Tom Ford Private Shadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches (Part 1)
Black Onyx
Tom Ford Beauty Black Onyx Private Shadow ($36.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium black with larger, silver glitter over a satin base. The texture was drier and somewhat chunky in the pan, so the base color appeared a bit uneven and ragged along the edges when blended, though it had a thicker feel overall so that most of the glitter seemed to bind with the powder on the lid. This meant less fallout during application and during wear, though there was still some fallout after eight hours of wear. It could have been easier to blend and to apply evenly, while the mostly opaque coverage was the highlight of the shade.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- NARS Smash It Up (LE, $25.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Eclipse (GPV2 #7) (P, ) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Revenge (Misunderstood) (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Terra Moons Darkside (P, $8.50) is darker (90% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Gun Metal (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- Givenchy Inattendue #2 (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Dose of Colors I Need Space (P, $20.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Dior Eternal Gold #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Urban Decay Gunmetal (P, $21.00) is darker, less pigmented, cooler (85% similar).
- Marc Jacobs Beauty Glam Noir (P, $28.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.04 oz. - $900.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "unadulterated color" that's "highly pigmented, longwearing, and crease-resistant." The packaging is clever, though for anyone who has more than few eyeshadows in their stash, the compact is rather large relative to the actual pan of product (which is less than average for a full-sized eyeshadow--given the price point, I would have expected closer to 0.07 oz. or even 0.09 oz.). The formula itself varied a lot between shades with enough inconsistency that would make me weary of buying blind online.
The pailette (glitter) finish was most similar to the glittery shades in the brand's eyeshadow quads, though I felt that there was more of a base color/powder coming through and slightly finer, less fleck-like glitter particles. The ultrasuede (matte) finish seemed to have the softest, most finely-milled consistency out of all five finishes. The suede finish is like a satin in my mind--barely-there sheen, whereas the sateen finish seemed to have more noticeable, larger shimmer particles in comparison and was more pearly overall. The vinyl (metallic) finish had a denser texture relative to the other finish but wasn't as creamy or as rich in feel as I would expect based on luxury brand formulations that have been releasing.
The price point is high for singles, which wasn't unexpected given the brand is positioned as a luxury brand. I wish that the quality was higher, and I wish that the formula was more innovative and interesting. I only tried 10 of the 3-shade range, but there wasn't enough within those 10 (which were varied across the finishes) to justify purchasing the remaining shades to review. Some shades were very rich in pigment, others were weaker; some were drier and others were satisfactory; and most wore for around seven hours well.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Private Shadow swatches.
Black Onyx
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
Breathless
Tom Ford Beauty Breathless Private Shadow ($36.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a light-medium, golden beige with warm undertones and flecks of golden glitter. It had a slightly wet-like feel to it, which reminded me of the brand’s glittery eyeshadows in their quads but with a finer, more pigmented base and finer particles overall. It had good pigmentation that applied evenly with minimal fallout, though there was some fallout that was noticeable after eight hours of wear (when the eyeshadow itself seemed to fade a bit).
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- MAC Rich Glance (LE, $21.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Viseart Petit Pro #5 (LE, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Too Faced Elfie Selfie (LE, $16.00) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- Make Up For Ever I538 Pearly Gray Beige (P, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Unabashed Eyeshadow #1 (LE, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Guerlain Gold Palette #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Champagne (was Norma Jean) (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Plunge (LE, $6.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- MAC Bao Bao's Jewels #1 (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar).
- Pat McGrath Astral Solstice (PiP, $25.00) is more shimmery, lighter, cooler (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.04 oz. - $900.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "unadulterated color" that's "highly pigmented, longwearing, and crease-resistant." The packaging is clever, though for anyone who has more than few eyeshadows in their stash, the compact is rather large relative to the actual pan of product (which is less than average for a full-sized eyeshadow--given the price point, I would have expected closer to 0.07 oz. or even 0.09 oz.). The formula itself varied a lot between shades with enough inconsistency that would make me weary of buying blind online.
The pailette (glitter) finish was most similar to the glittery shades in the brand's eyeshadow quads, though I felt that there was more of a base color/powder coming through and slightly finer, less fleck-like glitter particles. The ultrasuede (matte) finish seemed to have the softest, most finely-milled consistency out of all five finishes. The suede finish is like a satin in my mind--barely-there sheen, whereas the sateen finish seemed to have more noticeable, larger shimmer particles in comparison and was more pearly overall. The vinyl (metallic) finish had a denser texture relative to the other finish but wasn't as creamy or as rich in feel as I would expect based on luxury brand formulations that have been releasing.
The price point is high for singles, which wasn't unexpected given the brand is positioned as a luxury brand. I wish that the quality was higher, and I wish that the formula was more innovative and interesting. I only tried 10 of the 3-shade range, but there wasn't enough within those 10 (which were varied across the finishes) to justify purchasing the remaining shades to review. Some shades were very rich in pigment, others were weaker; some were drier and others were satisfactory; and most wore for around seven hours well.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Private Shadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Breathless
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
Loveshade
Tom Ford Beauty Loveshade Private Shadow ($36.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a muted, medium coral-orange with warm undertones and a satin finish. It had semi-opaque pigmentation, which was buildable to opaque coverage with two layers. The texture was soft and velvety, though a little powdery in the pan. I felt like it applied and worked better in practice than it seemed to an in the initial swatch. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Too Faced Oh Snap (LE, $16.00) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
- Zoeva MT070 (PiP, ) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Clarins Flame #4 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Cheeky (P, $6.00) is lighter (90% similar).
- Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk #2 (LE, ) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced Peach Suede (PiP, $16.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Charge It (P, $4.50) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- ColourPop Vivrant Thing (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Sugarpill Charmy (P, $13.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Sacred Heart (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.04 oz. - $900.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "unadulterated color" that's "highly pigmented, longwearing, and crease-resistant." The packaging is clever, though for anyone who has more than few eyeshadows in their stash, the compact is rather large relative to the actual pan of product (which is less than average for a full-sized eyeshadow--given the price point, I would have expected closer to 0.07 oz. or even 0.09 oz.). The formula itself varied a lot between shades with enough inconsistency that would make me weary of buying blind online.
The pailette (glitter) finish was most similar to the glittery shades in the brand's eyeshadow quads, though I felt that there was more of a base color/powder coming through and slightly finer, less fleck-like glitter particles. The ultrasuede (matte) finish seemed to have the softest, most finely-milled consistency out of all five finishes. The suede finish is like a satin in my mind--barely-there sheen, whereas the sateen finish seemed to have more noticeable, larger shimmer particles in comparison and was more pearly overall. The vinyl (metallic) finish had a denser texture relative to the other finish but wasn't as creamy or as rich in feel as I would expect based on luxury brand formulations that have been releasing.
The price point is high for singles, which wasn't unexpected given the brand is positioned as a luxury brand. I wish that the quality was higher, and I wish that the formula was more innovative and interesting. I only tried 10 of the 3-shade range, but there wasn't enough within those 10 (which were varied across the finishes) to justify purchasing the remaining shades to review. Some shades were very rich in pigment, others were weaker; some were drier and others were satisfactory; and most wore for around seven hours well.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Private Shadow swatches.
Look Using this Product
Loveshade
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
Naked City
Tom Ford Beauty Naked City Private Shadow ($36.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a light peach with warm undertones and a matte finish. The pigmentation was opaque in a single stroke, while the consistency was velvety and smooth without being powdery. The color applied beautifully to the skin and blended out nicely. It lasted for eight hours on me before fading noticeably.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Huda Beauty Momentum (PiP, ) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Flower Child (PiP, ) is warmer (95% similar).
- Sephora Golden Marshmallow (351) (P, $9.00) is darker (95% similar).
- ColourPop With a Smile (LE, $4.50) is lighter (95% similar).
- Tarte Vanilla Candles (LE, ) is darker (95% similar).
- Sephora Latte (LE, ) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Laurel (LE, $8.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Boutineer (LE, $6.99) is darker, more muted (90% similar).
- Smashbox Relaxed (PiP, ) is warmer (90% similar).
- Make Up For Ever M534 Oat (DC, $21.00) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.04 oz. - $900.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "unadulterated color" that's "highly pigmented, longwearing, and crease-resistant." The packaging is clever, though for anyone who has more than few eyeshadows in their stash, the compact is rather large relative to the actual pan of product (which is less than average for a full-sized eyeshadow--given the price point, I would have expected closer to 0.07 oz. or even 0.09 oz.). The formula itself varied a lot between shades with enough inconsistency that would make me weary of buying blind online.
The pailette (glitter) finish was most similar to the glittery shades in the brand's eyeshadow quads, though I felt that there was more of a base color/powder coming through and slightly finer, less fleck-like glitter particles. The ultrasuede (matte) finish seemed to have the softest, most finely-milled consistency out of all five finishes. The suede finish is like a satin in my mind--barely-there sheen, whereas the sateen finish seemed to have more noticeable, larger shimmer particles in comparison and was more pearly overall. The vinyl (metallic) finish had a denser texture relative to the other finish but wasn't as creamy or as rich in feel as I would expect based on luxury brand formulations that have been releasing.
The price point is high for singles, which wasn't unexpected given the brand is positioned as a luxury brand. I wish that the quality was higher, and I wish that the formula was more innovative and interesting. I only tried 10 of the 3-shade range, but there wasn't enough within those 10 (which were varied across the finishes) to justify purchasing the remaining shades to review. Some shades were very rich in pigment, others were weaker; some were drier and others were satisfactory; and most wore for around seven hours well.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Private Shadow swatches.
Naked City
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
Purple Reign
Tom Ford Beauty Purple Reign Private Shadow ($36.00 for 0.04 oz.) is a medium-dark purple with cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It had good color coverage, though it wasn’t opaque and was hard to build up without a primer underneath it. The texture was soft to the touch but was a bit thin, so I felt like it often lost some vibrancy when blended and worked with on the lid. This shade stayed on well for seven hours before fading on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Geek Caitlin Rose (P, $9.99) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- MAC Queen Patrick (LE, $17.00) is darker (95% similar).
- Viseart Violet (PiP, ) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Lethal Cosmetics Foxglove (P, $6.50) is less shimmery, lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- MAC Sexy PB&J (LE, $17.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- BH Cosmetics Foil Eyes #10 (PiP, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Fyrinnae Parental Advisory (DC, $7.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Sephora Indigo (PiP, ) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Anastasia Iridescent Purple (P, $12.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Sephora Sapphire (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.04 oz. - $900.00 Per Ounce
The formula is supposed to have "unadulterated color" that's "highly pigmented, longwearing, and crease-resistant." The packaging is clever, though for anyone who has more than few eyeshadows in their stash, the compact is rather large relative to the actual pan of product (which is less than average for a full-sized eyeshadow--given the price point, I would have expected closer to 0.07 oz. or even 0.09 oz.). The formula itself varied a lot between shades with enough inconsistency that would make me weary of buying blind online.
The pailette (glitter) finish was most similar to the glittery shades in the brand's eyeshadow quads, though I felt that there was more of a base color/powder coming through and slightly finer, less fleck-like glitter particles. The ultrasuede (matte) finish seemed to have the softest, most finely-milled consistency out of all five finishes. The suede finish is like a satin in my mind--barely-there sheen, whereas the sateen finish seemed to have more noticeable, larger shimmer particles in comparison and was more pearly overall. The vinyl (metallic) finish had a denser texture relative to the other finish but wasn't as creamy or as rich in feel as I would expect based on luxury brand formulations that have been releasing.
The price point is high for singles, which wasn't unexpected given the brand is positioned as a luxury brand. I wish that the quality was higher, and I wish that the formula was more innovative and interesting. I only tried 10 of the 3-shade range, but there wasn't enough within those 10 (which were varied across the finishes) to justify purchasing the remaining shades to review. Some shades were very rich in pigment, others were weaker; some were drier and others were satisfactory; and most wore for around seven hours well.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Private Shadow swatches.
With the exception of Black Onyx, these are not terrible or anything, but still not what I’d be expecting at this price point. Naked City would be a perfect browbone shade for me, but $36 for a shade that I’d burn through so quickly would be insanity (I guess?).
Forgot to tell you, Christine, I’m loving that seriously kick-butt peacock eye look you did using the green, blue, purple and I’m sure some neutrals too! ???
Thank you, Nancy!
When I saw the photo of Breathless in the pan, I was really excited but seeing it swatched, it just doesn’t measure up at all to how it looks in the pan. The “A” shade isn’t something I get excited about and it’s not “special” enough to want to purchase it even though it rated well. And the purple is nice and intense (hard to achieve, it seems, in purple shadows) but it’s a shade that, if I do wear it, I actually want something less pigmented and a bit more “faded” looking.
I am not really impressed with these shadows, the quality is average – especially for the price and they are not unique in any way. I would say that you would find most of these shades in any decent palette.
Thank you for the review Christine and your eye looks are lovely.
I swatched the collection in store, thought it was a real mixed bag and none justify the $36 price tag. Not to mention the pans are tiny, like postage stamps.
I purchased Love Shade on a 20% off beauty sale and I wear it regularly. It seems to have a reddy-brown lean on me, which makes it a versatile shade.
Purple Reign looks beautiful though your experience using it gives me pause.
Thanks for reviewing these shadows, Christine! Your eye looks are stunning!
Thank you for reviewing these and saving me from myself. I was going to get one even though they are pricey for one shadow. I didn’t see any huge hits here to warrant the price. I love the dark eye look you did so much though. Tom Ford Blushes are so nice, so maybe I had the same expectation here.