Beauty news: TOM FORD BEAUTY arrives in Auckland at last

His original collection of high-pigment lipsticks proved a huge commercial success when they were launched many years ago, and despite their higher-than-average price tag sold out all over the world.

Then in 2011 Mr. Tom Ford announced that he was expanding his beauty offering to include a full range of cosmetics and skincare, and naturally it was flawless – and an instant hit.

At the time of its release he told the press, “my intention was to do colour cosmetics out of the gate, but not everyone else was convinced that I had a voice in colour until the lipsticks started selling out again and again…” How wrong they were! He added that a practical approach, leaning on his years as an architecture student, formed the basis of the original collection. “I don’t like B.S. and a lot of promises, and there are a lot of products out there you don’t even need,” he told the lucky few at the big reveal. “You need to understand the face and compensate for the architecture of the face. A nice thick brow is the key to a youthful look.”

The perfect mix of this back-to-basics approach to bold colour and some seriously luxe packaging, it has been making its way to New Zealand via overseas trips for years now and finally, FINALLY it’s available here. After a much-anticipated opening over the weekend at Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street store the flagship counter has finally been revealed, carrying the complete and highly coveted TOM FORD BEAUTY collection. Comprising Private Blend and Signature Fragrances and the stunning Cosmetics Collection, Smith & Caughey’s Queen Street will also be your destination for the highly sought after foundation wardrobe and Mr Ford’s seasonal runway colour collections.

The Auckland counter opened just days after TOM FORD’s AW16 showing at New York Fashion Week. The makeup featured at the show forms the latest TOM FORD BEAUTY collection (see an example, above) and will be available to purchase at Smith & Caughey’s later this month. This runway collection debuts a permanent lineup of eight Lip Contour Duos (below) and two limited edition shades of Cream Color for Eyes. “The AW16 beauty collection features luxurious and elevated neutrals that complement the vision for the season,” said Ford, to which I say: “bring it”.

Both Auckland and Wellington TOM FORD BEAUTY counters will also stock Ombre Leather, a Private Blend Eau de Parfum directly inspired by the runway. Ombre Leather invites you into Tom Ford’s complete vision of the AW16 season with a definitive olfactive statement.  “Ombre Leather is an extremely textural scent that imprints you with a tactile sensuality,” says the style maestro, “it makes one feel different, beautiful and desired.” And who am I to argue with that?