Pale Tom Ford Lipsticks…a Love Story

Above: Spanish Pink and Blush Nude, freshly unboxed and still untouched.
Consider this an homage to the five palest shades in the luxurious Tom Ford lip color range.  Like me, many of my lovely Beauty Professor readers gravitate towards lip color in the lighter spectrum.  Our mission is precise: to find the best pale pink, nude, soft coral, pinky nude, nude pink, pinky beige, beigey pink, peachy pink, beigey peach nude pink lip color shades in existence, and add them to our already to our robust collections, because despite what our critics might say, these colors ARE substantially different from each other.  We crave the pinky nude that simultaneously brings a glow to the face without washing out our skin tone; one that is opaque enough to make a statement, but not so thick that it highlights dryness or lip lines.  
Enter Tom Ford…yes at $49, his lip color is insanely pricy; it’s this cost that has compelled me to justify the acquisition of many of mine as special souvenirs from a trip or gift for a birthday.   However, the luxe nature of this lip color would mean nothing if the formula and shade offerings were not so spectacular.  Highly moisturizing, extremely pigmented and impeccably opaque, this formula is sensational.  Over the past year and a half of beauty blogging, I have mentioned many of these shades multiple times, but, aside from a review dedicated specifically to the illustrious Nude Vanille (of which I am on my second tube!), I haven’t generated a post that targets the remaining four.  
The time for said post is now…kindly scroll on for a litany of images and swatches honoring the palest lip color in the Tom Ford Collection…
Above: That elusive nude pink peachy beige in action…this is an agglomeration of  Tom Ford Blush Nude and Spanish Pink with a touch of Nude Vanille to keep it perfectly pale. 
Above: The iconic brown and gold square housing the TF bullet.
Above: The full ingredients list.  The fragrance is extremely light and reminiscent of sweet vanilla.
Above: A portrait of Nude Vanille (more comparison swatches later in the post).
Above: Blush Nude is a light pinky beige with neutral undertones.
Above: Nude Blush is packed with pale beige tones and is fully opaque in one swipe. 
Above: Blush Nude in natural sunlight.
Above: Another glimpse of Nude Blush (with a flash).
Above: Spanish Pink is a mid-toned nude with heavy pink coral peach leanings.
Above: Spanish Pink in natural daylight.
Above: Spanish Pink with a flash.
Above: My latest acquisition in the TF family…Sable Smoke.
Above: Sable Smoke is a creamy mid-tone caramel nude.
Above: A swatch of Sable Smoke in direct sunlight.
Above: Swatches in direct sunlight.
Above: Swatches with a flash.
Above: Swatches in outdoor shade.
Above: Swatches of all five shades in direct sunlight.
Above: Swatches of all five shades in natural indoor lighting.  This is probably the most accurate depiction of all!
And now for the lip color on an actual human face…

Above (clockwise from top left): Spanish Pink, Nude Vanille, Blush Nude, Pink Dusk and Sable Smoke.

Bottom Line: Despite trying new lip pale color frequently, I find myself coming back to Nude Vanille, Pink Dusk, Spanish Pink, Blush Nude and Sable Smoke time and again.  Their creamy, lush opacity and ability to stay colorfast and true over extended periods of wear (Spanish Pink being the exception…it leaves behind a rather coral stain on my lips) are unprecedented and the spectrum of pale options created by their combination is absolutely infinite.  For the sake of balance, I also own TF Scarlet Rouge, but it definitely doesn’t see as much use ; )

Do YOU own any Tom Ford lip color or have any on your wish list?  I’d love to hear your thoughts!

**This post contains affiliate links; my disclosure
policy contains additional details on how these work.

Share this post

Comments (43)

  • Jessica Reply

    I have Blush Nude and I love it! Now I know what to get next. Thanks for sharing.

    July 23, 2013 at 2:04 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Excellent, Jessica…that is the one I've worn the least but after doing this post, I've decided to use it a lot more ; )

      What do you plan to get next?!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 23, 2013 at 4:19 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Must have Sable Smoke!

    July 23, 2013 at 10:32 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      It's a fabulous nude!! Hope you get your wish ; )

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 23, 2013 at 5:59 pm
  • Snjohnson10 Reply

    The Tom Ford's are a Love Story for me as well! Not only are they gorgeous with a fantastic formula but there is definitely a psychological aspect in owning the best of the best 😉 Having said that I still hunt the next best peachy pink nude!
    Love the idea of blending these… never thought to do it…
    Thanks for a great post that gives me ideas for favorites I already own!

    July 23, 2013 at 2:42 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Agreed on all counts! I am so glad you enjoyed my post and that we share a mutual love of all things peachy pink nude (that really should be it's own color, no?). I always start out with the intention of wearing just one, but before I know it, I've added two or three other shades to create a hybrid…blend away!

      xoxo and enjoy your precious TF lippies…talk soon!

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 23, 2013 at 6:04 pm
  • Lynn127 Reply

    Oh no! Looks like my wish list is getting longer! 🙂 Seriously Rachel, that sable smoke looks stunning on you. Not 1 that you probably would reach for alot? Everytime I would look online at T.F lipsticks, I would gravitate toward Spanish Pink but I think Sable smoke would look great under anything. I ususally like to put liner, some sort of nude to give my lips alittle color then gloss. Not so sure now, tough decision. I wanted to ask you if u had any drying effects with the Chanel lipsticks. I got Mystique & like u have a bit of dryness.Also the T.F does seem more pigmented like u said. It seems to be showing the dry lines a bit. the chanel i mean.:( I updated Kimmie & she was nice enough to waive the second day shipping when I order the foundation on friday. My concern living so far away was that it would go bad in the extreme heat & long travel time. She really is sweet. She will be sending me natural beige sample as well. Would love your input on the chanel lipstick issues I'm having. thanks so much 🙂

    July 23, 2013 at 5:12 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you so much…I love Sable Smoke in the tube but wasn't sure how it translated on my face…truly appreciate the sweet compliment! Spanish Pink and Sable Smoke are of equal depth in terms of darkness but Spanish Pink pulls a very peachy, almost coral while Sable Smoke remains a neutral caramel beige (similar to Chanel Icone and LMdB San Tropez but creamier with no shimmer). I do tend to get a bit dry with Chanel lipsticks but not as much with the latest two I purchased (Icone and Secret). That being said, the TF formula, in my experience, is infinitely more moisturizing. The colors are more pigmented/saturated and most of the lip color (including the ones I mentioned in this post) have absolutely no shimmer (which I love…much prefer a pure cream finish).

      So happy that Kimmie is sending you what you need as quickly as possible…she's a gem! Keep me posted and have a lovely week!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 23, 2013 at 6:36 pm
    • Lynn127 Reply

      thank-you so much for the input. I do remember now that u mentioned that with the recent purchases of Icone & Secret. Today , my last day off before work resumes tomorrow, I will be doing some Tom Ford online shopping! You too enjoy your week.

      July 23, 2013 at 7:50 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      But of course, Lynn! I hope your online shopping was a blast!

      Enjoy your remaining work-free moments ; )

      xo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 24, 2013 at 1:16 am
  • Snjohnson10 Reply

    Quick question…. Have you tried the TF Lip Color Shines? Surprisingly Nubile has become a favorite among the too many I picked up :).

    July 23, 2013 at 9:16 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello!

      I have swatched them all for a blog post but didn't buy any because I generally gravitate towards a more opaque lip color. Nubile is gorgeous, though!

      Glad to hear that you are loving them…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 24, 2013 at 1:17 am
  • Anonymous Reply

    Gorgeous swatches, think I'll be picking up Blush Nude. Also you might be interested in Vanilla Suede, I think it was discontinued for some time, but looks like they are bringing it back, it's available on Saks online now. So excited for his Fall collection! Hope you might have a chance to swatch & post it 😉
    Thanks for all the lovely pics,
    x Maria

    July 24, 2013 at 8:16 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you for your comment, Maria! I am excited that you are feeling led to Blush Nude…such a subtle, yet pigmented shade. Thanks also for the news about Vanilla Suede…I missed it the first time around but just may have to take a peek when it makes it return to stores ; ) I, too, am eagerly anticipating the Fall collection…my TF specialist told me yesterday that he doesn't expect it to hit stores until the end of August, but there's always hope he's wrong and it's coming sooner! A serious swatching session is definitely planned upon its arrival!

      xoxo and have a wonderful rest of the week,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 25, 2013 at 6:13 pm
  • MarciaF (Beauty Info Zone) Reply

    You always cost me money. I don't have Blush Nude but it looks like I need it.

    July 26, 2013 at 4:52 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello dear Marcia!

      I apologize for encouraging your spending ; ) Just think of it as doing your part to stimulate the economy. I am surprised that you don't yet have Blush Nude…you likely need it, indeed. Keep me posted and have a lovely weekend!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 26, 2013 at 5:30 am
  • Unknown Reply

    I, too, love TF lipsticks! Their formula is so thick but in the best possible way…. Not thick like "yuck!", but thick like "AAAAHHHHH" I adore Pink Dusk and am now on my second tube!! I sometimes apply it with Indian Rose if I want to pump it up. :o) The Blush Nude looks SOOOO pretty on you. I just this very minute went out and bought myself a tube :o) While I was there I played with the Fall 2013 collection and pre-ordered a few things. Some of the items are drool worthy. I also have a TF Lip Shine in Quiver and I like it very much indeed. The color is perfect light pink. I reach for it often and it is definitely worth having but the Shine formula does not quite reach the perfection of their lipcolors.

    Thank you for your wonderful swatches on your arm and on YOU! You inspired me to try the Blush Nude which I already love. :o)

    July 26, 2013 at 3:45 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Staci!

      I totally agree…the TF formula is so creamy and opaque…to get full coverage in one swipe is a dream! Thank you for your sweet words about how the lip color looks…I often wondered if all five shades were too close to one another, but after taking the pictures in succession, I was able to confirm that they are, indeed, quite different! I need to know more about the Fall 2013 collection…what store already had it in stock? I've seen press release pictures but my Neiman Marcus still didn't even have a release date confirmed! What did deem worthy of pre-order?!

      So happy to hear that you love Blush Nude…I am sure it looks absolutely gorgeous on you!

      Have a lovely weekend and talk soon…xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 26, 2013 at 8:07 pm
    • Unknown Reply

      Bergdorf Goodman has a display case and if you stare at the SA's pathetically 🙂 they will get the Fall 2013 from the case and let you almost touch the products haha! There is a new felt tip eye liner with two ends: black (very very black) and charcoal gray. There are two beautiful new nail colors, a gorgeous quad, several new trio (!!!!) eye shadows which are new to the line. A new eye primer cream with a powder, two new lip colors: one very plummy and one extremely light almost an ivory. At Bergdorf they said the eye liner is already sold out!!! And they don't even have it yet!!! I pre-ordered the eyeliner on wait list status!! Unbelievable 🙂
      Thanks again and have a great weekend. SJ (aka Staci-Jon)

      July 26, 2013 at 11:44 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      I love that you have to stare to get them to give you a bit of access…hilarious! Thank you for the description of everything…now I am definitely interested in the eyeliner and ivory lip color (of course!). That is crazy that the eyeliner has a wait list already. Good for Tom Ford and quel tragique for the rest of us!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 27, 2013 at 12:23 am
  • BooBooNinja Reply

    You've got a great lipstick palette going on. For some reason I can't get used to a nude lip on myself. I'm glad you've found some gems.

    July 29, 2013 at 12:48 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you, Boo Boo!! If you ever feel like taking the nude lip plunge, I highly recommend starting with Tom Ford ; )

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 29, 2013 at 6:27 am
  • Lili Reply

    i am alternating between my pink dusk and pink adobe – may need to check out those shades you have tried!

    July 29, 2013 at 6:15 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Lili,

      Pink Adobe is likely next for me ; )

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      July 29, 2013 at 6:26 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Spanich Pink is one of my favourite lipsticks ever! I also have Black Orchid, much this is rarely used only during winter months.
    I am now with my eyes on Wild Ginger, True Coral and Blush Nude as Nude Vanille might wash me out. Need to try on to be sure.

    August 1, 2013 at 3:18 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Spanish Pink is such a gorgeous color…so bright, yet wearable! I have had my eye on Black Orchid and may just have to add it to the collection for the colder months ; ) Thanks for mentioning it!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 2, 2013 at 1:54 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Black Orchid is a gorgeous unique chic color for winter months, it might look scary, but is versatile as can be translated on the lips from sheer stain to a full blown deep burgundy, it is truly stunning!

    I heard at TF counter in Harvey Nichols here in London that it will be discontinued, so, if you are interested, go grab yours shortly!

    Cheers

    August 2, 2013 at 10:02 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Bianca…thanks for the details on the Black Orchid! I may have to act sooner rather than later ; )

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      August 2, 2013 at 8:57 pm
  • Celena Reply

    Hello Lovely! You and I have very similar tastes in lipstick (pale and pink or peachy!) and I'm wondering how you still feel about Sable Smoke? In person, I always stop short of purchasing it, because I'm afraid it will appear a little draining on my NC20 skin, yet online, it does seem to be a nice warm honey toned beige. Do you still wear it regularly?

    Thanks,
    Celena

    October 16, 2013 at 9:18 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello dear Celena!

      Good to hear from you. I love that we have similar tastes in pinky nude pale lip color ; ) I like Sable Smoke still but it is a bit too carmel beige for my taste on a regular basis…I wear Nude Vanille the most (alone and mixed with other shades) and have been adoring the pale effect of Vanilla Suede lately as well. I am glad that I own Sable Smoke (for those days when I want a nude lip without pink undertones) but don't wear it as much as my other favorite TF lippies.

      I hope that helps!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      P.S. What are some of your favorite pale, pink and peachy lip colors as of late?!

      October 18, 2013 at 5:18 am
    • Celena Reply

      Thank you so much – I think I'll hold off on Sable Smoke for a little while longer. As far my favorite nudes – I'm still on the Nude Vanille train, I have a feeling it's going to remain my all time favorite nude for the forseeable. There's nothing out there that can compete with it. I also picked up the Vanilla Suede and have been loving that, as well!

      Lately I've been using MAC's Boldly Bare liner to cheat my lip shape ever so slightly, followed by MAC's 'Something Special' cream blush (pale peachy pink – what else?!), which I then I top it with Nude Vanille. If you have Something Special, you should give it a try – it's right up your alley – 60's pale and peachy. Love.

      Also, Radieuse, from Chanel's Christmas collection is calling my name. It's a pale, white-based pink- looks like it might be to your tastes as well!

      XOXO

      October 24, 2013 at 11:13 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Celena,

      My pleasure! I totally understand…if you are loving Nude Vanille (and I wear it multiple times a week myself!) then there may be no room in your life for Sable Smoke ; )

      I definitely have to take a look at MAC Boldly Bare and Something Special…I am always on the hunt for products in that color family and love the idea of mixing it with the Nude Vanille!

      I picked up Radieuse earlier this month (review soon!)…it is shockingly pale and opaque for a Chanel lipstick but that's why I bought it ; )

      xoxo, talk soon and have a wonderful weekend,

      –The Beauty Professor

      October 25, 2013 at 5:06 am
  • Yogi Reply

    So therefore Nude Vanilla is coller toned than blush nude? I don´t have a TF counter near so I have to order them. I need cool toned only. I sold all my warms shades because I just can´t wear warm. Which one of these do you think is the cooles toned? My all time favourite colour is the YSL rouge cotoure in 10 -but YSL formular does SO not work on my sensitive lips at all! But the colour *-* (I recently got a TF in Violet -which could be even more lilac for my taste -like that one Givenchy LE I have and love, and I like the formular of TF lipsticks.)

    If you own the ysl rouge coture in 10, I´d love it if you could compare them with these and tell me which one is closest. Thanks a million in advance!

    March 7, 2014 at 7:43 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hello Yogi,

      I wouldn't say that Nude Vanilla is cooler than Blush Nude…it's just lighter and a bit more flesh toned while Blush Nude is a pinky beige. I actually think that Blush Nude is closer to your beloved Rouge Pur Couture #10 than the Nude Vanilla.

      I hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 12, 2014 at 11:33 pm
  • Unknown Reply

    Pink Dust and Sable Smoke look AMAZING on you!

    March 23, 2014 at 10:00 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you ever so much, Kate!!

      xoxo,

      –The Beauty Professor

      March 27, 2014 at 4:12 am
  • Caroline Reply

    All of these colors look amazing on you! I was wondering if you ever wear a lip liner with these lipsticks, and if so, which one(s) do you use? Thanks! 🙂

    December 25, 2014 at 12:43 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Thank you, Caroline! I rarely use a lip liner with these lipsticks, but when I do, it is the Hourglass Iconic Lip Liner in Eden, a perfect nude (also reviewed on my blog).

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      December 30, 2014 at 4:40 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Hi professor! This is an old post so I don't know if you will respond to my comment… Anyway, I really like Tom Ford lipstick and I own one from the lips and boys collection. I went to the counter to try some colors in the permanent collection but couldn't find the right color… I am Asian with a little bit tanned skin, 5.5 in Georgia Armani and NC25 in MAC. My favorite sable smoke makes me so pale… sad 🙁 I don't know if the light in the department store did a justice, but it looked TERRIBLE. So I didnt even bother to try all the other light colors like my second favorite Spanish Pink. It looks so pretty on you btw. My friend says Id better get indian rose, I like that too. But I just want to ask you first if you think Spanish Pink will look good on me ? Or any other color you can recommend? Thank you!

    April 7, 2015 at 10:01 pm
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Gloria!

      Thanks for the question. I definitely suggest taking a peek at Spanish Pink (it is warmer, rosier and deeper than Sable Smoke) as well as the deeper Indian Rose and Casablanca!

      I hope that helps…xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      April 15, 2015 at 12:53 am
  • Unknown Reply

    Hi Professor, I love the TF lipsticks and owned the forbidden pink and LOVE it enough to want some more! I am thinking about getting the Sable smoke but not sure if it's going to suit my Asian medium skin tone NC35-40. They are so expensive so I do want to get the right one, please? Many thanks

    October 28, 2015 at 9:52 am
    • The Beauty Professor Reply

      Hi Amy,

      Thanks for the question; Sable Smoke is definitely more neutral beige tan than Forbidden Pink but I think it would indeed work with your skintone (it will look like a lovely neutral nude).

      I hope that helps!

      xx,

      –The Beauty Professor

      November 3, 2015 at 7:55 pm
  • aprilaimee Reply

    I just bought Blush Pink and I am already obsessing over Nude Vanilla….. I think they are worth the splurge for sure, definitely a nice treat!

    August 31, 2016 at 10:00 pm

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *