ALU’s 365 of Untrieds – Dior Gris Montaigne
365 of Untrieds is my personal challenge to weed through the polishes in the ALU stash that I’ve been wanting to try but just haven’t gotten around to.
TGIF Fanatics! I hope you have fun plans for the weekend. I’m just hoping for some decent weather. I’m itching to grab drinks on a patio somewhere in town. Heck, I’d be happy to just sit on my deck and have a beer with the boyfriend. Do you hear me Mother Nature? Anyway, when I posted my review of Dior Bond Street, ALU reader Serena asked if I could swatch Dior Gris Montaigne for her. Being that the polish was sitting in my untrieds bin I decided to test it a little earlier than I anticipated. You see, I’m trying to alternate between different brands as much as possible but I’m happy to accommodate requests when I can. |
Formula & Application: Dior nail polish is 4-Free (including formaldehyde resin) and free of camphor, which can be an irritant. The rectangular glass bottles are topped with a mirror-like chrome finish cap that comes off to reveal an inner ribbed cap (similar to Chanel polishes).
Dior recently overhauled their formula and brush which is now a flat paddle style with firm, curved bristles, similar to Sally Hansen Insta-Dri & Complete Salon Manicure brushes. This style of brush has it’s pros and cons; it gives great coverage but if it isn’t cut perfectly it can be hard to create clean edges near the cuticle.
As I mentioned in my Bond Street review, the firmness of the brush can cause dragging unless you use a light touch. However, Gris Montaigne was just as beautifully pigmented as Bond Street so I achieved full, opaque coverage in two coats.
Dior Gris Montaigne is a dark grey creme. To me, it looks like wet cement. Whereas a lot of greys have either a blue or green base that tends to separate out over time, Gris Montaigne has a hint of muddy brown to it. To give you an idea of how dark Gris Montaigne is, RBL Stormy is quite a bit lighter and China Glaze Recycle falls somewhere between the two. It’s closest living relative in my collection is Barry M Grey though the Barry M has a bluish undertone.
Bottom Line: Finding a well pigmented grey this dark that is discernibly grey and not charcoal isn’t easy. With the exception of the Barry M I mentioned above, I don’t have any polishes quite like this. If you are looking to fill a dark grey hole in your collection, this will hit the mark. The formula is outstanding and the color is gorgeous. However, if Gris Montaigne is out of your budget, Barry M Grey is a suitable, if not identical, substitute.
365 of Untrieds Stash/Share Verdict: Like its City Gris Collection sibling, this one is getting STASHed.
Dior Gris Montaigne is available at Dior counters nationwide as part of the Gris Montaigne Spring 2011 Collection and online at Dior.com and Nordstrom.com. Dior nail polishes retail for $21/ea for a .33oz bottle.
Thoughts on Gris Montaigne? Are you wearing grey polishes this season? What is your favorite grey nail color? Do you plan to scoop up Gris Montaigne? If you already own it, was it worth it?
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Lisa N.
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I was looking through my stash for a dark grey and was surprised that I didn’t find a single one. I’m not sure I would pay the $21 for this, but it made me realize a gap in my collection. Shopping time!
Oooo, this one is so pretty.
I haven’t mentioned yet how much I like that your nails are on the short side. It’s flattering and ladylike, and good on you.
I am loving grays at the moment! This one is gorgeous!
I have and love this polish as well.
It’s a very nice grey! Spendy, but it’s nice.
Like all Dior’s she is lovely! I must find it although not sure if that will be possible in Oz.
Aw thanks!! You just made my day. Great swatch/post!
Totally getting this. I don’t really do black cremes, but I love dark grey cremes. I already have stormy, but I still want Gris Montaigne and it will bring my Dior order to the amount for free shipping.
This perfect timing! I was just searching the internet for swatches of this color, I am a huge fan of greys and I definitely don’t have anything like this in my stash. I’ll have to see if I can get my hands on this or Barry M Grey.
Hi Michelle: Are dark grays in season because I am loving this one, Dior Gris Montaigne” It seems that form me anyway, Dior nail polishes are very special, the bottle, the box they come in, it’s like the “Royal Wedding ,” of nail colors and this one is no exception, looking gorgoeus on your nails.
Speaking about the Royal Wedding on Friday, did you happen to see Katy Perry’s photo face manicure, she had a photo of the entire Royal family posted on each fingernail, Wow! I love Kate’s dress and the entire 2 kisses on the Royal balcony that an estimated one million fans watched. What did you think of the entire event?
For Canadians or those who swap with Canadians, I think Joe Fresh Fog might fit the bill for a dark pigmented grey as well. It seems just as dark based on my screen.
Are you going to still swatch collections? I’d really love to see the new OPI Pirates of the Caribbean Mermaid-ish collection, because I’m a serious mermaid lover. If possible could you swatch that?
This looks nice on you, but I think dark grays would fall flat on me. However, I did say the same thing about mushroom greiges and I now own OPI YDKJ, Essie Hot Coco, CG Ingrid and Orly Prince Charming. LOL! So maybe give it a year and I will cave?
I bought this the moment it hit the shelves and I LOVE it!! As you mentioned the formula is fab and the colour both pretty and unusual, which makes it totally worth the $21 if you ask me.
Great review as always, thank you so much for all the hard work you put in to this amazing blog!
LOVE this. I will always love a gray polish, and this one is stellar.
I really like this color. I may have to try to find a dupe for this color. My favorite grey would have to be OPI YDKJ.