Dior Beauty's latest lipstick range is here.

It was in 1953 that Christian Dior introduced Rouge Dior &mdash; a red lipstick that would go on to become a true icon of the Maison. Decades later, in 2021, Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director of Dior Makeup, reimagined the line as a complete collection of 75 shades. Yet, as every beauty lover knows, when it comes to lipstick, one can never have too many.
This month, a new star takes the stage: Rouge Dior On Stage. Unlike the original, this next-generation lipstick debuts a fresh silhouette and a groundbreaking formula innovation, delivering a distinctive shine finish. Without further ado, here&rsquo;s what Peter Philips had to share about Dior&rsquo;s latest lipstick star:

This launch includes 10 shades in a coated shine finish. What was the colour inspiration, and how were the shades planned?
I wanted to create muted, demure shades &mdash; nothing too intimidating. Even though some shades are strong in pigment, they remain natural and approachable. The idea was to design shades that blend seamlessly into daily routines.
For the first launch, I didn&rsquo;t want bold shades like fuchsia or bright orange to overshadow the innovation of the formula. I wanted people to discover the formula first &mdash; the care, the shine, the long-lasting finish. Bold colours can always come later in future waves. So, this first range was intentionally kept intimate, edited and accessible.

What are the three must-have shades from Rouge Dior On Stage?
We launched ten shades worldwide, and I believe eight are available in your region. For a cooler undertone, I&rsquo;d recommend Iconic Rose #120 &mdash; a very pale, delicate nude with a cold undertone. For a warm tone, there&rsquo;s Daring Blush #226, a warm rosewood &mdash; more pigmented and stronger than #120, yet very easy to wear. And if you want something bolder, Redwood Star #390 is beautiful, with a warm undertone and deeper rosewood character. That way, you cover the nuances: a very pale nude, an easy everyday rosewood, and a more intense rosewood that leans into red.
Can you tell us about the double-phase technology in the lipstick?&nbsp;
To clarify, it&rsquo;s not about double ingredients &mdash; it&rsquo;s the application process that gives a double-phase result. The formula architecture combines the best of both worlds: the care and nourishment of a stick lipstick, and the longevity, pigment and performance of a liquid lipstick.
When applied, the first phase delivers strong, one-stroke colour payoff &mdash; even lighter shades. Then, in the second phase, the shine rises. We call it a &ldquo;rising shine&rdquo; &mdash; a unique part of its DNA. The product sets like a low-transfer foundation: some ingredients evaporate, pigments last, and the shine boosts. That duality makes it both caring and high-performance.

Any tips on applying Rouge Dior On Stage for daily wear?
You can wear it almost like a balm &mdash; applied casually for a lip-stain effect. Or, use the bullet shape for precise definition. For a more plumped look, I recommend using a lip liner slightly over the lip contour, then applying the lipstick just over the rim &mdash; this catches the light and creates a neon-like shine strip for extra dimension.
Are there any autumn trends you&rsquo;re excited about, and how does Rouge Dior On Stage fit into them?
Shine is making a strong comeback &mdash; glowing foundations, dewy blushes, glossy lips. Our finish offers shine that is more refined than gloss, with the precision and comfort of lipstick, and long-lasting wear. The muted yet pigmented shades transcend short-lived colour fads, making them versatile and trend-resistant while still relevant.
Tell us more about the new silhouette for Rouge Dior On Stage, and how it reflects the spirit of the collection?
We wanted to do something to complete the range of Rouge Dior. Rouge Dior is a very classic, iconic lipstick with a worldwide, very loyal following. It offers a huge range of shades and beautiful finishes. For Rouge Dior On Stage, we wanted to create something new &mdash; a small, niche range that both completes and stands apart from the line.&nbsp;
Because we needed to develop this guided stick to capture the formula, it pushed us to rethink the silhouette of the lipstick. That necessity became an opportunity to design packaging that adapted to the formula while still staying in sync with Rouge Dior&rsquo;s identity.&nbsp;
The result is a slimmer, elongated, elegant pack. The CD logo is twisted vertically to highlight its sleek verticality, while the top retains the classic cannage motif. In a way, it&rsquo;s a stretched-out version of Rouge Dior &mdash; something that completes the heritage while standing out in its uniqueness.

Rouge Dior has a 72-year legacy. How do you continue to innovate such an iconic product while staying true to its heritage?
It&rsquo;s a balancing act. We avoid disrupting timeless favourites with loyal followings, but we do regularly update formulas &mdash; sometimes creatively, sometimes due to ingredient regulations. Alongside that, we launch side collections: liquids, sequins for Holidays, and now On Stage.
Innovation often comes from labs experimenting with formula architectures. A concept meant for foundation might inspire an eyeshadow, or a lipstick base might adapt into concealer. This constant exchange between creative briefs and lab innovation keeps Rouge Dior evolving while respecting its legacy.

Interview: Peter Philips of Dior Makeup on the brand’s new Rouge Dior On Stage

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