This spring Tom Ford has launched eight shades of Cream Color for Eyes ($45 each for 0.17 fl oz/ 5 ml, made in Italy). Two of the eight shades have been launched before as individual cream colors in Platinum and Spice. One of the shades Caviar has a very close resemblance to Black Oyster Cream Powder Duo from a year ago (swatched here). The new ones launched this spring are smaller in size compared to previous launches, but the quality is still extremely good, easy to blend with pretty good lasting power for a cream shadow. All the colors have some degree of shimmer. According to Tom Ford PR, all the shades in this launch are limited-edition.
I have seven of the new ones swatched and reviewed. I didn’t repurchase Spice as I already own the full size and it was also part of the Naked Bronze Cream Powder Eye Duo which is the same for the cream color, but I have re-swatched it for reference. The colors in this launch are quite stunning. Descriptions of each color:
- Opale is a pale champagne ivory shimmer, the shimmer is smooth and non-glittery, although the shimmer is definitely noticeable
- Sphinx is an iridescent pink gold peachy duo chrome color, the shimmer flecks are slightly more visible and larger in this one compared to other shades, it’s not a full on glittery shade, but the sparkle factor is definitely there, even though there are chunks of sparkle, it’s smooth and I didn’t experience any fallout
- Platinum is the perfect lids-but-better kind of subtle contour light beige tan color for me, it has a smooth shimmer that works so good alone or as a blending shade
- Siren Blue is the only color that I can’t see myself wearing alone on a regular basis, I did try this alone and it gives the lids the prettiest wash of aqua colored shimmer. It’s not for me alone, but I did try this one layered softly over Midnight Violet and Caviar for two separate looks. Add this one on top and it gives the other shades a soft iridescent sheen.
- Burnished Copper is a shimmering khaki olive color, it has a very smooth texture similar to that of Platinum
- Midnight Violet is a deep violet shade, it sheers out when you blend it on the lids, but is easy to layer and build
- Caviar is a deep metallic grey-black shimmer with tiny flecks of silver shimmer, it’s not as sparkly as Sphinx but the shimmer particles are visible for a smokey shimmer look
Close ups of each shade:
To apply the shadows, I like to use fingers or any one of these brushes.
My favorite cream shadow brush to use is actually a concealer brush. The Chanel Brush #10 is my go-to for cream shadows. It has a smooth tip and it’s just the right size to blend colors nicely on my lid (not too small and not too wide). I also really like the Laura Mercier Corner Eye Brush for powders and creams. To layer and blend creams as a detail color I like Tom Ford’s Eye Definer Brush #15.
Swatches left to right are Platinum, Opale, Sphinx, Spice (original), Siren Blue, Burnished Copper, Midnight Violet and Caviar
I did three different eye looks to share for some ideas, in each one I used only the cream shadows listed, nothing else for eye bases or liners:
For comparisons, I pulled a few other Tom Ford Cream Shadows (most of which have been discontinued or limited-edition colors) and some Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Cream Shadows. In my testing experience the cream ones from Charlotte Tilbury have the most similar texture in terms of how emollient they are, pigment and color payoff, shimmer and overall quality. I find all of these last extremely well throughout the day without fading, creasing or budging – but do note I think I may be the only person I know who doesn’t have oily lids. Most eye bases are too drying for my skin.
Below for size and packaging comparisons:
- Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise Eyeshadows ($32 each for 0.24 fl oz/7 ml, review here)
- Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes Spring 2016 Versions ($45 each for 0.17 fl oz/ 5 ml)
Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes Platinum original ($40 for 0.21 fl oz/6 g) - Tom Ford Cream and Powder Eye Color ($60 each for 0.24 oz. base/ 0.07 oz for top, review here)
Swatch Comparisons 1: Note the original and new Platinum colors are identical, but if you’ve played with it you know that depending on the angle the light hits it sometimes you see more of the shimmer, other times you will see more of the tan base. All the shades in Set 1 are from Tom Ford. Escapade, Pink Haze, Spring 2015 have been d/c.
Swatch Comparisons 2: Shown below are some of the Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerize Eyeshadows and NARS Dual Intensity Eye Shadows.
Based on my comparisons, Tom Ford Opale is a lighter version of Charlotte Tilbury Norma Jean. On my skin once blended, they are similar. I have a slight preference for Norma Jean, but both shades are such pretty neutral shimmers.
NARS Himalia is more metallic and frosted than Tom Ford Platinum. Charlotte Tilbury is a few shades darker and warmer compared to Tom Ford Platinum. I’m a sucker for a good taupe shimmer, but I think Platinum is a must no matter how many other taupes you own.
Between Charlotte Tilbury Bette and Tom Ford Spice, I vote for the Charlotte Tilbury in terms of color choice. It’s warmer in color, but I think they are close enough that you don’t need both.
Tom Ford Midnight Violet almost seems like a muted violet plum shimmer, but when swatched next to Charlotte Mona Lisa, the Tom Ford almost looks bright.
I don’t own many aqua colored shadows, NARS Lysithea is a cool-toned sage, on my skin it pulls almost blue.
Bottom line all winners. With the exception of Siren Blue, I can see myself wearing each color on a regular basis for everyday. They have enough shimmer to dress up the look for an easy evening look. You can always layer powder shadows on top of these colors. They have an emollient texture that makes them super easy to blend. It takes a little bit of time for them to set which I like because then I don’t have to rush the blending and layering process. I think the only color some might have issue with is Sphinx – it’s the most unique peachy gold shade that flashes pink, but there are tiny micro sparkles I think some might find too sparkly. I really like it, alone or layered over another shade, but if you’re super conservative on the shimmer you may want to see if you can test before buying. What I like the most about these is that they brighten the eyes with the prettiest wash of shimmer. They are indeed on the pricey side, but a little goes a long way. All the ones I’ve purchased in the past have lasted a long time and none of them have gone bad yet.
According to Tom Ford PR, these are all limited-edition. If there’s one shade you track down, definitely pick up Platinum if you don’t already own it.
You can find the Tom Ford Cream Color for Eyes now. Online at Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tom Ford Beauty.
Five of the shades featured sent courtesy of Tom Ford Beauty for review consideration, two of the colors purchased by me.
