Tom Ford Black Sugar #24 Nail Lacquer ($32 for .41 fl oz/12 ml) is a plum-taupe cream infused with red shimmer. The mix of colors is quite unique – I haven’t seen anything like it. On my nails Black Sugar applied semi-opaque. The texture was smooth and easy to apply, but two coats didn’t give full coverage. Three coats gave full smooth coverage. Lasting power was quite good, using Deborah Lippmann’s Rehydrating Base Coat and Chanel’s Laque Brilliance Extreme. I was able to get 4 full days of wear before I saw any tip wear. No chipping issues, although by day 4 the sheen from the top coat had worn off and the polish looked a bit dull (Chanel and Dior by comparison manage to stay shiny for me through day 4-5). Tom Ford Black Sugar is a complex shade in the sense that it’s both taupe and plum. The red shimmer is very subtle on the nails. It’s only visible if you look closely in direct light. However it’s not quite as invisible as some shimmers in Chanel shades like Jade Rose or Vertigo.
Here it is swatched, looking warmer and more taupey:
Below shows more plum:
In direct sunlight with flash, more taupe and the red shimmer is visible on the nail (but subtle):
Another view, darker lighting makes the color pull more dusty purple:
Initial thoughts that it looked like a cross between Chanel Particuliere and Paradoxal. Below are comparisons to both and also OPI You Don’t Know Jacques and Chanel Vertigo:
Since Tom Ford Black Sugar, Chanel Paradoxal and Vertigo are the colors with the subtle shimmers, here are two sets of swatches. You can see below that in regular light without flash, Black Sugar has a very similar feel to the OPI You Don’t Know Jacques and Chanel Particuliere.
I really love Tom Ford’s Black Sugar for fall. The red shimmer (although subtle) makes it special for me, but the price tag is hard to justify. I was a little bummed the prices increased to $32 per bottle, but the color is really lovely and I like the quality of this color. It’s listed as limited-edition so if you’re interested I suggest you try to track one down soon. I do think it’s really close to a few other shades so if you’re not crazy about taupes for nails, you may want to pass on this and shop your stash.
Available online at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdales and Tom Ford.
Thank you for your review!
It's quite stunning! I can't miss it! I love TF polishes.
This is gorgeous!!! I will be tracking this one down. Lovely swatches as always, Sabrina. 🙂
Beautiful photos and comparisons as always.
I didn't expect to like the color so much, but it is very interesting. As you said, it looks like a plum-taupe. Still, at $32 + tax for a .41oz bottle, with less than stellar wear, I think I'll pass.
hi sabrina! thankyou for this wonderful post! always enjoyable to read! i think i'd rather invest in a really great manicure with similar colors than purchase the product. i really likt the opi color. i wonder if i can locate it? i gave my bottle (never opened) of chanel's particulaire(spelling wrong??) to an associate at work. i need not to be so generous! i adore tom ford too! i'm wondering though if i should invest in the trios as i haven't seen a new neutral eye pallette that i like. and, i would be wearing this everyday! i know you are busy but, any suggestions for some really great everyday neutral eye pallettes? i definitely could use some suggestions!! happy september 1st to you!! xxxxxooo.
Oh thank you for the comparison. Since TF is not available in my area I would probably go for O.P.I as an affordable Taupe fix since it's not a color I usually go for.
oh my! what a gorgeous shade! are you aware of an OPI vintage color called Los Angeles Latte? I adore that shade and it looks like Tom Ford has the same idea here. About to plan my trip to Neimans – this shade could be a unique must have for me. or a very expensive OPI backup.
Hi Lorraine – I'm not familiar with the OPI color but it sounds gorgeous! I googled it and found it compared to OPI Over the Taupe which is similar to You Don't Know Jacques … I think it's very very different.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/passion_me/4363163830/
(not my photos)
This shade is something of a cult favorite. Milky chocolate but not quite your usual taupe with glorious reddish pink shimmer that is very visible in the sunlight. Nothing like YDKJ or OTT or Essie Mink Muffs or any similar taupes. If you have the chance to check it out, definitely pick it up. Still available on Amazon and ebay. Can't wait to see the Tom Ford in person. Definitely a similar theme and considering how much I am a fan of Los Angeles Latte, I think it is a must have. If Black Sugar has the plum leanings you describe, then I would say it is different enough to justify. It looks TDF- Tom Ford has another winner!
Finally got the chance to swatch Black Sugar, and it is nothing at all like OPI Los Angeles Latte- completely different base color. Online looks the same. THe only polish I found that was anywhere close was SOPI Metro Too Chic. Not dupes but a similar idea. SOPI has more prominent and different colored shimmer, giving off a cooler effect. Black Sugar is gorgeous and quite unique. thanks for letting us know about it.
I really want to give this a try! thank you:)
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Trying so hard to control myself on this collection. I love it all!!! I already ordered She Wolf, I'm going to decide what else I need and then order during NM beauty week. Have you heard if TF is doing a special gift at any counters?
Also, anyone know how this gorgeous nail colors compares to Bitter Bitch (which I already have!!)??
Thanks, as always, for you amazing blog. The best!!
Hi Lisa – I'll try to do a comparison soon. I think this one is quite different from Bitter Bitch, more purple and lighter.
Wow!!! This Tom Ford Black Sugar is so pretty. Love the color for its not too dark and not too light. I find it classy and perfect for any occasion. A must have indeed!
Another beautiful, but totally unique neutral. Loving it! xo
Gorgeous!
The color is gorgeous, and I love the sheen it has!
WANT