Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color- Bruised Plum

I usually take more time to review a lipstick- I prefer to test over several days, meals and weather conditions, but I've been getting so many emails and requests about the new Tom Ford lipsticks so here it is. I pre-ordered this one after a visit to the Tom Ford counter at the Saks 5th Avenue NYC store (my local Saks doesn't have Tom Ford). I swooned over the presentation box with all 12 shades though I could certainly live without Ford's oversexualized promotional image. Seriously, Tom, sometimes a lipstick is just a lipstick. And since your potential customers are ladies who know luxury and can afford $45 for one tube, maybe you should rethink how you approach them.

But all the Tom Fordiness aside, we are talking makeup here. The current colors go from the palest beige to deep brown. There are some Betty Draper worthy reds and several pinks. I tested a few and ended up with Bruised Plum, which as you can see is a red-based purple. It was the only one that really looked flattering on me. I certainly hope for more shades in the future.

The texture is very soft and smooth and the pigment is intense. Despite the softness and the comfortable feel of the lipstick it is not moisturizing, so I prefer to wear it over either Chantecaille or Sensai lip base. The color holds very well, doesn't transfer to my water bottle and stays on without feathering for several hours. I know there's a hint of shimmer in the tube, but it doesn't appear on the lips except as a hint of brightness. The look is actually almost matte after a few minutes, which adds to the drama and retro vibe.

Bottom line: Tom Ford is the only man who can make an Estee Lauder lipstick look and feel exciting.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lipsticks ($45) are available at select Tom Ford counters and online from Bergdorf Goodman.

All photos are mine.