Dior is at it again, girls. I love Dior in general, but their eyeshadow quints are what I look forward to most of all. This August, they’re giving us *two* new palettes for fall. Oh, be still my broken knee.
The two new 5-Colour Eyeshadow Palettes are part of the upcoming Impression Cuir collection.
Earth Tones
My favorite of the two quints is hands-down the Earth Tones palette ($54) pictured above. All five of its shades — dark olive green, light moss green, pale pink, chocolate brown and reddish brown — have rich, creamy matte finishes with just the faintest shimmer. Girls (or boys) who like spicy neutrals may dig these a lot.
I used to steer clear of mattes because they can be hard to work with and difficult to blend, but Dior has the matte formulation down. These shades blend well, and, with a hint of shimmer, they create looks that aren’t flat or one-dimensional at all.
Unfortunately, Dior does not try to be a budget brand, and both of these palettes cost a pretty penny. For the money, though, the shades in the Earth Tones palette absolutely deliver. I think these are well made, beautiful and highly wearable eyeshadows. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A+
Iridescent Leather
When I opened the second of the new fall palettes, Iridescent Leather ($54), I expected to find shimmery, dark chocolate browns and blacks, or maybe a mini-dominatrix trapped inside! To my surprise — and slight disappointment — I found something a little less exciting: five somewhat unremarkable shades of shimmery brown and beige.
The palette’s tan, taupe, beige, dark brown, and silver-brown shades are pretty, but the four lighter shades look a lot alike to me. I want eyeshadow palettes with dramatically different shades that still work well together, like Shu Uemura’s Fleur de Rose. Now, that’s a palette with a lot of flexibility.
I wouldn’t say Dior dropped the ball with Iridescent Leather; the shades are pretty, but I just don’t think they’re very dramatic or inspiring.
If I were to buy the Iridescent Leather shades individually, then I could get behind them, but the fact that the shades are all so similar undermines the point of a palette. Still, if your skin is cooler toned or you’re looking for some basic, shimmery neutrals, then Iridescent Leather may be worth your time. Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: C+
The entire Dior Impression Cuir collection, including both new eyeshadow palettes, debuts this August.
Ladies, I’m so glad it’s Friday night. My bum knee is still out of commission, so no workouts for me. I may go to the movies, though, to exercise my popcorn eating skills. Is popcorn an anti-inflammatory? I hope so.
Have a great evening, beautiful. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
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Aaww, girl, sorry to hear about your knee! All that working out has you healthy though, so you’ll be back in action in no time! 🙂
Pity about the quints (Earth Tones is too warm and Iridescent Leather is too blah), but then again, it saves me a few pennies!
I’m all about these! I think these will absolutely be my first two eye palettes by Dior. I’ve been holding out and I’m glad I’m waiting for these.
I can see why you’re a bit disappointed in the 2nd quad. But I think these would be very pretty layered with a beautiful rosy cheek and nude lips. It’ll be perfect for the Holidays.
Sorry to hear about your bum knee! I’m a knee injury expert – so take my advice and take it easy. I think you should hang on the couch all weekend with pain killers, movies and margaritas!!
Hey girl…
the dior quints look amazing. seriously they do..
i love the first one, but im gonna ahve to agree with u on the second one the colors look mighty similar all together.
i♥makeups last blog post..Make-up Trend: Hot Pink
The shades in Iridescent Leather are so similar that I get confuse when I see the palette LOL. Your green octopus is cute! Let’s hope all the chewing on popcorns will not give you jaw inflammation too. At least you are resting your knees, I’m sure they will feel better soon.
Hey Karen – sorry to hear about your knee. Hope you get well soon! Let us know what movie you end up seeing 🙂 and if possible, give us a short review. I’m dying to go to the movies…there’s a few things I want to see. You’re good at reviewing things…so I’m looking forward to hearing what you saw 🙂
Karen, what’s your take on the Dior palette for Nordstrom’s July beauty event? the “Gaucho”? http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/2988693/0~2377897~2377898~2384319?mediumthumbnail=Y&origin=category&searchtype=&pbo=2384319&P=1
Hi Karen
Hope the knee improves soon. Good excuse for taking it easy!
Love love love the earth tones palette. Dior quintets are sooo fab – I’m loving the golds from the summer collection at the moment.
I’m on a self-imposed shopping ban (my make-up collection is rather out of control) so will have to drop some heavy hints instead!!
Have a good weekend.
Karen,
Bummer about the “bum” knee! I hear popcorn does have healing powers. Seems to for me at times:)
The earth tones palette is really pretty. What do you think of the Gaucho palette Nordstrom’s is offering for the anniversary sale?
Lauries last blog post..Hurry – there’s a "Shu" Sale!
LOL! Mini dominatrix! You are soooo funny, even with a bum knee 😛 I am a little worried about you! It’s still not feeling better even after a couple of weeks??
I am loving the Earth palette and I’ve been looking for a good matte palette too… but I just got the Urban Decay Ammo palette and Fleur de Rose in the space of 2 weeks so I am gonna go about my day and forget I ever saw it! *nod* 😀
Feel better!! 🙂
Hey Karen,
You know what eye shadow sets I’m a huge fan of? Maybelline, they come in trios or quads… Not as fancy as Dior, but also not nearly as expensive, and they work really well!
I hope your knee feels better soon!
Karen, please get yourself some Advil and put your legs up. You’ll be better in no time.
Ah, the Dior and my wallet don’t go well together. I haven’t been liking the browns and neutrals lately. My faves are the blues and I’ve been digging Parrot so much, almost everyday. The octopus seems to enjoy the Dior palettes very much, his eyes are dreamy hehe.
I went to get a facial today, my first experience. The Aveda Institute has a 50% discount so I took advantage of it. Aveda really rocks! I’ll probably go weekly for about a month until my skin decides to behave again. Do you think it’s a good idea? Btw, I didn’t feel relaxed being under the blanket and all.
Hi Glosslizard,
Thanks! I woke up this morning and it was still throbbing so it looks like I’ll be taking it easy today.
Yeah, I was really hoping for instant love for the Iridescent Leather… but it so didn’t happen. I guess this way you’ll have more $ for the Chanel release. 🙂
Hi Tuprnut,
Oh goody! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed by the texture or color payoff. The Dior shadows are some of the best around.
I can envision that look with the second quad. It also would also be pretty with a light cheek and a red lip, too — very festive.
Bah, my stupid knee is still hurting! Pain killers, margaritas and movies it is! 🙂
Hi Iheartmakeup,
I know! They are so pretty… I think you’ll be blown away by the Earth Tones; the greens would look perfect on you!
Hope you’re having a good weekend!
Hi Miss QQ,
Thanks hon. Ugh, hopefully I’ll be mobile soon, because makeup hunting requires fully functional knees .:)
How was your evening? Do anything fun?
Hi Shefali,
I watched Wall-E. 🙂 I read a bunch of reviews on rottentomatoes.com on it and it got very high ratings, so I watched it on a whim. It’s fantastic! I’m going to put a lil’ mini review in a upcoming post. 🙂
What are you up to this weekend?
Hi Alessette,
I’m really looking forward to it!
I think the Gaucho looks very pretty (especially the wine shade), and I *love* the packaging. I will have to see it in person, though, because I want to make sure that the colors are different enough from the ones I have. How about you? Do you think you might pick it up?
I’ve also had my eyes on both the MAC Colour Forms Warm Eyes and Cool Eyes palettes, so hopefully they won’t disappoint when I see ’em in person.
Hi Rachel, London!
LOL, I hear ya on the makeup collection being out of control. But oh, the possibilities … 😉
I like the summer gold quint, too, especially for easy day looks, believe it or not. I usually just do one shade on the lid with some liner and it’s just enough for a quick, polished look. Have you paired it with other shadows?
You have a great weekend, too, girlie!
Hi Laurie,
I think it does! When I was at the movies last night I think the popcorn may have momentarily taken away the throbbing… 🙂
The Gaucho palette looks hot — especially the packaging (I’m such a sucker). From the looks of the pic on line the shades look wearable and interesting, so I can’t wait to see it in person. Do you think you might get it?
Hi Nosh,
Aww, thanks sweetie. I think I’ll be okay if I just stay off it it for a few days. 🙂
Oh, you’ve picked up some good ones. Gotta say though, that these are some great mattes. If you get a chance just play with them to get a feel of the texture… I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
Gave a great weekend!
Hi Terre,
I have a couple of Maybelline singles. I agree, they are fun, budget friendly and work great.
Thank you for the knee well wishes! 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Hi Dao,
Sure thing, ma’am! *gulps advil*
I think we’re on the same makeup wavelength, as I’ve been liking the blues, too. Here’s a color that I’ve been wearing lately that you might like with your blues — it’s a gel liner by Lola called Lagoon!
Regarding facials, it really depends on your skin. I rarely do them — they are a nice treat, but something that I don’t think I need on a regular basis right now that my acne issues are under control. The last time I had challenging skin issues (bad adult acne), I tried doing a facials (which made my face feel nice, but didn’t really help) and then I went to a dermatologist who prescribed Tazorac (didn’t work, either). Weirdly enough, the only thing that worked was ProActiv, go figure.
Some women really depend on them to keep their skin lookin’ beautiful, so if it works for you and you have the $ then go for it!
Hey Karen! Hope your knee is feeling better soon!
Karen,
I actually did my preorder already for the anniversary sale:) I did get the Gaucho palette (!) but may give it to my sister-in-law for her birthday. Or….if I love it I might just pick up another one so we both have it!
Feel better!
Well, Tuprnut is dispensing some excellent advice, I’d say stick with that regimen for another day! 🙂
Y’know, Dior is all well and good, but I just can’t work up the affection for the brand that I harbor for Chanel! I can’t really explain it, but there it is!
Hi Tiffany,
Thanks, girlie. It’s almost fully healed. I hope to be up and running tomorrow. Have a wonderful week!
Hi Laurie,
LOL, I do the “one for me, one for you” thing often when it comes to pretty palettes. I hope your sis-in-law likes it if you end up giving it to her. It’s so pretty!
Hi Glosslizard,
Yeah, I decided to skip dance class today so that I could heal a bit more.
Trust me, girl, I KNOW about the Chanel fixation. 😉 It’s got a hold on me, too!