When it comes to designer makeup brands, I categorize them in my mind. You have absolute classics like Chanel and Dior, I know I can always rely on products like foundation and blush. Then you have brands like Guerlain and Sisley, which take the word luxury to a whole new level, creating makeup masterpieces that wouldn’t look out of place in an art gallery. However, I believe that one makeup brand is in a category of its own and that is Tom Ford.
Launched in 2006, Tom Ford quickly made a name for itself in the beauty sector, with iconic scents like Black Orchid proving incredibly popular. However, it is the makeup that really stole the show for me. If you’ve ever passed by a Tom Ford counter, you’ll know how charming this brand is. Each product comes in sleek brown and gold packaging, and the formulas are absolutely gorgeous.
The best Tom Ford makeup products, tried and tested
1. Tom Ford Architecture Radiance Hydrating Foundation
tom ford
Architecture Radiance Hydrating Foundation
Pros
- attractive packaging
- Medium to full coverage
- Naturally shiny finish
- mix like a dream
Shortcoming
- Expensive, but a little goes a long way
First, the foundation. Part of Tom Ford’s Architecture collection (designed to enhance your natural features), I’m a big fan of this glow-enhancing formula. Aside from the cute bottle, this glowing foundation ticks all the boxes. While most illuminating base products don’t offer much coverage, this hydrating formula is enhanced with light-diffusing powder, providing medium to full coverage and a naturally glowy finish. This is the kind of foundation that will take you from desk to drinks, and I reach for it whenever I want to feel my best. Oh, and did I mention it blends like a dream? Like I said, it really ticks all the boxes.
2. Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Concealer
tom ford
Shade and illuminate concealer
Pros
- buildable coverage
- easy to mix
- adds natural glow
Shortcoming
- There may be slight wrinkles under the eyes
I’m very fussy when it comes to concealer, but this looks great. Similar to foundation, it has a creamy, hydrating formula that glides on skin like butter. The brand says it provides medium coverage, but in my opinion it’s definitely buildable. I think of it as a two-in-one formula because it covers imperfections while also adding shine, making it a great option for under eye eyes. My top tip would be to use a small amount at first and see how you get on, as I find that if I apply too much it might wear off a bit throughout the day.
3. Tom Ford Architecture Soft Matte Blurring Powder
tom ford
Architecture Soft Matte Blurring Powder
Pros
- attractive packaging
- Light, hydrating formula
- darkens the skin
- Adds a soft matte finish
Shortcoming
- I don’t like the included brush, so I want to use my own.
While I love a glowy finish as much as the next person, I get a very oily T-zone, so applying powder is a must. I have to be honest, I was never really one for luxury setting powders, as in my opinion, they all do the same thing, but then I was sent the Tom Ford Architecture Soft Matte Blurring Powder, and everything changed. First, let’s talk about packaging. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to layer my makeup so much since I had it in my handbag. It’s so beautiful that it makes the mundane task of applying powder to my face feel like a heavenly experience. However, the formula is equally impressive. I find that some powders can be too heavy on the skin, but this velvety texture is almost undetectable, adding a soft matte finish with a subtly blurred effect. Plus, the hyaluronic acid-rich formula means it never feels dry.
4. Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo
tom ford
Shade and Illuminate Contour Duo
Pros
- Creamy formula blends like a dream
- Create a seamless, naturally sculpted finish
Shortcoming
- the highlighter is too subtle
I know people say you can’t use powder and cream products together, but as someone who has done masterclasses with some of the best makeup artists in the world, I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can. So, even though I used powder blush for this makeup look (more on that later), I started with this fabulous cream contour duo. I prefer cream bronzers because I think they look more natural on the skin, and the Tom Ford formula is no exception. The funny thing is that when I first got my hands on this palette, I thought both contour shades looked really subtle, so I picked up my brush and was shocked when I realized that it was actually incredibly pigmented. When testing it for the second time, I started with a small amount and I loved how smooth it felt. It’s perfect for a naturally sculpted effect. The highlighter contains very little amount of glitter, which again creates a naturally glowing effect. However, I needed to use this product more to see results.
5. Tom Ford Architecture Soft Matte Blush
tom ford
Architecture Soft Matte Blush
Pros
- pigment shades
- Adds a dewy finish to the cheeks
- stays in one place all day
Shortcoming
- may be a little difficult to mix
With the lipstick underneath, this blusher was the star of the show. I usually stay away from bright colors, but I think this hot pink color will be my favorite for spring and summer. My top tip is to start with a small amount on your brush and increase it as you go. The cream powder formula is infused with microsphere technology to create a flushed finish, and while I’m used to cream blushers, this powder has won me over because it never looks dry or heavy on the skin. The only thing that was stopping me from giving this product a ten out of ten was that I found it a little difficult to blend it out, but the upside is that it stays in place throughout the day.
6. Tom Ford Eye Color Quad
Pros
- The palette comes with a large mirror and two small brushes
- Mix of shiny and matte shades
- easy to mix
- very colorful
I had never tried a Tom Ford Eyeshadow Quad before writing this article, but I can 100% say it was worth the wait. I chose the shade “Insolent Rose”, which is a beautiful blend of dusky pink and mauve tones. The palette features two matte shades, a demi-matte shadow and a glitter option, as well as a large mirror and two mini Tom Ford brushes. I applied the lightest shade all over my eyelid before blending the two darker shades in the crease, and all I can say is wow. Creamy, pigmented, blendable, long lasting… I can see why people swear by Tom Ford eyeshadows. In fact I don’t have any notes. This eyeshadow palette has left me speechless.
7. Tom Ford Eyebrow Laminator
tom ford
eyebrow laminator
Pros
- Small brush catches every hair
- Sets brows into place for a naturally laminated look
Shortcoming
- May leave a slight residue on eyebrows
Have you ever seen such a stylish eyebrow gel? I certainly haven’t. Anyone who knows me will know that I don’t do much to my eyebrows, but I do like to set them in place with a clear gel in the morning. This is a great choice because the small brush catches every hair, lifting and sculpting for a naturally laminated finish. The gel actually comes out white, but dries clear on the brows. That said, after a few hours of wear, I did notice a bit of white residue on my brows, but I quickly learned that was because I applied too much product the first time around. Like most Tom Ford makeup formulas, a little goes a long way.
8. Tom Ford Emotionproof Mascara
tom ford
Emotionproof Mascara
Pros
- Long lasting formula
- easy to use stick
Shortcoming
- would love to see more shades
I feel like I’m always on the lookout for a phenomenal mascara that won’t clump on my lashes throughout the day, and I think I might have found it. Yes, the clue is in the name. This long-wearing, waterproof formula is virtually “feelproof” and lasts all day. It creates a fluttery effect that can be layered for a more dramatic finish, and the long, tapered wand makes it easy to coat every lash. Tom Ford, you’ve done it again.
9. Tom Ford Soleil Summer Ultra-Shine Lip Color
tom ford
Soleil Summer Ultra-Shine Lip Color
Pros
- impressive color rendition
- Hydrating Formula
- glossy finish
- easy to apply
No makeup look is complete without a little lipstick, and while there are too many great Tom Ford options to talk about, I thought I’d try something new for this article. Introducing Soleil Summer Ultra-Shine Lip Color in the shade Rose Beam. Probably the most summery, hot pink color, I was a little scared when I opened this, because I don’t usually deviate from my nude lip balms and glosses. However, I needn’t have worried, because last week I got more compliments on this lipstick than I have on my makeup this entire year. The lightweight, hydrating, gloss-like formula glides on the lips, creating a plump, almost cushion-like effect while delivering an impressive pop of color. For me, this product is somewhere between lipstick, lip gloss and balm, and I hope my handbag will never be without it this season.
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