A week or so back, I showed you the Dior Grand Bal palette for Christmas. Its a very lovely palette by all accounts, especially if you have parties to attend. But not all of us are the partying sort, right? Some of us will prefer an eye palette that you can use daily and dress up or down as you will.
Ladies, I present you the Dior 5 Couleur Eyeshadow Palette in Night Golds. The minute I laid my eyes on it, I knew this was going to be a winner in my books. There’s actually another reason why I thought so, but I’ll tell you it at the end of the post hehe…
Dior Night Golds palette #524 and Diorific Diva #520 Lipstick
The Dior Night Golds palette is the deeper counterpart to the Fairy Golds palette (RougeDeluxe has a picture of both palettes here). I just knew when I saw the colours that Night Golds was made for me. The golds are not too warm nor too shiny, with just the right amount of cool tones to suit my skintone very well. The deep blackened brown with gold shimmer is the right intensity to pull the look together or to smoke out your eyes for a lovely sultry look. Night Golds is a beautiful palette, and one that has very good texture too, as the swatches below will show you.
As for the lipstick, lets just say that Dior was quite certainly digging deep, to resurrect a lipstick they saw fit to discontinue. I have to say that I used to own a Diorific lipstick. It was given to me by someone, and it was a deep purple. It was my first introduction to Dior lipsticks and because of it, I stayed far away until I got hold of the Dior Addict and Rouge Dior and fell back in love with Dior lipsticks.
Let’s just talk about the lipstick first because I don’t like it so let’s just get it out of the way LOL!
Diva (#520) is one of the 4 shades available in the Diorific lipsticks, resurrected for the Dior Grand Bal Christmas 2012 collection. It appears not many people remember the original Diorific, but I have to say that I do, and in many ways, it stays very close to the Diorific of old. In fact, I just tossed mine in my last clean up. Should have kept it, just to compare eh? 😛
The bulbous gold packaging is bulky and sports the name Christian Dior of old. The lipstick itself has a very strong perfume scent which is again, very typical of the Diorific lipstick. I loved it when Dior got rid of the scent in their Addict and Rouge Dior lipsticks, so to have the powdery scent return wasn’t very pleasing. The texture is semi matte, with some golden shine, and it applies opaque.
Diva, as a colour, is a very good colour if I don’t say so myself. In tube, it looks like a muted rose that will suit many. On my lips, it takes on a my lips but better sort of shade. The golden shine isn’t shimmery nor is it tacky, which is a plus. On my lips, it feels fairly weightless despite the opaqueness of the shade and coverage. Whilst, it was interesting to be reminded of my very first Dior lipstick, I don’t see myself going back for another, simply because I think Dior has done a much better job with Rouge Dior (which I believe, replaced Diorific). Time to let the past go, Dior!
Now, onto what I would have called the star product of the collection – Night Golds #524. We get the usual 5 powder shadow palette now synonymous with Dior, with varying textures. For the most part, I found that all colours swatched beautifully. They were smooth to the feel and when applied on skin and if you see below, 1 swatch is all I needed to produce the colour on skin. I thought initially that the gold in the top right corner might end up being too glittery or chunky, so I was very surprised to find that it wasn’t. It was very smooth and there was no large chunks of glitter at all.
These are the swatches of Diorific Diva lipsticks and the Night Golds palette. All colours are swatched just one time on unprimed skin so you have an idea of the sort of intensity and shine from the eyeshadow palette.
The eyeshadows were swatched in a clockwise manner starting from the cream white in the top left corner. You can probably tell that on skin, they are creamy and the colours, although looking a tad warm in the palette, don’t look very warm on skin at all.
I have found that the more palettes Dior come out with, the better their quality. The quality of Night Golds made me think of Golden Savannah and Aurora – the colors are very easy to blend to a smooth finish, and once applied on skin, stay there till the end of the day without fading. If you don’t have a palette of gold eyeshadow, you really do want to grab this before it disappears.
If you missed Couture Golds from Christmas 2011, you would want Night Golds too because the way that I said Couture Golds was the best ever eyeshadow purchase for 2011, Night Golds is the same. It is so similar in fact that I would stick my head out and tell you that bar the golden shade, this is Couture Golds reincarnated!
(1) Night Golds (2) Golden Savannah (3) Couture Golds
I thought Night Golds looked familiar, so I dug out Couture Golds for a comparison and was struck by how similar it looked. I included Golden Savannah for good effect, but as you can see, it isn’t quite as similar, being deeper in tone overall.
Comparing Couture Golds to Night Golds however revealed that except for the glittery shade, the other 4 shades are in fact startlingly similar.
Stripes on the left come from the Couture Golds palette and the stripes on the right come from the Night Golds palette. Just based on this alone, 4 out of 5 colours appear to have been repeated.
Whilst this is a good thing (if you missed out on Couture Golds) it does feel a bit like taking the lazy way out. So, whilst I do love Night Golds on its own, I will tell you that if you already own Couture Golds, you can pass on this one. But if you wanted Couture Golds and missed out last year, this is your chance to grab it before it disappears again, since its limited edition. The quality is very lovely, but the repetition of colours did get me a bit down.
In a nutshell
2 more limited edition items in the Dior Grand Bal Christmas 2012 collection is the eyeshadow quints and a resurrection of the Diorific lipstick. The quints come in 2 shades – Night Golds and Fairy Golds – and the Diorific lipstick comes in 4 shades. The Diorific lipstick has awkward gold packaging and the texture of the lipstick, although opaque and with weightless texture, is too perfumed for my liking. I was glad to see the back of it once, and didn’t expect to see it reappear so quickly.
The Night Golds palette is a very good eyeshadow palette whether you want to play up or play down your eyes. The combination of colours is very well placed, and they all blend very well together to give a very creamy effect on skin without being too shimmery. I find that they last very long too (I do not use a primer nor do I have oily lids) and seems to look better as the day wears on for me. I think it is definitely worth taking a look for a neutral palette with a twist. However, if you already own Couture Golds from 2011, pass on Night Golds because you only get 1 new shade.
Pros: Quality of eyeshadow is very good, Shimmer is not overdone and the creamy texture stays on my skin all day, Good combination of colours for a neutral palette with a twist, Lipstick is a very lovely opaque shade that will flatter many and has a weightless texture
Cons: Lipstick packaging is not very attractive, Scent in lipstick is too strong, Night Golds is far too similar to Couture Golds from Christmas 2011, Pricey, Limited Edition
Who will like this: Eyeshadow palette – anyone who missed out on Couture Golds and who wants a neutral palette with a twist, Lipstick – anyone who wants an opaque lipstick and does not mind the scent
Here is an example of how I wore Night Golds and Diva in the day time to work.
The colours go very well, and even the eyeshadow isn’t too much for daily wear, which is why I loved Couture Golds so much to start with. I love the colour of Diva lipstick – its a colour I’d wear daily, but the scent really got to me after a while 🙁
Do you remember the Diorific lipsticks? What do you think of the resurrection? Does Night Golds eyeshadow grab your attention?
Seriously, if you want a neutral yet not boring eyeshadow palette, do take a look at Night Golds. I do think its stunning and one that anyone will get a lot of wear out of 🙂
Paris B
Dior 5 Couleur Eyeshadow Palette comes in 2 shades Night Golds and Fairy Golds Price: RM200 Diorific Lipstick comes in 4 shades Price: RM104 Availability: All Dior counters Limited Edition: Yes, Grand Bal Christmas 2012 collection
Sunny says
November 14, 2012 at 8:42 amAhh Paris, so it IS true that the lipsticks are different in Asia! Here we get four highly pigmented reds, and I really adore the formula! The perfume-y scent doesn’t bother me too much, I guess partially because my nose isn’t very sensitive. I love how long-wearing and low-maintenance my Diorling Diorific is! It’s very different from the more “modern” Dior lipsticks I’ve tried, including Addict and Addict Extreme.
I don’t own Couture Golds so I think Night Golds is awesome! However I can also see that long-time Dior collectors might be a bit disappointed 🙂
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 10:48 amI had heard the lipsticks are different and Diva is a very Asia-friendly colour because it complements our skintone very beautifully 🙂 As beautiful as red is, many people here still don’t go for a bold shade. I like the texture and colour, but not the packaging not the scent. It was what turned me off Dior lipsticks many years ago so I’m really happy that Rouge Dior and Addict have no scent but have just as lovely texture! 🙂 Night Golds is most certainly awesome. Definitely a must have in anyone’s collection 🙂
Hanny Daforcena says
November 14, 2012 at 8:43 amAs always, PB, you look stunning ^.^ I seriously need to learn how to wear statement necklaces. heh heh.
Actually, what I liked about the Grand Bal collection is the packaging. The lipsticks and the nail polishes practically look like Christmas baubles to me for some reason, yay! ^.^
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 10:49 amThank you Hanny 🙂 Statement necklaces are easy – also necklaces are the only accessory I would wear regularly LOL! The packaging of Grand Bal is very Christmasy that’s for sure. The nail polishes even more so! I guess I had a prejudice against Diorific to start with 😉
Liyeun says
November 14, 2012 at 8:58 amI cant decide between Night Golds and Fairy Golds, and I wouldnt want to get both. I have Guerlain’s lip and eye palette, so buying both would make a major dent to my wallet…. How?
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 10:51 amI’m also going for the Liu palette which is… surprise, surprise, gold! LOL! I think if you plan to go for Liu and if you want to get either one of the Dior, and if you like Fairy Golds, maybe go for that one. I personally find Fairy Golds a bit warm and red for me, so if I were asked to choose, I’d go for Night Golds because I’d get more wear out of it, but you’d know best how much wear you’d get out of them 😉
Lily says
November 14, 2012 at 9:38 amLove how you work the palette PB 🙂
I have the Fairy Golds and at first glance, I would have preferred Night Golds because of the darker shades, but Fairy Golds surprised me in more ways than one. I can safely say I can pass this even though I don’t have Couture Gold because I have some similar shades in my stash already 🙂
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:01 amThank you Lily 🙂 Like how Fairy Golds look on you too. Its a tad warm for me so I’m glad that despite the similarity to Couture Golds, I have Night Golds instead 🙂
Catherine says
November 14, 2012 at 10:12 amI didnt get anything from Dior, I decided that I dont have enough blushes so for now I look for blushes 😀 but you should definitely google Dior en Printemps! They did limited edition bags, shoes but most importantly amazing windows!
There is a theme of Grand Bal, dancing dolls dressed in Dior couture with mini-Lady Dior bag… 🙂
Btw finally today Guerlain had holiday collection, for now I grabbed Perles du dragon and I loove them! 🙂
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:05 amMmm blushes! I was a little surprised not to see any new blushes appear this Christmas, except Chanel. I haven’t gone to check it out though. Ooh I just looked up Dior en Printemps and the windows are amazing! :O
Becca says
November 14, 2012 at 10:26 amPretty pretty pretty–I still don’t know which I want more or if I can even buy it now (since I went over my budget during the VIB sale! :P) I don’t know if I will be able to resist though!!
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:07 amHaha… I think Night Golds for you, Becca! 😉
Tuti says
November 14, 2012 at 12:30 pmvery nice collection you have PB, but looks almost the same for those 3 and looks good on you. but i like your necklace even more 🙂
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:09 amThank you Tuti (psst! H&M – cheap! 😉 ) The 3 palettes do look very similar and really, there’s no reason to own all 3 realistically 🙂
Marla says
November 14, 2012 at 6:31 pmBeautiful pictures. I recently picked up the Dior Rouge Dior Nude Lip Blush and am in love with these lipsticks. I’ll have to take a look at that palette.
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:10 amOoh Marla, you picked up a very pretty lipstick 🙂 The quality of Rouge Dior is quite something
kuri says
November 14, 2012 at 8:28 pmgorgeous! too bad that it is almost the same as the palette from last year, but I guess that’s good for those of us who missed out!
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:11 amDefinitely, Kuri. If I had known they were going to reincarnate it this year, I wouldn’t have gone crazy trying to find it last year LOL! But its definitely a good one to pick up. I get lots of use out of it.
Jennifer says
November 14, 2012 at 10:20 pmAs always, you look fabulous Paris! Last year around this time, I would never thought of applying make up. But earlier this year, I decided to give it a try as a way to pick me up after a great fall. Happy to say that I’ve not looked back and thanks for your encouragement as well. I fell in love with Golden Savannah because I just like shimmery eye shadow in those bronze, gold and earthy shades, that Dior palette just looked so good. Anyhow, I thought it was quite pricey and did not get it. I was not sure if I will be able to apply it nicely, is it worth the money yadda yadda. So now it seems Night Golds is another chance to get the one that got away lol (Couture Golds). Oh and I thought Guerlain Liu Calligraphy palette was equally attractive as well!
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:13 amThank you Jennifer. Its great to know that you’re starting to get the hang of using makeup. A very eminent lady once told me that to get ahead, the minimum one should have on is lipstick because no one wants to deal with someone who looks pale and terrified when confronting authority. That bit of advise has stood me in good stead 🙂 If you plan to pick one up, do take a look at Night Golds. Its something very easy to dress up or down. I found Fairy Golds a bit warm but if you have a warmer skintone, it might work because the colours there are a bit lighter. I’m eyeing the Liu palette too – so gorgeous! 🙂
Jennifer says
November 15, 2012 at 11:33 amHmm, I have a question. I am always confused with warm and cool tones despite reading a lot about it. I am quite fair and I think my skin is yellowish. But the BA at Estee Lauder told me foundation shade with pink undertone will look better on me. And MAC is a little intimidating for me to go in to test if I am NC or NW…
How can I tell which palette will suit me more? Try at the Dior counter perhaps and let the BA help me? Thank you Paris!
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 12:11 pmI don’t usually subscribe to the cool/warm thing but generally if you can wear yellow tones eg warm gold, orange you’d be warm toned. If you can take blue or silver you’re cooler toned. Generally just go with the colour that looks best on you. However some colours look better on certain skintones. Eg I can’t do coral or warm browns on eyes but can take coral on lips and blush. No hard and fast rule about it so yes tr best way is to test at the counter until you get a feel of colours and what sort looks better on you 🙂
Ting says
November 14, 2012 at 10:35 pmWow I love your look esp. the eye makeup! I’m surprised though you didn’t pair it with a red lips. :p But the look is so chic for day time & shopping in Paragon. hehe 🙂
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:16 amThank you Ting 😀 I would have gone red for lips, but had to try the lipstick. It makes a lovely day look doesn’t it? Switch the lipstick to red, and boom! night look 😀
Julia says
November 15, 2012 at 2:47 amYour palettes all look so untouched. 😀
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:20 amHaha they do look that way don’t they? I do get quite a lot of use out of them though. 🙂
Wojis says
November 15, 2012 at 3:44 amThe lipstick is an amazing colour I like the pallet too, but not that special, I would go for the lipstick, it’s wonderful.
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:20 amIts a beautiful colour, Wojis and if the texture and packaging is fine with you I think its a lovely buy!
LeGeeque says
November 15, 2012 at 7:48 amWhen I was reading your post, not only did Couture Golds come to my mind, Dior of yesteryears created one that’s very similar – Frosted Earth. I wore this for my wedding 5 years ago and have hit pan on multiple colours on the palette. My only complain of the quint is some of the glittery colours can be a little gritty. Otherwise, the shimmery ones are buttery soft and a dream to apply. Will take a pic of my grotty Frosted Earth for you 🙂
Paris B says
November 15, 2012 at 11:21 amOh yes please! I’d love to see a similar looking palette from the past! I must say though I never liked Dior’s quints from back then. They were always a bit too glittery and not pigmented. But these days, their quality is surprisingly good
bita says
November 15, 2012 at 3:38 pmI love dior, and your necklaces is cool!
Paris B says
November 20, 2012 at 2:06 pmThank you Bita! 🙂
Sam says
November 17, 2012 at 1:42 pmI like Night Golds, but it’s pretty lazy to have such a similar palette to previously (are you listening MAC?) I’d be tempted to seek out the old one.
I don’t like strongly perfumed lipsticks, so I’ll be giving this one a miss.
Jen W says
November 18, 2012 at 8:12 pmWhat a gorgeous day time look! I must get my hands on that lipstick, it’s such a flattering pink.
Paris B says
November 21, 2012 at 1:30 pmThank you, Jen 🙂 The lipstick is very lovely. I hear Europe/N.America gets different colours so I’m not sure what colours are available in Australia.
Melissa says
November 23, 2012 at 10:43 pmThose swatches look absolutely gorgeous! I am such a sucker for neutrals.
Paris B says
November 25, 2012 at 12:06 amThank you Melissa – are you planning to pick it up? 😉
Nadia says
November 24, 2012 at 6:35 amOoh…am in love with both the Diorific and Night Golds! So gorgeous! Also, love that daytime look you pulled off!
Paris B says
November 25, 2012 at 12:11 amThank you Nadia! Nice to have you back!