As I started to write this blog, I realised I have very fond memories of TOM FORD. From these sunglasses (his first season) to much of my make-up and fragrance, there is very little not to like about this brand. (Okay, maybe the handbags and the shoes are truly terrible and beyond redemption – but let’s not go there).
As TOM FORD is being acquired by the behemoth Estee Lauder, I feel as if I am writing an obituary. The underlying reason is that such a major ownership generally results in a lack of innovation on the part of the brand and less product development. And there is a litany of such brands – Shu Uemura, Jo Malone, and Kilian – who, on expansion, are a disappointment to the consumer.
I wanted to acknowledge the brilliance of TOM FORD through some of the past and current products that I love.
Which TOM FORD fragrance?
The first time TOM FORD fragrance I tried was the predecessor to BRONZE GODDESS, called AZURE SOLEIL.
It was launched in 2007 and it was that rare mix of white floral (magnolia, gardenia, jasmine) mixed with citrus (orange blossom, vetiver, bergamot) with a hint of depth (myrhh, sandalwood, amber) and the slightest hint of coconut.
I still think about this parfum with great affection.
The BRONZE GODDESS is a summer fragrance which is for coconut-beach lovers: it is more citrusy and coconut than I would like However, I do buy it most summers and the main beneficiary is my hair. (For some reason, most men seem to like it as well).
In the TOM FORD range, the only fragrances that I like are, Jasmine Rogue (key notes: jasmine, clary sage and amber), White Suede (key notes: suede, saffron and musk) and Grey Vetiver (woody but very clean, mellow vetiver fragrance). The other fragrances do not appeal to me.
What TOM FORD make-up?
Apart from the eyeshadow palette, I have bought all these products at least twice. (I don’t use much eyeshadow)
The emotionproof eyeliner, while not being intensely dark, is pretty waterproof. The mascara is what it says it is – extremely lenghthening and thickening at the same time.
My favourite is of course the concealers and the blush
From Left to Right
- Tom Ford Lip Color Matte (in Suede Rose, Obsessed and Firebrand)
- Emotionproof Eyeliner (US$ 50)
- Extreme Mascara (colour RAVEN) (US$ 46)
- Emotionproof concealer (bare beige) (US$ 60)
- Shade & Illuminate Blusher (colour AFLAME) (US$ 95)
Yes, and the nail polishes are to die for
I tend to just wear Tom Ford or CHANEL nail polish. I tend to do my own nails and the look of the nail polish is amazing, for the little effort I put in.
Where is the best place to buy TOM FORD?
A busy airport, which also has a tax free zone.
The turnover at these airports is very high, so you might not get your desired colour, but the price is lowest at the duty free shops in airports.
Final note…
The make up and the parfum range do have a high rate of being discontinued.
Violet Blonde (same family as Jasmin Rogue) is sorely missed and so are the limited edition Soleil Blanc cream blushers, which came in this phenomenally beautiful white and golden case.