Diorskin Nude Shimmer Illuminating Powder in Rose (001)

Launched together with the Summer 2014 Transat Collection, but joining Dior’s makeup collection permanently, are 2 Diorskin Nude Shimmer Illuminating Powders.  These replace the older Dior Diamond Skin Shimmers, although they are completely new and different, a whole different product altogether!  The 2 are – 001 Rose, a light illuminating blush; and 002 Amber, a luminous bronzer.  Neither are as shimmery as the Diamond Skin Shimmers, and are not true highlighters (for that, Dior has designed the Nude Tan Golden Shimmer Powder!).

I had my eyes set on another bronzer this season (see here), and picked up 001 Rose instead.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Illuminating Powders come in a circular reflective silver palette that is identical to last year’s Nude Tan Blusher/Bronzer duos, and the same little kabuki brush.  The powder itself is designed with alternating quadrants of different hues, although with the N-U-D-E letters embossed over them, it is a practical impossibility to pick up enough of the individual shades for use on the face.  Perhaps with a small eyeshadow brush… though that would really be some painstaking work for the face!  The way to use these is really to take a dense round brush (for once the included kabuki is of some real use… although I really wished it was softer… MUCH softer!), swirl it all over the entire pan, and then apply where desired.

Diorskin Nude Shimmer Rose is best described as a luminous blush, it’s sheerer than most Dior blushes, but certainly too pigmented to be used as a highlighter.  Dior describes it as…“blushes gently, catching the light and revealing a sculpted face”.  Not quite as sheer and shimmery as the last YSL blushilighter (here), but similar.  This is perfect for your upcoming summer outings, strolling along Santa Monica Pier and Boardwalk… healthy flushed cheeks without looking like you’re trying too hard.

I had swatched this during my initial run-down of the Dior Transat Edition (read here), but reproduced below for your reference.  The stripes, from top to bottom, correspond to the “pink” quadrants in the top left and bottom right, pink letterings “U” and “D”, and the beige quadrants in top right and bottom left.  I forgot to swatch the letters “N” and “E”, but suffice to say they are pretty much white-ish on my skin.

I know there have been some complains about how Diorskin Nude Shimmer Illuminating Powder Rose (001) does not seem pigmented, so do keep in mind that this is not designed to be as intense as other Dior blushes (for example this and this).  But it does show up, if you work at it with a dense brush.  And to prove it, here is a sudden impulse snap… please excuse the grainy image.

I hope this clears up some of the confusion surrounding this beautiful product!  For more Summer 2014 goodies, do take a look over here!  xoxo