The French Riviera: Dior Croisette Summer 2012 Makeup Collection

Bonjour, glamorous Dior Croisette Summer 2012 bronzer compact plus mini kabuki brush. My inner magpie is entranced. I'm distracted from your back story -- that you and the Croisette Collection were inspired by the tres ritzy French Riviera, and that The Croisette is the street that runs along the coastline in Cannes. (We've seen it as luxurious backdrop in many a Film Festival red-carpet photograph.)

Oh my. Dior Nude Tan Sun Powder ($53) in Cinnamon, you're pretty on the inside, too. Lighter shades include Honey and Amber; darker include Spice, Sienna and Mocha. Honey, Cinnamon and Moka are light, medium and dark neutral shades; Amber, Spicy, Toffee and Sienna are warmer light, medium and dark hues.

Dior Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder ($56) in Sunlight, I understand I'm not to confuse your rose-and-apricot subtle-shimmer mix with bronzer. You're all about radiance, whereas Nude Tan Sun Powder is about sunkissed warmth. (Medium skintones might like to try Healthy Glow Enhancing Powder in Sunset.)

I don't do blue shadow, but Dior 5-Colour Shadow Palette in Swimming Pool ($60, not at Sephora), there's something about your tranquil pastel shades of pearl grey, light blue, aqua, turquoise, and peachy pink. Swimming pools are fancy on the French Riviera.

Dior 5-Colour Shadow Palette ($60) in Aurora, I'm quite taken by your earthy Mediterranean warmth and shimmery pink shade in the centre -- it's an unusual colour choice with gold and ochre.

Dior 1 Couleur Eye Gloss ($30 each, Sephora exclusive) in Sunset and Tan, you're new to Dior. I'm intrigued by your cool, gel texture, glossy finish and water-resistant longwear promise. I look forward to our test drive. I'm also pleased to meet your friend Dior Haute Couleur Extreme Wear Nail Lacquer ($24) in Bikini, a creamy coral. (Also available: Nail Lacquer in Saint Tropez.)

Irresistable, that's what you are, Dior Addict Ultra Gloss ($31) in Orange Pareo, and Dior Addict Lipstick ($31) in Jet-Set. Your shimmery sweet coral tempts all lovers of tangerine and orange, including the ladies not ready for neon. Also available: Ultra Gloss in Brown Panama and Pink Croisette; Lipstick in Palace and Casual Gold.

Dior Addict Lip Balm ($35, Sephora exclusive) in Crystal Coral, I've renamed you Mine. Pretty, pigmented and buttery, you're a balm that can put me in a Lipstick Diary frame of mind.

Anyone else adding the French Riviera to their to-do list? And something from the Dior Summer 2012 makeup collection to their must-have list?

Available at The Bay, Holt Renfrew, Sephora.

Photos via Fujifilm FinePix F300 EXR.