Dior has just released the holiday collection, Golden Shock. The collection has the vintage packaging that brand is using for the last three years. I have picked up the nail polishes for my collection and swatched and compared them for you in my last post. Today I would like to share the swatches I took at the counter for you since it haven't seen many lipstick swatches online, I think it may help.
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| Dior Counter, Golden Shock Collection for Holiday 2014 |
I can't help myself but mention the treatment I got from SA at Stuttgart Breuninger counter. I am a long term customer and this disappointed me beyond words. I would like to take a few swatches and she was very rude. She told me it is not allowed to take photos. Really? No explanation why, what kind of photos. I only had my cell phone with me, no professional camera and I was taking photos of my arm, I can't imagine this being forbidden. I am at cosmetics department at least once a week and all the SAs help me take pictures while this one **** feels she needs to be rude at me for what? If nothing else I am helping them to sell their products!
Anyway, I moved to Douglas down the street, very friendly SAs there, they helped me to take the rest of the photos by providing me with cleaning towels and I purchased the nail polishes there. I am trying to decide if I should complain about her behavior. I am a platen customer at the store but I don't like making people's lives harder, their income less stable etc. I have never complained about a person before but this time it looks like she really asked for it. What do you think?
Maybe I should just get over it... Let me introduce you to duo lippies from Dior, which are the newest thing in this year's collection which is very close to last year's otherwise. If I have understood it right, these are supposed to me matte on one side and sheerer and shinier on the other. What I have seen though instead was the matte side was rather satiny or even shimmery. Since I like wearing sheerer lipsticks, these looked like a good way to change the intensity during the day by applying one side, other side or even layering them. I didn't try them out on my lips yet though. Anyway, I might go back for Daring Shock, which is a lovely berry color. I usually like Diorific lipstick formula and own many of them, these are intriguing me.
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| Dior Swatches of all lipsticks from Golden Shock Collection, Mysterious Shock, Daring Shock, Passion Shock |
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| Dior Swatches of all lipsticks from Golden Shock Collection, Enchanted Shock, Ardent Shock, Delicate Shock |
I have also swatched two of the glosses which appeared to be very unspectacular. Fusion Moni in #621 Mirror was way too shimmery for my taste but I can see it being lovely padded on an otherwise matte/satin eye look to take it to night.
There are a number of swatches on the internet for both of the quads. I especially like the posts from Stacy for that matter, she also posted lovely eye looks. Hop to her blog for Golden Shock and Golden Reflections. Below I have also swatched them for the sake of completeness. My thoughts upon trying them, I will probably pass on both since they are pretty frosty and glittery. Pigmentation is not too bad (average) and I like also a bit of shimmer for holidays but the quality of shimmer is nothing like, say, Nude Dip from Tom Ford or Poesie from Chanel. We are talking about linear frost and I believe it looks cheaper than it costs, if you know what I mean. I used to be a lover/collector of Dior eye shadows but since they changed their formula this fall, I am rather disappointed. The only two I love until now are Cuir Cannage and Trafalgar.
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| Dior 5 Couleurs Palette, #046 Golden Reflections |
Probably between the two I would rather go for Golden Reflections since it has an unusual color combination. Golden Shock seems like the purple quad we all own a couple of. The darkest shades being glittery/shimmery and not that deep and pigmented is also another issue.
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| Dior 5 Couleurs Palette, #046 Golden Shock |
EDIT: Since now the counter also has the highlighters, I would like to add them here for the sake of completeness. Gold one is really yellow, not what I would go for but pick one is pretty, especially when applied lightly.
Final thoughts: I am a little underwhelmed about Dior Holiday this year so this posts concludes my reviews of Golden Shock Collection. Double-sided lipsticks deserve another chance though so I will go to the counter once more when unfriendly SA is gone.
What do you do when SA is unfriendly? Any tips?
Hey, so the lipstick aren't as bad as I thought they'd be! You know I am not big on metallic lipsticks, but the "metallic" half of these looks more shimmery to me than metallic. There are actually several shades I think I'd enjoy, too. Thanks for the swatches!
ReplyDeleteI can't remember the last time I encountered a rude SA. They leave you alone if you tell them you just want to take a look here, otherwise they can be very helpful. So sorry to hear that one particular one was mean!
Hi Sunny,
DeleteI think the lipsticks are the stars of the collection since I can't feel the rest of it all that much. I might pick one or two next time when I am there.
I go to counters very often and usually know everyone there. They know me too and are very helpful. I even made friends with a few of them. But this one was particularly mean. Maybe she was having a bad day, whatever it was, it was no fun.
I can see you rocking these lippies!
OBVIOUSLY I am buying both palettes-this post totally sealed the deal, I was like YES when I saw it on my bloglovin feed!
ReplyDeleteI hate rude service. Nothing worse
Stacey | Expat Make-Up Addict xx
Hi Stacey,
Deleteespecially the cooler palette will look gorgeous on you. Are you going to check out the lipsticks too?
OH those palettes!!! What a shame about the sales assistant, probably just enjoying the power too much. I often find some to be very rude. Not sure what I think about those lipsticks. The packaging is obviously incredible xx
ReplyDeleteHi Vanessa,
DeleteI like the vintage packaging too, especially the ones of nail polishes and lipsticks. I think I have to try before deciding on a lipstick since it is a new concept, it might not work for everyone.
I remember back when KarlaSugar was blogging, the cosmetics floor manager for Barney's was very rude to her. I can't remember if they asked her to leave the store, but they told her that she was not welcome to swatch and photograph in the store. Maybe the SA is paid by commission and thought you were just there to play around and not buy. Pretty ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteHi Amy,
Deletethanks for letting me know that. I am such a fan of Karla Sugar and I can't imagine how they did it to her. She was so helpful and I believe so many people ordered products by checking her swatches out. I know I did, many times. Sometimes the brands are counter productive or maybe it is just the SA who can't think properly. I told her "I buy a lot" and she said " i know" so probably it is not because I wouldn't buy, it is because she was an ****ole
Report her. She had no business telling you to take no pictures. You're not in a museum or anything like that, it's just a goddamn store. As long as you don't damage any of the products or try to steal something, they have to leave you alone. Or provide the service they're paid for. But that's it. Some of them obviously think they can boss customers around, so anyone who gets that treatment should contact management in order to make sure these little idiots get a lecture or are fired.
ReplyDeleteLOL Sadie, I had to laugh at your "museum" comment. Yeah, if it is forbidden, they should rather insert signs here and there to make sure their valuable makeup is not photographed, ;-)) I think she was new and was just trying to be annoying for some reason, don't know why.
DeleteOMG!!! THis Golden Shock Collection is soooo pretty!!! I love the elegant packaging and the lovely sets of colors.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked them
DeleteI really like quite a few items in this collection, def want at least one of the duo lipsticks, and the palettes.
ReplyDeleteUgh. I can totally understand your frustration about rude SAs! I've mostly let my bad experiences go, but I think if I ever managed to get pissed off my the same SA twice (which hasn't happened so far) or that the same counter or brand has done the rude behaviour again, then I will complain.
My personal worst shopping experience is with Agnes B in Taiwan. I felt sorry for the SA and the shop ppl, because it was a simple (but massive) mistake on one SAs part that could have easily been resolved if the Taiwan Accounts offices had just made a resolution possible. In the end, they more or less said it was my problem and that there is no way to compensate me. So I've never set foot in any of the affiliates shops again, and won't let my family or friends purchase from the Taiwan stores.
I know, I don't want to go there ever again. And we have so many other counters, why shop there right? But I go to this particular department store very often and all the other SAs, even at Dior (which is the worst counter in terms of SAs but I know why, because it seems they pay less than the other brands!) are rather nice to me. At Chanel, they even swatch things for me on their arm and let me take photos! I think I am particularly annoyed by one person and once she is there, I won't go there ever again.
DeleteI have to admit that I was always very surprised seeing your swatches from the counters. Here you're not allowed to take any pictures, it was the same in Portugal
ReplyDeleteInteresting, here it is usually allowed. Only to take the photo of a counter as a whole with a professional camera is restricted because of copyright they told me, but me taking the photo of my arm with a cell phone doesn't fall into that category. Were you ever told that it is forbidden?
DeleteOoh, thanks so much for the swatches! These are such perfectly festive shades :)
ReplyDelete-Jen
www.vibrantbeautyblog.com
They are indeed! Enjoy :-*
DeleteYES you are doing them a favor by selling their product and less returns... I've had a run in with a bad counter girl at Armani and it really left a bad taste in my mouth...I won't go back! Don't let her bother you... you are doing a great job and I love your blog! Hugs....
ReplyDeleteCathy
Hi Cathy,
Deletethanks for your lovely comment. Actually most of the other non-ignorant SAs know that I have a blog and help me twice because of that. One being so stupid is not fault of all the others but I know what you mean. I don't want to go there for some time either.
Hi Sara, so sorry to hear about your bad experience with the SA. If it was me, I would speak to the manager. I agree with you about the glitter on the cream shadow, otherwise it was nice though. I have the Diorific Shock and I wasn't that excited about the quality. Boo.
ReplyDeleteYou are right, I have to find the manager and clear things out.
DeleteCream shadow is very sheer and glittery. Would work wonderful as a base though, I love glittery base to bring life to matte/satin shades.
Why didn't you like Shock? Not long lasting?
Mirror, ardent shock ... Stunning and calling my name !!!!!
ReplyDeletePaddychat
LOL, hope you get to enjoy them soon!
DeleteThe worst thing is dealing with rude salespeople. If she were smart she would cultivate your patronage so that she can sell more...I would simply never go to that counter again. I still remember a rude salesperson from a few years ago at Bloomingdales--Bobbi Brown, and I haven't gone back to that dept. again.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely blog and your review--but this collection really bores me, I feel like I have seen it all before and it's too predictable. There's nothing exciting to look at, come on Dior, you can do better than red/black/gold for Christmas nails. I wish they done some holographic things in blues, greens, etc. maybe we can give them advice LOL.
Hi Silvita,
Deleteyou are all right, rude SA means no more visits and they loose customers, bad for them, good for our purse ;-)
And yes this Dior Collection must be one of the most boring and least innovative ones this year. Same thing since three years, same packaging, same colors. I know they can do better, I hope they will start doing it soon!
I love Dior but this collection is meh to me. I was intrigued by the gold top coat. But I will pass on all of it.
ReplyDeleteRude SA. I had a recent experience at Chanel. I was sold a powder foundation that is too light for me. I look like a ghost and have to apply darker powder on top to not appear so ghostly. Went to try to exchange it to be greeted with I don't know how to apply it. Even if I was messing it up, when you pay $79 for a foundation with SA matching, you expect it to work for you. I never wear it and it is now in the bottom drawer after only owning it for a few weeks.
I went back to another location of the same chain but it is out of my way and I have to pay for parking. My usual department store is 5 mins away. So I will go when pushy snotty SA is not there but disappointed that even if she does not make the commission, that it still counts towards the counter sales.
I have spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on makeup and have never really returned anything. This Chanel foundation makes me look dead. Sigh.
I am so sorry you were wrongly matched and the foundation didn't work for you. Once I had such an experience in MAC, you can't believe! They wanted to match me to... now don't laugh... NC45! I was like "I think I know I am around 20, 25" and he was like " no no you are not lighter than 40" lol, I ran out of there. If I had no clue, would end up looking the worst of oompa-loompa! So I learned a lesson, never thrust SA matching you the foundation ;-)
DeleteI have a super b**** at Neiman's several months ago. As in I am so sorry, since I was disturbing her from discussing her boyfriend issues with a fellow SA. At NM they send an email receipt with a survey you may take. I let it rip in my survey. I heard nothing. I was back in the store and the same garbage again. I called the store and asked to speak to VP of the store. The actually took action. Had a come to Jesus chat with the SA. Was given a huge gift card and lunch with a friend. I also have become good friends with the manager of the cosmetic dept and the VP of operations at this store location. I focused on the solution for this issue. If you say nothing, you are enabling this type of behavior.
ReplyDeleteFrom what I had read about your experience, Neiman's sounds like a store which really do care about their customers. You are right, if I don't say something, this SA will go on doing her thing and it is no good. I wanted to first speak to the customer service to understand what their rules are for photography. Then I am a little shy to ask it, because at the moment I can almost photograph everything, everywhere but what if they say it is really forbidden :-/
DeleteSara, I think this is my first comment here. I really love looking at your great pictures and in depth reviews. Today I feel for you as another Breuninger Stuttgart customer. My Dior experience at Breuninger in S: An SA offered unasked to do a flattering, fresh eye look for every day. I happily agreed because I had just been ignored at another counter. When she started to apply the eye liner, I remarked that I was so clumsy with liner that I never use it. She said "Oh no, you have to it's so easy, look!" And it looked worse than I had ever done it, the eye shadow was a strange mix of grey and yellow and I looked like a clown. She was actually very friendly so that I just couldn't bring myself to tell her to remove it. I left as quickly as I could, jumped in the car and drove home. My husband actually laughed when he saw me.
ReplyDeleteBut very glad to read that experiences with strange SAs are international. The funny thing is that in Selfridges in London, where I am just one of thousands of provincial, ordinary tourists with huge eyes, dressed for comfort and lots of walking, browsing and not buying much, I've always been treated exceptionally well.
It is very nice to read from a fellow Stuttgarter ;-)
DeleteI had to laugh loud while reading this, since I became friends with a few SAs during all those years I spent at the counter. Although some know how to apply makeup, some of them have no clue. They are mostly the ones which are contracting and not hired by the brand. I also know (and mentioned above in another comment) that Dior pays the least compared to the other brands so contracting ones don't want to go to Dior. This is how Dior ends up with the worst SAs which are not working there anyway and have no shame and no skill. I think this is why you were "painted" in a bad way. I had to chuckle reading your husband's reaction, lol.
It seems Selfridges is really good in person but online they are another story. I have had huge problems with their online customer service in the last months so now I am trying not to order something unless it is very necessary.
You're right Sara, this collection was very underwhelming. My counters finally received the testers for everything, and the eye palettes were just plain boring. They look pretty in the pans, but the colors are so similar to past releases. Plus, the testers I tried were lacking in pigmentation, but at least they weren't frosty!
ReplyDeleteI can't believe I'm skipping most of this years' holiday collections. Maybe it has to do with travelling to Asia this winter and wanting to pick up some exclusive items, but I usually fall head over heels in love with Christmas collections. The only thing I've picked up so far is the Guerlain Meteorites. Those are stunning!
Hi Christina,
DeleteI am also usually fan of Christmas Collections with all the glamour going on. This year I am having trouble to find products which I might like to try. I got most of Chanel but this was because I haven't tried them out in person. I like the highlighter from that collection. From Dior nothing is really calling my name but ended up with the nail polishes just because I collect them. I will check out Guerlain soon, hoping that the dark duo or the palette should be nice. Armani's palette looks like something I might invest in ;-)
I completely forgot about the eyeshadow duo from Guerlain! I don't even know if we get it here. I hope you do swatch them if you get the chance!
DeleteThanks for this helpful review.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you're mentioning poor customer service in this post, because this evening I went to the mall looking for this new Golden Shock collection and had a horrible experience.
ReplyDeleteBefore going I called the Nordstrom counter to ask if they had received it, she said not the lipsticks, but the palettes yes. I ran there after work and... they didn't have anything. The SA didn't have a clue what I was asking for (SAs being less knowledgeable than beauty enthusiasts about the brand they're selling is a major issue I have all the time!), but told me to go to Macy's (interesting that she sent me to another store).
I got to Macy's and they had no testers out, but the palettes were on display behind a glass panel. No SA at the counter. I waited for 10 minutes, approached someone at another counter who said someone was coming. I waited 10 more minutes... and nobody came. I left. And I just bought a palette online without being able to swatch it before making a decision. If it's not stellar, I'll just return it without any remorse!
This kind of dismal service is not rare and it's the main reason I do 90% of my shopping online. If someone is rude to me I complain to their management and boycott the store plain and simple unless they find a resolution for me. That's why I stopped shopping at Sephora completely!
Oh gosh Sara, so sorry for that bad experience! I'm glad to say that the store where I go for my favorite brands are just great and I was even thanked by a Dior rep for blogging about the brand! Like you said, free publicity!
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about the lippies and just might pick up Daring Shock as well. Not sure I'll like the two sided idea but still I find it interesting and that berry pink is so pretty! :)
I wanted a lippy, but I agree with you that the only one that looks interesting is Daring Shock. I like a betty too. Enchanted shock looks interesting, but might be too warm for a cool/pink & fair person like myself. I am liking the Pink Shock you just put up, but I think it would be more of a glow pink blush on me. I have old Snowglobe beauty powder from MAC that gives the barest highlight for the pink/cool/fair, but then I just bought Physicians Formula Mineral Glow Pearls Powder Palette in translucent pearl & it's similar in tone/color, but it does give more of a solid sheen than the MAC one.
ReplyDeleteOh gosh, I hate rude SAs!!! And seriously, what is up with the no photography thing?? I say take your money and spend it somewhere else! Thanks for the swatches, Sara... those lipsticks look interesting. I can't decide which one though, guess I've got to try them on. #onepairoflipsonly
ReplyDeleteSA: Complain about the B****.... I have similar one here. Just complain...
ReplyDeleteI ended up not complaining but next time it will be a different story!
DeleteI am intrigued with the lipsticks. I want to order them on line as my SA is not nice. Is it possible for you to swatch them one coat over the other, so we can all have a better view of lipsticks as applied with both coats. Thanks?
ReplyDeleteHi, I would like to do it but being told to go while swatching, I am not into stress again. You can imagine the color turns out to be between the two ends and depending on which side you apply more, that one dominates. Hope this helps.
Delete