Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review

You have no idea how long I have lusted over the newly launched Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo, from the moment it began sneaking online via previews I knew it had to be mine. No other piece of  make up has haunted my dreams quite like it, and frankly I doubt any other will. Two beautiful pans of glowing highlighter, that dispense an ethereal glow onto the skin - all with the quick dusting of a brush. If a gentle, lit within radiance is your thing, trust me when I say you need this.

Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review

If you are familiar with Tom Ford cosmetics, the packaging of the Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo will not come as a surprise - a large, chocolate brown, plastic compact with golden accents and a wonderfully sized mirror. Yes it is plastic casing, which understandably not everyone will enjoy given the premium price tag. If you are however, half as clumsy as I am, you'll appreciate the robust outer case. Don't pretend you haven't offered up your soul, or first born in a moment of panic after dropping a powder product.

Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review

The Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo contains two pans of powder come gel, highlighting options; the idea is that one powder mimics the effect of daylight, while the other offers the soft glow of candlelight. The lightest powder may appear to be a bright, stark white but on the skin it translates to a soft, neutral and almost yellow toned ivory. I would liken it to a softer and altogether less shimmery version of NARS Albatross Highlighting Powder. The other shade is the warm peach come bronze powder, which again has a yellow undertone and is fairly neutral. I would best describe it as a bronze tinged peach. MAC Soft and Gentle MSF is very similar in tone but far more glitter/shimmer based.

Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review
Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo Review

Forget the fancy marketing spiel - unless you are a Disney princess chances are you don't spend a good proportion of your life, doused in candlelight and if in Scotland, daylight can be a hit or miss scenario (I kid). Rather, think of the Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powders as soft focus, almost metallic highlighters - there is not a trace of glitter or shimmer particle in sight. They add a beautiful glow come sheen. without settling into enlarged pores nor fine lines. As the texture nestles somewhere in between a powder and a gel, both shades glide onto the skin with ease, blend with minimal effort - all with a lightweight, barely there yet cooling texture. If you are familiar with the limited edition MAC Extra In Extra Dimension Skin Finish texture and happened to enjoy it, then this is the product for you. Otherwise think soft powders with next to no fall out, that offer a fresh yet dewy effect on the skin, without drawing attention to imperfections.

The good news is that Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Powder Duo is worth every penny (and then some), the bad news is that it is limited edition. The question is do I purchase a back up kit?

Tom Ford Skin Skin Illuminating Powder Duo has sold out online within the UK, you can however find it in store via Selfridges and selected House of Fraser stores, or you can order directly via Tom Ford ($80) - link.