Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Color in 07 Willful

I am not a big fan of western lipsticks in general (they are too bold and dramatic even in a "sheer" formula) but when I saw this tube design for Tom Ford Ultra Shine Lip Color, I just had to get one even with its ridiculous retail price. Since it was released around the same time as Sephora's beauty insider sale, I went in store and grabbed it 20% off ($55). After tax, it ended up being the most expensive (but not necessarily the best) lipstick I ever purchased.

Since the only selling point was the packaging, let's take a closer look. The design is indeed beautiful, weighty and looks quite jewelry-like. Upon closer examination, it actually looks like it's made of "affordable" (non luxurious, cheap) materials. 

The details on this piece of art don't hold up very well: The interior of the cap looks shoddy and full of weld lines (it looks like plastic pipe). The white plastic started to discolor, having some spots from heat in just a year and I have gotten one small chip on the golden frame (I never brought it out with me). These are some design imperfections that I don't see with YSL, Dior or Chanel. And for the record, my 3-year-old plastic Jill Stuart lipstick never chipped!

 I haven't taken it apart but I would bet my lunch money that the packaging is made in China, just like Tom Ford's eyeshadow compacts (and many other packaging from Estee Lauder brands). I guess, consider how ornate it is, it might be cost-prohibitive to have this exact design made with better material or in a developed country...But hey, at the $55 a piece...I am sure they can afford better materials. 

Back to the lipstick - Since the range was newly released and very popular when I got it, there weren't many shades left in store. I picked 07 Willful as I could always use another "sheer" red. 

Of course it's not sheer at all! 07 Willful is a seemly neutral to poppy red with a creamy texture and shiny finish that's not very long wearing. The vanilla scented lipstick is very comfortable, somewhat moisturizing and a single swipe gives a very intense dose of color, reaching 70-80% opacity.  

The formula of Ultra Shine Lip Color is pretty nice for a creamy bold, but I find the creamy formula from Bare Minerals (low $20s) , Shiseido (mid $20s) and Lunasol ($30) are still notably better. 

On my lips - 07 Willful is a curious shade, while it looks warm on the outside, it also feels a bit bright and garish...I found out when I wipe off the glossy part.

Turns out it's a neutral warm red with that hot pink stain underneath. It's not a super bold magenta but I don't care for it anyway. 

Overall, it's a decent (if it were 20bucks) formula, not very flattering shade (on me) but the design is truly beautiful. It's great for collector (consider how delicate/cheaply made it is) but if you are a lippie-lover wanting to try a luxury lipstick, Suqqu is a better way to burn $40-50. 

Verdict: A ripoff.