Holiday 2009 Focus: Dior Cristal Boréal

by PJ on Saturday, November 21, 2009

in -Dior, 2009 Holiday, makeup, makeup - lip color, makeup - lip gloss, stash focus

I always look forward to Dior’s seasonal makeup collections, especially the limited-edition Star Products. Sometimes I am excited by the Star Products, and sometimes I am underwhelmed. For me, Dior’s holiday 2009 collection is probably one of the best holiday collections that Dior has brought out, and Cristal Boréal Crystal Gloss Jewel is certainly one of the reasons why I love the collection.

One thing I like about Cristal Boréal is that it is housed in a proper box, which does justice to the Swarovski crystals on the oval-shaped pendant. I am not really a fan of the velvety pouches that Dior’s seasonal limited-edition items usually come in, as they get dusty very easily. It is good to see Cristal Boréal much better presented. (As one of my readers, Kiks, so rightly said, this time it is more Dior than Dior Beauty.)

Four of the crystals are Aurore Boréale crystals. They reflect the light in colorful hues and they all have a nice depth to them.


According to the information leaflet (that comes with the pendant), the pendant features 52 Swarovski crystals.There are 52 crystals on the pendant itself already (I have counted them), so I am not entirely sure whether the one on the metal tag is also a Swarovski crystal.

(the back of the pendant)

The pendant contains a lip gloss, which is available in two shades (silver and pink). I went for the pink one (#251 Pink Crystal). Both shades are quite sheer and they mainly show up as subtly multi-colored shimmer.



The pendant flips open on both sides. There is no mirror, but the inside of the lid and the back of the pendant can work as mirrors.

Dior’s makeup accessories are usually statement pieces, and Cristal Boréal continues the tradition. While the Princess Ring is still my favorite seasonal Star Product from Dior, Cristal Boréal is among my favorites too.

I also like some of the other items in Dior’s holiday 2009 collection. (It is a very purple-toned collection.) The two 5-Color Iridescent Eyeshadow palettes are quite stunning. I prefer the softer Purple Crystal (which looks similar to 129 Pearly Lilac in the Lilas Addiction collection, which has not been available in the UK), even though the orchid purple in Smoky Crystal is my favorite shade in the whole collection.

(Purple Crystal)
(image from www.dior.com)

(Smoky Crystal)
(image from www.dior.com)

Another item I tested is Cristal Boréal Cristal Eyeshadow in Purple Gem. It is a low-key medium purple with sparse glitters. Personally, I would like it better if it didn’t have the glitters.

(image from www. dior.com)


Overall, with purples and greys, this is another trend-sensitive collection from Dior. (It is a good extension from Dior’s fall 2009 collection.) The two Cristal Boréal shades might not be very original, but I think they do have a solid collectibility factor.

Updated on November 23rd, 2009:

Blogger.com seems to have failed to publish one of the comments for this post. If you believe it to be yours, I am sorry about this and please, if you would, kindly consider posting it again. Thank you very much!

Related posts:

Lady Dior in French Chic
(spring 2009)

Dior Night Diamond
(holiday 2008)

Golden Dior Luminizing Makeup Jewel
(summer 2008)

DiorLight Jewelled Makeup Necklace
(holiday 2007)

Dior Diorissime Palette
(fall 2007)

{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }

Abha Sunday, November 22, 2009

Looks awesome. Mine is on the way. Should arrive soon. Can't wait to see it in flesh and blood! Its soooooo DIOR. But I wish they had a mirror inside as well. It adds in to the overall effect of the product. You're so write about those velvety pouches, no matter where I keep it, its bound to get dusty.

Reply

Sheila P Sunday, November 22, 2009

Hi PJ!

This was definitely one of my favourites too, and I agree with you that the box was better suited than the velvet pouches. Also, I love how the boxes are now navy, almost black, blue instead of the silver from before. This just showcases its luxury even more!

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Paris B Sunday, November 22, 2009

Nice to hear your thoughts on it. I saw it at the counters but thought it looked a little plasticky :( So i passed

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Zuuchini Sunday, November 22, 2009

I've never really liked the star item of the dior holiday collection. I just don't see the "attraction". The only thing that i like about this necklace is the swarovski crystals.

But i gotta love dior palettes. The colors in each palette is so nicely matched together. But again, i think the irrisdescent palettes are a bit too strong on the shimmer side. Whenever i use the palette, I feel like my eyes are overwhelmed with shimmers.

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Dylana Monday, November 23, 2009

Lovely blog!

colormenana.blogspot.com

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Elvira Monday, November 23, 2009

That Cristal Boreal is so pretty! And I, like you, Love the Smokey Crystal eyeshadow palette too. Thanks for the great pictures!

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PJ Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Hi Elvira,

Thank you very much for enjoying the photos. I did try to take time to take some decent photos of the pendant to do it justice. :)

Smoky Crystal is a very nice palette. It is quite chic and sensuous. I would personally prefer the softer Purple Crystal.

Thank you for posting your comment again! :)

Reply

PJ Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Hi Sheila,

I am glad that you like the box too. I hope that Dior will start packaging the limited-edition wearable makeup items in boxes instead of pouches. I also agree with you that the almost-black outer boxes do have a luxurious look.

Thank you for your comment again! :)

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PJ Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Hi Zuuchini,

I suppose the appeal of these limited-edition items to me is the collectibility factor on top of the fact that I do think they look quite beautiful. This time, the Swarovski crystals are certainly a nice touch.

I do agree with you that Dior's iridescent palettes can be too shimmery sometimes. This is one of the reasons why I currently still don't have a Dior iridescent palette. (Another reason is that I haven't come across a palette in which I like at least four of the five colors.)

Thank you for sharing your thoughts again! :)

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PJ Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Hi Paris,

I see what you mean. The layer on the metal panel is transparent, which can make the pendant look less substantial. But I do think the combination plays with the light well.

Thank you for stopping by again! :)

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PJ Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Hi Dylana,

Thank you very much for stopping by! :)

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PJ Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Hi Abha,

I hope you have received yours or will receive it soon. I hope you will like it too! :)

I did expect a small mirror inside the lid and I was slightly surprised not to see it. But I think overall it is definitely still a great piece.

Thank you for posting your comment again! :)

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fudgeit Tuesday, July 6, 2010

hiya, just passing by :) glad to hear someone else is also collecting these dior charms, i thought it was just me! let me know if you'd like to compare :)

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PJ Thursday, July 8, 2010

Hi Fudgeit,

I do collect the ones I like, and I am always looking forward to the new releases. At the moment, I think Cristal Boréal is certainly among my favorite ones.

Thank you very much for your comment! :)

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