Tom Ford Lip Color Lipstick - sneak preview

Left to right, Nudes (Vanilla Suede, Blush Nude, Warm Sable, Pink Dusk), Brights (Ginger Fawn, True Coral, Pure Pink, Cherry Lush), and the Darks (Smoke Red, Moroccan Rouge, Bruised Plum, Black Orchid). (Picture is by me, and is clickable for a closer look).

I was given the opportunity to preview the Tom Ford Private Blend Lip Color lipstick line by the PR officer for the line. Over tea, we had a chat about the line and the colours, and I also had an opportunity to swatch and try on some colours (the PR officer had very thoughtfully provided disposable lip brushes and make-up remover wipes.)

The colours are glorious. I was immediately drawn to the brights, but I can also appreciate the eye for colour that has gone into the nudes and darks. I can imagine that Mr Ford would be demanding to work for or live with, but perfectionism is sometimes a very good thing, and the colour selection here is an example of that. There is a good mixture of cool and warm shades in the line-up, which means there should be a colour in the line to suit everyone. These aren't shades that I could honestly say I've never seen anything at all like (it's lipstick, there are only a finite number of possible colours, particularly if you're going for flattering shades), but they are all incredibly well done, and there were at least a couple of shades that made the angels sing for me.

The texture and pigmentation are beautiful. The lipsticks have a subtle natural vanilla smell, and they feel creamy and moisturising without being smeary (for example, I find the Dolce & Gabbana lipsticks a little too slippery, as these can wander on me). The colour also lasts well without drying the lips.

The packaging is sheer luxury well-executed; the tube feels satisfyingly heavy in my hand, the ivory and old gold colour-scheme is distinctive, and the lid closes with a definite but cushioned click.

I was given three of the shades of my choice to try out, and I'll be posting pictures of those individually (they are Pink Dusk, True Coral and Pure Pink). So, are these lipsticks worth £35? Well, I thought that I was being given an opportunity to look at them, and I did not expect that I'd be given any to take away. Having seen them, I would have bought at least one at launch (probably Pure Pink, although I'd have agonised over that and True Coral). There are still a couple on my to-buy list, and I'll definitely put them on my birthday list.

I would not say that everyone out there needs a Tom Ford lipstick, or that life will be incomplete without one of these, but if you love lipstick and you are in the mood for a splurge (to celebrate passing exams, or a wedding or special anniversary, for example), these are worth considering. These are undoubtedly a luxury item, but if you love the Tom Ford Private Blend fragrance collection and you love lipstick, I don't think you'll be disappointed by the Tom Ford lipsticks.

The lipsticks are available from 24 April, from all Tom Ford Private Blend counters. In London, there are counters at Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Selfridges. They will also be available online from Harrods.com and Selfridges.com.