As someone who pays both monthly and annual dues to The Society of Chubby Cherub Cheeks, I always get a little hot and bothered when I bump into makeup designed to chisel cheeks, like Tom Ford’s two Contouring Cheek Color Duos ($77 each, eek!), which come complete with naughty names.
Softcore (the darker option) and Stroked (the lighter one) each come with two shades — a darker contouring powder and a lighter powder for highlighting.
I’m currently pretty stoked about Stroked…
I didn’t expect the darker contouring shade (in Stroked) to look so flat and matte, but when I opened the compact for the first time, I saw a warm peachy reddish shade.
Cool! It looked like a straight-up matte, so I was like, “Haaaay, gurl!” (because I really like matte contouring products). 🙂
But then, as I buffed and worked it into my skin, I started to see light reflecting particles of reddish pink pearl.
Hmm…
That’s when the mixed feelings started.
On the one hand, I love the rich peachy reddish color and how well it deepens that area just beneath the apples of my cheeks in such a radical retro ’80s way, but I can’t help thinking that a flat matte would’ve been a tad more effective.
To quote the text I just got from my XXL pores, “A matte finish would’ve been bomb!” And it may also have been more forgiving than the pearl, which tends to amplify any dips and depressions on my skin (although not dramatically).
As for the iridescent peachy golden highlighter, swoon! Très élégant. It reminds me a little of BECCA Opal, one of my all-time highlighting jams, with the major difference being Stroked’s finer powder, which consequently requires less buffing and blending.
Speaking of buffing and blending, proceed with caution when it comes to applying these powders, as they’re pigmented to the Nth degree. If you’re not careful, you’ll look like you’re channeling Pat Benatar in Love is a Battlefield, which depending on your point of view, could be a good or bad thing. 🙂
If Stroked arouses your interest, then you can caress it now at Tom Ford counters and online.
PRICE: $77 (holy four-letter words, Batman!)
AVAILABILITY: Available now online and at Tom Ford Beauty counters
MAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B+/A-
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Hayyy gurl! I could look at your beautiful cheeks all day! I love the idea of a warmer sculpting powder, since most of them are greys *cough* Kevyn Aucoin *cough*
I’m just waiting for Mr. Ford to drop round a bundle of goodies, or he will just have to deal with my unsculpted potato face :p
Fun, insightful review, as always, Karen! Love the retro feel of this duo (and that the contour shade isn’t the typical brown), but I can see what you’re saying about the shimmer. Matte might have been more effective! Still looks great on you, though 🙂
Hi Jen,
Thank you very much for saying that. 🙂 Yup, I think a matte would have taken this to the next level, but still, I think it’s great.
The big thing is the price. Is there a line Tom Ford won’t cross? Shoot, pretty soon their lipsticks will be $100!
Yessss!!! I will be all over this!
I love how both colors look on you but I agree it’s not really a contour duo. This would be more like a highlight and blush on my skin tone. Especially since the reddish shade has a bit if sheen to it.
You should have a vote for who has the best penetrating gaze…you or Tabs. LOL
I’m not super excited about the product itself but I loveee your look here Karen! You look so fresh!
Yeah, you’re right, very interesting color choice for a contouring palette! Not that I care, because I llllllove it and I think it looks fab on your skin!
Karen, I really think you look beautiful girl! (And I’m very skeptical about any skin flaws you mention lol) I’m so glad you wrote this because I’ve been borderline obsessing about getting Stroked. But I’m not as interested with it having the shimmer. That’s just such a letdown! Not to my bank account though. I have a thing about contours being matte, as in they must be matte!! Either way, you look stunning. It works on you for sure.
Karen you look absolutely amazing! I’ve ordered both of these TF blush duos and can’t wait to get my paws on them. Thanks for showing Stroked so beautifully!!!
I can’t say that this look would suit me. I already struggle with oily skin and looking uber shiny, and i tend to stick away from too many shimmery products unless it’s more of a body bronzer. This would be packing glitter on glitter in my opinion and wouldn’t look very natural on me. It looks great on you thankfully.
What’s that on your lower lash line? Looks a little grayish.
I love the look of this duo on you. I’m surprised about the shimmer though. Odd. But I like how it looks on you!
Ok don’t worry….just saw your new post.