Dior has been on a bit of a roll in recent times. This April sees them reformulating the Addict lipgloss, adding more Addict Extreme lipsticks and earlier this year, they quietly reformulated their mono eyeshadows. Now, stop for a moment and BREATHE! Settled?
Ok, the mono eyeshadows. I had some of the old Dior mono shadows. I don’t know if anyone remembers them. One of the earliest was in a trapezoid shape, slightly raised from the pan. It reminded me of chocolate. You know those little bars of chocolate wrapped in colourful paper that you get in Quality Street multimix packs? No? Ok, you need to get yourself a Quality Street bag of choccies after this ok? 😉
They changed the monos after that into an oval shape pan. I didn’t have any from that but it was also because I didn’t like it. I didn’t like the oval pan in a square case. Screwed with my geometrics 😛
The next incarnation came about as a rectangle pan with the cannage pattern embossed on it. I think I have one from then but it was too glittery so I never actually really used it.
Am I talking to myself here? Does anyone remember all these incarnations of the Dior mono eyeshadows? 😛 Well, nevermind if you don’t remember, because here is the newest design – a square pan with the Dior ‘logomania’ logo imprinted on it. This Dior logo is the one used on all the Dior canvas bags and whilst not as modern as I’d imagine it to be, is quintessentially Dior. Based on my observation there are 3 formula that can be used wet and dry, and I have here, 3 colours to show you, and to tell you what I think about them and also to show you how they look worn together. A bit of ground to cover so settle back 🙂
Fashion tip: If you want to wear anything with logos on them, don’t wear more than one or you risk looking like a billboard.
I was sent 2 of them in Choc Clair 564 and Swan 006 but one day while I was at a Dior counter, I took the opportunity to play around with the rest of the colours and eventually settled on picking up Gris City 056. It must be said that I have a soft spot for grey eyeshadow and a sparkly grey can grab my attention everytime! At RM105 each, it is quite easy to just settle for one. That is, unless I wanted to break my bank.
It must be said also however, that I wasn’t quite crazy about the rest of the colours. There are a couple of vibrant purples which I don’t wear, a few bright blues and more neutral greens plus a bright pop of fuchsia pink; but I just wasn’t taken. The only colour that had me, hook line and sinker, was Gris City. I suspect age (and practicality) is catching up faster with me than I like!
I noticed that there are about 3 formula in these shadows – matte, satin (a little shimmer) and metallic (glittery). Choc Clair is a satin, while Swan and Gris City are both metallics. I’ve swatched them here, wet and dry. I know many people have raved about how much more intense they look when used wet as opposed to dry but I couldn’t quite see much difference in the ones I had. I personally never use eyeshadow wet but that’s because I just don’t like how it spoils the texture of the shadow in pan, and I believe that using it wet will encourage bacterial growth in what might otherwise be a relatively inert atmosphere. But don’t mind me – just paranoia talking 😀
- Swan 006 in pan is a pure metallic white. It is so metallic that the edges of the logo aren’t even that sharp because of the rough texture of the eyeshadow. Swatched, it is a highly metallic white shimmer that can only be used as a highlight, and even then, only after blending vigorously. Swatched dry (D) it is a metallic white. Swatched wet (W) it looks even more metallic and you can see the slight multi-coloured iridescence.
- Gris City 056 in pan is a dark grey with multi-colour shimmer. It isn’t as gritty as Swan and the glitter is smaller so the definition of the embossing on the shadow is sharper. On skin, Gris City is a dark grey with shimmer. I find it quite a warm grey, as you can see, almost having a brown undertone. Swatched dry (D) it looks about as intense as it is swatched wet (W). I wear it dry and the best part, it can be worn alone or as a crease shade, or as a liner shade and for some reason, doesn’t look as sparkly on the eyes as it does on my arm.
- Choc Clair 564 was a surprise for me. I don’t usually like shades like this sort of camel beige brown. The texture is that of a satin with slight iridescent shimmer and on my skin looks like a very neutral camel beige. Its now a fast fave for me used on its own with black liner and mascara, or as a complement to Gris City. You can tell that whether swatched wet or dry, the colour doesn’t look any different.
I only tested with regular water, not any of those fancy schmancy wetting agents like eye drops or what have you. Maybe the effect is different then, I wouldn’t know.
Here’s a close up of each of the colours for you to see the texture. Choc Clair has the smoothest texture of the three, while Swan has the “roughest”. When blended well, Swan gives a beautiful gentle highlight but if you just plonk it on without blending, you’ll just see a splotch of white shimmer. Ditto Gris City. Blend it out and its quite lovely. Just plonk it on and it is less impressive.
And here is all 3 shades used. Gris City on outer part of the lid and on the lower lid, Choc Clair as the main lid colour and Swan to highlight the brow and inner corner. It doesn’t look too bling, nor too shiny. I like how I can wear this to work quite easily because its so easy to use them together. You may notice how the inner corner isn’t very well blended so you see splotches of Swan while under the brow bone, I really blended it and it just looks well-lit.
On my non-oily lids, used without a primer, the colours last me all of a full working day without creasing. I get a little fading by the end of the day but its not drastic. I’ve used Choc Clair most often as you can tell from the smudged corner (I tried to keep it as clean as I could but I can’t stop myself taking pictures of used items, nor can I stop myself from using them before taking photos!) and Gris City is next. I can live without Swan (and you can too, sorry Dior!)
Here’s an idea of how it looks on a full face.
Eyes : Dior Mono Gris City, Choc Clair, Swan | Cheeks: Estee Lauder Tease | Lips: Dior Addict Extreme Plaza
With eyes looking this neutral, I like to go with brighter cheeks and lips and this was a great excuse to wear the bright pinks. I have been pulling out this look quite often in recent times. No inspiration and I’m back in my neutral rut.
I think the new Dior Mono Eyeshadows are pretty to look at but I would advise you to take a look at them for yourself before you decide if they are for you. Some colours can be worn alone but I feel that many of them while looking vibrant in pan, swatch sheerly when dry. Those who have experimented with using them wet show beautiful results so its a matter of what you prefer. I think the neutral shades are better – its alright if they are slightly sheer because they are easily layered, but if it looks like a vibrant purple in pan and applies sheerly, that’s always a let down.
In a nutshell
The Dior Mono Eyeshadows are newly formulated eyeshadow singles that can be used wet or dry. Used dry, the colours tend to be a little sheer and used wet, they take on a greater intensity and in some cases, shine. There are different textures as well from matte to very shimmery and many colours to choose from. I personally think the neutral shades perform better when used dry as opposed to the brightly coloured ones which apply a little sheer when used dry. Used wet, they are intense if that’s your thing. As the price per shadow is quite high, I can’t in all honesty tell you to run out and buy them. But if there is a colour you like, the quality is quite good and the longevity is too.
Pros: Texture of the satin shades are smooth and very easy to apply on skin, Longlasting, Easy to blend and layer
Cons: Pricey, Colours tend to apply a little sheer when dry especially the more vibrant shades
Who will like this: Anyone who prefers using single eyeshadows, Anyone who uses their eyeshadow wet and dry
Size wise, its small and it comes with 2 sponge tip applicators. I use a brush to apply on normal days, but I have also used fingers and it works. I find the applicators too short to hold them comfortably to apply the colour to your lid but if you REALLY have to use it, it will work. I just never found the need to REALLY have to use it 🙂
Have you checked out any of the Dior Mono Eyeshadows yet? Do you have any and did any specific colour catch your eye?
Lily has some swatches of most of the other colours available here. I will recommend looking at Gris City and Choc Clair if you really want a place to start. They are safe colours that can be very easily worn together or separately on their own. I somehow feel that’s what Dior does best – safe colours. People will use it more often, and its surprisingly hard to find a good safe, neutral colour. Leave the experimental brights to brands like Urban Decay and the like. They do it better and Dior’s neutrals can then complement their gorgeous array of bright beautiful lipsticks and glosses, which they do so well.
Paris B
Dior Mono Eyeshadows come in 18 shades locally Price: RM105 each Availability: Dior counters everywhere
I’m having a crummy day. I think I’ll get choc clair because it reminds me of chocolate eclair I would munch on at workshops. I LOVE CHOCOLATE ECLAIRS. And yes, amongst the colours you’ve posted, choc clair is the one that’s screaming out at me 🙂
After the day I had, I definitely need a chocolate eclair!
Saw this at the counter, yes they do have pretty colours but I rather spend my $ on their 5 colour palettes instead, which is double the price for something that is rm105… hehehe
Makes a whole lot of economic sense, Liyeun! 😀 I’d do the same as you 😉
Love Choc Claire a lot! It sounds like you are getting slightly different shades? We do get a nice selection of rather neutral shades. I only tried Ribbon so far and I love it, it’s great for highlighting. And about using it wet or dry yeah, don’t see much difference with that one either. The price is really high tho, I think I rather spend my money on something else ^^. Looking really lovely Paris! 🙂
The colours here are quite colourful and also neutral but I wasn’t too taken by the rest of the collection. I’m not sure if we get Ribbon but I’ve never been one for highlighting colours. Always feel like we oils just do with one hehe… Thanks Teri and I’m with you. It is rather too pricey for just 1 colour that could just be average 🙂
Thanks for the link shout out 🙂 I love Gris City on you! Choc Clair didn’t look like much when i swatched it but it looks lovely how you pull it together with the bright pink lips!
Welcome, having swatches is helpful! I think Choc Clair is a surprising shade. I can definitely see myself putting a dent in that one!
Very, very nice. Love the combination of greys and pink. I love the combination of the eye shadows that you have done! If only the 3 colours come in a palette. . .
Thank you Applegal. It would most certainly be lovely in a palette… For half the price! 😉 maybe is will give them some ideas hehe
I have Gris Montaigne and Mordore, and I swatched about every shade in the line-up. I prefer shades that are intense enough dry, just because I can’t always be bothered to use my eyeshadows wet! Choc Clair seems like a winner here! I’m also eyeing the khakis/greens in the line-up, but nothing has become too compelling yet!
I’m with you, Sunny! I hate saying this but I never see the point of using a shadow wet. If its not intense enough dry when its supposed to be, I skip it! I thought I’d be won over by the khaki shades but nope. Didn’t even tug at my heart strings! At these prices, you have to really really love a colour to buy it!
I like the combination of 3 colors. Great for working days.
Ding! Ding! That’s exactly it! Perfect combination of neutral shades… But so pricey right?
I REALLY want Tweed after seeing it on Front Row Beauty but I can’t seem to find it online or in-store. Strange–they only have about 5 or so shades available on Nordstrom but I had heard when they were first released that there would be a ton more shades?!! :/
That’s so strange Becca! I know we get something like 15 or 18 shades and there are 24 in all! Are they sold only at Nordstrom or can you look for them in other department stores too? I don’t recall Tweed but the name sounds like a pretty neutral!
I remember falling in love with the purple – but it will never replace MAC’s Violet pigment in my heart as the prettiest shimmery purple ^.^
I liked the Dior design on them, but other that, nothing ever drew me to them. Perhaps I’ve been too spoiled by Inglot’s eyeshadows HAH HAH HAH.
Their pigmentation isn’t close to that of MAC at all! Haha! Nice for a pop of colour but definitely not for COLOR! Inglot does do very good pigmented colours for eyes. It’s part of the reason I’m not drawn to them anymore lol 😉
they’re so pretty… though i would never wear white… makes me look weird… haha
White shimmer is nice to brighten the eye area – makes eyes look bigger too! 😉 can’t be worn as a colour that’s for sure. Most of us would look weird too! 😀 you can also get the same highlight effect with a light gold, which works well on warmer skintones.
hahahahha neutral rut… :p Neutral or bright, you look beautiful. 🙂
I like the grey smudge under your eyes. Is that eyeliner or using Gris City?
Aww thank you Ting 🙂 I smudged Gris City under my eyes. It’s a trick I’m employing with great success in recent times, so even if my eye makeup does smudge a little, its ok, because it already started out that way! 😀
That’s a neat smudge. I thought you did it with a pencil liner! 🙂
My version would be so messy. Imagine someone tells me to clean up the eye because this person (most probably my husband) thought it has melted, I’d look at him in disbelief and irritation, shake my head and walk away while uttering in my throat “it’s SUPPOSED to be SMUDGED, you idiot!” :p Hey it’s already happening, inside my head. :p
Haha I used to dislike lining my under eye but now I do it all the time! Get the Nars #15 smudge brush. Works like a dream. I’ll share some thoughts on lining one of these days after I get over this bump in my road.
I have my eye on the colourful shades in this range, they are very pretty! But I prefer eyeshadows that are already very pigmented when used dry, especially at this price point. I’m too lazy to use eyeshadows wet and I’m always worried that’s gonna ruin the texture overtime.
But I love the look you did with these shades, it’s very wearable and pretty!
I’m 100% with you on the texture issue Gio. I don’t want an eyeshadow this expensive to just die on me one day because I’d been using it wet. I never believe in that anyway 😀
I can’t really see much colour on the other two but Gris City is gorgeous on you!
Thanks Lyn 🙂 the other 2 colours are very subtle but Choc Clair is like a my lids but better colour. Very versatile for me 😉
All of them look fab! I think they look much nicer swatched on your arms! lol
Haha! That’s rather unfortunate since my arms don’t need shadow! 😉
Meh, I like Dior palettes but still, so much shimmer and frost, too much really. Texture is amazing of course but I dont think frost all over my eyelids look good.
Some Dior palettes are well done but I think they started out on the wrong footing 😉 I’m not too thrilled with what I’ve been seeing coming out of the brand in terms of eye colour but can’t fault them for trying, cos when they get it right, they get it very right! I do think their strength lies in lips products though
I have checked them out and already have 5, haha, love them! 😀 I really like how they slightly are changing the colour once applied wet, I wish they would come as refills though, the packaging is meh and bulky, especially if you want to have a small collection, I wish I could put them all together in my z palette 🙂 I think they are a bit pricey as well but oh well 😛
Ooh! 5 of them! Which did you get, Claire? I think it would have been fun if Dior had done them in a palette style. Maybe a freehand palette of trios or quads. That might make more people buy them, and they could drop the price per shadow 🙂
IKR? That would be awesome, I don’t know why they make such bulky packaging for single e/s, I bet people would buy more if they came as refills, I have to depot them, lol! I got Tweed, Spencer, Mordore, Panama, Lilas Mitzah … Camouflage and Mariniere are on their way, hehe. I really like the quality, mine are all soft and pigmented, love them! <3
I think people would be all over these if they came as refill pans! The colours you got are very pretty, Clarie. Pricey but if it works for us, why not eh? 😉
!!!
You’re looking absolutely flawless in the photo, PB! 😀 I really really like that look on you. May I ask what foundation you’re using? Your skin looks so soft and natural, I’m envious~
Aww thank you Cheng Gee 😀 it is partly lighting, don’t forget. As for foundation, I think I was wearing Lunasol Skin Modelling foundation here 🙂
I am such a sucker for Dior…they’re packaging is too beautiful to not have! I have a mini 5 colouers of Dior eyeshadow in khaki, but I never tried the monos before. I like 2(W) best on your arm! 🙂
Good eye, Wheetnee 😉 Gris City is a lovely colour! The quint in Khaki is really good too. Some of the others are hit or miss but you got a hit!
I love the look you’ve done with these, it’s so pretty and delicate. I’ve been looking at a few of these, but have yet to buy anything. Whilst I love Dior’s shadows, I seem to prefer them in the quint version, I just can’t seem to get into the three colour or mono versions.
I do have two of the monos with the cannage print, but only two because most were as you said, too glittery. The ones I have are more matte/satin. A lovely medium-deep purple called Purple Show and a beautiful dove grey called Graphic Grey. They are my most used single shadows, I love them. I’m actually sad they discontinued this design, since it was so streamlimed and compact. No excess plastic around the edges (that’s why Chanel’s singles always looked so horrible when open) and well-proportioned. It was so small and cute too! That’s what I liked most about the old design, the new one seems unnecessarily bulky.
I remember the ovals, but this was when I was just getting into high-end makeup in my late teens (um, a bit too early? heh heh). The first high-end makeup I bought was a Dior duo in the oval shape. The combination was a light pink and a deeper pink (just like the NARS Bouthan duo from this spring) called Diorsweet. The combination captured me and I had to have it, so I saved for it.
Thank you Leila, and I’m sort of with you on the design. It is rather bulky with a lot of unnecessary packaging, especially the applicators on the side. I am also Ho-hum about the trios. Except for the Smokey Khaki one, the textures aren’t as good as the quints. I think Dior’s strengths lie in their quints for eye colours. The monos look pretty though 😉