About 4 years ago, the Dior Addict lipsticks were reformulated, alongside the Chanel Rouge Cocos. In fact, their ads had me taking a second look. I even pit them in a head-to-head battle to see which was better. My loyalties and conclusion then, was that the Dior Addict lipstick reigned supreme.
Truly, the formula of the Dior Addict is what had me falling in love with Dior lipsticks and makeup in general. Here’s what they used to look like, when I first started buying them. It had a translucent dark blue cover and a gold tube, a moisturising formula and a nice wash of colour – not too sheer, not too intense.
Since I am such a huge fan of the Dior Addict lipsticks, and since every version they’ve come up with so far have wowed me, I wasn’t planning to be too critical about this new 2015 version fronted by Jennifer Lawrence. I mean, they’re essentially preaching to the converted, yes?
However, when I started playing with these, I confess to a slight sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. My HG lipsticks seem to have taken a hit in terms of formula, and what this tells you, as far as I’m concerned, is that I feel that the quality of the new Dior Addict lipsticks are not up to par with what they used to be.
There, I’ve said it. I’ve read more than a few reviews that have said that these new Dior lipsticks are as good as the previous formula. I’d humbly disagree.
I feel that the new version is now far too sheer, far too sparkly and not moisturising enough. I’d like to call this the Peter Phillips disease. He helmed Chanel and released the new Chanel Rouge Coco back then. I didn’t like it – it was too drying even if I seemed to be the only one saying so. When he left, Chanel reformulated their Rouge Coco lipsticks and it’s now SO. MUCH. BETTER!
When I heard he’d switched sides to join Dior, my heart sank. And now that he’s had a hand in the Dior Addict lipstick reformulation, my biggest fears are realised. Unlike many who may love the product, or the man behind it, I’m not one of them. Let’s just say Peter and I don’t see eye to eye in terms of lipstick texture 😛 And with this preface in mind, let me walk you quickly through the new Dior Addict lipsticks and show you some swatches of the 4 principal colours in the core collection.
I have to say however, that the new packaging for the Dior Addict lipsticks are lovely. The pearly finish of the case is retained, and given a shinier appearance. The packaging is slimmed down and simplified, and the lipstick now slips into the cover and stays put with a magnet.
The upgraded packaging is most certainly noteworthy. However, the name of the lipstick is only found on a little sticker at the base of the cover. So, if you have a couple of these, and you don’t take care which cover you use, you will in all possibility mis-name them if anyone asks what you’re using.
As for the lipstick bullet itself, it retains the flat, round surface that makes it easy to apply. Due to the formula and the more casual vibe of the the colours and textures, this isn’t a lipstick that requires precision in application.
As part of the reformulation, the centre, or core, of the lipstick sports the CD logo in a slightly contrasting colour. We had seen this in Dior’s Summer 2015 collection (that I opted out of since tie-dye isn’t my thing) and if I’m to be honest, I don’t like it. Happily, once you start using the lipstick, the surface flattens out and the CD logo is less noticeable.
What this “core” is, according to Dior, is an ultra-moisturising core that gives lips a shine, rather like that of a top coat. It runs all the way through so it’s always there. The lipstick is infused with oils that help moisturise the lips. I don’t know how it is then, that I feel this new formula to be more drying than before. It didn’t make sense to me.
For some reason, I felt that this new Dior Addict lipsticks don’t apply as smoothly on the lips, nor do they aid in moisturization, the way the previous formula did. It used to be that when my lips felt dry, a slick of the Dior Addict lipstick was what kept the flakies at bay, while adding colour and some shine.
However, when I was using these recently, with slightly dry lips, it only accentuated the dryness and lines. I also realised that they didn’t slick on very smoothly.
Dior Addict Lipstick – Tribale, Be Dior, Smile, Wonderful swatched 2 times down my arm
In terms of colour, I found these quite lacking. In tube, they look fairly pigmented. On skin, they are very very sheer. Even Be Dior, which is the deepest shade here, is a mere wash of transparent colour. I felt a little cheated.
- Tribale 451 – This is a lovely coral in tube, with noticeable shimmer/glitter particles in the tube, but none when swatched. The colour is a very transparent, light coral.
- Be Dior 976 – A lovely berry red in the tube with little to no noticeable shimmer or glitter, it swatches on skin a transparent berry red. Good if you want to ease into wearing red lipstick but not so good if you were expecting a deeper tone.
- Smile 553 – A pale nude pink with no noticeable shimmer, that applies a light sheer pink
- Wonderful 561 – A pink with noticeable shimmer that swatches a pale, transparent pink with noticeable glitter
On lips, as you will see below, the texture and colours weren’t as flattering as I was hoping they’d be. For the record, for Smile, Wonderful and Tribale, I applied at least 3 layers to get the colour to show up. Be Dior was applied 2 layers. A shade like Tribale would have previously gone on a slightly deeper coral. Now, it’s a bare wash of colour.
My least favourite is Wonderful, which gives a frosty appearance to my lips that I absolutely dislike. It made the lipstick look cheap and this isn’t cheap, folks. It’s DIOR for goodness sake! I expect more from Dior than frosty pinkness.
So it appears to me that Dior has now gone and infused glitter into their lipstick, which bugs me. Glitter has a bad way of making lipstick look frosty, and honestly, it isn’t flattering. I’d personally pick the ones that are glitter-free. For some reason, the texture of those are better as well. If you’re wondering, yes, if I mash my lips together, I feel the fine glitter particles in Wonderful, and that bugs me more than you’ll realise.
Here’s how it looks in a full face shot, just for you to have an idea on the shades.
Between Smile and Wonderful, I’d pick Smile because it is more flattering without that awkward frosty shine. Tribale is a colour I’d have preferred if it was deeper, a little more like how it looks in the tube. Be Dior is alright, as sheer red lipstick goes, but there’s something about the texture that doesn’t sit well with me. As I’ve noted, I feel it to be more drying than before, which is unusual.
Dior says that the “ultra moisturising core” will give your lips a shine akin to that of a top coat (like that of nails) but if I’m to be honest, I don’t find these to be any more shiny or glossy than the previous version. I suspect a lot of the shine comes not from this “core” but from the glitter/shimmer and that to me isn’t true to what Dior Addict lipsticks are or were like.
Dior Addict lipsticks used to be the most moisturising lipsticks I’d ever worn, which allows me to use them even like, or in place of a lip balm. But with this new formula, I’m not enamoured with it. I feel that what was a winning formula has been messed with, and I’m not happy about that 🙁
It is also noteworthy that with this new Dior Addict range of lipstick, the old Addict and Addict Extreme have been discontinued. Some colours have been carried over to the new formula, but a friend has told me that she found the colour and texture to be dissimilar even though the product has the same name. I’m sad. I was a huge huge fan of the Dior Addict and Addict Extreme lipsticks and I sang their praises from the time I started blogging till… well, now.
I’m afraid I’m not in love with this new Addict formula, nor do I think it to be similar, or even better than the previous formula. Perhaps it’s because I have been using them a while, or perhaps I have a basis for comparison. Perhaps, if I wasn’t so hung up on how wonderful they were, I’d be more forgiving. But the fact is I am. Sorry folks, gotta live with my whinging 😉
IN A NUTSHELL
Dior reformulated and relaunched the Addict Lipstick collection with a new formula and packaging. The new packaging is sleek and attractive and modern. I like it, and it no longer clicks in place, it’s held in place by a magnet. The formula is supposed to be more moisturising, with a core that coats lips with a shiny top coat, and moisture. The CD logo goes all the way through and in some shades, come in a contrasting colour. Personally, I’m not a fan of the new version. I feel the texture to be a little dry and drying, the colours to be too sheer compared to what they were before, and they are too glittery. While the sheerness of texture means most colours are wearable, it also means that you should just forsake the light shades because they’ll all look more or less the same. I’m not a fan, sorry Dior.
PROS: Sleek packaging is attractive, Sheer texture makes it easy to wear bold or deeper shades
CONS: Too sheer and too glittery, Not moisturising, Dry texture tugs at my lips
WHO WILL LIKE THIS: Anyone who hasn’t used the old Dior Addict ranges, Anyone who wants a sheer wash of colour and shine in a lipstick, Anyone who wants to try wearing bold shades but don’t want colours that are too intense
Am I too hard on these? Yes, I think I am. But can you blame me, a long time user and fan of the Addict lipsticks? 😛 I think if you’re new to the Addict line, then you may not be as critical and may even like this new formula and texture. It’s just that I have a basis for comparison, and I’m going to stop apologising right here. I didn’t like these. Period 😛
Have you tried these new Dior Addict lipsticks? Do you like them?
If you did, by all means say so. I realise that I’m probably the only person so far who isn’t truly enamoured 😛 So what I’ll be doing is going and buying up some of the colours I missed in the older formula. I’m sure they’ll be still available online and at least I’ll be able to get some good use out of what used to be my holy grail lipstick. Boo hoo 😛
Paris B
Dior Addict Lipstick (reformulated 2015) comes in 44 shades Price: RM108 | US$35 | £26.50 Availability: Dior beauty boutiques and counters, Sephora
I’m trying so hard to convince myself into buying one of these because I have 4 of these in the previous formula (and loved them!) but since you reviewed them as ‘meh’, my mind is now completely made up. Another factor could be their new brand ambassador. Kate Moss can sell me anything so since they switched to Jennifer Lawrence (whom I have nothing against actually), I only see these as just another lipstick brand. I’m one of those minions who can be persuaded to buy or not buy based on star influence. I was loyal to Estee Lauder’s Advanced Night Recovery Serum but stopped repurchasing it and even distanced myself from the brand ever since one of the Kardashian girls became their brand ambassadors. I thought the girl was okay but my collective dislike of her whole family was enough to put me off. Well at least it gave me a chance to explore other brands and I’m having fun with the search of a new holy grail night serum!
Haha you know, just stop by the Dior counter and take a look. No harm in that right? 😉 For me, it didn’t matter who the ambassador was, but you know, if you were to ask me who Jennifer Lawrence is or what movie she’s acted in, I have no idea! At least I knew who Kate Moss was LOL! Oh and a Kardashian is now with EL?! Oh God forbid! 😛 I still like ANR though and so long as I don’t see their faces anywhere I think I’m good >.<
I believe Kendall Jenner is the Kardashian girl fronting a new EL lipstick range. I don’t find her too bad, she looks the classiest out of her other sisters. But it is EsteeLauder’s hope that she’ll bring in a younger target audience. A lot of girls in my age group loves the Kardashians for some reason.
Ahhh I saw people raving over the Kendall Jenner lipstick but didn’t know they’d actually signed her on as a face. I think you’re right, they’re definitely tapping the younger market – smart move to be honest. They are the future purchasers, and more willing to spend, after all 😉 I don’t quite understand the appeal of the Kardashians. I didn’t even realise they were related LOL!! 😛
Hey Paris, have you tried their non glittery shades? Those, I find are exactly the same as the previous Addicts, and even more moisturizing on my lips. However, I never had dry lips to begin with, so I might not be the best judge 🙂
Smile and Be Dior aren’t glittery, but I find they tug more than the previous version does. The previous one would literally slick on, but these tug a little. I don’t have dry lips either, but it was nice knowing my lipstick was doubling up as lip balm. Now, I’ll just live off the previous versions LOL!
Was thinking of buying these but I need to hear what you have to say..I love and used the old dior addict and addict extreme lipsticks and those are great enough for me..maybe that’s why I was not really intrigued when these came out..
Right? the old ones were amazing stuff! But next time you have the chance, just stop and swatch and see if you like these. I mean, most people do, so maybe I’m just being a sour puss 😛
I have a few sitting there to test out, just haven’t gotten around to it yet. Now I’m not so sure I want to try them! They used to be my fave sheer lipstick formula too, and I’m upset they messed with the formula.
LOL! I’d love to hear what you think of these actually, Tracy! I mean, I’m a bit of a moaner, but it could just be me you know 😀
Hi Paris,
I know this is unrelated, but i had an absolutely horrendous experience at the Jari spa in Publika today, and i was googling reviews when i came across yours in March 2011. You closed comments so here I am, commenting on this spa in your Dior lipstick post =P
It’s 2015 now and can i say they have probably gotten WORSE than the time you went?
First the massage was really bad, as you said, slapping u around like clothes on a washboard. Second, while i was on my back, the lady threw the towel off my chest n started massaging my boobs?? did u get this???
then, THEN, btw i went to the spa at 12pm, was going to go have lunch later so i had on my foundation, concealer and some makeup. then the masseuse, without warning again, started massaging my FACE with the same oil and hands she used to massage my FEET a few minutes ago!
thinking about it now is making me all cringey n disgusted.
Needless to say, i rushed home immediately after, and showered n washed my face and used an exfoliating face mask.
ARGHHHH. Isn’t there a way to warn people!!
Hi Summer, goodness! I can’t believe that a) they’re still in business and b) they’re still as crap a service! 😛 I closed comments because the spa people came to leave all sorts of comments and they actually lied to people on their facebook page and said they’d spoken to me when no such thing ever happened! Your experience sounds so traumatizing, I hope you told all your friends so they know to avoid it like the plague!
Just curious, what do you do with products you don’t like? Because I’m sure these are $$$$, and in some countries it’s difficult to return used cosmetics. Do you throw them out, give them away, use them up slowly, or…?
Hey Ayu, sometimes, I use them but less regularly. E.g. with these lipsticks, I’d likely use them except for Wonderful which I dislike. Otherwise, I set them aside for friends and family who might like them. Throwing them out is usually only as a last resort, after a few years, when I find them in a lonely corner somewhere and it’s expired. Because it’s used, it’s harder for me to give it away to people so you’re right, there is a lot of wastage when it comes to things I’m not keen on 🙁
ok la money saved. i was on the fence with these. i think i’ll just pay for the baume version since i quite like those. still got guerlain but man those are so exp la!
I still haven’t tried the baume version! :O Maybe just take a look anyway if you’re a little curious? I mean, just coz I didn’t like it doesn’t mean you won’t 😉
i did try the new ones, but just didn’t like them enough. maybe it was the colour I picked or something, and yeah there was one lighter shade I picked had glitters/ obvious shimmers and not something I am quite keen to put on the lips these days. feel like not work appropriate enough.
Yeah the glitters. I’m like “Why, Dior, WHY?!” Idiots 😛
How disappointing! I might look around for the old versions 😛
I’d recommend that to start! 😉 You might even find them on sale somewhere
So it’s basically become a lip tint. That’s a huge shame. I was really tempted to try these because I heard some good things about it. But I was worried since a lot of the colours have added glitter like you mentioned.
The price too, they raised the prices of this range! I’m glad I didn’t take the plunge to try this.
That being said, I’m going to have to buy one or two more of the addict extreme lipsticks since the old formula is still available in stores.
A glittery lip tint 😛 The glitter bit, plus the non hydrating bit really threw me for a loop. That said, I suppose there’ll be people who’ll like it because not everyone’s as picky as I am LOL! Also, not many people have that basis for comparison, which might explain my pickiness 🙂
I\’m so depressed about this!! I recently tried some of these without knowing they changed the formula. I was horrified when I found out. Can someone give me some advice on how to find the older versions?
So sorry you had to find out the hard way, Ana 🙁 I know a lot of people love this, but really I feel it’s inferior to what it used to be. You can try asking your local Dior counter if they still have any old stock. Perhaps they’re clearing their stocks? You can always tell from the packaging (no magnet, so the tube clicks in place and the cover looks different) Otherwise, try looking online. Some online stores like StrawberryNET.com
may still have stock of the older versions from time to time. Good luck!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! I was really disappointed how sheer the colours are, and not excited about the amount of glitter too. I’m a big fan of the older Dior Addict lipstick. Also tried several Dior counters to see if they have old stock but no luck so far. Have you found any other lipstick that is comparable? I like other ranges too but so far only the older Dior Addict serves the purpose of lipstick that is as moisturising a balm, and gives a non-sparkly just-enough layer of colour. Sigh.
Hi Ellie, I’m glad that I’m not alone in thinking of how inferior they are to the older version. Few people seem to complain. I don’t know where to find the old versions except maybe online. As for comparable brands, I haven’t found many either! Dior Addict was in a league of its own. I’m testing the Laura Mercier Lip Parfait which is supposed to be similar, and doesn’t have sparkles. Also, if you have access to Shiseido Maquillage, take a look at the Dramatic Melting Rouge (review here) They are a little more sheer/natural in colour, but the texture is wonderful!
Thank you for the suggestions! The Shiseido Melting Rouge looks like a good alternative in terms of the lipstick texture 🙂 Though I totally agree with your review about the packaging… too flashy. I’m thinking the other one that I might check out is Dior’s Rouge Baume too.
I was sold Dior rouge Baume today , don’t go there . It’s awful and packaging is no better than a cheap lipstick from super drug
I was told today , when trying to find an old one and sold an awful new one which I hate, that Dior had recalled all discontinued stock , I would love to know where it is and how to buy it
I am very disappointed with the new Dior lipsticks , I took an old one in to replace today to be told it was discontinued and they weren’t doing that colour either! She sold me a new one , said colour would suit me better . Took it home put it on and yuk yuk yuk!! Colour is awful, texture is too drying , and it’s frosty!!! My d one was creamy and very flattering!! Not happy at all . £26.50 down the drain . I will not be buying door again
really helpful review ……. and nice collection Dior Addict lipsticks
I noticed the change in packaging but had not realised they changed the formula till today. Thankfully, I have not bought a single tube of the new version.
I LOVE the old Dior Addict (thanks to MWS, hehe) and had chalked up more than four of them even though they were a pinch to me a few years ago. I have just rediscovered my Dior Addict. They wear extra beautiful over lip pencils!!! Have you tried it this way?
I’m happy the old Dior Addict worked so well for you! I haven’t tried them over lip pencil, but I’ve worn them over matte lipstick and I love the resulting colour and how more comfortable it feels!
Quite unhappy with “Tribale”. Too sheer and does not stay on. At all. I have applied it with a brush, then tapped some sheer powder on…It makes it stay a little longer, but at $35 Dior should be a better product. I don’t have time to be checking my lipstick every 30 minutes. Will be sticking to Maybelline 24 Super Stay.