Saks Fifth Avenue Boston has exclusive dibs on Tom Ford's beauty counter here in Beantown, and although it's been less than a month, the debonair designer's zexy line of makeup, skincare, and the richest scents you've ever whiffed has won over our hearts and dresser tops. A standout in the fragrance lineup is Black Orchid, a Tom Ford classic that blends the namesake flower with liquid masculinity and a sweet, fresh note of watermelon at the finish. New this summer is a lighter take on the scent, Velvet Orchid, floral and peppery with a snappy licorice finish. Both are available at the counter in retro-chic bottles that you can envision an elegant Betty Draper reaching for.
The skincare is a simple, concise, and - importantly - effective products: A gentle makeup remover, a cream and a gel cleanser, a trio of moisturizers ranging from every-day to ultra-rich, and the Intensive Infusion Concentrate, a nourishing serum that makes skins positively glow.
As you might imagine, Ford's makeup is the antithesis of the "Every Girl", "Girl Next Door" aesthetic that many other lines have already perfected. Rather, Mr. Ford and his beauty sqaud have created bases, eye, cheek and lip color, and slick lacquers for the ultimate glamour-puss, a woman who has never been able to just blend in, and is comfortable nay, accustomed to - making an entrance.
Supermodels, watch out! We're coming for you...
Naturally, for investigative and journalistic integrity purposes, I had to give it all a try myself, so Stephanie, a fixture at Tom Ford at Saks, introduced me to the line by way of an ultra-lux makeover.
I absolutely loved watching her do the contouring and shading. She started with an even base of Illuminating Primer ($72), followed by Traceless Foundation ($78) - both applied with a brush. She then used a sponge to paint on war-like streaks of Shade and Illuminate ($75) to the hollows of my cheeks, right under the part of my hair, and jus under my jawlink that she blended using quick, upward strokes in medium pressure.
Next, Stephanie dabbed on the Eye Primer ($45) followed by blended shadow before lining my eyes in Bruise (not as scary as it sounds - it's Ford's creamy, velvety violet - $36) and did my lips in a super-feminine neutral - a departure from my go-to bright tangerine. The finishing touch was a layer of Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Sahara Pink, and voila! A glamorous look that I swear gave me an extra pep in my step and even more of a swoosh in my hips as I walked straight over to the Contemporary department to hit up Saks' sale.
From there, it was straight to the rooftop at the Revere Hotel to bask in my Tom Ford glow - and an appreciative glance or two, I'd like to think!
Cheers,Renata