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Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette Review, Photos, Swatches

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette ($61.00 for 0.17 oz.) is another new and limited spring offering from Dior. I wish I could say it was more impressive than Dulcinee, but I was still disappointed.  The palette suffered from poorer color payoff and wear that lasted just over seven and a half hours (for most shades, though the blue was significantly faded by the seventh hour).  Like Dulcinee, the colors tend to look all the same once applied to the lid, so it loses a lot of versatility and usefulness as a result.

Pastel Fontanges #1 is a bright, metallic silver with cool undertones. It had so-so color payoff, and the texture was soft and smooth. Tarina Tarantino Lovely #1 (P) is darker. MAC A Party of Pastels #1 (P, $21.00) is similar. Sleek MakeUP Pretty in Paris (LE, $9.99) is more metallic. Guerlain Crazy Paris #3 (LE) is lighter. NARS Flowers 3 #1 (LE, $24.00) is similar. Guerlain Les Aquas #4 (P) is also similar. See comparison swatches

Pastel Fontanges #2 is a pale, pastel blue with a white base and a frosted finish. It had sheer color payoff, though the texture was soft to the touch. It faded faster than the other shades did when worn. Guerlain Les Tendres #2 (LE) is less blue. Too Faced Joy (LE) is less blue. Sephora Collection Sweet Dreams (17) (P, $13.00) is slightly darker. Maybelline Icy Mint (LE, $6.99) is a cream product. See comparison swatches.

Pastel Fontanges #3 is a sparkling, yellow gold with a frosted, metallic finish. It was semi-sheer, and the texture was fairly soft and smooth. I didn’t have any fall out with this shade that I could see when I wore it. bareMinerals Presto (LE) is darker. Clarins The Essentials #2 (LE) is similar. theBalm C1 (LE, $16.00) is less sparkly. Bobbi Brown Sunlight Gold (P, $28.00) is a cream product. Chanel Convoitise (90) (LE, $36.00) is a cream product. MAC Greenluxe #2 (P) is more glittery. Disney by Sephora Charming (LE) is less glittery. Disney by Sephora Sand in the Glass (LE) is less glittery. Make Up For Ever #101 (P, $20.00) is similar. See comparison swatches.

Pastel Fontanges #4 is a medium-dark taupe with subtle warm undertones and a pearly sheen. It had so-so pigmentation, though it was easy to blend on the lid and applied smoothly for the most part. Wet ‘n’ Wild Naked Truth #4 (P, $2.29) is similar. MAC A Glimmer of Gold #4 (P, $21.00) is also similar. MAC Just Before Dawn (LE, $21.00) is darker. See comparison swatches.

Pastel Fontanges #5 is a pink-tinged, light peach with a frosted finish. It had good color payoff, and the texture was soft and easy to apply. It was the best performing shade in the palette. Laura Mercier Sparkling Dew (LE, $23.00) is less frosted. theBalm D2 (LE, $16.00) is lighter, warmer. MAC A Natural Flirt (LE, $19.50) is more golden, warmer. Le Metier de Beaute Nouvelle (LE, $30.00) is more metallic. See comparison swatches.

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #1 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #1 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #2 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #2 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #3 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #3 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #4 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #4 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #5 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Pastel Fontanges #5 Eyeshadow

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Eyeshadows: #3 (inner lid), #5 (middle of lid), #4 (outer lid/crease)

Dior Pastel Fontanges (234) Eyeshadow Palette
Dior Eyeshadows: #3 (inner lid), #5 (middle of lid), #4 (outer lid/crease)

48 Comments

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Fina Avatar

After so much print/online advertising of this collection, the eye shadow palettes have performed not too well (including the ones that did not make it to the US). Though I do like #4 in this particular palette.

After talking with a sales rep, supposedly the trend is sheer washes on the eyes and more focus on the lips. Though my curiosity wants to see how some of these perform with the eye shadow primer that Dior released.

The mono matte eyeshadows, lip sticks, and blush have been the favorites so far.

Mariella Avatar

Well, sounds like a nice story but “trend/shmend” – with a bit of skill and the right brushes and a light hand, most of us can turn anything into a “light wash of colour”. Personally, at these prices, I expect a whole lot more in terms of pigmentation and I’ll adjust the density myself. I dunno – this sounds like an excuse to justify a less than good product.

Celine Avatar

Too bad this fell short, cause I’ve never yet had a Dior palette and would like my first one. These shades really appeal to me, would they work better with a primer? Is there a particular Dior palette you could recommend for me for a first one?

Mariella Avatar

Pastel baby blue has never done anything for me as an eye shadow! The only shade that really “grabs” me is the dark one (#4) but I’ve so many similar shadows that this is an easy pass for me which is good since I’m planning to pick up that new Too Faced palette (Chocolate Bar? Chocolate Box?) and also Naked 3.

Sylirael Avatar

Dammit Dior! We know you can make awesome eyeshadows – what’s your sticking point with these pastel compacts?!

I realise that sheer can be intentional, but I tend to feel its a waste, as if the formula is good you can always sheer a pigmented thing out. If it starts off hopelessly sheer, then you’re kind of already really limited… 🙁

Christine Avatar

It totally wouldn’t surprise me if these were meant to be sheerer, because it’s spring and pastel, and that can be an obvious choice. I just wish they’d put it somewhere in their spiel when someone purchases it, “Hey! These aren’t quite like our regular eyeshadows…”

But as far as I go personally, @Sylirael, I’m with you – most eyeshadows can easily be sheered out, but if it’s sheer, it’s hard to build the color up. I’d rather a more pigmented eyeshadow that can be used either way!

amy Avatar

Hi Christine, I come here occasionally to check your beautiful macro photography.

Is there any chance you could discuss and describe what camera/lens you use to take these amazing photographs? I remember a while ago, in your old blog, you had put a description there, but I am sure by now you are using different cameras. I would appreciate your response.

Mary Avatar

Eechhh. I wanted this so badly and just wanted to hold off until I saw your review – so glad I did! Lol thanks for saving me a pretty penny.

Alia Avatar

Just bought this the other day st Sephora and I am planning to return it. I am in complete agreement with you on this one Christine and very disappointed that it performs so poorly. I slso bought the Dior eyeshadow primer and it apploes cakey and does not prevent creasing or fading at all!

BeckBeck Avatar

It’s kind of an unpleasant surprise to see this from Dior when their shadows have such a cult following. (I myself have a mixed relationship with them – my undying love for Grege is tempered by my inability to wear their “iridescent” quads at all.) It’s a shame the pigmentation was so lackluster when the design of the palette (bows!) is so charming.

Rose Red Avatar

I have to disagree about this palette! I’ve done a few looks with it, and I really like it. It’s a lot more subtle than the Autumn palettes for example, but It the first blue eyeshadow I’ve actually enjoyed wearing as it’s more of a hint of blue than an 80s nightmare 🙂

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