Story | Leslie Yip
As Paris endured a summer heat wave, I connected with Peter Philips, creative and image director for Dior Makeup, for an exclusive one-on-one interview. While the conversation was timed ahead of the launch of Rouge Dior On Stage Matte and Rouge Dior On Stage Ink Blur Matte, our conversation went beyond products, with the master sharing his philosophy on modern beauty—and why balance, not trends, is the key to creating a timeless look.
Designed to make matte a statement, the new Rouge Dior On Stage Matte delivers intense colour with a soft-focus, powdery finish that remains comfortable throughout the day.
With its mirror-like finish and buttery texture, Dior Addict Glass Lipstick is designed to deliver luminous colour with effortless comfort. Its distinctive click mechanism isn’t just satisfying to use—it also controls how much lipstick is dispensed, helping users apply only what they need and preventing product waste.
TRENDS DON’T COME FROM BRANDS
eG: Dior has been introducing both matte and luminous innovations across different makeup categories—from foundation to lips. Is there a clear direction in beauty today, or are matte and glow simply two different expressions?
Philips: Trends come and go much faster than they used to. Personally, I don’t believe brands create trends. Trends are created by the people who wear the makeup. Our role is to develop products that perform beautifully and give people the freedom to choose. Whether it’s matte or glow, we want to create the best possible formulas so everyone can express themselves. If people love a product, they’ll wear it, talk about it and, eventually, it may become part of a trend.
Today, because of social media and different beauty cultures around the world, so many trends exist at the same time. Our job is simply to make sure we have the right tools to support them.
THE ART OF BALANCING MATTE AND GlOW
eG: Is there a rule for balancing matte and glossy textures?
Philips: I think balance is the key, although beauty is always personal. A full matte look can be incredibly striking as a fashion statement—I remember the graphic matte makeup associated with avant-garde Japanese fashion in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s—but for everyday beauty, harmony usually creates the most flattering result.
Rouge Dior On Stage Ink Blur Matte combines a lightweight, buildable liquid formula with a modern blurred finish—perfect for creating the soft “cloudy lip” effect Peter Philips describes in our exclusive interview.
If your skin is experiencing a breakout, for example, you might choose a matte complexion and add glow strategically. On the other hand, if you’re wearing a high-shine, glass-like lip, pairing it with a softer satin complexion allows the lips to become the focus. It’s about deciding where you want the eye to go and making sure every element works together.
Ultimately, find the balance that suits you and create your own statement look.
TWO TAKES ON MODERN MATTE
eG:Dior is launching both Rouge Dior On Stage Matte and Rouge Dior On Stage Ink Blur Matte. What distinguishes the two?
Philips: We launched both because they each offer a different experience, and people have different preferences. Some love the familiarity of a traditional lipstick; others prefer the lightness of a liquid formula.
Two expressions of modern matte: Rouge Dior On Stage Matte offers the precision and familiarity of a classic lipstick, while Rouge Dior On Stage Ink Blur Matte delivers a lightweight, buildable liquid formula with a beautifully diffused finish.
Rouge Dior On Stage Matte delivers a beautiful powdery matte finish with rich colour, exceptional comfort and long wear. You can wear it as a full statement lip or soften it for a more diffused effect.
Rouge Dior On Stage Ink Blur Matte offers something different. The lightweight liquid formula is buildable, allowing you to create anything from a soft lip stain to a bold, saturated colour. It feels almost like a second skin, yet remains comfortable and long-lasting.
THE RISE OF THE “ClOUDY LIP”
eG: The word “blur” appears throughout the new collection. What does it actually mean?
Philips: It’s not just about creating a softer edge. It’s also about the finish itself—a beautifully diffused matte effect.
When I was recently in Asia, many makeup artists and influencers talked about the “cloudy lip.” It’s become a real beauty statement. The idea is that the colour blends seamlessly into your natural lip tone, creating a softer, more effortless look than a sharply defined lip.
HOW TO MASTER THE BLURRED LIP
eG: Many people struggle to achieve that soft, diffused look without their lipstick appearing messy. What’s your advice?
Philips: Start by moisturizing your lips before you begin your makeup so they’re properly hydrated. Then blot away any excess before applying colour.
To create a cloudy lip, concentrate the product in the centre of the lips and gently blend outward with your fingertip or a soft brush, softening only the edges while leaving the centre more intense. If you’ve blended a little too far, simply clean up the edges with a cotton swab.
It’s a simple technique, but it creates a beautiful, natural result.
