The Lady Dior palette is part of Dior’s spring 2009 collection, and it is certainly among the most expensive makeup items I have ever bought.
I saw it in person last month, and the long decision process began. My first impressions were not all good, mainly because I had high expectations for Dior’s most expensive seasonal limited-edition item to date (68.5 pounds). First of all, it was smaller than I expected. (The bottom (6.7cm) is slightly wider than the top (6.3cm), and the side measures 5.4cm.) Secondly, I didn’t like the acrylic parts attached to the handles.
My indecision was also surrounded by the fact that I didn’t have enough Boots points for this. If I had gathered enough at the time (which has usually been the case), I would probably have got it sooner.
However, I did think it was overall very beautiful and that it was among the most visually appealing items from Dior. Also, Lady Dior bag and the doctor bag are my two favorite bag designs from Dior, and it was nice to see one of them as the inspiration for a makeup item.
While trying to make a decision, I found some information on the Lady Dior bag and I was reminded that some of the classic versions do have acrylic handles. (Then I stopped fussing…) Also, with all Lady Dior bags, “CD” was stamped on all the oval parts to which the handles are attached (and you can see them in the photos above). Based on these, as well as the obvious quilting and the “DIOR” charms, it does seem that quite a few details are replicated on this palette.
Finally, after I saw the palette at the counter for three times and twice nearly decided not to buy it, I decided to get it. (I also decided to delete a few items on my makeup shopping list.)
The palette comes in a drawstring pouch, and a chain is attached to the palette. It can be too heavy if you want to use it as a bag charm or a key chain. But I am only displaying it on my dressing table, so I actually prefer it to be even heavier for an even more luxurious and substantial feel.
The two sides of the palette attach to each other magnetically. Inside the palette are a mirror, a lip/cheek color and a highlighter. French Chic (002) features an off-white pink with a pale-gold undertone and a warm red. (In the UK, two shades are available (001 and 002). I find that the lip/cheek shade in 001 to be too peachy for me. On the other hand, 001 and 003* are sold in Asia. The lip/cheek shade in 003 is the coolest of the three.)
Both colors are cream-based (not cream-to-powder-based) and they glide relatively well. The highlighter mainly adds shimmer rather than color. (The finish is more intense than what Dior Night Diamond creates.) The lip/cheek shade can go from sheer to intense depending on how much is layered. It has a moist and dewy finish and isn’t too shimmery. (This is based on the testing at the counter. I think I will leave the palette unused for some time until I want to dig in.)
Sold at such a price, it is clearly more of a collector’s item rather than just a makeup product…and I did buy it as someone that enjoys collecting Dior’s limited-edition items that I like. However, I have a feeling that, as a whole, the prices of Dior’s future limited-edition items are likely to continue to go up, partly because it seems that Dior is trying to be even higher-end than it is now. I was thinking to myself that there would probably be a time when I might have to stop collecting them simply because they are too expensive.
In the meantime, it is still handy to have all my Boots points ready. We never know what Dior is going to come up with next…
(For another review of this item (also in 002), please head over to Beauty Anonymous.)
(*003 is also called French Chic, but the colors are different. For a review of it, please check out the post on My Women Stuff.)
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