Ever since hearing of its impending release a few months ago, I have been waiting for the *Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer (also available at Neiman Marcus and Saks) with bated breath and am happy to report that it has now arrived! Touting full coverage and a seamless, waterproof finish that lasts for hours on end, this formula could seem too good to be true. That being said, I have been testing it for the last week and am thrilled to confirm that it is completely living up to its claims.
Consequently, this post features swatches of every shade as well as a mini review of the new *Tom Ford Shimmer Shots (also available at Nordstrom) and *Fiber Brow (also available at Nordstrom)!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the new Tom Ford Face Collection AW16 in action as well as the Bottom Line…
The *Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer (also available at Neiman Marcus and Saks) is a highly concentrated, multi-purpose formula that creates a perfect canvas in seconds. Halfway between a liquid and a cream, the foundation has tremendous pigment, meaning that a little goes a long way.
Those seeking light to medium coverage will only need a pea-sized amount to even out the skin and those who want even more coverage will be pleased that a nickle-sized amount will be enough for pure flawlessness. The formula itself is emollient enough to blend easily but, due to a fairly quick drydown, I suggest using a damp Beauty Blender within seconds of the application. I find that the finish resides in the natural matte territory…skin looks balanced (neither overly dewy or matte).
The texture is smooth without a lot of slip (which I love); once blended, this formula is nearly invisible on the skin, creating an indelible veil that looks optimally natural. In terms of lasting power, I am astounded by its persistence. I have experiemented with wearing it in both cool weather and warm and humid weather and can confirm that it holds up masterfully without requiring touch ups. The true test, however, was my 12-hour lecturing day…from 9 AM to 9 PM, my skin remained flawless…even when I was sure that a touch up would be necessary around 6PM, a quick glance in the mirror said otherwise. My skin looked as fresh and balanced as it did first thing in the morning…in fact the touch of dewiness that may have developed from living an entire day actually made it look better.
The spectrum of shade offerings guarantees that most will find a befitting match and I can’t wait to experiment with using the lighter and darker tones for contouring and highlighting (video tutorial in the works)! Natural is still my match in this new formula (I also wear natural in the Stick and Traceless Perfecting versions) and I am pleased with the shade continuity that runs between the formulas in the Tom Ford foundation family…this consistency makes shade matching so much less complicated!
To close, it must be noted that a formula with this formidable level of lasting power should be removed with an oil-based cleanser to ensure that all traces are off the skin.
All in all, the *Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer is sublime. The foundation imparts fantastic coverage, intense lasting power and a nearly invisible finish…simply brilliant!
Official details, courtesy of Nordstrom:
What it is: A flawless complexion is essential to the Tom Ford Face, and this full-coverage, waterproof formula ensures perfection.
Who it’s for: Anyone who wants a full-coverage foundation/concealer with a naturally radiant finish.
What it does: It conceals while remaining comfortable and breathable on your skin. It hides noticeable imperfections, ranging from darkness under the eyes to blemishes on the skin, while withstanding harsh weather conditions such as heat, humidity and water while maintaining an even complexion. It also helps minimize the appearance of tattoos.
How to use: Apply on clean, moisturized skin with your fingertips, a brush or a sponge applicator.
 |
| In direct sunlight with a flash. |
The *Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer (also available at Neiman Marcus and Saks) comes in spectrum of 12 shades that are consistent with other Tom Ford foundation formulas (reviewed HERE and HERE):
- 1.5 Cream: Fairest alabaster beige for @N/NW/NC 10 skin tones
- 2.0 Buff: Fair neutral beige for @N/NW 15 skin tones
- 2.5 Linen: Fair-light yellow beige for @N/NC 15 skin tones
- 4.0 Fawn: Light yellow beige @N/NC 20 skin tones
- 4.5 Ivory: Light neutral beige for @N/NW 20 skin tones
- 5.5 Bisque: Light-medium neutral beige for @N/NW/NC 25-27 skin tones
- 6.0 Natural: Light-medium golden beige for @N/NC 25-30 skin tones **My perfect match
- 6.5 Sable: Medium neutral beige for @N/NW 30-35 skin tones
- 7.0 Tawny: Medium golden beige for @N/NC 30-35 skin tones
- 7.5 Caramel: Tan peachy beige for @N/NW/NC 40-42 skin tones
- 9.0 Sienna: Rich deep tan beige for @N/NW/NC 42-45 skin tones
- 10.0 Chestnut: Deep mahogany for @N/NW/NC 45-50 skin tones
 |
| In outdoor shade. |
 |
| In direct sunlight, no flash. |
 |
| Swatches of my match, Natural–note how the texture is nearly invisible in the blended swatch! |
 |
| Ingredients. |
To further illuminate the Tom Ford Face Collection for AW16, here is an official video from the brand:
As aforementioned the Tom Ford Face Collection AW16 also includes brow and shimmer products:
The *Fiber Brow (also available at Nordstrom) features a brow building formula that adds fullness and dimensions to arches with a tiny brush for maximum precision. The liquid formula looks incredibly natural on the brows (read: no harsh lines) and the formula lasts for hours without flaking or smudging. It comes in four shades (swatched below) and my dark brunette brows have found their perfect match in the neutral-toned Taupe.
 |
| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
Official details, courtesy of Neiman Marcus:
Definition and symmetry are essential to the TOM FORD face. This fiber-filled, formula brushes onto brows. Helps fill in sparse brows to create full, natural looking brows that add symmetry and balance to the face. Sets, tames and enhances color in four shades.
Usage:
Use tapered brush to define shape in the direction of brow growth. Build in areas where more coverage is desired. Comb through to blend and smooth.
Usage:
Use tapered brush to define shape in the direction of brow growth. Build in areas where more coverage is desired. Comb through to blend and smooth.
 |
| The tiny brush allows for precise application and an ultra natural result. |
The *Tom Ford Shimmer Shots (also available at Nordstrom) come in two shades: Spin Spin Sugar (a pearly champagne tone with a touch of rose) and Lust for Life (a rich golden bronze). The luminous liquid comes in a clever (and secure) pump applicator similar to that of the TF Traceless Perfecting Foundation but half as tall.
The formula–which is unscented–is creamy and lush with immediate blendability that makes skin look lit from within. While both shades are gorgeous, my late-fall skin is partial to the lighter Spin Spin Sugar, which imparts a stunning rose gold glow that perfectly compliments the natural finish of the Waterproof Foundation/Concealer. I use my fingers to gently tap it into the high points of my face, including the cheek bones, brow bones, bridge of nose and Cupid’s bow and love how subtle and flattering the radiance is. Do I need another highlighter? No. Do I love this one? Absolutely.
 |
| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
Official details, courtesy of Neiman Marcus:
Polished radiance is essential to the TOM FORD face. The lightweight, liquid texture can be used on any skin tone to create ultimate luminosity. Pearlescent glow highlights and defines bone structure, creating perfectly balanced symmetry. blends flawlessly onto skin for instant glow. Blends easily into TOM FORD liquid foundation for a contoured look (sold separately). Light is softened and diffused for a smooth finish. Packaged in an easy-to-use piston pump.
Usage
Apply on the bridge of the nose, high points of cheeks and the chin, and under the eyebrow arch.
Usage
Apply on the bridge of the nose, high points of cheeks and the chin, and under the eyebrow arch.
 |
| Ingredients. |
 |
| Swatches of the Tom Ford Shimmer Shot in Spin Spin Sugar in direct sunlight. |
 |
| Gleam on… |
The following images reflect all products in action in afternoon sunlight…other elements worn include:
- Topshop Holly V Neck Shirt
- Frame Denim Le Original Jeans (my third pair of jeans in this cut–I adore them and they are currently on sale–I’m wearing a size 26)
- Necklaces from Bohobabe Shop
- *Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer in Natural
- *Tom Ford Bronzing Powder in Bronze Age (reviewed HERE)
- Tom Ford Skin Illuminating Duo in Moodlight for extra depth and glow (reviewed HERE)
- *Tom Ford Shimmer Shot in Spin Spin Sugar on high points of face
- Tom Ford Eye Color Quad in Honeymoon (reviewed HERE)
- *Fiber Brow in Taupe on my brows to groom and polish
- Tom Ford Extreme Mascara (reviewed HERE)
- Tom Ford Lip Contour Duo in 03 Dream Obscene (also available at Nordstrom and reviewed HERE)
 |
| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you enjoyed this swatch-heavy review of the *Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer (also available at Neiman Marcus and Saks) and would love to hear your thoughts! Will YOU be trying this new base?
Good things ahead, including a glimpse inside my work bag, a Breast Cancer Awareness month feature and a host of new product procurements! I also have my own video tutorial featuring the Tom Ford Waterproof Foundation/Concealer in the works ; )
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
** PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-16 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission.
Comments (16)
I am just putting together my list for Fall/Winter foundations. I tend to wear lighter foundations in the summer. Come Fall, my skin is a bit lighter and I prefer a more medium coverage foundation. I like a seamless natural finish. I hate seeing foundation sitting on my skin. I think I need to pop into Neiman's to see if I can find a color match.
Your review came just in time! I was looking at Sephora as the sale is right around the corner. They carry a minimal selection of Tom Ford. Any other suggestions? I was thinking of Guerlain's Lingerie de Peau or perhaps something from Armani???
Thanks for the great review.
HI Petunia!
I am so glad to hear that this review was posted in a timely moment for you! This new formula is lovely (and nearly invisible) on the skin and I have been wearing it nonstop! Other foundations that could fit your search include the CdPB Radiant Cream Foundation, the Surratt Surreal Real Skin Foundation and the Armani Crema Nuda.
Hope that helps…xx
–The Beauty Professor
Great post! This came out just in time since I was going to head to Norman's to check this out! If you had to choose out of all Tom Ford foundations, which do you like the best? Thanks!
Thanks, Colleen!
With regards to your question, I prefer this one and the Traceless Perfecting formulas best of all. I love the lasting power and packaging of this latest version even more than the Traceless Perfecting so this one wins!
Hope that helps…xx
–The Beauty Professor
Great post!!!
I really want to try the TF foundation and concealer as well! They're worth the money!
Nikoleta, xoxo.
https://nljuljduraj.blogspot.hr
Thanks Nikoleta…I hope you get a chance to try it; it is superb!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Would you say the foundation is comparable to the Laura Mercier silk creme?
Hi Dee,
I find it has better coverage thank the Silk Creme as well as no fragrance and stronger lasting power. All in all, I much prefer it to the LM Silk Creme!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
HI! I really appreciate all your posts and Proverbs 11:22 was one of the very first verses I taught to my daughters:)
So the above questions are all great ones, and may I ask, would this new TF foundation good for mature skin?
xo ~Martha
Hi Marti,
Thanks for kind words…what a wonderful coincidence regarding the verse!
With regards to your question, I believe this foundation will work well for mature skin as it can be sheered out with moisturizer or liquid highlighter…on its own, it blends like a dream (if you work quickly) and the build able coverage is very forgiving. I'm working on a video tutorial as well ; )
Hope that helps…xx
–The Beauty Professor
Is there any way you could post ingredients for the foundation/shimmer shots? They're both super interesting to me as my first Tom Ford purchases but I don't want to spend that much money without knowing what's in whatever I'm buying. I haven't found them listed anywhere!
Hi Lizzy,
I just posted both sets of ingredients…hope that helps!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Any chance you could post the ingredients for the foundation? thank you!
It's posted now!
xx
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you for responding and the suggestions!
I'm excited to try this and hoping it will help with my mature blemish prone skin.
Your reviews are so appreciated!
Thank you for the wonderful swatches and great review! Normally I wear the same shades you do, but currently my TF traceless foundation in Natural in liquid and stick are coming off too warm. My best match at present is CdP radiant fluid foundation in 030. Which shade do you think would be closest? Thanks and Happy holidays!