Review: Tom Ford Blush 04 Savage

A warm brown with red and pink undertone is the usual "safe" color of choice for my blushes. Not that I'm scared of brown (it can always work as contour powder or bronzer in certain ways), but I didn't find it particularly flattering on me. After several years trying on more dramatic blushes, I thought I settled for the ordinary peach/pink/rosy/neutral blush. Tom Ford blush in Savage, together with Ravish, has revolutionized the way I wear blushes and enjoy them. It ain't just another brown. 

Tom Ford Cheek Color Savage ($55 for 0.28 oz) is a rich warm brown with hint of cool pink that is opulent and sensual. Very sensual. Everything about this blush goddess is done right. The sophisticated brown, the ultra fine shimmer, the velvety texture and the pigmentation dance accordantly to create a blush of superb quality and versatility. You sure can use it as a bronzer, especially if you're medium to deep skin. On top of that, it stays in place until being removed 8 hours later.

Savage is highly pigmented yet the sheerest of the bunch I own. It has the same shimmer level as Narcissist, very subtle and well blent with the pigment. The shimmer is fused exquisitely with the pigment and seems inseparable when applied on my cheeks. In the pan, Savage looks rather deep and intense but it's lovely and very natural on the skin. It produces a stunning sheen (like all other Tom Ford blushes). So anti-shimmer wearers, don't worry about overly sparkly cheeks or cheesy shiny cheekbones! Savage warms up my skin and gives it kick of healthy glow. I love wearing it higher on my cheekbones. When I turn my heads under different lighting, my cheeks look lively and sun-kissed *self-promotion*.

Isn't Savage gorgeous?

Like the rest of Tom Ford powder products, particularly his blushes, Savage has velvety texture that feels so silky smooth without being powdery. The blush blends seamlessly and effortlessly into my skin, producing a second-skin layer. Some bloggers have reported not-so-smooth texture of Tom Ford blushes on the skin. I, however, have been beyond happy with all the blushes. I checked them in magnified mirror and didn't see them emphasize pores, lines or my skin texture. I'm not sure it's because my skin has improved dramatically or my magnifying mirror doesn't zoom in enough. May be my standard for smoothness is simply not as high :D 

Tom Ford Savage against Flush and Love Lust. You think it's like a bronzer? 

At first, I was certain of a dupe of my collection. Naive belief! It turns out all of my bronzers are either lighter, peachier or yellower than Tom Ford Savage. 

Here are comparison with some of bronzers in my stash

Tom Ford Savage has more red than the rest of my bronzers. It's also the deepest shade. 

Tom Ford Savage in action (makeup worn)

Tom Ford blushes come with a velvet pouch and large mirror. I love the case design but will prefer a more sturdy/luxe material. And usually with a price like this, I expect a nice quality brush like Burberry's. It doesn't mean that I'll use it. It's more for the convenience on the go.

Finally, I want to discuss the price point. You pay $55 for 0.28 oz of product or about $196/oz. This is double the amount of a standard blush. How does it compare to other high-end blushes?

In terms of price per quantity:

Burrberry: $42 for 0.24 oz ($175/oz).

Chanel: $43 for 0.21 oz ($205/oz).

Guerlain Duo: $50 for 0.21 oz ($238/oz).

Dior: $42 for 0.26 oz ($161/oz).

Le Mertier de Beaute: $30 for 0.13 oz ($230/oz).

Tom Ford blushes are priced in the higher range among the designer brands yet not the most expensive. Some may argue that Tom Ford Beauty enters the market recently while the others have been there for decades. It might not be reasonable to price the products at that range. I've tried all of the above except for Le Mertier de Beaute and the quality of Tom Ford blushes, Savage included, is extremely competitive to the other brands.

Bottom line. Another must-have blush for me.

Do you double your brown blushes as bronzers and use your bronzer as blushes? Have you tried Tom Ford Savage? Thoughts?