Any colour as long as it's Ford

BEAUTY:MASTERLY CUT MENSWEAR, super chic sunglasses, fabulous fragrances and a critically acclaimed directorial movie debut: check, check, check and check. Is there no end to the talent of the (very talented indeed) Mr Tom Ford? It's quite a while since he wowed the fashion world during his stint with Gucci, and rumour has it he's getting back into womenswear, if you'll pardon the expression. If he does, a privileged few will enjoy what's bound to be a tastefully zeitgeist collection, aching with strong femininity – bring it on Tom.

So what about the rest of us? We can look forward to drooling over the dresses and counting the zeros on the price tag – or just spend €45 on one little item that carries the same cachet in cosmetic terms. It’s a lipstick, ladies, but a lipstick like you’ve never known before. Let me elaborate.

Never judge a book by its cover? Well you’ll be hard pushed not to be impressed by the elegance of the gold-accented ivory case confirming something special lies within.

Inside, well, I’ll pass you over to Tom: “This is my take on 12 classic lip colours. I took the most universally flattering colours that a woman can wear, and then re-imagined them in a modern and authoritative way. These are signature lip colours for the make-up connoisseur.”

The collection of 12 shades is divided into three groups: neutrals, brights and darks, and God help me I have many favourites. I initially rushed headlong for the Pure Pink in the brights collection as, unbelievably, it was the exact shade I’d been (unconsciously) searching for since I was aged 18. It all came rushing back.

You see, way back then, my quite ordinary- looking friend went off to live in Paris, which was an incredibly exotic move in those days. She came back for a visit mere months later the epitome of French chic. I attributed her new look to a certain shade of pink lipstick which she graciously left behind her when she left. I’ve never found a match – until now.

It's my perfect pink. Another gem is Smoke Red, a rich brick red that is pure cardinal class. And don't get me started on the neutrals.

Here’s Tom’s take on the palette: “Lip colour can be the most potent statement because it enables the woman to change her impression in an instant. That is why I wanted to make a complete wardrobe of colours, not just two or three shades.”

The drama of the brighter shades will garner most attention, but I predict the neutrals will be huge sellers. “Lips don’t have to be bright red to be the focal point,” according to Tom. “A woman can make a powerful statement using the Warm Sable or Pink Dusk shades, which are more muted, but still tell a dramatic story.

“While you should always choose a shade that you know works with your skin tone and the shape of your face, it is equally as important to consider the mood and tone you are trying to set. Your lip colour has the power to define your entire look and dramatically enhance your appearance.” So now you know.

Mr Obsessive tested out every shade on the most discerning lips he could find – his own. Luxury ingredients typically found in skincare products give an amazing fragrance, moist texture and long-lasting wearability, so you need to reapply less often, if at all. The finish is as you’d expect – neither matte nor glossy, but super sleekly perfect.

Private Blend Lip Colour Collection by Tom Ford is available at Brown Thomas, Grafton Street.