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| Above: Good lighting in a bottle? Diorskin Star Foundation in #031 Sand. |
Summer and fall have been incredible seasons for the release of a wealth of brilliant foundations…from Clè de Peau Beautè to Tom Ford, medium coverage formulas with lovely, skin-like finishes are having their place in the sun. The latest foundation from Dior, the Dior Star Studio Makeup (currently available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora) recently joined the ranks of its luxury counterparts.
Here are the official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:
Inspired by the professional illuminating techniques and expertise of its makeup artists, Dior invented Diorskin Star, its first brightening foundation. The weightless, fluid formula is capable of recreating the spectacular and perfecting light of Dior’s studios. It uses a new generation of hollow silica beads to capture and diffuse light in a correcting halo with no shine. At the same time, color-filter pigments neutralize color imbalances to recreate the perfect light. Anti light-trapping skincare ingredients help reduce the appearance of dark areas, pigment spots and redness. Your complexion instantly becomes more luminous and even.
My Experience:
This review has taken me awhile to prepare because my experiences with this foundation have not been entirely consistent. Granted, I have been testing this formula in extreme early fall heat and humidity (giving it an undeniable trial by fire) but all in all, I am still somewhat ambivalent about Dior Star. The coverage is medium to full in a single application and, once it sets into the skin, leaves one’s canvas with a flawless, even tone. My current shade is #031 Sand, which is a good match for my NC 25-27 skintone; I haven’t experienced any irritation with my sensitive skin over the course of a few weeks of testing. It is a thicker in texture and consistency than the CdP Radiant Fluid and the YSL Fusion Ink and needs to be buffed into the skin quickly for the most natural finish.
Although I love how it looks upon initial application, I am slightly vexed by the unpredictability of wear. For example, the first time I wore it, it looked great, but looked extremely glowy within 3-4 hours. On other days, I got 6-8 hours of wear without feeling the need to touch up. In every case, I have used the same skincare and primer so this performance diffference cannot be attributed to changes in my routine. Due to this inconsistency, I may not choose to wear it for a long day of work, but I could envision myself embracing it for shorter spans of time (e.g., running errands, heading to an event or perhaps a night on the town).
It also looks less natural (at least on me) and more “foundation-like” on my skin than other foundations in my rotation. Even though it contains sunscreen, I haven’t experienced any flashback in photographs (see images below). Sometimes, that more polished and “done up” look is preferred (and that is when I love it) but I foresee its usage occuring on a more intermittant basis rather than being a daily ritual.
All in all, it is a beautiful formula and I much prefer it to other Dior foundations I’ve tried (Diorskin Airflash being the exception) and I will continue to experiment with it as the weather changes!
Kindly scroll on for shade descriptions and swatches of both the Dior Star Foundation and new Diorskin Sculpting and Brightening Concealer as well as the Bottom Line…
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| Above: Above: Swatches of Dior Star Foundation in mixed outdoor lighting. |
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| Above: Swatches of Dior Star Foundation in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Above: Swatches of Dior Star Foundation in the shade. |
Shade Descriptions (in my experience):
- 10 Ivory: Very light beige for fair skin in the N/NC/NW 10-15 range.
- 20 Light Beige: Light beige for light skin with neutral undertones in the N 20 range.
- 21 Linen: Light beige for light skin with yellow undertones in the NC 20 range.
- 22 Cameo: Light beige for light skin with rosy undertones in the NW 20 range.
- 23 Peach: Light beige for light skin with peachy undertones in the NC 25 range.
- 30 Medium Beige: Medium beige for light-medium skin with neutral undertones in the N 25-30 range.
- 31 Sand: Medium beige for light-medium beige skin with yellow undertones in the NC 25-27 range. **My current match.
- 32 Rosy Beige: Medium beige for light-medium skin with rosy undertones in the NW 25-27 range.
- 33 Amber Beige: Medium beige for medium skin with warm undertones in NC 30-35 range.
- 40 Honey Beige: Medium beige for medium-dark skin with warm undertones in the NC 35-40 range.
- 50 Dark Beige: Dark beige for deep beige skin with neutral undertones in the N 45-47 range.
- 60 Mocha: Deep beige for rich beige skin with neutral to warm undertones in the N/NC/NW 50 range.
- 70 Dark Brown: Dark brown for deep skin with neutral undertones in the N/NC/NW 55 range.
- 80 Ebony: Darkest brown for deep brown skin with neutral undertones in the N/NC/NW 60+ range.
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| Above: Swatches of Dior Star Foundation in mixed outdoor lighting. |
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| Above: Swatches of Dior Star Foundation in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: Swatches of Dior Star Foundation in the shade. |
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| Above: The Diorskin Star Concealer comes in five shades. |
I also had the chance to swatch the new Diorskin Star Sculpting and Brightening Concealer (currently available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Sephora). I haven’t personally tried it, but have read many glowing reviews of the Dior concealer formulas in the past; hopefully the details, shade descriptions and swatches below will be of great use! If you have tried it or are using it, please make sure to share your experience in the comments section ; )
Here are the official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:
Diorskin Star Sculpting and Brightening Concealer by Dior is an illuminating stretch-effect concealer for eyes that instantly neutralizes dark circles while unifying and illuminating the eye contours. You’ll notice that signs of fatigue fade away for more dazzling eyes.
How to use: Use the built-in applicator to deposit a few touches in the crease of the circles and at the outer corner of the eye. Then gently tap with the fingertips and draw the texture out to the exterior of the eye.
- 001 Ivory: Suitable for very fair skin (N/NC/NW 10-15)
- 002 Beige: Suitable for light skin (N/NC/NW 20-25)
- 003 Sand: Suitable for light-medium and medium skin (N/NC/NW 25-30)
- 004 Honey: Suitable for medium-dark skin (N/NC/NW 35-40)
- 005 Mocha: Suitable for dark skin (N/NC/NW 45-50
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| Above: Swatches in outdoor shade. |
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| Above: Swatches in mixed sunlight. |
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| Above: Swatches in direct sunlight. |
BELOW…the following images reflect Dior Star Foundation in #031 Sand in various lighting situations. I am also wearing a favorite lip color combination as of late…NARS Audacious Lipstick in Raquel (reviewed HERE), topped with Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Bare Baby (reviewed HERE).
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| Above: Indoors no flash (by a window). |
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| Above: Indoors, with a flash. |
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| Above: Outdoors, no flash. |
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| Above: Outdoors, no flash. |
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| Above: Outdoors with a flash. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: There are moments when I think the Dior Star Foundation (available at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, Sephora) is utterly beautiful, leaving me with a balanced, perfected, semi-luminous canvas. Other times (perhaps due to the weather or mood of my skin), it feels like it breaks down, becomes somewhat obvious on the skin and gets too glowy over the course of wear. As aforementioned, I will continue to work with this formula to see how it performs in various contexts and weigh back in once I’ve come to a decisive conclusion.
Have YOU tried the Dior Star Foundation? Thoughts?
Good things ahead including spotlights on new skincare, fragrance, lip color, blush and mascara…so much to share!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
© 2012-14 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (32)
Hi Lovely,
The photos with you wearing the foundation look amazing and that lip colour oh my gosh,I really need them.
What a shame that the formula is proving so inconsistent with its appearance. No one wants their base disappearing or looking really obvious.
Have you tried the new Estee Lauder Perfectionist foundation?
I have just purchased it and although I have only worn it once it is amazing! I think it could be an absolute love for me. I am super impressed.
I hope that the forthcoming week will be great for you
Take care and talk soon
Julie xxx
Hello dear Julie!
Thank you so much! Yes, you absolutely need both lip color shades ; )
I haven't yet tried the new EL Perfectionist foundation but am intrigued by your positive experience…will need to procure a sample ASAP!
I hope your week is going well…xoxo and talk soon!
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks for the great review! I've been hesitant to try this one as the reviews seem mixed but it does look beautiful on you. Love your lip color too-can you tell me what it is?
My pleasure! Truly, people either seem to have very positive experiences with this formula or not so great ones…my experiences have varied ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Sorry! Just saw where you mentioned the lipstick
No worries ; )
Thanks for the sweet words!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Your skin looks gorgeous and the way the foundation is applied it looks so natural and glowy. Thanks for your detailed and thorough reviews. From what I've read I suspected it might be too dewy/glowy for me, your post and swatches are so helpful 🙂
Thank you so much, Sabrina!! Truly, half the time that I wear it, it gets to glowy for my skin, too! Such is life : )
Hope your week is going well…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for the thorough review!
Do you have any recommendations for the best way to apply the Dior Star foundation? I've tried stippling, buffing and just using my fingers, and haven't been fully satisfied with the finish on my skin.
Hi Anon!
The review was my pleasure ; ) In response to your question, I apply it with a dampened Beauty Blender and seem to get the best application when I use a primer (in my case, my favorite Le Metier de Beaute Peau Vierge).
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
Thanks B.P. I also need longevity when I have long days in the salon. Will definitely get a sample 1st!!!! Xoxo
Happy to help…yes, I wouldn't say this is a standout for long days, especially if they are warm ones ; )
Let me know what you think of your sample!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi B.P so I think my sample is a bit light. So I mixed with a bit of kanebo cp but like someone else said, I too feel it looked too "foundationy". I've been spoiled by the Cle de Peau skin like finish. Maybe I'll get a sample in a shade darker & try again.
Interesting…I am glad I am not the only one to feel like this formula translates as "foundation-y"
The CdP is just too good ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
I'm absolutely loving the Star foundation on my oily skin. I have found that although it doesn't offer oil control, it doesn't break down from my skin's over-production of oil at all. I can blot with my favorite beauty tool (brown paper napkins) and I still have a flawless finish. I live in New Jersey, and we have had a very mild, dry end of summer. I totally agree that it is not made for hot, humid weather. I tried it on one of the rare steamy days this August and I was kind of a mess. When I have to completely depend on a foundation I always go with Chanel Perfection Lumiere Velvet over my Murad Oil Control Mattifier. None of the new releases have knocked that off the top of my list but this has become my second choice. I have heard other people say this leaves them with a more 'made up' look, or that they feel they look like they have foundation on, but I feel the opposite (I use the Hakuhodo G5557-2mm brush for all of my foundations). I do apply it very, very sheerly. This has become my go to for special events. My biggest problem is that I have found the lightest shade is NC15 at best. When I compare it to my other foundations in the N/NC 10 range (the place my skin will be from about Jan-May) it is significantly darker. I know it won't work. Foundations are such an individual thing though, the mileage really varies from person to person. For what it's worth-it looks great on you!
So glad to hear it, Jessi…this completely proves my point that everyone can have a different experience with the same formula.
Thank you for sharing your preferred mode of application…I think the details will be quite helpful for those that are looking to make this formula work in their routine!
Thanks for your sweet compliment, too ; )
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Your makeup is gorgeous as always! I just love how your makeup compliments the color of your eyes and your overall look. I have always envied people like you who can put makeup by themselves. I have always needed some help from my sister or friends. LOL! 🙂
Thank you, Melissa!
You are too kind…I must impress upon you that I have no special makeup skills…just a lot of practice and a close attention paid to trial and error ; ) You can do it!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
this is on my foundation wishlist, thanks so much for always posting the darker shades as well. Very inclusive and highly appreciated!
Good to hear this!! I love having the opportunity to swatch the full shade range and appreciate the positive feedback on the process…inclusion is extremely important!!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Dear BP,
To preface this, I have oily skin but most foundations for oily skin look dry upon application then disappear at the 4 hr mark. I have been currently mixing a dewy foundation with a long wearing one(mac F&B with MUFE mat velvet plus, this combination has worked really well but I don't want to always mix foundations).
I'm curious- how do you think the new Laura Mercier foundation compares to Dior Star?
Thank you as always 🙂
Hi Ashley,
Thank you! I find that I get better longevity with the Laura Mercier foundation in contrast to the Dior Star…another foundation with super strong lasting power is the Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting foundation!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
It looks amazing on you and the shade is perfect!! I got a sample yesterday and I tried it for the first time today and was wondering if you had experienced any oxidation. Because that was my main problem with this foundation, it looked too dark on me after 2 hours. It also looked very "foundation like" and too glowy. Don't know what to think about this foundation yet. Thank you 🙂
Hi Iratis,
Thank you so very much! I did experience a touch of oxidation; not a significant amount, but definitely a bit. My bigger issue was the excessive glowiness that developed after a couple of hours. The trial continues ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I absolutely love your website, it is so helpful when researching foundations. I was wondering if you ever did any posts for very pale foundations? Very few brands are pale enough for me.
Thank you so much! Foundations are indeed a passion for me ; ) Some lines that seem to specialize in very pale foundation shades include Koh Gen Do (all formulas), Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (shades 1 and 2) and By Terry!
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Unfortunately this made me oily and i have normal to dry skin. Tried it with brush, beauty blender and fingers yet all 3 methods still made me oily in the 2 hour mark. I really wanted to love this but I'd choose my colorstay over this any time.
Thanks for sharing your experience…foundation is definitely not a "one size fits all " affair…so glad we have the luxury of so many options these days!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello BP! We have the same name! Haha. I wonder, how's Diorskin Star compared to Tom Ford Traceless Perfecting? Thanks!
xx Rachel
Hi Name Twin ; )
I much prefer the TF Traceless Perfecting in terms of coverage, natural finish and lasting power!
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Great review, I liked it so much 🙂 I have been using Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua for one full year, and now that it's almost run out I would really like to try the Dior Skinstar. For the Chanel one I bought the shade 20, do have I to choose the shade 10 ivory or 20 beige claire of the Dior one? I am so doubtful, I can't make up my mind D: Do you think that the 10 it's too fair? I mean, I am fair, but not that much XD Thank you very much and keep it up 😀
Thanks, Giulia!
I would recommend the 20 Beige Claire in the Dior Skinstar…I do think that 10 will be a touch too light if the Chanel 20 was a good match for you!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor