The new Tom Ford makeup range has 10 eyeshadow palettes, ranging from very wearable neutrals to the slightly questionable purples and blues.  Once I saw photos from the PR launches, I knew I had to have Titanium Smoke #10.


The new makeup range moved away from the packaging of the Private Blend Lipsticks, replacing the white with a metallic mahogany finish.  All the palettes and compacts use a magnetic closure rather than the traditional click closure.


I have to say even the detailing of the packaging is beautiful - I especially like the etched mirror and the edges of the palette.  Little touches such as a mirror that's actually big enough to see your whole face.


Included are 2 applicators - two normal sponge applicators, one tapered sponge applicator, and one tiny brush (which is surprisingly soft).


And now to the colours.  Titanium Smoke consists of a champagne gold glitter, a satin finish dove grey, a blue grey with silver glitter, and a matte dark charcoal grey.


The champagne glitter shade is for highlight only.  It feels slightly gritty to touch due to the glitter.  When applied there isn't actually much gold pigment - all you see is the fine glitter which is quite stunning.  I use this in the inner corners. (This photographed more gold than in real life)


The satin dove grey is supposed to the base shade.  I wear this alone blended at the crease for day/work look.  This colour is soft, fine, and very blendable.


Next is another glitter shade.  It's blue grey base with silver glitter.  The pigment is not as good as it's designed to be layered over the two non glitter greys for an evening look.  When applied this also looks very pretty - it is not gaudy glitter.


The last shade is the very matte charcoal grey.  It is the softest shadow of the palette.  This can be used to line the eyes and for the crease.  It is a darker and blacker version of Shu Uemura M990 Matte Black.


I think the combination of colours in Titanium Smoke allows it to be a daytime and evening palette.




Now for the bad news.  It is outrageously expensive at £62 a palette.  BUT you are getting a lot of product - 10g.  For comparison:

Standard Shu Uemura Eyeshadow: 2.1g for £15 (£7.14/g)
Chanel Quad: 1.2g for £37 (£30.83/g) [Is this right? 1.2 g only???]
Nars Duo Eyeshadow: 4g for £23.50 (£5.88/g)
MAC Eyeshadow: 1.5g for £11.50 (£7.67/g)
Tom Ford Eye Color Quad: 10g for £62 (£6.2/g)

So if you look at it this way, Tom Ford is actually the second cheapest out of the 5 brands ;p

The Tom Ford palettes are not for everyone due to the price.  But if you appreciate beautifully designed packaging and good quality shadows, and if cost is not so much of an issue, then Tom Ford is for you.