I have here one of beautifully classic pieces from Dior's Grand Bal, Holiday 2012 Collection.

As you can see, the packaging design is absolutely stunning to both hold, admire and have in the stash. It was a slight pain to photograph too because I kept catching myself in the reflection of it (and gave up dodging in the end) but that's not the point...

To accompany the classic grandeur, the lipstick has a slight weight to it but nothing too heavy that would make it a hassle to carry around.

The shade I opted for was Diorling and based on what I had seen from swatches and mentions online, I was quite surprised when I uncapped my press sample.

This was before I read the press file and took note of the shades available but it seems, as mentioned in my Dior Grand Bal overview entry, the shades available to us differ from the US launches.

From Musings mention and Temptalia's mention, you can get a glimpse of the vibrantly bold US version of Diorling (which is numbered 037).

The local version, numbered 340, while not what I expected shouldn't be discredited.

Our Diorling 340 sits on the more neutral and wearable side of things, leaning a little pink and a little coral at the same time with a hefty amount of fine gold iridescence running through the shade.

In terms of formula, this takes a slight step away from the lustrous glaze-like formula that we have seen quite a fair bit these days.

I want to say this is drier but that would not seem appropriate either.

The Diorific Lipstick formula is creamy but stays close to the lips once you have applied, such that you need not fear it slipping, sliding or migrating around. There is no tugging involved nor is it difficult to achieve an even, beautiful finish on the lips.

The final color pay-off would best be described as a satin but thanks to the load of iridescence in it, provides a more dimensional look in a different way that something lustrous and glossy would.

I do recall seeing lipsticks of this finish before but due to the influx of glossy translucent ones filling the market these days (especially for nuder shades) this seems like a novel thing to reach for again.

I can't stress enough about how lovely a neutral this is. Definitely not boring with that golden glimmer it gives off when it hits the light.

Though one negative about Diorling 340 is that since it has a golden sheen and is a formula that clings closely to the lips, it does have a habit of accentuating any fine-lines or dryness that you may have. Thus those who battle such problems may be less than pleased with the results of swatching this on.

In some cases, this might require some prepping beforehand but otherwise, it is still a lovely finish and shade to have.

With this, I get about 3-4 hours of wear perhaps due to its lighter and more neutral quality. I don't know how the bolder reds will fare but I did not notice any staining with this (obviously because it'a s nude, ha!). The color also cleans right off with a serviette, leaving my lips as they were, without the golden sheen.

It doesn't feel drying on but it is certainly not moisturizing either.

Here's how the lipstick looks from afar, the golden shimmer not as apparent but still lovely. I really do love the tone of pink it becomes on my lips.

The Diorific Lipsticks retail for S$49 and will be available island-wide from 1st November 2012 onwards.

In the meanwhile, check out what other products will be launched with Dior's Grand Bal collection if you haven't already.

Thanks for reading!

Disclosure:
Products were provided to me for review consideration.
I am not affiliated to them and all opinions expressed are my own.