Tom Ford’s Private Blend Lipstick Black Orchid is the one and only vampy lipstick that I have bought this season. It is a very bold and daring deep wine color with the most intense pigmentation – it’s one of those dramatic shades that gives you an attitude and a ‘bad-girl’ look, and makes you feel powerful!
I have expressed how I feel about Tom Ford’s lipsticks in my previous post, so I won’t repeat that again here. In short every inch of Tom Ford lipstick is totally luxurious and I just absolutely love them. From packaging to the most fashion-forward color selection, I cannot pick a single fault. I love the texture with most of the shades that I have tried, but I have some issues with this particular shade.
Black Orchid gives a satiny finish. The texture feels the same as the others and it still glides on ultra smooth. Unfortunately it enhances every single dry patch/skin on my lips which I was not even aware of, so the finish looked very uneven on my lips. You may not be able to see this in my FOTD, but that’s because I had spent a great deal of time to make it work with a lip brush by applying a thin layer over and over until it looked reasonably even. This lipstick will not work for me if it is directly applied from the tube. However, to be fair, I have experienced the same issue with vampy lipsticks of other high-end brands as well. The highly raved Chanel and YSL also added more dry lines to my lips than I thought.
In this FOTD, I am wearing the Tom Ford Black Orchid in full opaque layer. I probably applied 5 thins layers of it and I blotted my lips between each application. I am also wearing it as a blush (as suggested by Claire – check out her awesome blog here!) I applied the color on the back of my hand and mixed it with Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentrè so it turned into a cream blush. It goes on pink with a plummy undertone, and the Embryolisse Cream gives a lovely dewy finish.
If you don’t feel comfortable wearing such a bold shade out (including me…), you can wear it as a lip stain. I have a FOTD showing this, and I paired it with a clear lip gloss to take away the dryness.
I bought mine at David Jones for a record high of AUD$65. It is available in the US here and here. Good news to the fellow Aussies – international delivery of Tom Ford makeup is now available at Harrods with 10% VAT deduction off the retail price.
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
This lipstick is stunning! I am just getting into Tom Ford makeup and so far so LUSH! Love your blog, you’re newest follower x
Thank you Reika for mentioning me in your post, that means a lot to me
Black Orchid looks stunning, I just love this colour! It’s interesting how the same colour on lips and cheeks make a nice harmonious look without looking too matchy-matchy (the colour changes a bit when mixed and sheered out). I think the only thing I don’t like that much is the smell, reminds me of MAC lipsticks and I don’t really like strong vanilla scents in lipsticks.
My pleasure Claire! I truely enjoy reading your insightful blog since I found it
This is so, so gorgeous on you!
SO PRETTY! I have Black Orchid and have been loving it too. Btw, do you wear contacts and if you do, what is the brand? You’ve got such beautiful eyes! x
Hi Mels, Yes I am wearing the Neo 4 tone colored lens
It looks great on you! I’m gonna have to try Tom Ford lipsticks now
Even though this one is drying, I still want more from Tom Ford!
This looks gorgeous on you- I have Black Orchid myself and it is spot on for the Vampy lip trend!
What a gorgeous shade, would love to wear it to a party. xx
The color is gorgeous!! suits you very well
Gorgeous. I know what you mean by the lipstick emphasizing dry patches- I have Tom Ford lipstick in Bruised Plum and I can only really wear it when my lips are in good condition.
You looked gorgeous in Bruised Plum Jen
Somehow I did not see this color while I was shopping at TF…
aww.. I like it more of a cheek stain on you. Personally, I can never pull this off without looking too “aunty”. Also Lisa Eldridge has done a video using Tom Ford Black Orchid too. She always makes makeup look so easy. xx
Best lipstick shade I saw on you ever!
You look beautiful, Reika! I love this shade on you. I have been thinking of getting a vampy shade of lipcolour, as I tend towards pinks and berries.
You should totally try it! If you can rock berries, vampy shade should not be a problem for you!
Gorgeous colour, I’ve been dying to try one of the infamous Tom Ford lipsticks and this is a true statement colour. Love it!
This shade looks gorgeous on you. I agree that it takes patience to have even smooth finish, as it is for every dark vampy lipsticks. I need to try this again at the counter. Last time I swatched it, I remember it wasn’t deep enough for my skin tone. Great look!
The color looks very dark in the tube but it actually looks pretty on you.
Reika, you look totally gorgeous in this FOTD! This is my favourite look that you have done and I have been reading your blog since the beginning! haha
Also your review is the only one that made me think “Need this. Buy this now.”