As pieces of summer collections started to pop at counters around the world, Tom Ford's capsule collection which consists of one eyes and cheek compact and two lip (and cheek) shimmers came to everyone's attention. Last year's summer collection set the expectations very high as it must have been one of the best coordinated nude collection of all times with pretty individual items which delivered superb quality across the board.
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| Tom Ford Summer 2014 Color Collection Lip Shimmer in Solar Gold |
Since I am collecting eye products of Tom Ford (you know my crazy Blog Series don't you?) for me it was clear that I would go for the Eye and Cheek Compact which is on its merry way to me at the moment. I was not sure what to expect from the Lip Sheers though. These are listed as Lip Shimmer but they have the same form as Lip & Cheek Stain in Tainted Love from Fall 2012 Collection, (which I think was another epic collection). Chic ivory package must have stolen my heart and curiosity must have gotten the best of me, so I ended up with Solar Gold, which I thought would have more color than Moon Light.
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| Tom Ford Summer 2014 Color Collection Lip Shimmer in Solar Gold |
Looking at the swatch below, the first thing to understand is why they didn't call these as "Lip & Cheek Stain" because it does not have that much color to be a stain. Below swatch shows multiple layers which took many swipes. I have heard that in a review it is told that Solar Gold could be use as a subtle bronzer. I guess to be able to do that, you have to be very very pale. On me it adds a very subtle golden sheen and provides a nice golden shimmer (see the second swatch which is off focus to show that). Solar Gold makes a casual highlighter which you can just take with you and add a little bit of something to the top of your cheeks and dab on your lipstick for a wet look. But all comes with a price...
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| Swatches: Tom Ford Summer 2014 Color Collection Lip Shimmer in Solar Gold |
As much as Solar Gold feel moisturising on the lips, it does feel sticky on my face. It does catch my hair too. You may also end up liking it though if you find yourself reaching for the highlighter part of Shade& Illuminate which has similar consistency.
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| Tom Ford Summer 2014 Color Collection Lip Shimmer in Solar Gold |
I wish I could show you a face shot with this one but I doubt you can see it since the effect is very subtle on me (even on the lips). These are now available online (Saks, Selfridges etc.) as well as on Tom Ford Counters (Germany still has to wait a month or so) and retails for a steep £36.00 in UK, probably the price will be the same as their lipsticks in Germany (47€).
Final thoughts: Solar Gold is a very expensive lip balm for me. I would have rather invested that money to one of their regular lipsticks or Lip Color Sheers from Spring Collection. I didn't have time to review them here but I am currently loving Summer Fling and Sweet Spot.
Can you use cream highlighter? What do you think about sticky products on your cheeks?