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Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact Review, Photos, Swatches

Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact
Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact

Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact ($95.00 for 0.47 oz.) is an indulgence, but it performs well across the board and everything works well together. The majority of the colors are on the dupable side, so some may find there are too many near-repeats to make it a worthwhile splurge. I’m a huge fan of Tom Ford’s blush formula–it’s my favorite–and constantly wish he would expand it (permanently!), and the blushes in here are gorgeous. I cannot express to you how glowing and luminous the effect of the two are, individually or layered together. The palette has strong, warmer undertones across all of the shades. The weakest performer was the glittery shade, which had some fall out, but the almost wet-like texture helped it apply with stronger coverage and less fall out initially than your traditional, more true-to-powder-form glittery eyeshadow.

Pink Glow #1 is a light, white-beige with warm undertones and a frosted sheen. It had good color payoff with a soft, silky-smooth consistency that blended well and wore well for nine hours on me. Guerlain Les Nuees #4 (LE) is less shimmery. Chanel Tisse Paris #2 (P) is less shimmery. MAC Just Gleaming (LE, $19.50) is warmer. LORAC Vanilla (LE) is similar. Make Up For Ever S522 Pinky Nude (P, $21.00) is warmer. Make Up For Ever I526 Pearl Beige (P, $21.00) is pinker. Make Up For Ever I514 Pink Ivory (P, $21.00) is less shimmery. NARS Andromeda (P, $29.00) is brighter. MAC Apricot Blend #1 (LE) is similar. Maybelline Pure Nude (80) (LE, $6.99) is a cream product. Too Faced Champagne Truffle (LE, $16.00) is similar. Urban Decay Polyester Bride (P, $18.00) is more glittery. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Pink Glow #2 is a sparkling golden beige with a lot of glitter. It had a thin, almost wet, cream-like consistency that applied without a lot of fall out with semi-opaque coverage. The texture is similar to other glittery shades in the Tom Ford range, but it is also similar in feel to formulas like Bobbi Brown Sparkle Eyeshadows, MAC Pressed Pigments, and Charlotte Tilbury’s sparkle eyeshadows. It wore well for nine hours without creasing, but there was some fall out over time. Sleek MakeUP Gold Souk (LE, $9.99) is darker. Dior Rivage #4 (LE) is less sparkly. Dior Golden Snow #2 (LE) is similar. Dior Golden Flower #3 (LE) is lighter. MAC 2x Dare #2 (LE) is cooler-toned. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Pink Glow #3 is a plummy red with warm, orange-red undertones and pink shimmer that gives it a soft, frosted finish. It had good color payoff with a really soft, dense, and creamy consistency that applied and blended beautifully. It wore well for nine hours. Makeup Geek Showtime (P, $9.99) is darker, browner. ColourPop Drift (LE, $5.00) is a cream product. Anastasia Sangria (P, $12.00) is pinker. MAC Trusted Instinct #3 (LE) is darker. MAC Plummed (LE, $16.00) is slightly darker. MAC It’s Not Easy Having a Good Time (LE, $21.00) is similar. Gucci Beauty Autumn Fire #3 (P) is darker. Dior Trafalgar #3 (P) is brighter, lighter. Make Up For Ever I824 Ocher Pink (P, $21.00) is warmer. NARS Desdemona (P, $29.00) is darker. Urban Decay Gash (DC, $18.00) is darker. MAC Crimson Tryst (LE, $16.00) is darker. MAC Cranberry (P, $16.00) is darker, less shimmery. Le Metier de Beaute Fire Lily (P, $30.00) is darker, more shimmery. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Pink Glow #4 is a light-medium, peachy-pink with a strong, yellow gold sheen. It had nice pigmentation with a really smooth, buttery texture that blended nicely on the skin. Despite having a lot of sheen, it didn’t emphasize pores. On me, it wore well for ten hours. Benefit CORALista (Palette) (P, $28.00) is more orange, darker. MAC New Romance (P, $27.00) is darker, pinker. Makeup Geek Romance (P, $9.99) is darker, pinker. MAC Stereo Rose (2014) (LE, $30.00) is more orange. Benefit Sugarbomb (P, $28.00) is pinker. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

Pink Glow #5 is is a medium-dark, plummy pink with warm undertones and a soft, luminous sheen. It had rich color payoff where a little goes a long way–I tapped the merest amount on my brush onto my cheek and was able to blend that bit out and that was it! The texture was buttery and dense, but very, very smooth and incredibly blendable. The finish is luminous and gives the skin a sheen that doesn’t emphasize its natural texture. It was still going strong after ten hours of wear. Tom Ford Beauty Contour (Softcore) (LE, $55.00) is warmer. MAC Corol #2 (LE, $21.00) is lighter. Sephora + Pantone Universe Bridal Rose (LE) is more shimmery, lighter. NARS Soulshine #3 (LE, $30.00) is redder, brighter. NARS Realm of the Senses #2 (LE, $30.00) is less shimmery. theBalm Cabana Boy (P, $21.00) is cooler-toned. bareMinerals The Indecent Proposal (P, $22.00) is cooler-toned, more muted. See comparison swatches / compare dupes side-by-side.

See more photos & swatches!

Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact
Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact

Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact
Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact

Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact
Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact

Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact
Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Compact

Tom Ford Pink Glow #1 Eyeshadow
Tom Ford Pink Glow #1 Eyeshadow

Tom Ford Pink Glow #1 Eyeshadow
Tom Ford Pink Glow #1 Eyeshadow

Tom Ford Pink Glow #2 Eyeshadow
Tom Ford Pink Glow #2 Eyeshadow

Tom Ford Pink Glow #2 Eyeshadow
Tom Ford Pink Glow #2 Eyeshadow

Tom Ford Pink Glow #3 Eyeshadow
Tom Ford Pink Glow #3 Eyeshadow

Tom Ford Pink Glow #3 Eyeshadow
Tom Ford Pink Glow #3 Eyeshadow

Tom Ford Pink Glow #4 Cheek Color
Tom Ford Pink Glow #4 Cheek Color

Tom Ford Pink Glow #4 Cheek Color
Tom Ford Pink Glow #4 Cheek Color

Tom Ford Pink Glow #4 Cheek Color
Tom Ford Pink Glow #4 Cheek Color

Tom Ford Pink Glow #5 Cheek Color
Tom Ford Pink Glow #5 Cheek Color

Tom Ford Pink Glow #5 Cheek Color
Tom Ford Pink Glow #5 Cheek Color

Tom Ford Pink Glow #5 Cheek Color
Tom Ford Pink Glow #5 Cheek Color

Tom Ford Pink Glow #5 Cheek Color
Tom Ford Pink Glow #4 & #5 Cheek Colors

Tom Ford Pink Glow #5 Cheek Color
Tom Ford Pink Glow Eyeshadows

Tom Ford Pink Glow
Tom Ford Pink Glow Eyeshadows

Makeup Look
On face:
  • Guerlain Parure Gold Foundation
  • Urban Decay Naked Loose Setting Powder
  • Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Palette
On eyes:
  • Tom Ford Pink Glow Eye & Cheek Palette
  • Sephora Girls Night Out Eyeliner
On lips:
  • Tom Ford Sweet Spot Lip Color Sheer

126 Comments

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Sarah Avatar

Damnit, Christine. Why would you do this to me?!?! Now I’m seriously considering making this my very first TF purchase… it’s so beautiful…

Sarah Avatar

I can see myself using shade 1 or 2 as an allover lid color and then 3 in the crease for everyday looks. I like to wear pinks even in the winter months so that doesn’t matter to me… I think I would totally rock this all the time! And that glow #4…. come to mama…. lol!!!

Amanda Avatar

Wow, I really like this now that I have seen your swatches of the cheek colors and the third eyeshadow. Thank you for your review Christine- it is so helpful!

Aline Avatar

I have to have this. I’m waiting on the lipstick reviews because I might get the plum one. Finally something colorful and well performing!

Bronwyn Avatar

So glad I preordered this and that it has the temptalia stamp of approval. I really like all the shades in this. I’m digging warm toned burgundies. I love luminous blushes especially in the springtime. One question: would you say the blushes are in line with the permanent line?

Beti Avatar

Ohh this looks like a great palette! I love the look of the blushes on you and the eyeshadows look pretty nice too. I was debating if I should get couple of the cream eyeshadows but after seeing your swatches I will go with this palette.

Kylee Avatar

I’ve been iffy on this and actually figured I wouldn’t even give it a thought, because pink shadows are usually the epitome of “things that make me look like I have eye disease”, but it swatches SO much more wearable than I had expected. And the blushes! Not sure if I should go with this one or pick up Golden Peach, but I don’t have much time to decide! It just seems like such a perfect summery palette…

Gigi Avatar

Got this today and you were right- very slim but sooo much wasted retail space on the sides…wishing hard for a brush. I bought the eyeliner too and was trying to recreate your look but none of the eye colors were as vibrant as they look on you. Still love this palette though!

Nicole Avatar

Gorgeous! Glad I pre-ordered that! I actually ordered the majority of stuff(I ordered the eye creams online as soon as I got the email) by calling a TF counter. I think it will actually work a little better because now I can drop something if it reviews poorly. Plus, I now have the hook up on samples and got wrangled into buying Firelust luminizer finally,lol.. Just putting that out there if someone is interested but is wanting to wait for reviews. I called online Neimans and asked to be connected to a counter. If there is no Neman’s in the state you have it sent, you pay no sale tax either..for me, no sales tax! Also, I think I am not being charged until it actually releases. But, I just pretend that $ is gone now. I have to do that.:D

Anna Avatar

I was on the fence about the palette. However, in my experience, TF products have consistently exceeded my expectations. Seeing the “Temptalia Recommends” label did me in… I’ve pre-ordered a palette and cream eyeshadow. Thanks for taking the time to review and swatch!

Daniel Avatar

Which of the dupes of #4 do you think have a stronger golden sheen? I loved this one but Tom Ford isn’t available in my country. Also, I have Sugarbomb, and it looks more like a highlighter on my NC42 skin. The sheen is so pretty, it reminds me of Clinique’s eyeshadow “Pink and plenty”, and I’m about to use it as a highlighter if I don’t find any other blush like this one :/

Christine Avatar

Not that Makeup Geek is probably easier to acquire, but Romance does have a lot of sheen to it, though is pinker.

#4 is definitely harder to dupe, because it’s a riff on that classic peach-pink a la NARS Orgasm we see all the time but a lot less pink instead.

You’d probably have better luck taking a lighter pink and then a really high-shine gold highlighter and layering it on top 🙁

Barbara Avatar

This is why I wait for the reviews because the promo pic had the palette looking more purple toned, but clearly it’s more pink/red here. Though, I would LOVE to have Pink Glow #4 on as a stand alone product. It’s beautiful!

Love the look you created with the palette.

Nancy T Avatar

Wow, Christine, this is so beautiful that it just took my breath away!!! I am in awe of how gorgeous this looks on you! This may well be my first dip back into the deep end of the high end. It has been quite a many years.

Jess T Avatar

I absolutely love this on you. So gorgeous. I know it’s Tom Ford but the price for the amount of product makes this a no go for me unfortunately.

Lea Avatar

Great review and look as always! Christine, I was thinking about get the TF eyeshadow quad in cognac sable but then I saw your review… Now I’m not sure which one to get. I’m not really a blush person but since this one is a limited edition (I know!) and the color is so pretty (can the blushes be eyeshadows? sheer or not too pigmented is not the problem for me and I see that the pigmentation of the blushes are fantastic). Which one would you recommend, the quad or this one? xoxo

Christine Avatar

I don’t think I have Cognac Sable, but in general, I haven’t liked some of the quads in the permanent range, though for me it’s more of a pigmentation issue so since you don’t mind sheerer eyeshadow, I’d go with whichever one had the eyeshadows you liked best. Like if you wouldn’t use the blushes here, I think you’d be better off with a quad you’ve had your eye on!

Lea Avatar

Hey Christine, I decided to pick up this compact after all. I don’t mind a blush as a “sheer eyeshadow” but as eyeshadows of this price I certainly want them to be hella pigmented. I did want to buy the Seductive Rose Quad but I heard that the pigmentation was not good and I saw your reviews, I feel errr…. And I’m trying to wear blush recently (I find that there’s a just one swipe between blush not showing up and clown face, still learning) It will be May soon, I’m so excited to get my first TF finally!!

Sam Avatar

Hey Christine,

Any ideas where to buy/ preorder this collection in Canada? Neiman Marcus unfortunately doesn’t ship beauty items to Canada so I have no clue where to find it!

Mary Avatar

I went crazy and preordered almost his entire summer collection. Time for a second mortgage! So glad the reviews are positive. Now, if I could only apply makeup as well as you do. You look stunning!

Candice Avatar

They should do blush duos in not-too-huge formats that could be less expensive than this and I’d be interested in trying that, they seriously look gorgeous!! I just don’t want more eye shadows in my collection right now.

SandraJT Avatar

Wow, that is stunningly gorgeous! First product I’ve seen from any of the summer collections that I’m very likely going to buy. It looks amazing on you! I was hesitant after seeing the swatches due to the glow/sheen of the cheek highlighter, thinking it would greatly magnify pores, but it’s beautiful once applied.

Jacqueline Avatar

I am so glad i ordered mine on Thursday. I cant find this on any of the sites selling the collection. Only Ebay now. Your swatches confirmed this as a total need. First real splurge on a single item for me and im so happy about it!

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