The latest addition to Dior’s upscale La Collection Privee range is inspired by roses, a castle and Grasse.
The latest addition to Dior’s upscale La Collection Privee range is inspired by roses, a castle and Grasse.
ROSES
Christian Dior loved roses so much, he made it the emblematic flower of Dior. So it’s no surprise that you get a strong whiff of the bloom in this fragrance – specifically, what you’re smelling is the fresh scent of May roses, which are found only in Grasse. Notes of sandalwood and amber lend the fragrance a woody, musky quality.
A CASTLE
The horticulture around the nine-bedroom Chateau de La Colle Noire (Christian’s favourite vacation home in his later years) in Grasse inspired some of Dior’s first fragrances – think Miss Dior. It’s surrounded by May roses, which is probably why it lends its name to the scent.
GRASSE
The flowers in this town in the south of France are so often used in fragrances, the town is sometimes referred to as the perfume capital of the world. The May roses in Grasse smell fresher and less sweet than most roses found elsewhere, which explains why this fragrance is not as cloying as other floral concoctions; I’d say it’s sunny, light and feminine.
TAKE IT OFF
We test four cleansing products with diff erent textures that make removing even waterproof makeup hassle-free.
IF YOU LIKE FOAMING CLEANSERS
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Micro Cleansing Foam, $52.
Take the day’s grime off with this, which has safflower oil to cleanse the skin without stripping it of moisture. We love its milk, lavender and camomile scent.
IF YOU LIKE MICELLAR WATER
Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water, $19.90.
We’ve yet to find a cleansing micellar water that’s gentle on the skin yet tough on waterproof mascara, so this bi-phase cleanser blew us away. It removed waterproof mascara and long-wear lipstick sans rubbing.
IF YOU LIKE OIL CLEANSERS
Senka Perfect Watery Oil, $18.20.
This oil cleanser is less viscous than others in the market, making it more suitable for those with naturally oily skin. Also, it doesn’t leave behind an oily residue after it’s washed off . It helps dissolve sebum and keratin plugs, and removes stubborn waterproof makeup too.
IF YOU LIKE GEL CLEANSERS
L’occitane Pivoine Sublime Perfecting Makeup Remover, $36.
A new addition to L’occitane’s Peony range, this gel cleanser immediately dissolves makeup, while cooling and cleansing the skin. It also soothes redness, thanks to peony root extract, which is also said to hydrate the skin and even out its tone.
