Some products are so good in certain ways that their strengths totally outweigh their weaknesses. For me, Diorshow Iconic Mascara ($27) is one of those products.
The newest member of Dior’s lash arsenal doesn’t produce the thickest lashes I’ve ever seen. It doesn’t thicken as well as, say, Chanel Exceptionnel does, but it lengthens, curls and defines lashes so amazingly well that I don’t mind at all.
It’s even easy to apply, never clumping or flaking. Together, its strengths make Iconic one of the overall best mascaras I’ve tried in years.
With its long, skinny teeth, the plastic comb brush morphs my lashes into a natural-looking feathered fringe. The brush grabs even the smallest and stubbiest individual lashes, thoroughly coating and defining each one with mascara. The result is long, dark lashes of equal length.
This is what two coats of Iconic looks like. I think it’s a natural lash look (yet still a little sexy) with added oomph. This stuff is totally like the hot girl-next-door of mascaras.
The formula holds the curl from my Shu Uemura curler all day long and doesn’t smudge, not even after hours of wear.
Diorshow Iconic Mascara in Noir
Price: $27
Use: To lengthen, curl and define lashes
Makeup and Beauty Blog Rating: A
I like Iconic as a daytime mascara and have been wearing it to work and on the weekends. If you’re single and dating, I can see you wearing it on lunch dates, or perhaps to the Japanese Tea Garden for afternoon tea. Your date wouldn’t be able to take his eyes off your sexy, bedroom lashes!
At $27, Diorshow Iconic isn’t drugstore cheap, but the fact that I can wear it every day makes it feel like a pretty good value.
If you’re looking for a high-end mascara with solid overall performance, then Diorshow Iconic might be just the thing. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Jaime says
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:34 pmHOT!
Jaimes last blog post..Great Stila Deals at beautycrunch.com
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pmHi Jaime,
Thanks. Are you a Diorshow fan?
katy says
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:45 pmI love the japanese tea garden. It’s so fun. And the almond cookies they serve are to DIE for. (Plus you can buy Hello Panda snacks there, which are my fave!)
But I also adore paddle boating at Golden Gate Park, too!
I like Dior Show mascara, but it smudges too easily and weighs down the curl in my lashes. It’s nice to see this one doesn’t, although my blonde eyelashes need a lot of pumping up! Maybe I’ll check it out next time I’m in Sephora.
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 3:48 pmHi Katy,
Me too! It’s one of the gems in the park. 🙂
I used Diorshow back in the day, and while I liked it I wanted to try other brands. If you stick to one or two coats of Iconic you probably won’t have an issue with it weighing down your lashes!
So far, the mascaras that I like best for plumping are Chanel Exceptionnel, MAC Plush Lash and MAC Zoomlash.
Anna says
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:15 pmHi Karen,
I’m not a fan of Dior mascara’s I think they are over rated and does nothing for lashes. I prefer YSL False Lash effect, which give amazing skyscraper lashes to die for.
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 4:34 pmHi Anna,
I’ve heard great things about YSL. I haven’t gotten around to trying their mascaras yet, but will hopefully soon!
Tiera says
September 2nd, 2008 at 5:52 pmI’m itching to try Iconic!
Tieras last blog post..The Month Ahead: September
Brenda says
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:02 pmI’m glad someone finally reviewed this because descriptions always say they do everything and I highly doubted that this one would have given me length and volume but since there is such a good rating on curling and lengthening I think I shall buy this (as well as Chanel).
lindsay says
September 2nd, 2008 at 6:40 pmYour lashes look great, but the brush reminds me of Cover Girl’s lash exact (i think?) the one in the green tube and I didn’t really like that one. I’ve always wanted to try Shu’s mascara basic, but I’m scared I’ll fall in love with it because it’s so expensive! Have you ever tried it?
Marisol says
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:06 pmHow would you compare this to the other two Dior mascaras? I am a die hard fan of DiorShow. Whenever I have a bit of extra cash,I will get that mascara.
Marisols last blog post..America, this is one of those moments.
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:14 pmHi Tiera,
I hope you try it. It’s really gives lashes that feathery look. 🙂
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:14 pmHi Brenda,
I highly recommend both this brand and Chanel’s Exceptionnel. While they perform differently, each creates a very distinct lash look.
One great thing about Iconic is that it doesn’t clump!
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:14 pmHi Lindsay,
I think Lash Exact has shorter and stubbier teeth… I *have* tried Mascara basic. It’s a good basic (pardon the pun) mascara, but I prefer their Precise Volume version ’cause it gives great lash length.
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:14 pmHi Marisol,
I find it easier to use than Diorshow (I have an issue with the big brush head — gets stuff all over the place). I also think it smudges less. Regular Diorshow creates a bit more thickness, and drama, for sure, but this is really pretty for feathery, natural lashes.
KK says
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:20 pmI too am not a fan of Dior mascara. I feel like its kinda over rated, sorta… it just does nothing for me….now their glosses are another thing! 😉
Buuuttt, not get me wrong I am a sucker for mascara. My new obsession is Lancome hypnose. I have short lashes and my friend thought I had on false lashes with the hypnose…..I am sure I will be at sephora tomorrow trying the Iconic! I have ZERO will power! Mascara and glosses and the worst for me!
Have you tried the Givenchy mascara with the funky brush? I am soo getting it tomorrow! My friend is in love with it!
Hope you had a great day, and just think its almost already hump day!!
xoxoo
Brittany says
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:24 pmI’ve been seeing this on various blogs for the past couple weeks and each time I hear really good reviews. Too bad I’m in college and broke and can’t *quite* justify spending almost $30 on mascara. Ah well. Looks really nice though 🙂
Meaghan says
September 2nd, 2008 at 7:39 pmI too am a mascara whore and while I like Dior (and mind you I have the regular one, the sephora black black exclusive one and the iconic mascara) i gotta say, save yourself the $ and go out and get yourself the Cover Girl lash Blast! I honestly *HATE* drugstore brand mascara but this stuff is pretty tough to beat. It doesn’t clump like most of Dior’s mascaras (Iconic is better on this front) and has the same awesome rubbery grippy thingies that Iconic does and it’s only $6 so you can get yourself a tube in black and brown! The only downfall to the Lash Blast over the Dior is that it doesn’t have that signature rose water scent…
Now who else is ready for the premiere of 90210 and then The Hills!?!?
Meaghans last blog post..MAC’s Starflash/ Lustre Twin Collection Review and FOTD
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:00 pmHi KK,
Yah, Diorshow seems to be one of those mascaras that really divide people. I haven’t tried the new Givenchy mascara because I’m *terrified* of the brush. I can totally see myself poking my eye out!
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:00 pmHi Brittany,
There’s always good drugstore options. I’m going to try one from Neutrogena next, and I’ll let you know if it works!
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:01 pmHi Meaghan,
I tried lash blast and I wasn’t crazy about it. I have a hard time with the brush!
The Hills last night was okay. I miss the “real” drama from the Laguna Beach days.
Lehea says
September 2nd, 2008 at 8:16 pmI think I’ll actually steer clear of this one. I still haven’t used up my DiorShow. Voluminous is my current HG mascara, so I’ve been neglecting DiorShow. I feel you on the Givenchy one though. The wand’s pretty intimidating.
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:10 pmHi Lehea,
Voluminous is a FAB mascara. I love that one too. As you can tell I have a serious mascara obsession. 🙂
Shockingpink says
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:13 pmIt looks so natural, I like it!
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:18 pmHi Shockingpink,
Me too. I was really surprised by how much I liked it!
KK says
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:23 pmWell if I get brave and head to sephora tomorrow I will report back to ya!!
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:38 pmI totally want to go back to Sephora tomorrow. I was just there, uh, three days ago, and I am already jonsing to go back like the fiend that I am. I totally want to make a ruckus in the Stila section, ha ha ha!
Elena says
September 2nd, 2008 at 9:55 pmHey Karen,
Your lashes look good here! I finally got around to trying Max Factor’s 2000 Calorie Mascara – that one is a masterpiece, I love it! You should try Neutrogena’s Healthy Volume Mascara, too, I really like that one just as much as the Max Factor.
How’s the experimentation with Cult of Cherry going? 🙂
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:04 pmHi Elena,
Thanks, girlie! I have tried and reviewed Max Factor’s 2000 Calorie in the past. It’s great stuff, and cheap too. I have Healthy Volume on my list, and I can’t wait to try it!
I’ve been really loving the Cult of Cherry lipsticks lately. Lightly Ripe is my new favorite daytime lipstick. Tomorrow if I’m feeling better (I am catching a cold) I will hopefully get to play with more eye looks.
How have you been? Did you have a good day?
Meaghan says
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:17 pmWow I am such a dork! I completely thought it was Monday and the Hills was on tonight too!!!
Meaghans last blog post..MAC’s Starflash/ Lustre Twin Collection Review and FOTD
Karen says
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:21 pmNo worries, girl! I am sure it will be on 2,455 times before next week’s ep. Oh! There will be a special showing this weekend before the VMAs. Be there!
Elena says
September 2nd, 2008 at 11:17 pmHey Karen,
I did have a pretty good day. 🙂 I’m actually getting over food poisoning right now (fun! I know), so it feels nice to finally be feeling better.
I’m sorry about your cold! Feel better soon. I’m sending some good wishes your way. 🙂
Eru says
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:34 am[FAQ mode ON]
Dear Karen:
I have Exceptionnel already. Do I need Iconic?
Thanks,
Eru :3.
[FAQ mode OFF]
😀
PS: Have you checked the other colors? I’m thinking about getting Iconic in Blue, but I haven’t seen the shade yet…
Hugs!
Erus last blog post..New GHD Styler: Dark or Pure?
Karen B says
September 3rd, 2008 at 1:56 amLooks great!
Do they have a waterproof version?
Ellery says
September 3rd, 2008 at 3:46 amOooh, I’m always watching out for a new mascara.
The other day I found a cheap £1.75 mascara I must have bought a few months ago, so I decided to try it and it’s sooo good for the price.
I didn’t get a full picture of my lashes but you get the idea from this one. ^_^
http://i35.tinypic.com/345ivlz.png
tokyostargirl says
September 3rd, 2008 at 6:46 amI have heard so many great things about Dior mascaras, but have yet to try any!
Hope you got my email thanking you for the wordpress tips! You rock!
tokyostargirls last blog post..Softymo – Nose Clean Pack
Erin says
September 3rd, 2008 at 7:48 amNice Karen! Your lashes look super long!
Karen says
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:22 amHi Elena,
Oh no! I hope you’re feeling better. Food poisoning sucks. 🙁
Have a good day today… I’m really glad we’re halfway through the week. I’m already ready for Friday!
Karen says
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 am{FAQ Mode ON}
My dear Eru,
Depends on what you’re looking for. Iconic is a completely different look. You could totally rock it though, as your lashes are naturally very beautiful. Iconic would give them an extra burst of day-friendly ooh lah lah!
hugs,
Karen
{FAQ Mode OFF} 😉
I haven’t checked out the other shades! I didn’t even know there was a blue!
Karen says
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 amHi Karen B.,
No, not that I know o. 🙁 It’s pretty sturdy, though, and doesn’t smudge throughout the day.
Karen says
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:29 amHi Ellery,
Your lashes and your shadow look fantastic in this pic. What shades are you using? Love the blending, too!
Karen says
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:30 amHi Tokyostargirl,
I did get it! Glad to be of help, girlie!
Karen says
September 3rd, 2008 at 9:30 amHi Erin,
Thank ya! Are you a Dior fan, too?
Megan says
September 3rd, 2008 at 11:09 amThis one is probably not dramatic enough for me to shell out that kind of money…I mean i have plenty of day mascaras that I love that are cheaper. How does it do with flaking? That’s my normal issue with Dioshow.
Karen B says
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:05 pmhmm. Problem is with the rainy weather here in Belgium and my tendency to ride my bike… I think I’ll have to go for a waterproof mascara (I already had troubles with my Stile non-waterproof)
Ellery says
September 3rd, 2008 at 5:03 pmThank you! I used MAC Parrot all over, MAC Nile on the outer corner then Too Faced Jealous on the inside. I love that combination.
Victoria says
September 5th, 2008 at 6:46 pmI am such a DiorShow fan, your post is just getting me more excited to try it out. Have you heard about the free trial being offered at counters? http://www.dior.com/pcd/International/JSP/Library/Full/full_L6.jsp?pTPL=1081&pLANG=engb&RUB=scene_4 You can fill out your info at that site and print out a coupon to bring to your local Dior counter.
Victorias last blog post..Stand Up To Cancer
Erica says
September 12th, 2008 at 10:38 amThis wand looks like Armani’s Maestro mascara wand. It also defines, separates and curls so effectively it looks like you’re wearing falsies! LUV it! I haven’t tried this one, but it looks like it may have the same effect. For someone with short, stumpy, but thick lashes I love that effect.
Ericas last blog post..What’s in your cabinet? Part One
kat says
November 4th, 2008 at 11:46 pmI really want to try this mascara…
I’ve used Christian Dior mascara’s before and the best one I’VE tried is DIORSHOW but it expired soon after I started wearing it (it was originally my mums).
I’M PROBABLY GONNA GET THIS ONE THO.
It’s like 50 bucks here in Aus but oh well. Beauty costs!!!!
Devorah says
March 6th, 2012 at 3:31 pmI love that kind of wand, I have the Dior eyelash primer which I like, but have yet to try their mascaras. Great informative post:)