Tom Ford Clutch-Size Lip Balms (Part 2) Reviews, Photos, Swatches
Fathom
Tom Ford Fathom Clutch-Size Lip Balm ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a medium, pinky-red with subtle, cool undertones and a moderate sheen. It darkened my natural lip color and, to my eye, it seemed to make them look a little warm-toned–sort of like a very sheer, neutral-to-warm reddish stain to my eye. It had sheer, even coverage that applied easily as the texture was smooth, thin but not clingy, and comfortable to wear. The shine lasted for an hour and a half, while the appearance of the tint lasted for two and a half hours on me. It was lightly hydrating.
It’s a new, limited edition formula for summer, which is supposed to have a “jelly-like” feel that is hydrating, tinted (described as “subtle shades to enhance your natural lip color”), and shiny. This is the type of product that I’ve found some readers love–quick, easy for every day, and comfortable–and others can’t see paying this much for something that is sheerer. The formula was thin, slightly shiny, somewhat hydrating, and tinted; some shades had a more noticeable tint than others, but it was very much like a lip stain or tinted balm, where a lot of the natural color came through. They wore down within one to three hours, but some of the deeper shades left behind a subtle stain afterward. I did not find the formula to be all that hydrating (the brand’s regular, squeeze-tube Lip Balm is a favorite for me). They had a very subtle vanilla scent and are similar in size to the brand’s Lips & Boys Lip Colors.
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Aurora (LE, $55.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Rougir (LE, $55.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (85% similar).
- Christian Louboutin Beaute Loubiminette (P, $90.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Glimmer (LE, $55.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Universel (LE, $55.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (85% similar).
- Guerlain Madame Reve (862) (DC, $58.00) is darker, brighter (85% similar).
- Revlon Sorbet (DC, $7.49) is darker, brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Sheer Ladyflower (DC, $22.00) is brighter, cooler (85% similar).
- Chanel Viva (95) (LE, $37.00) is lighter, cooler (85% similar).
- MAC Lustering (P, $19.00) is cooler (80% similar).
Fathom
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
Pure Shores
Tom Ford Pure Shores Clutch-Size Lip Balm ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, medium-dark pink with warmer undertones and a natural sheen. It had sheer, even coverage–in line with the product’s description–that lasted for two and a half hours on me. The texture was smooth and glided on with ease, though it wasn’t too slippery. It felt slightly moisturizing to me while worn.
Top Dupes
- Tom Ford Beauty Maldives (LE, $55.00) is more shimmery, less pigmented (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Universel (LE, $55.00) is less shimmery, lighter, less pigmented (85% similar).
- Bobbi Brown Pink Peony (P, $24.00) is more pigmented (90% similar).
- Guerlain Attrape-Coeur (171) (DC, $37.00) is lighter, brighter, more pigmented (85% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Aurora (LE, $55.00) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- MAC See Sheer (DC, $19.00) is lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Chanel Lettre (216) (P, $37.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Rougir (LE, $55.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (80% similar).
- Too Faced Bon Bon (DC, $22.00) is lighter, brighter, more pigmented (80% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Glimmer (LE, $55.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (80% similar).
Pure Shores
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
La Piscine
Tom Ford La Piscine Clutch-Size Lip Balm ($36.00 for 0.07 oz.) is a muted, deep berry with subtle, cool undertones and a soft sheen. It had a sheer tint of color that darkened my natural lip color and gave them a purpler appearance (darker, cooler overall). The texture was smooth, lightweight, and thinner but did not feel clingy. It lasted for two hours on me and was lightly moisturizing.
Top Dupes
- Chanel Aura (96) (P, $37.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Urban Decay Sheer Rapture (DC, $18.00) is warmer (95% similar).
- Buxom Centerfold (DC, $21.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Destinee (DC, $34.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Sheer Beso (DC, $22.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Promenade (LE, $7.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- bareMinerals Mantra (P, $20.00) is darker (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Noir (LE, $40.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Sheer Liar (DC, $18.00) is warmer (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Ladyflower (DC, $18.00) is darker, cooler (80% similar).
I’m liking the idea of a quality, well tinted, hydrating lip balm for spring/summer and hope this indicates some kind of trend overall, like the metallic lip trend that many brands are doing. In this set I like Pure Shores, though for these TF line, it’s a bit costly for my budget. If I spot one in stores and looks just right now me, though, I’ll probably cave. Meantime, I can do a DIY version with Jack Black balm and lipstick on top for less strain on my wallet.
Lip balm + lipstick is perfect, IMO 🙂
If these were more moisturizing I’d be into it.
I do wish they were more hydrating as well!
That last one though! So beautiful!!! ?
It is!
They look good on you
Thank you!
Oh Mr. Ford , why so sheer and only 2-2 1/2 hours wear? Especially since Fathom and Pure Shores are sooo pretty! Will be looking into UD Sheer range for a dupe. Those are a bit gel-like, too.
I haven’t found too many lip balms in stick form that are super long-wearing 🙁
I don’t really like the sheerness of these lip balms – I would rather wear a good moisturising lipstick and be done with it.
Totally understand 😀
Great review! I wish these were more hydrating – they’re so cute! Waffling between picking up Fathom during the next Sephora sale, or going with another shade of the YSL Volupte Tint-In-Oil. I’m definitely in the light tint, “easy for every day” camp!
Same here – if they were super hydrating, they would be more “worth it” to me!