Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette in Skyline for Fall 2016

Peter Philips, once Chanel's makeup guru, is now Dior's makeup maestro (he joined Dior in 2014), orchestrating the company's color cosmetics strategy as Creative and Image Director of Christian Dior Makeup. His collection for Fall 2016 has imagined a beauty look that plays with shadow and light as he celebrates the daring Dior woman driven to experiment; a woman enhanced by the Skyline collection featuring eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks, and brow pencils inspired by the techniques of professional makeup artists. Facial contours are naturally sculpted, eye shadows in autumnal colors bring out the eyes, while lips and nails take on shades of daring that evoke the bold lines of the Eiffel Tower, the timeless icon that inspired Peter Philips to create the Skyline Collection.

I purchased a few pieces from the collection at Neiman Marcus. Today, I'll feature its namesake Skyline 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow Palette ($63).

I had not seen it when I purchased it, but I relied on Debbie O'Malley to assure me that the colors would work for me.

Inspired by the iconic architecture of the Eiffel Tower, Dior revisits its star 5 Couleurs Palette with two limited editions featuring deep, luminous and richly contrasting colors. The other palette is called Capital of Light, and one of the shades is definitely burgundy - not me.

I took my photos in full, early afternoon sunshine. I swatched relatively heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting at the top left and moving around the palette clockwise, ending with the shade in the middle at the bottom of my arm.

The light copper color at the top of my arm is much more attractive than it appears in the compact. The compact photo worried me; I was afraid the color might be muddy. Not so! The beautiful slightly shimmering light beige at the top right of the compact is a wonderful base shade for use with all of these colors. The deep brown is a perfect eyeliner or contour shade for me. I applied it heavily for the photo above, but you can use a much lighter hand and brush to use it as a contour shade.

I've always loved blue with brown, and Peter Philips selected two gorgeous blues to "pair" with the browns in this palette. The icy blue brightens the eyes and erases any redness in the eye area. The grey blue is simply gorgeous. What else can I say?

The formula offers an ultra-pigmented texture without a chalky effect for a smooth, even application. I think I will get a lot of wear from Skyline, starting now.

The Dior Makeup Web site shows both fall palettes as being out of stock, but they are available at Neiman Marcus Mazza Gallerie. Just call Debbie. Stock is limited (as is always the case with Dior for some reason), so if you are interested, call soon. I'm sure the Dior Web site will catch up and stock it before long.

Photos at top courtesy of Dior; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Diorshow Mono Eyeshadow Collection, Summer 2016

I first saw Dior's new Diorshow Mono Eyeshadows ($29.50), part of Dior's Summer 2016 Collection at Chic Profile. Tavia, my online friend, is astounding. She always has advance looks at new collections. Naturally, I was intrigued when I saw the new Mono Eyeshadows, which had just arrived at Neiman Marcus, last Saturday. They are shown on the left side of the display above.

I started playing, swatching them on my arm in the store, and I fell in love with three of them - out of eight. I was in the danger zone, but threw caution to the wind and selected those three right away. Then I may have erred with the fourth, and I'll show you why below. It is a beautiful eye shadow, just not for my coloring in bright light.

I wish I had a press release to tell you Dior's concept for these new eye shadows, but I don't think Dior's PR knows Best Things in Beauty exists. So, I'll tell you what I think. The texture of these powder eye shadows is smooth and creamy. The shadows adhere to my eyelids without any fallout. They stay where I apply them. They gleam, but don't sparkle - a plus to my eyes.

The shades are neutrals for the most part. I thought I was avoiding the shades with red in them, but I failed - mostly because of store lighting. Without further ado, here are my four selections.

Gallery (#530) is shown at top left. Minimalism (#554) is shown at top right. is shown at bottom right. Front Row (#756) is shown at bottom left. Mineral (#573) is shown at bottom right. They are swatched in the same order on my arm. I took the photos in full, mid-day sun. My swatches were applied with a sponge-tipped applicator, but I could have used the double-ended little applicators that come with them nested into a plastic overlay. One end is a sponge-tipped applicator, and the other is a brush.

Gallery, shown at the top of my arm is an exquisite, soft gold. The stone Minimalism is a gorgeous light grey. The next shade, Front Row is a chameleon. In the store, it looked taupe. On my finger as I write, it looks taupe. In full sun, it looks mauve. It's strange because I had doubts about it in the store. I could see the red pigment in the compact, but on my arm and Alex's arm, it looked taupe. I love taupe, so I purchased it. That may have been a mistake. I will need time this weekend to play with it in different lighting scenarios to decide if I will keep it or give it away. The last shade down on my arm is a beautiful copper-gold called Mineral.

Alex helped me (and I'm embarrassed, thinking I might have called her Eva (a long-time Dior rep)) - senile yet? I've known and loved Alex forever. My bad. If you are interested in Dior's new collection, give Alex a call at (703) 761-1600, extension 3304. She will be great describing all the shades and helping you with a purchase.

You can see little square online swatches at Dior's Web site. These eye shadows are extremely nice, and I suspect I'll wear Gallery and Minimalism down to the pan.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Diorskin Nude Air Glowing Gardens Illuminating Powder in Glowing Pink for Spring 2016

When Dior says "limited edition," they really mean it. At every store where I have asked, I was told they received three of each limited-edition item in the collection. Three! That's exclusive, but crazy. They are leaving money on the table. I went last weekend to the Dior counter at Neiman Marcus at Mazza Gallerie and purchased the last Glowing Pink Illuminating Powder ($58) they had. The gold one on display had already sold out.

To describe the full collection, Dior offered this...
Dior cultivates the art of a beautiful glow in what are now considered must-haves, inspired by the techniques of professional makeup artists and the products they use backstage, like Lip Glow, the Colour Reviver Lip Balm. This spring, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, reinterprets the art of a gorgeous glow with a luminous makeup collection that teams new Backstage Pros essentials with eyeshadows and lipsticks in colours inspired by the flower gardens of Granville.

If I had had unlimited resources, I would have come away with more from the collection. There is a beautiful eye shadow and liner duo. I forced myself to select only one piece, and this was it.

The compact comes with the kabuki brush shown above. The two pieces sit in a moulded plastic case inside the blue Dior box. I took my photos for this feature in full, frigid sun.

The powder itself is not as pink as it appears on Dior's Web site. That's one reason why I really love it. There is a lot of beige in Glowing Pink.

On my skin in full sun, the powder does show its girly pink face, and it sparkles a tiny bit. However, inside, it looks like a beautiful sheen on my skin. I applied it heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator to take the swatch photo below. If you apply it softly with a powder brush, you will achieve a beautiful pink glow.

I think this powder is stunning. If you are interested in it, call before you go to a store. Most of them have sold out. I see it on Dior's Web site, but it's shown as "momentarily unavailable." I have no idea whether that means they intend to produce more of it, or whether that's French for sold out.

If you like a glowing pink finish on your skin, you really should try to find it. I think you will love the  gorgeous glow it provides.

Photos at top courtesy of Dior; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Beauty Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink from the Summer 2014 Transatlantique Collection for Neiman Marcus

Each store received its own Transatlantique Collection for Summer 2014. I had fun shopping at Saks. Then I did it again at Neiman Marcus. Trying to be frugal, I selected only one piece, Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink ($56). It beckoned to me from another counter!

The limited-edition Transatlantique Color Collection was inspired by Christian Dior’s love for travel and the brand’s spirit for timeless elegance and playfulness. The collection boasts classic, elegant shades contrasted by bold pops of color.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder mimics a fresh glow. It's a luminizing product that combines pigment with shimmer to create a natural, fresh look. "A gentle blush of color sculpts and contours, creating a dazzling, complexion-enhancing glow."

The compact comes in a very large box, accompanied by the small kabuki brush you see here. With one stroke of the Kabuki brush (or more, if you wish), your skin blushes gently, catching the light and revealing a sculpted face. The color is gorgeous: a pastel pink that leans cool without being too blue.

I took my swatch photos in full, late-morning sun. I applied the powder with a sponge-tipped applicator, which I "ran" over all the colors in the compact. Then I used the kabuki brush that comes with the compact (in a very large Dior box) and applied the large swatch below.

I'm using this gorgeous pink as an illuminating blush. I apply it with a light hand because it is very pigmented.

The texture of this finely-milled powder is soft and very blendable on the skin. Once you blend it, it seems to melt into the skin, never looking powdery. I am thrilled that I purchased it.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Powder in Rose/Pink is supposed to be a Neiman Marcus exclusive, but you can find it at Nordstrom too. I can never figure out why one store thinks they have an exclusive, but others have the same product. I've given up trying.

Photo at top courtesy of Neiman Marcus; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Voyage Tan Golden Shimmer Powder from the Saks Fifth Avenue Summer 2014 Transatlantique Collection

I knew when I saw Dior's limited-edition Voyage Tan Golden Shimmer Powder ($58) at Saks, that it would be a high-wattage highlighter. Indeed. It will give you flash and shine.

The elegant golden shimmer compact is embossed with a rope pattern and creates beaming radiance on the skin. The finely milled iridescent pigments create a soft golden glow on the skin, making it look as if it had been kissed by the sun. The limited-edition compact is delivered with a mini kabuki brush - cute, but not one I would use when I have full-sized brushes here.

I took swatch photos in full sun. I swatched at the top of my arm with a sponge-tipped applicator. Then I used Dior's mini Kabuki brush (which comes housed with the compact in a large box) to create a larger swatch below.

Voyage Tan Golden Shimmer Powder is not a highlighter for the shy and retiring type. You have to be able to live with a golden gleam to appreciate its radiance on the skin. As you can see at the top of my arm, where I applied the powder heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator, it adds a beautiful soft gold gleam. It is not shimmery if you buff it as you apply it.

The powder is more subtle when it's applied with a brush. Still, I don't think I'd wear it to work. I can imagine how pretty it would be if my face were reflecting candlelight in a romantic restaurant. Used on the highest part of the cheekbones, temples, and margins of the face, I will give you a halo effect.

I like it! It's not my usual choice for a highlighting powder, but I find the color flattering. I can almost see some rose in it, but that might be my imagination - you know I love rose gold. You do not see gold in the compact.

You can purchase this limited edition today at Saks Fifth Avenue counters. It appears to have disappeared online. Does that mean it's flying out of stores?

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Summer 2014 Transatlantique Collection for Saks Fifth Avenue - Sunrise and Beige Songe

When I was at Saks Fifth Avenue this past weekend, I ran right into Dior's Saks-exclusive Transatlantique Collection for Summer 2014. There were some extremely tempting pieces on the carefully edited display. Nail colors, lip colors, eye colors and a Nude Tan Shimmer Powder - eye-catching colors. Some of the pieces will eventually be available at other stores; others won't. I purchased three pieces. Today, I'll show you the lip colors that captured me.

The Limited Edition Transatlantique Color Collection was inspired by Christian Dior’s love for travel and the brand’s spirit for timeless elegance and playfulness. The collection boasts classic, elegant shades contrasted by bold pops of color.

Rouge Dior Couture Colour & Voluptuous Care Lipstick ($34) in Sunrise is a new, limited-edition shade - a beautiful, warm sunrise pink. It's shown in my photo directly below.

Dior Addict Gloss Mirror Shine Volume & Care ($29.50), shown below in Beige Songe, is also a new, limited-edition shade. The soft, sandy, shimmering beige was designed to complement Sunrise.

I fell in love with these shades at the counter. My love grew when I got home and started playing with them - alone and together. I took swatch photos in full sun, with Sunrise at the top of my arm and Beige  Songe below.

As you can see, they are both deliciously shiny. They offer the same qualities that have kept me in Dior lip colors for many years. They feel good and look good. What more can I expect?

I adore the pink shade of Sunrise. Could you find a dupe out there? I'm sure. Why, though, when Sunrise is so classy for spring. I'll wear it year round, but those who love to change out their colors with the seasons will find Sunrise a beautiful addition for spring and summer.

Beige Songe isn't distinctive, but it's a great neutral. It proves very subtle color when worn alone, but adds a sheer, luminous glow to top any lipstick in any color.

You can purchase these lip colors today at Saks Fifth Avenue at counters and online. I'll show you the stunning, high-wattage shimmer powder tomorrow. I couldn't resist.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadow in Météore for Holiday 2013 (?)

The newest addition to Dior's many eye shadows is Diorshow Fusion Mono ($30). The line was launched sometime this summer, if my memory serves me today. Diorshow Fusion is a cream eye shadow, but it shares its nouveau gel texture with the new-ish pot shadows we've already seen from Giorgio Armani and Chanel. At least my Météore filled the jar.

Météore is featured on the Golden Winter Holiday 2013 display (at least at Neiman Marcus it was), although the color has been available since the Fusion Mono line was introduced. Has it been long enough for me to call it a re-promote? I was told that two shades were being featured for holiday, but only one had arrived. OK, I'll take that at face value, but I'm getting fairly skeptical. Locally, Dior representatives have, in my experience, been frankly dishonest in substituting items on their displays. Maybe one of you can tell me whether it's really considered part of the Golden Winter Collection.

Anyhow, it's very pretty - and the perfect bronze for my pale face. I'll warn you: it is extremely sparkly and metallic. I must wear it under the crease (only). I swatched it in mid-day sunshine, using its own applicator, shown below, to apply it to my arm. The bullet-shaped sponge is very firm, which allows it to "grab" the product lightly and without much waste.

The color of Météore is a delightful bronze. It goes on extremely lightly and must be layered to achieve a reasonable saturation of bronze. That could be good or bad. If you want buildable color, it's perfect. If a lack of saturation is one of your pet eye shadow peeves, you might find it (and its sisters) too much sparkle for the trouble.

I built the color fairly heavily for my swatch photos, and I can do that easily on my eyelids. With each stroke of the applicator, the color intensity increases, but the sparkle never loses its drama.

Here is my problem with Dior's Fusion Mono. It migrates on my lids. Almost as soon as I applied it, it moved from its proper location on my outer lid to the crease outside the lids - and downward. I hate that. I want my eye shadow to stay where I apply it. For that reason, this will be the last of this beautiful line of shadows I purchase.

Mine came from Neiman Marcus, where there was a slot for it on the display. I see it available online with the rest of the Diorshow Fusion Mono Eyeshadows that made their entrance this summer.

Photo at top courtesy of Nordstrom; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette from the Golden Winter Holiday 2013 Collection

Yesterday, I showed you Dior's Holiday 2013 Golden Winter display. Today, let's focus on one of the two 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palettes, #634, Golden Flower ($60). The two palettes on the display were quite similar in theme (golden winter), but there was one significant distinction that pushed me toward this one. The other, Golden Snow, has a very sparkly shade in the top right position. It's beautiful, but combined with the sparkling centerpiece, it was more sparkle than my lifestyle supports.

Dior really knows how to do gold. Look the photo directly above from the Spring-Summer 2014 Ready to Wear show. If you want to aim for a less theatrical look, but still love gold, you'll find the new eye palettes extremely pleasing. The Golden Winter Collection was inspired by Versailles in winter. That conjures a romantic and elegant vision.

I took swatch photos of Golden Flower in full, mid-day sun (yes, it finally returned!). I swatched each shade with a sponge-tipped applicator, starting at top left in the palette, moving around clockwise, and ending with the centerpiece shade - all shown in that order from the top to bottom on my arm.

The peachy pink at the top is a very pretty color - on its own or as a base. It's not too pink, and it's not too peach. It coordinates beautifully with all the other shades. I like the gleam it provides. The white is a saturated white (thank you, Dior). You don't have to struggle with it to get color.

The brown is very different from the shade I expected from looking at the palette. It has a lot of mauve in it - some might say red. However you describe the shade, it's one that you should try before you purchase Golden Flower.

The bronze is as gorgeous as bronze can be (except, perhaps for its cousin in the collection, to be shown here soon), and the sparkling white in the center of the palette will top any other eye shadow shade for a transition from day to night.

All colors are nicely pigmented, and the only fallout I saw was in the form of micro-glitter that had migrated away from the swatches on my arm. That does mean you should check your face after you apply these shades and before you head out the door - unless you like the glitter fest look. The amount of fairy dust on my arm wasn't bad - given what I've seen in my days of testing makeup - but it was definitely present.

I purchased my new Dior Holiday 2013 treasures at Neiman Marcus. They are likely to be everywhere - at counters and online - soon. I did a quick tour of the Internet and didn't find any sources today, but I wasn't thorough.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty; Golden eye photo courtesy of Dior Facebook

Dior 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Bonne Étoile from the Mystic Metallics Collection for Fall 2013

Finally! The sun came out, and I was able to get photos of Dior's 5 Couleurs Couture Colour Eyeshadow Palette in Bonne Étoile (#384, $61)) from the Mystic Metallics Collecton for Fall 2013. Every day this week, it has rained. Today it's sunny, hot, and very humid - not the perfect time to talk about fall color. However, I have been admiring this palette for days. Perhaps Dior's lucky stars, embossed into the surface of the shades makes it ideal for an Independence Day feature.

The Dior counter at Nordstrom received Bonne Étoile and one light pink crème lip color from the fall collection. Another palette (Constellation (#864), which has a lavender theme and was probably used on the models above), nail lacquers, additional lip colors, and other pieces will be arriving at Nordstrom, but not until the Anniversary Sale (don't get me going on the credit card hinge for Nordstrom's sale preview). That means I'll be looking for them elsewhere in August, when the collection is scheduled to launch.

This palette is gorgeous. Predominantly shimmering, it offers colors with a fall feel - and a green theme I love. I'll be very tempted to pull it out and use it sooner than September.

I took swatch photos in full sun, using a sponge-tipped applicator to apply each shade. I started at the top of my arm with the khaki shade in the top left corner and swatched clockwise, ending with the shimmering brown in the center. I was so dissatisfied with my first set of photos, I took new ones. These are the best color representations I could get, but they are not 100% accurate.

Every shade in Bonne Étoile left me sighing. I'm looking at the top khaki shade on my arm, and it's definitely a shimmering khaki. In my photos, it appears to be a green-toned charcoal. There are certain shades of green my camera can't capture well. Look for khaki, and you will see that it's khaki - maybe with a hint of British racing green.

The shimmering, light mauve-toned pink is a beautiful shade, but it's magnetism doesn't translate well in photos. The third shade down is green - a gleaming green (somewhat like mint green). So why does it appear to be turquoise in my photos? I'm stumped.

The shimmering teal, a mix of blue and green, is heavenly - a great fall shade. The brown with golden shimmer in the center of the palette complements the other shades perfectly. Use it as a shadow or a liner - your choice. All of the shades are perfectly pigmented, and adhere perfectly with no fallout).

The Non-Blonde published swatch photos. She got a better shot of the green, but even her khaki photo isn't as perfect as the shade is in real life. You will just have to see Bonne Étoile for yourself to know it's a great palette.

Bonne Étoile from the Mystic Metallics Collection is available at Nordstrom in store and online exclusively until August.

Photo at top courtesy of Dior; second photo courtesy of Nordstrom; other photos by  Best Things in Beauty

Dior Diorblush Cheek Crème from the Summer Mix Pop Art Collection for Summer 2013

After spending weeks looking unsuccessfully for Dior's Pop Art collection at Neiman Marcus, I found it at Bloomingdale's. There they were - the four Cheek Crèmes ($30) I had been anxious to see and try. There are plenty of other pieces in the collection, but I honed right in on the Cheek Crèmes.

From a pop of color on your cheeks, lips, and nails to a dramatic cat's eye, Dior has you covered with exciting limited editions and the newest  hero products. Born backstage, made for you.

There are four beautiful shades of these fabulous cream blushes. They are all shown directly above. From left to right, they are Capri, Bikini, Pareo, and Panama. It took me all of a nanosecond to select Bikini for myself.

I swatched all four for you in full sunshine outside the store. I used a sponge-tipped applicator to apply them. I started at the top of my arm with Bikini, then followed with Capri, Pareo, and Panama. I swatched relatively heavily because these cream blushes apply very sheerly.

With my cool-toned skin, I was attracted to the three pink-rose shades. The orange Panama is not me, but is sure to look great on warm-toned complexions.

Bikini is one of my dream shades: pink-rose-watermelon and luscious. My second choice would have been Capri, the lighter pink. Pareo is bright and will look great on medium complexions. So will Panama.

These cream blushes stay on forever. I left them on my arm when I left  Bloomingdale's. A few hours after I got home, I noticed they were still there, so I washed them off (oh sure) with soap and water. They were still on my skin. Curious, I left them there overnight. When I awakened the next morning, they were still on my arm! I finally removed them mid-day when I pulled out the heavy-duty makeup remover. To say they are long-lasting may be an understatement. Anyone who fears cream blushes will melt during the heat of summer should give these new Cheek Crème a whirl.

They have a lovely texture and apply lightly on the cheeks. You can build the color to the intensity you want. They are easy to apply with your fingertips, a sponge, or brush. I can't find anything wrong with them.

If you'd like to see these treasures, you can find them online at Macy's and definitely in store at Bloomingdale's. I am not sure about other sources. I checked out Nordstrom online and didn't find them.

Photos at top courtesy of Macy's; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Jelly Lip Pen in Gaïa from the Birds of Paradise Collection for Summer 2013

Dior launched three new, limited-edition shades of its Jelly Lip Pen ($26) with the Birds of Paradise Collection for Summer 2013: Gaïa (#656, shimmering watermelon pink), Carioca (# 636, shimmering pink apricot), and Copacabana (#516, shimmering nude beige). I was taken with Gaïa even before I knew it was named after Gaia from The Non-Blonde.

This lip color in a pencil delivers hydration, shine, and rich pigment. A true beauty multitasker, the exclusive jelly-like formula offers an all-in-one treatment to deliver the hydration of a balm, the high-shine of a gloss, and the pigment of a lipstick. This jumbo pencil sharpens with a simple twist and is ideal for easy, smooth, touch-and-go application.

Dior calls the Jelly Lip Pen colors saturated. I'll have to disagree there, given that they offer sheer, shiny, hydrating color. However, I'll never ague with sheer, shiny, and hydrating. I will warn you that Copacabana is virtually clear on the lips. The champagne color basically disappears on my lips.

I took swatch photos of Gaïa in full, morning sunshine. It's a rosy pink, and it does add a fast-and-easy my-lips-but-better look to my lips. You can see on my arm that it's not entirely sheer; it slightly covers the veins in my arm.

Watermelon pink is a perfect description of the shade. I love it! For a quick touch-up or a casual lip, Dior's new Jelly Lip Pens offer a fabulous option.

You can find the new Dior Birds of Paradise Collection at Dior counters, and it is a available online at Nordstrom and Sephora. I'll warn you that it might be easiest to order online. When I tried to buy Gaïa at Neiman Marcus, not one full week after its arrival, it was sold out. I purchased it from Nordstrom online.

Photo at top courtesy of Sephora; other photos by Best Things in Beauty

Dior Nude Tan Paradise Blush & Bronzer Duo in Pink Glow from the Birds of Paradise Collection for Summer 2013

Drawing from Christian Dior's passion for the lushness of nature in the tropics, the 2013 Summer Look, the Birds of Paradise Collection, is an invitation to an exotic journey through Latin America and its colors. The Nude Tan Paradise Blush & Bronzer Duo ($56) was introduced with the collection in two shades: Pink Glow (#1) and Coral Glow (#2). I selected and purchased Pink Glow at the counter at Neiman Marcus.

The Nude Tan Paradise Blush & Bronzer Duo provides a sun-kissed effect and maximum radiance. Two slightly iridescent harmonies - bronzer on one side to warm up the complexion and blush on the other for a pop of color on the cheeks. The powder duo comes with a couture design brush to naturally blend the shades, giving the buyer maximum color range.

Dior equals luxury, right? So, why did I find little flaws in the box containing my compact and brush? Both pieces come with the signature Dior velveteen pouch. Oddly, though, I was surprised when I opened both. As you can see in the photo below, the compact is not aligned correctly. What you many not be able to see in my photo are the scratches in the case. They match, top and bottom, which made me suspect prior use or poor treatment at the counter. However, no one at the counter placed the powder into the compact at 11:00 rather than 12:00. That was done when the compact was assembled.

The powder is fine, so I have no energy to return it in hopes of receiving a more perfect piece. I was surprised at the poor quality control. When I looked into the pouch to pull out the brush, I found something that looked like a maple seed. Since I had just walked outside and unboxed the set, there is no way it flew into the box. I pulled out the brush, and the debris landed somewhere in my driveway. After inspecting the brush for signs of prior tampering, I decided it was fine. The message here is to check out yours at the counter before you leave the store - if you care about perfection.

As a side note, this is not the first time I've seen the color product placed improperly in the pan. I have noticed it in the last year or so with multiple brands and multiple products. I've had my share of pans inadequately adhered to the compact too. What's happening with the quality of our high-end makeup?

Now, that said, let's get to the glorious colors. The four quadrants of the compact contain different shades of blush and bronzer. There are two pinks and two very light bronzers. All four shades in Pink Glow are absolutely perfect for fair skin.

I decided to swatch each shade in the palette separately, using a sponge-tipped applicator and applying the shades heavily. I started with the light tan in the upper left quadrant and moved clockwise in the palette. Then I took a dense blush brush and applied a blended, large swatch on my arm below. What surprised me was that the blended colors are so sheer, they almost disappeared to the camera on my arm. My photos were taken in full sun.

I'm not thrilled with my photos, but it's raining, so there will be no opportunity for a do-over today. Here is a full-arm shot of all the swatches. There are close-ups below. The lighter of the two tans shades in the compact is shown at the top of my arm. I think it adhered to my arm better than the darker tan, which you'll barely see (fourth stripe). The colors are pretty and natural, particularly for fair complexions.

The two pink shades are glorious. One is peachy pink, and one is cooler, without being chilly. They coordinate well. Both are extremely pretty on the cheeks.

Here's what surprised me. The blended shades applied to my arm are extremely sheer and light. While I can see them (look at the left side of my arm where they appear to be less blended), you may not be able to tell they are there - either in the top photo or the one directly above. I think it's possible that my moisturizing base didn't extend far enough down my arm.

Here's another shot, widened out, where I show you more of my natural arm below the blended application. You'll have to trust that I can see the powder on my face. I don't find it iridescent either. It provides a much more natural finish than I would expect from a product described as iridescent. It's radiant, but not iridescent.

Here's a photo that shows the finish more accurately. You can see a light sparkle, but nothing I'd term iridescent. The shades will give you a glow, though.

I actually love these shades, alone and blended, but my skin is very fair. They look extremely natural. I'm not sure how those with medium skin tones will feel about Pink Glow, but I am certain that it will disappear on those with dark skin tones.

Other than the packaging flaws, I am extremely happy with the Nude Tan Paradise Blush & Bronzer Duo in Pink Glow. What do you think? Have you tried it? Purchased it? Think you would love it?

You can find the new Dior Birds of Paradise Collection at Dior counters, and it is a available online at Nordstrom.

Photo at top courtesy of Dior; other photos by Best Things in Beauty