Tom Ford In the Pink Ombré Eye Color Trio Palette for Fall 2013

Tom Ford's In the Pink Ombré Eye Color Trio Palette for Fall 2013 ($60) will please many - I suspect those with darker skin than mine. The colors are gorgeous peachy-pink shades. This trio was also a gift to me from a sweet, generous friend.

As you already know, I couldn't get good swatch photos until Saturday. Even before I took them, I had worn two of the shades to work. I like both shades (I wore the two from left), but to my eyes, they weren't meant to be paired. They are both very light on my pale eyelids, and they left a slightly pink hue over my primer. Pink is not a good color for me because it brings out any red in my eyes. I must pair or layer it with a darker shade, like taupe or grey.

I swatched heavily with a sponge-tipped applicator. My photos were taken in late-morning sun. Here are swatch photos so you can see what I mean.

The shade at the top of my arm is the one on the left in the trio. As you can see, it's a pastel, almost chalky pink. The shimmering shade in the middle is a very pretty taupe-peach hybrid. I expected it to look great with the top pink shade, but it didn't offer me the contrast I love. The effect on my lids was very light with no definition. I will wear this shade as my base color next time.

The sparkling peach shade at the bottom on my arm is glittery - a gorgeous color, but one you'll need to apply using the same directions I provided for She Wolf. I was able to achieve decent color for my photos because I swatched with a sponge-tipped applicator, which also lays down enough color if you pat the color in the compact and then pat or swipe it onto your eyelids. A regular eye shadow brush would not have laid down even color - just glitter. A friend who is a superb makeup artist told me that you must apply the uber-sparkly side with a short-haired, stiff eye shadow brush and pat the color on, stippling, making it one with your skin. It helps to use a primer. That way, you get the color, not just a layer of glitter. I'll wear it at night. It's so pretty, it needs a festive occasion.

 I love In the Pink, despite my personal issues with the colors. I have paired the shades with other Tom Ford shades and shadows from other brands, and I've been very pleased. Isn't it funny? I love the shades, but not with one another.

Why do I think gals with darker skin than mine will adore In the Pink? The contrast between darker skin tones and these colors will be magnificent. I'm thrilled to have the shades to wear with other palettes, even if I won't be using them to create a single In the Pink look.

What do you think about In the Pink? It is scheduled to be available at all Tom Ford Counters in September. Is it on your list?

If you want one now, give Dustin Lujan a call at (212) 872-2714 at the John Barrett Salon in New York City (I don't think he works Mondays). You can be the first in your town to have one.

I'll show you the eye base next. Getting photos of that ought to be a challenge. Dustin told me it's very clear.

Photos by Best Things in Beauty