For this week’s Controversial Cult Fave, I’m reviewing Tom Ford Lipstick. When we asked readers which products you’d like to see us test, a few mentioned Tom Ford Lip Color. I’ve always been interested in trying anything from Tom Ford’s luxurious makeup range. I’m a sucker for good packaging and have heard endless praises for the glamorous, highly-pigmented range. Until now, I couldn’t quite convince myself to spend $50 on a lipstick, or $79 for an eyeshadow palette.
What It Claims
The lipstick doesn’t claim to last as long as nail polish. It doesn’t even mention whether it is smudge-proof. However, it can boast that it is made with rare and expensive ingredients and that is has a smooth velvety texture. It also gets the Tom Ford seal of approval, which is really all that matters:
“To Tom Ford, there is no more dramatic accessory than a perfect lip. It is the focus of the face and it has the power to define a woman’s whole look. Each lip color is Tom Ford’s modern ideal of an essential makeup shade. Rare and exotic ingredients including soja seed extract, Brazilian murumuru butter and chamomile flower oil create an ultra-creamy texture with an incredibly smooth application. Specially treated color pigments are blended to deliver pure color with just the right balance of luminosity.”
The lipsticks are available in two different finishes. There is the “Lip Color” which I tested. They range from almost matte to those with a slight sheen. Then there are the “Lip Color Shines” which you guessed it, are glossier. Tom Ford’s “essential makeup shades” are very classic. There is the timeless red, a deep plum, and a variety of neutrals that would suit a wide range of skin tones. The website has this brilliant design that shows the lipsticks on actual models. Genius concept.
Since this was an investment decision, I went with a rose-tinted neutral, with the hopes I would not get sick of it. I debated between Indian Rose and Casablanca, which were both similar to my natural lip color. I decided on Casablanca, the slightly darker one. (Note: The color on the site looks way different than what it does in person. It’s a purplish-brown online.)
What It Looks Like
As you would expect when you’re paying $50 for lipstick, the packaging is stunning. If Daisy from The Great Gatsby was going to use a lipstick, this would be it. Surprisingly, the gold accents aren’t actually made of real gold as I had hoped.
You will get fingerprints on the packaging, but you will also be tempted to clean them off after each use like I have been.
There is even a logo on the lipstick bullet. I’m not going to lie, part of me didn’t want to use the lipstick because I didn’t want to ruin the immaculate TF imprint.
And here I am pre-lipstick.
And after the subtle lipstick transformation.
Verdict
The lipstick went on smoothly, as it promised. It was moisturizing and it was comfortable to wear. However, it didn’t last any longer than your average $10 lipstick. It doesn’t claim to be long-lasting, but I thought maybe all of the special ingredients would help it adhere to my lips better. It faded throughout the afternoon and definitely needed to be reapplied after eating or drinking.
I like the color and it’s something I won’t get sick of. However, every time I use it I can’t help thinking that it probably costs $1 per wear and it will be gone in an hour or two. If you get a kick out of carrying around a $50 lipstick in a $50 purse, buy one. Or if there is a color that you are head-over-heels in love with, splurge on it but don’t expect a long-wearing miracle in a beautiful tube.
