Review: Makeup: Dior Diorshow Iconic Mascara

When I was contacted by Dior about the launch of their Diorshow Iconic mascara I was quite surprised and puzzled. I had the impression all along that the Iconic mascara was already part of their regular line of cosmetics. But yes, it was a glitzy launch and the product in question was the Diorshow Iconic mascara.

The Dior Diorshow Iconic mascara comes in a lovely metal tube lightly embossed with the Dior logo all over it. Tacky but for some reason I like it tremendously. I like the shine and the heft that the case has which distinguishes it from all the other plastic mascara tubes I have in my present rotation.

What is so unique about the Diorshow Iconic mascara is the brush. Instead of having the bristles lined up in a row as most mascara brushes have, the bristles are laid out in an oblique pattern i.e. they are slanted. It apparently helps catch your lashes better to coat them with mascara.

I like the bristles. Like the Guerlain le 2 Mascara, the bristles are the short rubbery variety. I’m getting used to these sort of bristles and I find they work better for me than the traditional brush bristle style mascara brushes. This might be because I have short lashes so short bristles work, even if the head is on the larger side. I’m not sure how those with long lashes like such kinds of bristles. If you have long lashes and have some thoughts on this, do let me know.

The Diorshow Iconic mascara promises to lengthen your lashes, separate your lashes and curl your lashes and keep them curled! Lofty promises indeed, but do they deliver?

Does Diorshow Iconic lengthen your lashes?

I must say yes, they did. If you go to a Dior counter, they even have a special ruler that can measure how much longer your lashes are. I did not measure mine, but I can safely say that my lashes were noticably lengthened when using this mascara. However, it isn’t heavy with fibres so I liked that.

Does Diorshow Iconic separate your lashes?

Well, the formula feels quite light and the bristles on the brush work well with my lashes, so I experienced no clumping at all. So yes, my lashes were separated. I did find though that if you aren’t careful, you might end up with spidery looking lashes which isn’t very nice.

Does Diorshow Iconic curl your lashes?

Aha! This for me is the biggest test of all. Stick straight Asian lashes that point down are the best test of this curling mascara. And unfortunately, it failed. Without first curling my lashes, I get no curl from the Diorshow Iconic. After curling my lashes with a curler, the Diorshow Iconic mascara helps hold the curl so I get that lovely doll eyed look the whole day through.

Does Diorshow Iconic add volume?

This isn’t one of the listed attributes of the Diorshow Iconic mascara, but I find that my lashes actually look slightly thicker and more defined with it on. I really like the effect it gave my lashes because it looked natural. Not vavavoom, but light and natural. It might be due to the light mascara formula but the effect was really nice.

On an overall basis, I’d say that the Diorshow Iconic mascara worked well for me. It added volume and lengthened although it did not curl without the aid of a curler. The light formula lasted the whole day without smudging and just worked well overall. I found it quite hard to remove though. Cleansing oils remove it easily, but normal eye makeup removers don’t do it as well.

The thing that would make one balk is the price – RM98 a tube. Ouchies! Then again, its a luxury brand so I reckon its about there in terms of price. Comparing it with its contemporaries, I place the Diorshow Iconic mascara just a teeny tiny notch above Anna Sui DX Full Mascara because there is no fragrance although Anna Sui beats it flat in terms of volume and all out mascara-ed lashes look. Pitting the Diorshow Iconic with the Guerlain le 2 Mascara, I’d pick the Diorshow because there is no fragrance and it is not as “wet” as the Guerlain and dries faster. Also, the formula isn’t as heavy.

At the end of the day, much depends on what you want in a mascara. I prefer something with more drama on my lashes so I’d go with the Anna Sui Full DX first then Diorshow Iconic for everyday with Guerlain le 2 bringing up the rear.

Pros: Lengthens, Adds volume, Smudge proof

Cons: Expensive, does not curl straight lashes without a curler

[rating:4/5]