“Sheer and Sparkly Cheek Duo” doesn’t have the same ring to it as “Sheer Cheek Duo,” does it? Yeah, it doesn’t sound as Tom Ford-y, but these two new duos from the Tom Ford 2017 Summer Soleil collection are A LOT sparklier than I thought they’d be, and more pigmented too.
They may look chill on my face in these pics, but the Sheer Highlighting Duo in Reflects Gilt and Sheer Cheek Duo in Paradise Lust, which are — you’ll wanna site down for this! — $78 each (I KNOW), are much more pigmented than their names imply. I spent a lot of time buffing down my cheeks and cheekbones after applying the Cheek Duo and Highlighting Duo the first time because I was expecting to have to pack on layer upon layer. But that wasn’t the case.
Both Reflects Gilt and Paradise Lust feel like the $45 NARS Dual Intensity Blushes, and they look like a couple of them too. Reflects Gilt looks a little like NARS Jubilation, and Paradise Lust is similar to NARS Adoration.
I feel like Tom’s shimmery and glittery duos are more nuanced than the NARS blushes, and the powder particles sit closer to the skin, making them look more natural, especially outdoors in sunlight. The pearl particles are finer, but ya know what? I don’t think most makeup lovers will notice a difference in real life. You’d have to be looking really closely.
Yes, the TF Duos are gorgeous, sure, but I don’t think they’re as earth-shattering as, say, the Cream Shadows from this collection (SWOON, baby, SWOON). If you’re still itching to splash some cash, I’d say go for the Highlighting Duo, because the highlighters also double as eyeshadows! I’m wearing the rose gold shade on my lids (applied with a wet brush).
You can find both of them now, along with the rest of the Tom Ford 2017 Summer Soleil collection, at Tom Ford counters and online.
Nicolas Sparks movies
And in another installment of “Karen Takes Three Days to Watch a Movie,” our heroine re-watches a Nicolas Sparks movie on Netflix called Safe Haven, starring Juliana Hough and Josh Duhamel…
Sorry, it took me a second to remember that guy’s name because I always confuse him wtih Timothy Olypahnt, so when I picture Josh Duahmal’s face, I’m like, is that Fergie’s husband or that other guy from Justified? They could be twins!
Anyway…side tangent!
Safe Haven. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen it before, but I’m not 100% sure. Is it just me, or are all Nicolas Sparks movies more or less the same?
There are always star-crossed lovers, of course, who either like each other right off the bat, or despise each other, but really like each other but don’t want to admit it, and sometimes there are extraneous forces or a misunderstanding/epic secret keeping them apart.
Sleepy seaside Southern towns are also frequently in the mix, as are scenes at the beach. And oh! — there’s always a big scene involving rain, immediately after which emotions are poured out.
Not to say that I don’t enjoy them immensely, because I do, especially when I need to turn my brain to mush. 🙂
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
These are very tempting, Karen. I like both colours, they’ll go so well with tanned skin. I’ll wait to see what other brands bring out though before splurging, but will definitely check them out!
I’m so happy to see you review these 2 items! I find your swatches so helpful, since I am very warm-toned. Any chance we can get arm swatches? I find them much more helpful 🙂
These two are likely the only items I will purchase from this collection. While these items are spendy and certainly dupable, I have found that I enjoy the EXPERIENCE of using my Tom Ford products. The packaging is sublime – especially the white and gold Soleil packaging – and I find myself almost giggling with girlish delight whenever I pull out my Tom Ford products. I believe at this price point, it is more about the feeling of luxury that one is splurging for, rather than a superior or unique product. I definitely would pass on these if I didn’t already enjoy the brand so much. I can think of a few dupes from other brands in my stash alone!
When I need to turn my brain to mush I watch a show, never a Nikolas Sparks movie. They rae just way too similar, I get bored about half way through.
Being a movie person, I’m a bit ashamed that I had to look up Nicholas Sparks movies. I figured The Notebook was one when you mentioned the rain scene. HAHA! I’ve only seen parts of it and haven’t seen any of his others. I don’t usually watch movies in that genre. 🙂
I feel the same way about a lot of TF and NARS products. As I age I think about the TF stuff more. They both have similarly sophisticated colors but sometimes NARS is more runway or noticeable from afar and the TF is a little more IRL. Don’t tell Tom that I said that 😛