Floriental Luxe with Tom Ford Sahara Noir EDP

I’m recently finding myself drawn to the world of aromatic scents.

Previously I’ve always found them to be too strong and overpowering. But the perfume houses have refined their interpretations of Orientals notes over the years and as my familiarity with Oriental fragrances grows, I’m being won over.

The latest I managed to try out is none other than the Sahara Noir by Tom Ford

Tom Ford Sahara Noir EDP

I cannot help but love Tom Ford for his signature perfume design. And although Sahara Noir is encapsulated in the same signature fragrance bottle as his other scents, he adds a special touch by dipping the entire bottle in a pool of gold and the golden bow accent on the neck of the bottle lends the right delicateness to the otherwise bold design.

The opening notes of Sahara Noir reminds me of a dimly meditation room, located somewhere in tranquil surrounds - the air thick in burning incense, evoking a deep warmth of frankincense and rich citrus notes. I’m curious as I approach this alluring and mysterious scent, for it exudes a strong presence. I gain more confidence as I become captured by its notes, I can feel notes of jasmine and Levantine Cypress peek through. As I discover the scent more, I uncover powdery vanilla and a light sweetness of amber notes.

Within the hour it settles down to a balmy, and mellow incarnation – woody Agarwood and Cedar complemented by cinnamon and rose absolute now permeates through as it gentles envelops the skin for the rest of the day.

Mature and refined, Sahara Noir hits all the right notes from the warm Floriental family. I can definitely bask myself in this for many hours without feeling like I'm overwhelmed by its initial intensity. Potent and exotic, a little goes a long way so spray with light fingers and possibly from a further distance than you normally would with other scents until you master this exotic scent.

Tom Ford Sahara Noir EDP 50ml - RRP A$230 at David Jones city stores only.

EOTD: True Luxury with Tom Ford Sahara Haze

Tom Ford was unleashed onto our shores his colour collection late last year and it’s been nothing short of ultra luxury and decadence with his exquisite coloured products.

I have previously showcased the Shade and Illuminate higher/contouring palette last year but today, I have something more fun and colourful to share with you. Today, we are going to look at one of the eye colour quad.

Tom Ford Eye Color Quad - Sahara Haze

One of four palettes in the collection is Sahara Haze, the darkest and smokey looking of them all.

Packaging wise, it is in a shiny (and so easily smudged) dark chocolate lift up compact with a solid gold trim. It screams luxe and quality in every angle you look at it. Inside you find 2 double ended applicators of different shapes with one end being a goat hair brush and all were very using for quick applicaitons. 

Colour wise, you have a light champagne gold for highlight, a taupey-grey for socket work, a beautiful, a deep bottle green with fine sparkling gold micro-glitter for shading and blending complemented by a blackened gold shimmer for lining and crease work to add depth to eyes.

The glitter bottle glittery green is the most unique shade and therefore my favourite colour of the bunch and the not-too-big glitter doesn’t suffer the fall out that are seen in other eye shadows.

As to be expected for Tom Ford, the texture is beautiful, finely milled with zero fall-out when pick up with a brush or sponge applicator. It applies smoothly onto lids with such intensity, you have to be light handed with the deeper shades to avoid over application of the colour.

Of course lasting powers rated pretty strongly with the colours in Sahara Haze as well. Without an eye primer, the colours stayed vivid and didn’t crease on my oily eye lids for over 3 hours (which may sound like much for normal lids, but I can assure you that is 3 times longer than what I normally get with most shadows). With primer (I use Too-Faced Shadow Insurance), these last for 10 hours long and still look freshly applied.

On NC30 skin under indoor white light, no flash

I’ve created a look quickly to demonstrate the prettiness of the colours. Unfortunately, the photo is able to capture its true beauty as my Asians eyes don’t have deep sockets or much lid-space and seem to goglle up much of the colours. But in real life, my eyes appear brighter with a hint of sparkle and I’ve received much compliments when I wore this look.

Quick How-To:
The taupey grey was layered as a base, the bottle green layered on top over my lids, the blacken gold was used to deepen the corner of my creases and also to line the outer corner of my lower eyeline. The champagne gold was blended onto the brow bones for highlight work, a light flick of liquid liner and then lashings of mascara on the top lash finished the job.

This is a very sultry look that is more hazey than smokey because the green brings the sparkle out of the eyes. Come to think of it, Sahara Desert is the perfect name for this palette as it can be hazy or smokey depending on how much of the black shadow you use for your look.

Other products used

• Kiss Me Heroine Make smooth liquid eye liner
• Rimmel Scandal'Eyes mascara
• Illamasqua Skin Base foundation #SB09
• Tom Ford Illuminating Powder #01 Translucent
• Estee Lauder Pure Lip Color in Night Bloom
• NYX Blush in Taupe PB11

Tom Ford Eye Colour Quad RRP A$100 available now exclusively in David Jones Sydney and Melbourene city store.

This featured product was provided for consideration.

Tom Ford Beauty: Shade & Illuminate

Fans of luxe beauty products rejoice for another ultra luxury beauty brand has launched and landed on our shores.

While not a new brand, we were previously only spoilt with his private blend lip colours. Now, we can also indulge in the first of Tom Ford's cosmetics collection.

From essential products that primes, protects and creates a flawless base to beautiful palettes of eyeshadow quads that give striking eye looks and sensous lacquered lip, the collection is a comprehensive set to achieve complete sophiscated looks.

Of course your hip pocket would probably not be able to withstand such an assault all at once so it's a good thing that these are permanent additions to the line so you can slowly build you the collection on your favourite products.

Today I have to pleasure of showcasing to you the Shade and Illuminate contouring creme. 

Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate - RRP A$100

Shade & Illuminate packaging; heavy swatch on NC30 skin

• The heavy and luxe and glossy dark brown packaging with gold accent is sturdy and the strongly magnetised closure housing an oversized mirror means it's not only ridiculously good looking when whipping this out of your makeup bag, but is practical and secure so you know there is no chance of accidentally spoiling the contents in your bag. 
• An extra light creme, it's almost-gel like in texture on skin. The white side is used for highlighting and give a radiant pearlescent sheen and can be used on brow bones, cheeks, the bridge of nose, cupid's lips and anywhere else that could do with a bit of glow. It is very sheer is easy to blend so is fool-proof to use, even heavy-handed enthusiasts who might otherwise look like a disco-ball. 
• The deeper shade is a deep bronze/brown colour that reminds me of Becca's Brazillian Bronzing Sheen - Samba sans the shimmer. It is also slighter deeper and gives a true bronze without looking dirty or orange. Used as a shader, this blends flawlesslessly and gives chiselled looks when used to sculpt the cheeks (which I'm still mastering) and shade the corner of foreheads. It can also be used to give a narrower and higher nose bridge with the contouring of it on the side.  Despite looking quite deep in the pan, it's ease of blending, it means it suits all skin tones by adjusting the amount of blending and product used. 

I find the best way to apply and blend the product is with a flat synthetic brush like the ones you would used for concealer or creme blushes. Fingers only work well for the Illuminate colour on smaller areas like brow bones.

I used the product in my recent FOTD I took for my circle lens review and you can see the results again below - subtle and radiant with shadows placed in the right areas for a more structured look. 

A beautiful product that gives beautiful results, Shade and Illuminate is a lust-worthy product to add to anyone's collection. With my first taste of Tom Ford's cosmetic collection, I'm hungry for more and am already eyeing the cheek colour in Love Lust (RRP A$85) and the Crushed Amethyst eye quad (RRP A$100). Perhaps I should put this onto my Christmas wish list?

Tom Ford Love Lust cheek colour has me lusting all over it

Have you started your Christmas Shopping yet? What's on your list? I haven't even begun to think of Christmas gifts yet but I'm a typical late starter.

Tom Ford Cosmetic Collection is available now exclusively at David Jones Bourke St, Melbourne and Elizabeth St, Sydney stores.

This featured product was provided for consideration.

Violet Blonde by Tom Ford

The first of 3 new Signature collection fragrances to be released by Tom Ford this year, Violet Blonde is a fronted by a beautiful ad campaign of a blonde bombshell lying on a bed of violets in full bloom.

This image evokes an air of mysterious feminity and sophistication and had me keen on getting a whiff of the juice behind the story.

Packaged in the hallmark Tom Ford slim-profiled ribbed glass bottle, tall gold domed ribbed cap with a golden plaque bearing the Tom Ford logo and Violet Blonde name etched into the bottle's body, it adds a definitive class of elegance to any vanity it graces.

Upon spraying, you get the rather cool top notes of violets infused with violet leaf absolute and the powdery orris tempers and rounds up the complexity of the scent. The added sophistication comes from the mixture of sharpness via the pink peppers, greenness of vetiver, sweetness of jasmine sambac, smoothness of suede and musk hitting the senses at various different points to punctuate the lingering powdery undertones. 

This latest TF offering is in essence a floral scent no doubt, but its ingenuity is in how the notes come together to produce a sophisticated elixir. In fact, when dried down, Violet Blonde bears a striking resemblance to the equally chic and sophisticated Balenciaga Paris (my all time favourite scent) but is with more violet and powdery than the latter - really, they're almost like a family singing the same notes on different octaves. 

Floral scents are too often thought of as being too wispy and delicate but don’t let the name of this latest offering deceive you into thinking that this scent will leave you a shrinking violet. Not by a long shot!

Violet Blonde is feminine, sophisticated and quintessentially old European glamour. It doesn't overpower but you will feel the quiet air of confidence linger and surround you when you wear this. Mark my words, because you've heard it first here, this will become an all time classic glamour scent. 

What type scents to you like to wear to feel glamourous? Mine is Lancome’s Trésor In Love and now Tom Ford’s Violet Blonde.

RRP A$100 30ml | A$155 50ml exclusively at Tom Ford counters in David Jones city stores and David Jones Chadstone Australia. 

This product was provided for consideration. 

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color - True Coral

Nothing exudes sex appeal and confidence than a vibrant lip. Even if you look a bit worse for wear, slick on a suitably bright lippy and you will look a million bucks, even if you don't feel it.

So what better way to get the look than with a shade from ultra luxury brand Tom Ford's Private Blend.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color - True Coral 3g

• A namesake shade, this is a vibrant bright red tone coral (rather than the usual pink or orange varieties that are out in the market) that instantly brightens and warms ups any complexion. Suitable for fair to tan skintones. 
• As always, the creamy texture glides easily (although it lacks a bit of slip) on lips from the tube or with the use of a lip brush for precision application. A medium opaque coverage means a swipe and you get colour true to tube with a satin finish. 
• If your lips are a bit drying, prep it with conditioners before application as this is not a the most moisturising lipstick.
• If you don't already love it for the colour, you will love that it gives you over 3-4 hours of colour without food and fades to a stain that still give your lips some lingering colour. Then there's the light vanilla scent of the formula and the weighty white with gold trim square tube that just oozes decadence and elegance - it's hard to resist the calling of a Tom Ford Lipstick. 

In natural light, on NC30 skin

In a nutshell: A name sake coral that would brighten up anyone's day, it's a shade you can't go wrong with and is my favourite bright lipstick.

Want more Tom Ford Lip shade reviews? check out my swatches in Blush Nude, Morrocan Rouge or Jess in Pink Dusk.

RRP A$65 at city David Jones stores. Americans can snap this up for US$45 at Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus.  £36 In the UK from Harrods and Selfridges.
This product was provided for consideration.

Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Bath & Body Collection

I’ve always heard good things about Tom Ford Private Blend Fragrances but with so many available scents in the line up, I wasn’t sure where to start.

Thankfully the decision was made easy with the recent launch of the Neroli Portofino Bath and Body Collection, an addition to the existing Fragrance line and as a result , I was able to get my hands on a sample body cream and a bar soap from the collection. 

The inspiration for Neroli Portofino is drawn from the Mediterranean landscape the Italian beach side Riviera with its old-world glamour and tradition. Adorn in deep aqua packaging and the transformation of the fragrance bottle from its apothecary brown glass bottle to a translucent turquoise one could only mean it’s getting serious with representing the Mediterranean warm waters. 

The product range in the Neroli Portofino Collection includes

• Private Blend EDP Spray 50ml/100ml - RRP A$290/A$395 
• Private Blend EDP Decanter 250ml – RRP A$790 
• Body Moisturiser 150ml - RRP A$100 
• Shower Gel 150ml - RRP A$100 
• Body Oil 100ml - RRP A$100 
• Bath bar soap 50g - RRP A$50* 

Now when I hear Neroli, I instantly think of warm citrusy scents that sits comfortably in the fruit family scent. Not so with Neroli Portofino – it is more a floral fresh infused with tangy and vibrant citrus oils and warm amber undertones – truly a unique and individual scent that I’ve ever come across. 

It takes me to back to heady summer evenings where one can easily be intoxicated by the crisp yet bitter scent of neroli citrus, before being softly wrapped with sweet orange blossoms and lingering musky amber.

Amazingly long-lasting, the body cream gave many hours of subtle fragrance that had me drifting to warm Italian seas whilst the bar soap gently perfumed skin whilst lathering up for a creamy silky wash. Enriched with Olive fruit oil, grape seed oil, jojoba oil and date seed extract in both products, it leaves skin soothed richly hydrated and product. Honestly, it couldn’t possibly be any more luxurious when you layer the products together.

I’m not surprised Tom Ford delivered yet again with the Neroli Portifino bath and Body collection. Tom Ford is not something you make a blind purchase on so I urge you to head down to David Jones to sample and acquaint yourself with the scent but be warned, go prepared to part with some serious cash because you will be walking home with a Neroli Portofino product.

Tom Ford is available exclusively at David Jones.

Product marked * were sent for consideration. I received a sample of the body moisturiser through my rewards membership from David Jones 

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color - Morrocan Rouge

After trying out Nude Blush last time, I knew my love affair with Tom Ford's Private Blend lip colors would grow and have me trying out his other shades in no time. Today I'm bringing you a more sultry and deeper shade.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Colour - Morrocan Rouge

• A deepened berry plum shade with micro -shimmer, Morrocan Rouge adds a nice shine to lips and gives a satin finish. It is slightly blue based and would suit both warm or cool skin tones. 
• Strongly pigmented and gives full coverage in one swipe when applied directly from the tube. 
• Creamy, and glides on like a dream, I love the signature vanilla scent although you won't be able to taste it on your lips. Lips can also start to feel dry after an hour or 2 due to it's lightweight non-hydrating formula.
• This colour does stain lips but when it wears off after a good 3-4 hours, freshen it up with a slick of gloss to get sultry stained lips. 
• Those who are uncomfortable with deep colours can apply this shade with a lip brush to control the level of coverage and make it more wearable.

Indoor light, on NC30 skin

A shade that suits any time of the day, Moroccan Rouge is particularly apt for the woman of strength because it's exotic but full of class, exuding confidence and authority.

What shade do you like to wear to feel strong and powerful?

RRP A$65 at David Jones stores or David Jones Online |US$45 at Sephora.com, Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus | £36 In the UK from Harrods and Selfridges.

This product was sent for consideration.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color - Blush Nude

In case you didn't know, American designer Tom Ford is equally famous for his successful line of cosmetics and fragrances as he is for his luxury designer fashion collections. This man is a genius really (he even directed a film!), and it goes without saying that his product launches are always highly anticipated and warmly embraced.

Released in August last year, the Private Blend lip color showcases 12 classic shades ranging from pale nudes, to deep reds and rich red browns; they are colours that can elevate the status of lips as well as transform and influence moods and looks.

Today I'm showcasing one of his classic colours.

Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color - Blush Nude

• The first thing you'll notice is the weighty gold-accented ivory packaging with the namesake engraving on the lid as well as the TF logo stamped onto the lipstick. It just oozes class and elegance. Details matter here - Tom isn't a designer for nothing.
• In the tube the shade looks to be a nude pinky beige colour but as you can see when swatched on my skin, it looks to be more of a milky cool nude pink on my skin tone. This would look amazing for those with a lighter complexion, as it may appear slightly ashy in certain lightings for those with warmer and deeper complexions.
• This stuff glides on to lips smoothly and with ease with a satin finish. Upon application, you will immediately detect the scent of Brazillian murumuru butter (a chocolate cocoa scent), whilst your lips are hydrated with soja seed extract and chamomilla oil to keep them looking luscious.
• Being such a light shade, it isn't the easiest lipstick to apply on my mid tone lips, and I needed a lip brush to avoid streaks, which were still slightly visible in the swatch. 
• Pigmentation is no issues here as this will will give you full coverage with a swipe of the lip colour.
• Without food/drinks, this colour lasted 2 hours before fading and it's at this time that I love the shade more as my natural lip tone (which is more pink than the lip colour) shows through, giving me the fresh nude pink lip shade that I so covet.

Indoor white light on NC30 skin

I've always wanted to find the perfect nude pink shade for my lips but haven't quite managed just yet.

Do you have any recommendations for me?

Ingredients listing

RRP A$65 from David Jones stores | US$45 at Sephora.com, Bergdorf Goodman or Neiman Marcus.| £36 In the UK from Harrods and Selfridges.

This product was sent for review