Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo ($77.00 for 0.70 oz.) contains a highlighter and blush. Though pricey, as far as Tom Ford goes, the duo is actually a bit of a steal–it contains 0.70 oz. of product, which is over double the amount of product contained in a Cheek Color single (0.28 oz.), and those retail for $55. There was some confusion in regards to which duo was named what, but I purchased one of each direct from the Tom Ford Chicago boutique, and Softcore (featured in this post) is the darker, plummier shade, and Stroked is the lighter, more coral shade. I wish Softcore’s blush color was cooler-toned–more berry than plum–and its highlighter shade pink-toned so that the duos would be more distinct. (I also like the idea of giving a cool and warm-toned option for better coverage of the spectrum of skin tones.) The quality of both shades was nice, long-wearing, and blendable.

Highlighter (Softcore) is a light, warm-toned peach with a shimmery finish. It is less yellow compared to Stroked’s highlighter. It had excellent color payoff, and a little goes a long way. I felt like this one was more shimmery than the highlighter in Stroked. It read more metallic on the skin, and it did slightly emphasize pores, though it lasted for ten hours before fading. Surratt Beauty Duchesse (P, $32.00) is less shimmery. Urban Decay Streak Highlighter (P) is pinker. Sephora + Pantone Universe Spanish Villa (LE) is more beige. Urban Decay Highlighter (P) is similar. NARS Devotee (LE, $29.00) is a touch lighter. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (P, $44.00) is lighter, less peach. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

Contour (Softcore) is a lightly brightened, reddish plum with warm udnertones and a satiny finish. The texture was soft, finely-milled, and blendable. It is very, very pigmented and the merest touch of the brush to the surface yielded plenty of color for application. The consistency is not quite as dense or as buttery as the highlighter, though. It wore well for eleven hours before fading. Surratt Beauty La Vie En Rose (P, $32.00) is lighter. NARS Realm of the Senses #2 (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery. NARS Seduction (P, $29.00) is darker. NARS Lovejoy (P, $29.00) is more shimmery, warmer. Illamasqua Allure (P, $26.00) is slightly warmer. See comparison swatches / view dupes.

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Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore Contouring Cheek Color Duo

Tom Ford Softcore / Stroked Contouring Cheek Color Duos

Tom Ford Softcore / Stroked Contouring Cheek Color Duos