Tom Ford Extreme Shadows Reviews, Photos, Swatches (Part 1)
SS18
Tom Ford Beauty SS18 Shadow Extreme ($36.00 for 0.03 oz.) is a medium-dark black with neutral-to-warm undertones and lots of glitter and finer sparkle. It had good pigmentation and was one of the better Glitter finish shades in the range, as the glitter actually seemed to mix with the underlying base color rather than sit on top of it. The eyeshadow had some fallout during application but most of the glitter seemed to translate onto the lid. The eyeshadow itself was drier so it was harder to diffuse the edge seamlessly. It wore well for eight hours but had some fallout over time.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Sydney Grace Crazy Abandon (LE, $6.25) is warmer (95% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Gun Metal (PiP, ) is lighter (90% similar).
- Chanel Or Noir (17) (LE, $36.00) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Full Metal Black (LE, $28.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Coloured Raine Smoke Screen (LE, $6.99) is darker (90% similar).
- Tom Ford Beauty Soleil Neige #4 (LE, ) is less shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- elf Black Magic (P, $6.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Viseart Eclipse (GPV2 #7) (P, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Olivia Palermo Black Tie (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar).
- Danessa Myricks Cosmic (P, $18.00) is less shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.03 oz. - $1200.00 Per Ounce
The formula is split into two finishes--metallics (Foil) and glitters (Glitter)--and the performance depends largely on the finish. In general, the formula is supposed to "glide" on with an "ultra-thin, water-resistant gloss of color onto the lids." Though each compact seemed to be the appropriate size for a standalone eyeshadow, they only contain 0.03 oz. a pop, which made them some of the smaller single eyeshadows on the market. There were some really lovely shades but enough inconsistency that for the price point, it never amounted to being an impressive range.
The Foil finishes have a softer, more yielding powder base that have moderate to high shine (some are actually metallic, some are more pearly) with better color payoff, easier application, and better wear. The Foils tended to be creamier and smoother with better adhesion and blending on the lid, though there were a few shades that seemed to have too much slip and a tendency to go on unevenly or blend out unevenly during application. For the most part, though, the Foils were good eyeshadows and were easy to work with.
The Glitter finish shades are supposed to have "micronized glitter" and find that they don't really work as well as intended. They have more powdery base colors and larger flecks of micro-glitter, so that they tend not to bind as well and result in fallout during application or get lost in a brush. I tried applying with fingertips but the majority (like 90%!) of the glitter sticks to the fingertips and doesn't budge. Due to the more powdery base, they did not work particularly well with a dampened brush either. Your best bet would be to pat them on top of a cream eyeshadow or tacky base.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Shadow Extreme swatches.
Ingredients
SS18
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
TFX1
Tom Ford Beauty TFX1 Shadow Extreme ($36.00 for 0.03 oz.) is a medium, golden pewter with subtle, warm olive undertones and a metallic sheen. It had excellent pigmentation paired with a smooth, almost cream-like texture that didn’t feel too slippery or too thick but still had the luxuriousness of creamier formulas. The eyeshadow applied well to bare skin and lasted for nine hours before creasing faintly.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Smashbox Rock Me (PiP, ) is less shimmery (95% similar).
- ColourPop Snow Flurry (LE, $6.00) is lighter (95% similar).
- Dior Party in Colours #3 (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Imperial Credit (LE, $4.50) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Smokey #4 (PiP, ) is more shimmery, warmer (90% similar).
- KVD Beauty Tinsel (DC, $21.00) is lighter, cooler (90% similar).
- Sydney Grace John (PiP, $6.25) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- LORAC Olivine (LE, $19.00) is warmer (90% similar).
- Auric Ego (Powder) (PiP, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar).
- Tarte Broach (LE, ) is darker, warmer (90% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.03 oz. - $1200.00 Per Ounce
The formula is split into two finishes--metallics (Foil) and glitters (Glitter)--and the performance depends largely on the finish. In general, the formula is supposed to "glide" on with an "ultra-thin, water-resistant gloss of color onto the lids." Though each compact seemed to be the appropriate size for a standalone eyeshadow, they only contain 0.03 oz. a pop, which made them some of the smaller single eyeshadows on the market. There were some really lovely shades but enough inconsistency that for the price point, it never amounted to being an impressive range.
The Foil finishes have a softer, more yielding powder base that have moderate to high shine (some are actually metallic, some are more pearly) with better color payoff, easier application, and better wear. The Foils tended to be creamier and smoother with better adhesion and blending on the lid, though there were a few shades that seemed to have too much slip and a tendency to go on unevenly or blend out unevenly during application. For the most part, though, the Foils were good eyeshadows and were easy to work with.
The Glitter finish shades are supposed to have "micronized glitter" and find that they don't really work as well as intended. They have more powdery base colors and larger flecks of micro-glitter, so that they tend not to bind as well and result in fallout during application or get lost in a brush. I tried applying with fingertips but the majority (like 90%!) of the glitter sticks to the fingertips and doesn't budge. Due to the more powdery base, they did not work particularly well with a dampened brush either. Your best bet would be to pat them on top of a cream eyeshadow or tacky base.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Shadow Extreme swatches.
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
TFX1
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
TFX3
Tom Ford Beauty TFX3 Shadow Extreme ($36.00 for 0.03 oz.) is a brighter, medium pink with subtle, cool undertones and a pearly sheen. It had good pigmentation, though it wasn’t opaque, with a smooth, almost slippery texture, which I felt contributed to making it less pigmented and more prone to applying a bit unevenly. It wore well for eight and a half hours before creasing.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay Backlash (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery (95% similar).
- Buxom Party Girl (P, $12.00) is more shimmery, darker (95% similar).
- Anastasia A1 (Norvina Vol. 2) (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Too Faced New Money (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Cake (LE, $19.00) is darker (90% similar).
- ColourPop Sherbert Day (LE, $5.00) is more shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar).
- Viseart Boheme Dream #7 (LE, ) is more shimmery (90% similar).
- Too Faced Unwrap Me (LE, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker, brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Big Sugar (PiP, $4.50) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (90% similar).
- Urban Decay Wildheart (PiP, $19.00) is darker (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.03 oz. - $1200.00 Per Ounce
The formula is split into two finishes--metallics (Foil) and glitters (Glitter)--and the performance depends largely on the finish. In general, the formula is supposed to "glide" on with an "ultra-thin, water-resistant gloss of color onto the lids." Though each compact seemed to be the appropriate size for a standalone eyeshadow, they only contain 0.03 oz. a pop, which made them some of the smaller single eyeshadows on the market. There were some really lovely shades but enough inconsistency that for the price point, it never amounted to being an impressive range.
The Foil finishes have a softer, more yielding powder base that have moderate to high shine (some are actually metallic, some are more pearly) with better color payoff, easier application, and better wear. The Foils tended to be creamier and smoother with better adhesion and blending on the lid, though there were a few shades that seemed to have too much slip and a tendency to go on unevenly or blend out unevenly during application. For the most part, though, the Foils were good eyeshadows and were easy to work with.
The Glitter finish shades are supposed to have "micronized glitter" and find that they don't really work as well as intended. They have more powdery base colors and larger flecks of micro-glitter, so that they tend not to bind as well and result in fallout during application or get lost in a brush. I tried applying with fingertips but the majority (like 90%!) of the glitter sticks to the fingertips and doesn't budge. Due to the more powdery base, they did not work particularly well with a dampened brush either. Your best bet would be to pat them on top of a cream eyeshadow or tacky base.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Shadow Extreme swatches.
Ingredients
TFX3
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
TFX4
Tom Ford Beauty TFX4 Shadow Extreme ($36.00 for 0.03 oz.) is a soft, medium-dark copper with warm, brown undertones and a metallic sheen. It was richly pigmented with a smooth, cream-like texture that was dense without being stiff or too thick. The eyeshadow applied evenly to bare skin and blended out nicely. This shade lasted for nine hours on me before it started to show signs of creasing.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Urban Decay First Offense (LE, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar).
- Smashbox Torch (LE, ) is less shimmery, brighter (90% similar).
- ColourPop Starshine (LE, $4.50) is lighter (90% similar).
- NARS Singapore #2 (PiP, $19.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Natasha Denona Mandarine (123DC) (PiP, $29.00) is lighter, brighter, warmer (85% similar).
- MAC Apricot Blend #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, lighter (85% similar).
- Dior Volcanic #3 (LE, ) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (85% similar).
- Morphe Sauce (PiP, ) is brighter (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Platonic (LE, ) is lighter (85% similar).
- Obsessive Compulsive Cosmetics Mimosa (DC, $14.00) is lighter, brighter (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.03 oz. - $1200.00 Per Ounce
The formula is split into two finishes--metallics (Foil) and glitters (Glitter)--and the performance depends largely on the finish. In general, the formula is supposed to "glide" on with an "ultra-thin, water-resistant gloss of color onto the lids." Though each compact seemed to be the appropriate size for a standalone eyeshadow, they only contain 0.03 oz. a pop, which made them some of the smaller single eyeshadows on the market. There were some really lovely shades but enough inconsistency that for the price point, it never amounted to being an impressive range.
The Foil finishes have a softer, more yielding powder base that have moderate to high shine (some are actually metallic, some are more pearly) with better color payoff, easier application, and better wear. The Foils tended to be creamier and smoother with better adhesion and blending on the lid, though there were a few shades that seemed to have too much slip and a tendency to go on unevenly or blend out unevenly during application. For the most part, though, the Foils were good eyeshadows and were easy to work with.
The Glitter finish shades are supposed to have "micronized glitter" and find that they don't really work as well as intended. They have more powdery base colors and larger flecks of micro-glitter, so that they tend not to bind as well and result in fallout during application or get lost in a brush. I tried applying with fingertips but the majority (like 90%!) of the glitter sticks to the fingertips and doesn't budge. Due to the more powdery base, they did not work particularly well with a dampened brush either. Your best bet would be to pat them on top of a cream eyeshadow or tacky base.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Shadow Extreme swatches.
Ingredients
Look Using this Product
TFX4
LELimited Edition. $36.00.
TFX6
Tom Ford Beauty TFX6 Shadow Extreme ($36.00 for 0.03 oz.) is a medium-dark bluish-purple with strong, cool undertones and a metallic finish with faint micro-sparkle. The texture was dense and a bit heavier, which gave it a thicker appearance on the skin. While it felt creamy to the touch, it seemed to have a little too much slip and responded best to patting and pressing the color, and the edges were harder to diffuse. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me.
FURTHER READING: Formula Overview for details on general performance and characteristics (like scent).
Top Dupes
- Makeup Geek Center Stage (P, $9.99) is darker (90% similar).
- Huda Beauty Electric #4 (PiP, ) is darker, brighter (90% similar).
- MAC Ascent of Glamour (LE, $22.00) is darker (90% similar).
- Natasha Denona Blue Dahlia (181DC) (LE, $29.00) is darker, warmer (85% similar).
- Melt Cosmetics Cross Faded (LE, ) is darker (85% similar).
- KVD Beauty Echo (LE, ) is less shimmery (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Below Zero (P, $6.25) is less shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
- Sydney Grace Calming Presence (PiP, $6.25) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar).
- Juvia's Place Chi (P, ) is darker, brighter (85% similar).
- ColourPop Rest More (LE, $6.00) is more shimmery, lighter, warmer (85% similar).
Formula Overview
$36.00/0.03 oz. - $1200.00 Per Ounce
The formula is split into two finishes--metallics (Foil) and glitters (Glitter)--and the performance depends largely on the finish. In general, the formula is supposed to "glide" on with an "ultra-thin, water-resistant gloss of color onto the lids." Though each compact seemed to be the appropriate size for a standalone eyeshadow, they only contain 0.03 oz. a pop, which made them some of the smaller single eyeshadows on the market. There were some really lovely shades but enough inconsistency that for the price point, it never amounted to being an impressive range.
The Foil finishes have a softer, more yielding powder base that have moderate to high shine (some are actually metallic, some are more pearly) with better color payoff, easier application, and better wear. The Foils tended to be creamier and smoother with better adhesion and blending on the lid, though there were a few shades that seemed to have too much slip and a tendency to go on unevenly or blend out unevenly during application. For the most part, though, the Foils were good eyeshadows and were easy to work with.
The Glitter finish shades are supposed to have "micronized glitter" and find that they don't really work as well as intended. They have more powdery base colors and larger flecks of micro-glitter, so that they tend not to bind as well and result in fallout during application or get lost in a brush. I tried applying with fingertips but the majority (like 90%!) of the glitter sticks to the fingertips and doesn't budge. Due to the more powdery base, they did not work particularly well with a dampened brush either. Your best bet would be to pat them on top of a cream eyeshadow or tacky base.
Browse all of our Tom Ford Beauty Shadow Extreme swatches.
Ingredients
I love the blue.. not so common to have that cool purplish blue tone which works really well against my eye colour. I hate the TF price and the grade for that price. I need to track down one of the better dupes.
Hmmm – not completely stellar for the price, I think. And the shade selection is fairly ordinary – lots and lots of dupes out there. I am not sure why TF decided to release a single in black glitter when so many of that kind of shade lives in all our palettes not really being used. It was very average too.
Gorgeous eye look Christine.
Thank goodness for dupes!!! Yeah, I’m a bit on the spendy side, as in some of my palettes and lipsticks, but I’m not forking over $39 for a mini eyeshadow with a mere .03! Although, I must convey that I would never judge someone else deciding to do otherwise.
These shades are kind of all over the place quality wise. I have tons of single shadows and have to really remind myself to look at them so that I remember to use them. I use to use them so much but have gotten spoiled by palettes that have nicely curated colors that work well and don’t require too much thought to create a look. I am trying to pass on single shadows unless they are super unique and stellar quality.
Really enjoying your reviews and your gorgeous eye looks! I’m not sure what to make of Tom Ford single shadows. I have 2 of the Private shadows: Loveshade, which I wear regularly, and Iris Bronze, which I wear periodically. The latter was a bit disappointing though both are like extensions of Chanel’s Candeur Et Experience palette, which is a favourite of mine. I don’t have a TF counter anywhere near me, so will only consider shades that are unique (including unique to my collection) and that grade well.
They seem all over the place, unfortunately 🙁 I was also surprised that they are quite small relative to compact size and price (I don’t think it would have cut into margins much, if at all, to make these larger-than-standard at 0.07 oz.).
I do think at this price point shades have to fall into some bucket of exceptional – like the perfect shade that you’d use all the time (so you’d actually use it up!) or something that’s so unique and high quality that isn’t replicated elsewhere.
Agree 100%!! I don’t understand the process that produces variation/ poorly pigmented products, especially by luxury brands. I find the compact design for the single eyeshadows excessive, contributing to the excessive cost. (Christine, I’m seeing the price of the Extreme shadows as $36 vs $39, including on TF’s website). I tend to buy TF via promo/discount or at the CCO.
I’ll reach out to PR – they put $39 in the press release!
Hi Christine, I think it was $39 initially and somehow became $36. I went back to a mid-Feb Tom Ford community conversation on Sephora where the price increase and smaller pan size was first mentioned. The price referenced was $39.
I laugh every time I see the price. I don’t understand the mindset needed for someone to think that’s a reasonable price and purchase them.
These bright colors feel strange for Tom Ford. I’ve always pictured them as a brand for the upper middle class housewife and these scream 3edgy5me rich kid.
I don’t think that someone buys Tom Ford and thinks that the price is reasonable – it is a luxury brand, so it’s not any different than someone buying $2,000 shoes or a handbag or $1,000 sweatshirt – all things that can be purchased at much lower prices without sacrificing quality for sure.
There’s no need to mock Tom Ford customers (or any brand’s customers) – that’s really not in the spirit of this community where it’s about acceptance and enjoying what each person likes without criticizing others for their own preferences. You can dislike something and state as much while still being respectful of others 🙂
Thank you for your comment Temptalia. I don’t necessarily think my “mind set” is faulty because I prefer luxury brand cosmetics. Everyone has therir own personal style and price point. We all have to respect others instead of making bold statements that are unsubstantiated-?
These are just way too pricey for what they are (at least 44 dollars here in Canada). That purpley blue shade puts me in mind of a beauty called only “Exclusive” that I have in an old Too Faced palette. I really like TFX1 but will settle for the dupes!