Tom Ford Cream Contour Duo Review With Phtoos

I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again: if it’s good enough for Hailey Bieber, it’s good enough for me. As my go-to muse for all things hair, makeup, and outfits, Bieber’s recommendations are like gold to me. Whether it’s a hair product that will give me the perfect slicked-back bun or a new shoe that will go with everything in my closet, if Bieber is singing its praises, I’m all ears. So, I’m sure it comes as no surprise that when I first saw her using the Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo ($95), I knew I had to get my hands on it, and spoiler alert: I wasn’t disappointed.

OK, so, you aren’t the biggest Bieber fan? Not to worry. Rita Ora has also claimed the duo as her favorite, and Sabrina Carpenter recently showed herself using it in a recent TikTok video. So, I think it’s safe to say this product has the celebrity stamp of approval. I’ve been using it for years, but with all the recent buzz surrounding it, I figured I’d break down exactly why it’s landed a permanent spot in my makeup bag.

Keep scrolling to read my full review of the Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo.

About the Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo

What I Like About the Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo

I’ve been using this product ever since Bieber first showed herself using it in a TikTok video way back in 2021, and I immediately fell in love. Originally, I was only using the highlighter, and it was my first foray into cream formulas and now, three years later, I still haven’t found one that compares. It’s very, very subtle. I’m talking like almost sheer, with the barest pearlescent finish. However, I love that it’s hydrating on my dry skin but it doesn’t look shimmery.

As for the contour, there really isn’t a single thing I don’t like. I used to use shade 1.0 (light), but I recently got a new palette and switched over to 0.5 (fair). Both shades work well for me — they’re cool-toned, but they don’t come off gray in any way. The formula melts into my skin — but it doesn’t melt off of my face — something worth noting as I live in Los Angeles and I’m constantly sweating due to the heat.

I also like that both products are cream-based, which means they’re easy to travel with and I don’t have to worry about anything cracking or breaking when it’s haphazzardly shoved into my makeup bag.

How to Use the Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo

The brand recommends using a wide brush to apply the darker side along your cheekbone (or any place you want a sculpted look) in short strokes. From there, it suggests blending everything out. To use the lighter side, it suggests using a narrow brush in tapping motions on the high points of your face.

Personally, I like to take a thick, fluffy, angled brush meant for contouring and then dip it into the darker shade. I apply it slightly above my cheekbones all the way to my hairline, as well as underneath my jawline. I also like to add it around my temples and the top of my forehead in order to make the area appear smaller. After it’s applied all over, I blend everything out, moving upward and outward. Then, I take a smaller brush and apply a small area to each side of my nose and then blend.

A lot of the time, I skip out on using the highlighter altogether because I like a simple, paired-down look, but if I go for it, I use a fluffy highlighter brush and add it to the high points of my face, including underneath my brow bone.

Occasionally, I like to mix the highlight and the contour shades and use them as a fun eyeshadow base. It’s also a great hack for packing light when I’m on a trip and need to fit everything into a carry on.

What to Consider Before Trying the Tom Ford Shade And Illuminate Cream Contour Duo

Priced at $95, it’s safe to say this bronzer isn’t cheap. But guess what? Neither are you. Yes, it’s pricey, but if you can swing it, in my opinion, it’s totally worth it. I had mine for over three years before needing to swap it out for a new one. However, if you’re looking for a more affordable option, there are plenty of other celebrity-loved bronzers that fall in the more affordable range.

It’s important to note, though, that with this product, you get both a highlighter, a contour, and bronzing tool — it’s essentially two products for the price of one.

Rating:
★★★★★

Renee Rodriguez is a staff writer and social producer for PS. She writes across all verticals, but her main areas of expertise focus on fashion and beauty content with an emphasis on reviews and editor experiments. She also produces social content for the PS TikTok and Instagram accounts.