Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact Review, Photos, Swatches
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact ($108.00 for 0.70 oz.) is a mega-sized compact that features three products: a highlighter, blush, and bronzer. It’s limited edition for summer and features the brand’s signature white packaging they often used for the summer collections. I was dismayed at the price point when pre-ordering, but it is massive; it is the size of their large-sized bronzing compacts, but the content weight is really the equivalent of three full-sized cheek colors. Though I’m not sure about ever hitting pan on something like this, the upside is that each shade is contained inside its own well and each well is large enough to use the shades individually. Small to medium brushes worked best; large brushes were too big for individual use. The brand states that the compact can be used individually or together for “sheer to medium coverage” and “both matte and radiant.” All three shades were smooth, while the blush and bronzer were a little firmer in the pan, fairly blendable, had medium coverage, and lasted for at least eight hours. The colors are more dupable, and the pigmentation is medium–which is as described–but may not be what you’re looking for.
The Afternooner (Highlighter) is a light, peachy-gold with warm undertones and a soft, golden shimmer-sheen finish. It read as a subtle highlighter on the skin; enough that it’s more than a finishing powder but was not overtly shimmery or metallic in the least bit. It had semi-sheer to mostly opaque coverage with a soft, smooth, and blendable texture that was easy to apply and never emphasized pores. It wore well for eight and a half hours on me. Kevyn Aucoin Candlelight (Sahara) (PiP, $44.00) is less shimmery (95% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Nude Glow (Top) (LE, ) is more shimmery (95% similar). Zoeva Liquid Clock (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Melt Cosmetics Stargazer (P, $39.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). theBalm Mary-Lou Manizer (PiP, $24.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Hourglass Surreal Strobe Light (LE, $40.00) is less shimmery (90% similar). Becca Champagne Dream Flashes Bellini (LE, $34.00) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). ILIA Stella by Starlight (P, $34.00) is less shimmery, darker (90% similar). ColourPop Strobe Globe (P, $7.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Salt New York Beige (P, $16.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Tarte Goddess Glow (LE, $35.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). Too Faced Flush (LE, ) is more shimmery, lighter (90% similar). Tom Ford Beauty Solar Exposure (Highlighter) (LE, $60.00) is more shimmery (90% similar). rms beauty Grande Dame (P, $38.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Fenty Beauty Mean Money (PiP, $36.00) is cooler (90% similar). Dior Luxurious Beige (LE, $82.00) is lighter (90% similar). ColourPop Mistress of All Evil (LE, $10.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Bobbi Brown Beach Babe (P, $36.00) is less shimmery, less pigmented (90% similar). NYX Narcissistic (P, $9.00) is darker, cooler (90% similar). Tarte Exposed (P, $28.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
The Afternooner (Blush) is a slightly muted, medium pink-coral with warm undertones and a mostly matte finish. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque coverage, though it could be layered another time or two for nearly opaque coverage, I think. The texture was smooth and blendable, but it was a little firmer in the pan so you might want to use a denser brush to apply this shade unless you want a very sheer wash of color. It wore well for eight hours.
Buxom Mykonos (P, $22.00) is more shimmery, cooler (95% similar). Urban Decay Streak Blush (-, ) is lighter (95% similar). MAC Sideshow You (LE, $24.00) is lighter, warmer (95% similar). Tarte Mod (LE, $29.00) is less shimmery, lighter (95% similar). Make Up For Ever B314 (P, $23.00) is lighter (95% similar). Chanel Coco Code (LE, $70.00) is more shimmery (95% similar). NYX Apricot (DC, $5.00) is warmer (95% similar). KIKO 108 Orange Coral (DC, $12.00) is lighter (95% similar). Anastasia Desert (PiP, ) is darker, warmer (95% similar). Guerlain Coral Blush (LE, ) is darker, brighter (90% similar). theBalm Balm Springs (P, $21.00) is darker, more muted (90% similar). ColourPop No Vacancy (P, $8.00) is less shimmery, cooler (90% similar). MAC Autoerotique (LE, $31.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). MAC Sweet Sweet Fantasy (LE, $24.00) is cooler (90% similar). Tarte Genuine (LE, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Pampered (LE, $29.00) is warmer (90% similar). NARS Torrid (P, $30.00) is more shimmery, darker, more muted (90% similar). Chanel Foschia Rosa (430) (P, ) is darker (90% similar). Dior Coral Flight (462) (LE, $48.00) is darker (90% similar). Sephora Charmed (P, $14.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
The Afternooner (Bronzer) is a subdued, medium-dark brown with warm, reddish undertones and a semi-matte finish. It had semi-sheer to semi-opaque pigmentation with a smooth, blendable texture that was a little firm in the pan. I actually thought it was a contour powder (given that it’s a “Contouring Compact”), but Tom Ford’s website calls it out as a bronzer–but this is why in the swatch photo, I’m wearing it as a contour. There’s enough rosiness to the color that it could work as a contour for some skin tones. It lasted for eight and a half hours on me. Urban Decay Jawbone (LE, $26.00) is cooler (95% similar). Too Faced Gingerbread (LE, ) is cooler (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Tan-tastic (P, $49.00) is cooler (95% similar). Viseart Sculpting #2 (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). NARS Samoa (P, $38.00) is less shimmery, darker, cooler (90% similar). Urban Decay Nooner (Bronzer) (PiP, ) is cooler (90% similar). Cover FX Sunset (P, $38.00) is warmer (95% similar). Laura Mercier Bronze (04) (P, $40.00) is more shimmery, darker (90% similar). Natasha Denona Neutral Beige (Right) (PiP, ) is less shimmery (90% similar). Tarte Provocative (LE, $29.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Urban Decay Sun-Kissed (P, $28.00) is lighter (90% similar). MAC Firebrush (LE, $28.00) is more shimmery, darker, warmer (90% similar). Tarte Unique (LE, $29.00) is more shimmery, brighter (90% similar). Urban Decay Bronzed (P, $28.00) is lighter, warmer (90% similar). Becca Bronzed Bondi (P, $38.00) is darker, brighter (90% similar). Tarte Angle (PiP, ) is darker (90% similar). MAC Baiana Bronze (LE, $28.00) is warmer (90% similar). ColourPop Skinny Dip (P, $8.00) is lighter (85% similar). Chanel Medium Deep (P, $58.00) is more shimmery, brighter, warmer (90% similar). Marc Jacobs Beauty Tantalize (106) (P, $49.00) is less shimmery, darker (85% similar). Top 20 dupes listed, see the rest. See comparison swatches / view dupes side-by-side.
The Afternooner
LELimited Edition. $108.00.
The Afternooner (Highlighter)
LELimited Edition.
The Afternooner (Blush)
LELimited Edition.
The Afternooner (Bronzer)
LELimited Edition.
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact
Tom Ford The Afternooner Soleil Contouring Compact
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Highlighter) Highlighting Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Highlighter) Highlighting Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Highlighter) Highlighting Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Blush) Blush Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Blush) Blush Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Blush) Blush Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Bronzer) Bronzer Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Bronzer) Bronzer Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Bronzer) Bronzer Powder
Tom Ford The Afternooner (Bronzer) Bronzer Powder
How pretty! Mine will be arriving on Tuesday. I love the white and gold packaging.
Enjoy, Angelica!
Ohhhh I want!! I think I’ll be getting this and the blush duo when it’s released on Sephora! Oh and if I’m super lucky, I’ll get it during the vib rouge sale (well, here’s hoping it’s sometime in April).
Nice! Enjoy your new goodies when you snag ’em!
I think Tom Ford is not carried by Sephora yet? I just checked in case I was wrong, but it’s still the same old TF perfume collection only, no makeup yet.
The Tom Ford summer makeup collection is already on Sephora’s website but it isn’t for sale yet, it will be on April 1st!
This looks so elegant and chic. I love the variety of three products in one compact.
It is nice!
Just ordered The Afternooner! I’m really pleased that it’s such a large size. I’m getting Revolve Around Me and Les Mepris as well. I’m so excited – this is my first with anything other than the LE eyeshadow quads.
It is massive!!
I can’t believe I’m even contemplating getting this- I’d be living on beans on toast for a month- but I’m loving the look of this. The blush more than anything really! I’m not sure the highlighter would look right on me and I flat out don’t use bronzer so it’s a silly idea really. I thought that my Tom Ford Flush might be similar enough for me to content myself with but no. I checked the dupes but nothing looked similar enough!
Hmm, I’m sure when I see the UK price tag I’ll be put off! It just looks so pretty…?
I hope you can find a dupe so you can save yourself some money!
I’ll keep looking! When it’s at my local counter I’ll go on a swatch-a-thon to find a dupe because I can’t pay that price for just the blush. Or maybe I’ll see it in real life and not be as enthralled and I won’t need to buy anything! ?
Bubbly Michele has swatches of TF blushes to compare with this and the Bicoastal palette.
Thanks so much for posting this review so quickly, Christine! Wow, the price tag is jaw dropping, and that compact is massive! But the colors are beautiful and packaging elegant. I can see the highlighter and blush being universally flattering, the bronzer will be too warm and dark for some, but can be re-purposed as a blush. I wish they had done 1/2 the size and 1/2 the price 🙁 And I must get that MAC Caitlyn Jenner lipstick -she wasn’t kidding when she said she wanted a universally flattering shade, it looks great and a good cause too
No problem, Katherine! Oh, yeah, I was like, “Whoa, WHY?!” and upon receipt, I got it and immediately understood – but like you said, half the size for half the price would have been easier to swallow.
I literally just hung up the phone. I know I just said earlier that i was going to wait until next pay check to order this stuff because I have the freaking Hazmat team in my basement and it’s costing an arm and a leg! You know all my thought processes go to the wayside when it comes to Tom Ford. I had to get this and the cream blush and a few lipsticks. I really love all the lipsticks! I want so much more. Does anyone know if the bronzing primer and the body oil are permanent items?
Oh geez Christine, You look amazing in this !
Your poor basement, Nicole! 🙁 You are a star for being on top of everything, though, and getting the hard work started.
Not sure what is/isn’t permanent in the launch, unfortunately! I bet your NM salesperson would know better than I 😉
Oh Geez, thanks. I had no choice or we were going to float away. Haha!
I sent him a text. I feel like they tell you everything is LE sometime in order to get you to buy everything right away though.
I feel SO bad for you, Nicole! First your ceiling crashing in last year and now a badly flooded basement, this house sounds like a real money pit! Plus you having to deal with ATN, too. You are really a trooper though. Hoping for them to fix and clean up that mess ASAP.
It IS a $ pit. I have already contacted a realtor. The problem is to sell, I have to fix up everything. The land is pretty valuable where I am because the schools are really good. My next option is to rent out this place or to contact builders to see about rebuilding or totally selling the land. I have a lot going on as far as trying to move out of state. It’s a long process, as you know. Idk what I was thinking taking on this home as a single person. UGH. I’m ready to move to AZ. My daughter has one of the pics form Sedona has her screen saver!
It’s like when I saw that Dior Nude Glowing Gardens highlighter at the store, I lost my mind, and all reason flew out the door! Never mind that I already have bunch of nice highlighters, and there were probably 5 dupes there are cheaper and more readily available, I HAD to have it. But I’m hoping you’re able to get the house mess fixed soon, and I’m sending you some good luck and good karma your way. Hang in there girl!
Thanks Karherine! Yeah, I get ya. I have no restraint with Tom Ford . Esp these LE collections. I think it’s the ads. Like I’m going to turn into the young gorgeous model , lol. Good thing I can’t get to an actual counter. That could be bad news! Lol.
I am very happy about the decent amount of product this has! Love that you have all three in one place, perfect for on the go! But , I would rather spend the 100$ on something thats A all over! 🙂
Also, that MAC lipstick is GORGEOUS on you Christine!
I’m with you, Divya! At this price point, I’d have liked to see everything perform at an A+ level!
My goodness, but that palette sure is HUGE! Very pretty shades, but so basic that I do have dupes. Galore. Last year’s Pink Glow Palette was magnificent and lust-worthy, I’m just not feeling it for this one, though.
It is massive!! I was like, “Got it.” It does make it easier to use the shades individually, but it’s pricey for something that is dupable to me (and not A++).
Product looks amazing but the price point is crazy..i dont think i will be able to buy this right now..but i still can enjoy the pictures 🙂
Glad you were able enjoy window shopping, Toti 😀
The bronzer makes sense in a summer compact, but it’s way too warm to work as a contour on me! The colors overall seem pretty, but not really special, which is what I’d want for the price!
I’m glad they actually described it as a bronzer, lol!
Tom Ford strikes again with his ridiculous pricing. I’ve never despised a brand before, but I’m getting pretty close. Thank god for dupes even though the only thing I really wanted is a Skinny Dip lipstick, but only because it reminded me of Chanel’s Soleil D’Or from mid 90’s.
I understand! Tom Ford is very expensive.
Yikes! That price certainly made me double take as well, but I agree- the amount and quality of product you’re getting in return seems to justify it. I like the highlighting powder, especially.
I mean, it’s a soft “justify” to me… inasmuch as one can justify luxury pricing, I think, but at least it’s not a total rip off relative to what the brand normally charges.
At $108 bucks and I cannot use a big fluffy brush, that is so a pass. And it’s MASSIVE which is a good point and a bad point. Will be eyeing this, passing on it, and wanting it when it is sold out:)
It is a lot to plop down on one product, but the upside is at least you get something for your money!
Thanks for the review, Christine. Very helpful!! The bronzer might be a blush for me but that would be okay. The price tag is taxing, though, given some of the other pieces. I’m just now catching up on what was released last year.
No problem, Tracey! 🙂 It is up there for sure.
I knew why I loved that blush – it is SO gorgeous – each colour is beautiful. Love it.
Glad to hear it, Genevieve!
Hands down one of my most favorite TF items ever. I really like the large size too and having a trio of products available in one compact is great. It looks beautiful on you Christine!
Thank you, Trish!
I really love this palette. The shades are gorgeous. Like you I was a little put off by the price. But, as you pointed out it is BIG. It’s been quite a while since I’ve been so pleased. The shades aren’t too dark, they look great on my fair-light yellow toned skin. Did I say, I’m in love! lol
Happy to hear you’re loving your new trio, Jan!
Was hoping for a estee lauder ‘gelee’ type formulation 🙁 you would expect the best at this price point in a market beginning to fill with these types of palettes!
Aww 🙁 It’s somewhere in-between regular powder and gelee to me – it has some of the denseness/firmness that you can find with a gelee-like formula, but the finish isn’t there.
What Tom Ford? Now after looking at your pictures, all I want is the Caitlyn Jenner lipstick! It looks fabulous on you!
Haha!
Oh my, love love love the look of this! This one is definitely going to haunt me in my dreams until I cave, lol.
Aww!
The Highlighter is beautiful, but Burberry Blossom, CHANEL Sunkiss Ribbon are far superior. Looking forward for the highlighter become single and permanent.
It would be great if TF put out a highlighter range (that was permanent).
That’s actually quite sizable and almost worth the expense!
It is large for sure!
I can absolutely confirm that both my daughter and myself have used the big-sized bronzers all the way down to the pan–don’t worry, it’s totally possible to use these huge sized pans up! 🙂
I’m sure you know this but…..TOM FORD MAKEUP IS NOW BEING SOLD AT SEPHORA! My life is MADE! Everything goes online this Friday! It looks like just the Summer collection right now, but hopefully they carry the permanent range eventually too!