Tom Ford Burnt Topaz Nail Lacquer ($30.00 for 0.40 fl. oz.) is a warm bronze with orange undertones and threads of metallic copper shimmer. It’s mostly opaque after two coats. China Glaze Mahogany Magic has a similar undertone but looks rather different otherwise. NARS King Kong is much redder. China Glaze Goin’ My Way is a bit darker.
There was a tendency for it to pull a bit, which I suspect is due partially to the longer drying time. Not much longer than average to me, but the formula is less forgiving if you’re trying to get your swatches done! Because it has a metallic finish, brush strokes are definitely present and noticeable, though they’re subtler than you’ll typically find in this type of finish. The formula wasn’t too thick or too thin, and it applied decently, but it could have gone on a bit smoother. It also did this weird thing where it seemed to recede from the edge of the tips of my nails.
I wore this shade to test wear (I’ve tested the wear of the cream finishes, but not of the metallic ones), and it lasted seven days without any chipping and had minor tip wear–just keep in mind that I can’t remember the last formula that did chip on me other than matte polish.
FINAL THOUGHTS
It's a so-so formula, but the color is pretty and if you're a fan of metallic finishes and prefer less brush strokes, you may find it worth dealing with. At this price point, I'd expect a better formula and more color coverage at two coats.
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This summer Ford sticks to what he knows best with a line of illuminating bronze products. “I wanted to capture a very particular look of skin that is bathed in sunset light in the summer,” said Ford. “It is a sultry and sublime glow. In this light, every woman looks irresistibly relaxed and sensual.”
The Summer 2013 collection boasts a liquid skin illuminator ($65), bronzy cheek color sticks ($58), creamy eye colors ($40), a lustrous rose gold lip lacquer ($30), and an icy nail varnish ($30) and will be available in May at Tom Ford counters at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus.