Simply Abu Dhabi XI

2 3 0 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I O ne of themost exciting andmuch anticipated launches in recent years has been the release of Tom Ford Beauty. Born from an extensive passion for makeup, skincare, cosmetics and tools, TomFord himself has played an integral role in the collection’s ongoing success. With a background in art history and architecture, we can see Tom Ford’s early influences seep into his creations, both in his fashion designs and his ever-growing empire of products. His time at Gucci back in 1990 asCreativeDirector transformed the brand andmade it one of the most profitable luxury groups in the world. This was recognised and praised by the most prestigious organisations in fashion, design andmedia as they showered himwithwell-deserved rewards. In 2005, the TomFord brand was finally announced. With eyewear, beauty,cosmeticsandfragrances,menswearfollowedin2007andthen in 2010 the wait was finally over as his womenswear collection was also launched. The complete Beauty Cosmetics Collection was launched inNovember 2011 and since then has gone from strength to strength. InMr Ford’s own words, “Beauty comes from revealing your most glamorous and inspirational self. It is about amplifying your individuality and showing the world who you are, with maximum impact”. As amanwho believes in luxury, glamour and decadence, TomFord trulyhas themidas touch. Somuch so that henowhas stores all over the world offering his unique designs; from New York, Europe, Russia, Asia to the Middle East, we can all indulge in a piece of his splendour. Intermsofabeautycollection,hehaswithoutdoubt,re-definedwhat luxury is when it comes to a cosmetic product. From the moment you hold any piece from the collection, you can feel the quality and craftsmanship that has gone into the packaging alone. Sleek and modern, yet a nod to the classic times when makeup was a true accessory forwomen. The cognac and gold tones standout amongst a sea of blacks, silvers and too much colour. The real colour comes when you reveal the product inside. Rich pigments with beneficial and groundbreaking formulas, each piece holds the secret to radiant beauty. Whether youwant to go for a naturalsculptedlookormoredramaticwithsplashesofcolouronthe lids and lips, Tom Ford has everything you need. Flawless and luminous skin is an integral part of the look, as one must have a perfected base before applyingmulti-tonal accents on top. Using the brushesasyourtools,applicationcouldn’tbeeasierasyouapply,blend and accentuate your chosen products where needed. The ‘Traceless Foundation’ is your first step in creating a seamless canvasonwhichtobuildyourfeatures. Appliedoverthe‘Illuminating Primer’ it is a smoothing foundation that feels light as air on the skin yet blurs uneven tones just the right amount. Available in twelve shades as a cream stick or liquid (with SPF15), it’s an investment to perfecting your complexion. To create one of TomFord’s signature looks, youmust try themagic that lies within ‘Shade and Illuminate’. There is a specific brush for thisproducttoo,toassistyouinenhancingyourbonestructure. With twoshadesinthecompact,thisismakeupartistryatitsfinest. Creamy andcashmeresoft,theymeltintotheskinandcreatetruesynergywith the natural shadows of your face. Placing the darkest tone into the hollows of your cheeks, starting at the ear and working towards the mouth (suck your cheeks in for more guidance) this will give the illusion of a slimmer appearance. Top that off with the illuminating lighter shade onto your cheekbones and you’ve got supermodel contouring in a flash. Another favourite has to be the ‘EyeColourQuads’. Available in ten opulent colour-ways, each contains four complementary shades to suitanylookyouwanttocreate. Eachalsohasitsowntexturedfinish: sheersparkle,satin,shimmerandmatte. Fromtheclassicsmokeyeye through to purples, blues and greens, it’s a kaleidoscope catalogue of every look you need. For the cheeks there are several powdered colour options. You can either add a subtle sheen of colour, or build on it for a more striking effect, all enhanced with built-in spherical pearls for a fabulous glow. Availableinsixshadesfromcoraltopinkstodeeperearthytones,each will impart a healthy flushwithminimumeffort. Lipsarealsoakeyfeatureforthiscollection. TomFord’siconiclipsticks are now available in ‘Shine’ options to pump up your pout. Then there are glosses and a clear lacquer as additional complements. With theunmistakeable‘TF’imprintedoneverybullet,itmakesthelipsticks almost too beautiful to use. But once you do, the textures are velvety smooth,comfortabletowearandimpartthemostincrediblepigment. ExoticingredientslikeBrazilianmurumurubutter,chamomillaflower and soja seed extract ensure the quality and longevity of whichever shade you choose, fromperfect nudes through to rich reds. When it comes to fragrance, TomFord yet again has set the standard highforstyleanddesirability. Hiscreationssmelllikenothingelseand you canbe sure thatwhen you’rewearing one of his perfumes, itwill be an experience like no other. There aremany to choose from. The ‘Signature Fragrances’ include thenowcult‘BlackOrchid’withitsspicyhypnoticpowersand‘Noir’ formen, whose oriental notes are uniquely captivating. I recently tried the newest to the range, ‘Sahara Noir’, with quite surprising results. As soon as I sprayed it ontomy skin I could smell theexoticessenceoffrankincenseorpur,followedbyEgyptianjasmin templarandroseabsolutfromMorocco–aheadycombination,which again, was as original as the rest of the fragrance family. I was hooked immediately and foundmyself wearing it asmy new favourite scent. Thenwhilstout,awomanstoppedmeinashoptoaskwhatperfume I was wearing. A rare occurrence and one that felt like a true compliment. Sahara Noir is one to treasure, even just admiring the signature shaped bottle is a pleasure as this time it’s covered in gold. Pure extravagance. The precious collection of fifteen unisex perfumes are known as the TomFord‘PrivateBlendCollection’. Withavariationofchoicenotes including oud, jasmine, wood, leather and neroli to name but a few, they offer plenty of selection inwhich to encapsulate our personality. Whichever element of the TomFord BeautyCollection you choose, it will complement your lifestyle and appearance. You will radiate fromwithin as eachelementmakes you feelmore beautiful aswell as enhancingyourmostpolishedandglamorousself. Fromthemoment you hold a Tom Ford product through to application, the opulent experiencewill never end.