L-R: 701 Metropolis, 785 Cosmopolite*, 791 Darling Blue, 982 Black Out, 001 Miroir

Diorblush Cheek Stick Top to Bottom: 845 Cosmopolite Pink, 675 Cosmopolite Coral, 765 Cosmopolite Rosewood

* Permanent Colours

The Review

Diorblush Cheek Stick

I was most excited for the Diorblush Cheek Stick. I first saw it featured on a behind the scenes clip for Dior Cruise 2015. Dior's permanent line does not feature a cream blush and I was on the hunt for one. I wasn't impressed by Chanel's Les Beiges cream blush and I resisted the temptation of Burberry's Cheek and Lip Bloom. 

I picked up Cosmopolite Pink which is a gorgeous bright true pink. Rosewood is a lovely medium rose colour which is far more universal but I have another blush in that colour. 

The blush is long wearing and vibrant and very much worth putting into your makeup bag. 

Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite

I often get asked about highlighters and nothing in the permanent line measures up to this highlighter for emulating the newest trend in highlighting - strobing. It produces a lovely sheen o the skin without being glittery. Nude gold in colour, it is beautiful on all skin tones. I'm glad I fell in love with this after being given a chance to play around with them. 

Dior Addict Fluid Shadow

I was given 655 Univers when I attended the training for this collection which is a brown-grey colour. It's definitely high impact but does take a little bit of time to get used to using. It doesn't dry very quickly so it gives you enough time to blend out when you apply it to your mobile lid. If you were to pick up a colour I would suggest Aurora or Cosmic.

Dior Fix It

Fix It is the newest member of both the concealer and Backstage Pro families. It is a primer and concealer in one, designed for your face, eyes and lips. I primarily use it under my eyes to cover my dark circles and it does a wonderful job at smoothing out my super tiny tiny tiny fine lines. You don't need to work too hard at applying and blending so its a nice quick solution to pop in your purse.

Top to Bottom: Dior Addict Fluid Shadow 655 Univers, Diorskin Nude Cosmopolite, Diorblush Cheek Stick Cosmopolite Pink

Have you had a look at the new Dior Fall Collection?

Australis AC on Tour Contour Kit

Product Profile

Brand: Australis

Name: AC on Tour Contouring and Highlighting Kit

Texture: Powder

Finish: Mixed

Price: AUD $16.95

Where to Purchase: This is available at Priceline stores as well as the Australis website.

Possibly one of the most hyped up products in social media right now in terms of Australian makeup brands. Due to hype it has been extremely hard getting my hands on this. However in a moment of genius, I decided to order it online from Priceline. Yes, you can now order online from Priceline.

The quality of the powders themselves I was very impressed with. I'll be honest, I really don't expect much from drugstore/high street makeup so this was a pleasant surprise for me. Each of the contour colours are pigmented and the powders are soft. The highlighting powders are adequately shimmery and light. That being said, when you tap your brush into the powder, it does crumble a little.

The biggest complaint I've been hearing is that the powders are extremely hard to blend and can look muddy on the skin. This is the kind of product that definitely takes a different technique to utilise properly. The best way I've found to work with the contour colours is to dab your brush into the powder once, tapping off any excess. Then very lightly sweep the colour where you want it to be placed and work the product in circular motions, putting as little pressure on your brush as you can manage. Do not put heavy pressure on your brush or the powder will just sit in your skin and not move. 

The highlighting colours are the opposite to the contour colours. They are easy to blend but be careful with the shimmery peach. If you use too much the product will just spread too much and make you look more greasy than glowing.

I do think that this kit will not suit those with fair skin. The contour colours are far too dark for very pale skin. If you have medium yellow or olive base skin, you might find it can work well for you.

One of the pans did fall out of the palette though. Nothing a bit of glue won't fix though. It probably is a result of my clumsiness. 

Pigmentation:  ★★★★★
Quality: ☆★★★★
Longevity:  ☆★★★★
Value: ★★★★★

In terms of the criteria I usually judge products by, it's a keeper. I like it for my kit. It is a bit difficult to make work, but for that kind of price I really don't expect much. Hell, the fact that you can see the colour and even pick up product with a brush is enough for me to recommend this. However, this is subject your own skintone and your willingness to learn how to make this product work. 

Arisu x

Australis Velourlips

 Product Profile

Brand: Australis

Name: Velourlips Matte Lip Cream

Colour: DOO-BAI

Texture: Thicker than most lip products, cream texture

Finish: Matte

Price: AUD $9.95

Where to Purchase: This is available at Priceline stores as well as the Australis website.

I gravitate toward dark, plummy reds - they're my preferred lip colour on a day-to-day basis. I wasn't expecting too much from this product despite the Instagram hype but I can see what the fuss is about. It has a nice fruity scent and even my friend who doesn't like the smell of most lip products likes it. 

It reminds me of the Boujois Rouge Edition Velvet and in all honesty I think the only difference between the two is price point and scent.

It has excellent pigmentation. My only complaint is that if you do not moisturise your lips thoroughly before hand (before you apply any makeup so that the balm can absorb), the cream can sit in the wrinkles of your lips. The matte finish does dry up your lips a tad but on smooth lips it applies like a dream.

It does last for quite a long time because it dries matte unless you eat!

Pigmentation:  ★★★★★
Quality: ☆★★★★
Longevity:  ☆★★★★
Value: ★★★★★

I would most definitely repurchase this product and in this shade. I do want to pick up a few more shades because it's a great lip product and the price is quite affordable.

Arisu x

Ponds Cold Cream Cleanser

What is Cold Cream?

 Cold cream is emulsion primarily made of water and certain fats. It is multipurpose but most will use it to remove makeup. Due to it's formula, it is super moisturising and therefore can be used for face masks, lip balm etc.

History of Cold Cream

Variations of cold cream have been used for over 2000 years. Modern formulations of cold cream will use mineral oil as well as other oils such as jojoba oil. However, these days it's a little harder to find companies that make it. The two most commonly sold brands are Pond's and Noxzema.

Where can I purchase this?

Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser can be found at Chemist Warehouse, retailing at AUD $7. Noxzema is harder to find - sources say that the USA Food Store in Moorabbin stocks this brand. There are other brands who make cold cream, I believe David Jones' own beauty line has one. 

As a Makeup Remover

1. Take a small amount of cold cream and apply it to your face. 

2. Spread and rub gently on your skin in circular motions. Be super gentle around your eyes. 

This is also a good time to give yourself a mini facial massage.

3. Wipe off the cold cream with tissues, a damp face towel or makeup remover wipes (my personal preference).

4. You can either leave it as is and let the residue act as a moisturiser of sorts, or you can resume with your usual skincare.

As a Face Mask

Apply a thick layer to your face and let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Wipe off with tissues or a damp face towel.  

Other Uses

Some women have said that they use it to moisturise their body, as a shaving cream and even under their makeup. I have yet to try these other methods but it does seem promising. 

Other Thoughts

Overall, I would not hesitate to repurchase this. It is a very inexpensive way to remove makeup and the fact that it is a multipurpose product makes it even greater value. It is super gentle and it hasn't broken me out. In fact, the times when I've broken out is when I don't take care of my skin properly.