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| Above: Tom Ford Makeup Artist Greg Velasquez and the Beauty Professor (wearing #05 Natural!) at Neiman Marcus Fashion Island. |
My love for the Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick is no secret…my comprehensive review of it can be found HERE. I am thrilled that a Tom Ford counter is now at my local Neiman Marcus, which means swatches a plenty and dangerously convenient access to one of my favorite lines ever.
I have already swatched this particular foundation HERE, but recently took advantage of the bright sunshine of Fashion Island to provide swatches in varied outdoor lighting. I hope the following images are of great help!
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| Above: The first six shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in direct sunlight. |
1. Alabaster–very light neutral beige (approx. NC 10-15)
2. Pale Dune–light yellow based beige (approx. NC 20)
3. Fawn–light neutral beige (approx. NC 22-25)
4. Bisque-light beige with rosier undertones (approx. NW 25)
5. Natural–light to medium beige with yellow undertones (approx. NC 25-27)
6. Sable–medium beige with yellow undertones (approx. NC 30-35) **This looks darker than normal in the first image.
7. Tawny–medium beige with neutral undertones, slightly deeper/darker than Sable (approx. NW/NC 35)
8. Caramel–dark beige with warm golden undertones (approx. NC 37-40)
9. Toffee–deep beige with warm undertones (approx. NC 42)
10. Praline–very deep golden beige with neutral undertones (approx. NC/NW 43)
11. Warm Almond–warm brown with neutral undertones (approx. NC/NW 45)
12. Chesnut–darkest brown with rich warm undertones (approx. NC/NW 47)
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| Above: The second six shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: The first six shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in shade. |
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| Above: The first six shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in direct sunlight. **#05 should be labeled “Natural.” |
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| Above: The first three shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in shade. |
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| Above: The next three shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in shade. |
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| Above: Some mid-tone (NW/NC 24-35) shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in direct sunlight. |
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| Above: The next six shades of the TF Traceless Foundation Stick in the shade. |
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| Above: The second six shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in brighter shade. |
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| Above: The darker spectrum of shades, in bright shade. |
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| Above: The darkest shade offerings, in the shade. |
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| Above: Up close and personal with Tom Ford Traceless Foundation Stick in #05 Natural…it truly blends into the skin! |
Comments (41)
Your swatches are amongst my absolute favorite! I love you you take the time to take the photos in so many different lighting situations. Thank youuuuu!!!!
That means so much for me to hear, Strongestrose! Thank you!! I try to take swatch photos that I would want to see ; )
Have a wonderful week…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
Nice swatches! It must be lots of work doing all the swatches and take photos under different lighting.
The name of 05 seems wrong on the picture: "The first six shades of TF Traceless Foundation Stick in direct sunlight.", can you please check?
Have a great day and thanks for your efforts!
Regards,
Hilda
Thanks, Hilda…it is always a challenge to find the perfect lighting! I appreciate your observation–yes, I completely goofed on the labeling of that image..shade #5 is Natural. It is so funny that I made a mistake with that particular shade because that is the one that I personally own and wear ; )
I will make a correction in the caption and try to fix the picture later this week!
Take care and warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello Beauty Professor,
You must have a very good relationship with the sales at those counters in order to do all the swatches! I can imagine you being at the counter —> swatch the first set of colors —> take pictures indoor —> find a place to take outdoor picture —> go back to counter and repeat all over again for another set of colors! *thumbs up* 🙂
I noticed that because I also think # will be suitable for me 🙂
Thanks for your hard work! Have a nice day!
Regards,
Hilda
Hi Hilda,
I do happen to know some of the counter specialists at Tom Ford…they are wonderful and supportive of my swatching since it helps others who may not be near a counter to get a better sense of the products in the line. You are right about my process…those are exactly the steps I take to swatch and capture a full range of shades for a particular product…it is not quick ; )
Thanks for your kind words…take care and have a wonderful rest of the week!
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Professor,
What can I say? You did a wonderful job on creating all those swatches, please keep it going!
Regards,
Hilda
Thank you, Hilda…I definitely appreciate your support!! More swatches to come ; )
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello,
If you able, would you swatch Tarte Frisky blush to find a similar in Tom Ford blushes that I can see.
What is that great bracelet paired with your Cartier? I need a better view; I would love to have pictures of your bracelets from one bracelet lover to another.
Thank you,
Gail
Hello Gail,
Thanks for the comment…at this time, I don't have Tarte Frisky blush to swatch and compare, but if I come across it while I am swatching, I will make sure to do so. Also, my bracelet is a specialized charm bracelet with a "B" and "P" on it (for Beauty Professor!) that my mom got me for Christmas…I will try to do a close up soon, but in the meanwhile, I know I posted a picture of it on Instagram (you should be able to follow/see my pictures towards the top right side of this blog).
Thank you for your interest and have a lovely week!
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
I found it, it's a beautiful bracelet.
So glad and thanks ; )
xo,
–The Beauty Professor
Great post, it sounds like such a great foundation. Im yet to try Tom Ford products!
Just found your blog, I’m a new follower.
Hope you will check out my blog too – and while you are there, don’t forget to enter my INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY;
http://beautyandlifestylehunter.blogspot.com.au/
Thanks, Beauty and Lifestyle Hunter…I highly recommend the TF products and hope that you get a chance to try them! I am so glad you found my blog and appreciate the follow. I will try to take a peek at your blog this weekend ; )
Warm regards,
–The Beauty Professor
No shades for paler NW's? This seems to be a trend. What foundation do you recommend that comes in light but less yellow shades? All you other criteria for a great foundation are mine as well, but the colors that work for you are way too dark and yellow for my paler, redhead skin. I've been having a heck of a time finding an HG foundation for my getting older skin. I was a big Bobbie Brown fan, but her foundations all seem too yellow now. I was never a big MAC user, I do seem to fall in the NW15-20 range, but many of their foundations in those tones are very orange/peachy, and I haven't found one I love for my skintype yet. Do I have to go back to the Prescriptives custom blend? Its getting good reviews. I know we corresponded about the SKII foundation, but I have not found a local retailer, and the Saks website had limited colors. Thanks, your foundation experience is unprecended!!
Hi Ellen…thanks for the comment. Yes, unless you are quite fair (at which point, Alabaster could likely be a great match), the next few light shades have yellow, rather than neutral or rosy undertones. Currently, yellow undertones (which can sometimes, unfortunately, translate as gold or even orange) seem to be quite popular in foundation shade ranges. Have you looked at Hourglass or Kat Von D? Recently, I noticed that the Hourglass Immaculate line seems to have some rosier tone light shades (Vanilla might be just right for you) and Kat Von D's Lock It in Light 42 could also be a good match.
Hope that helps and do keep me posted on your search…xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, wonderful blog you have. thank you for doing all this 🙂 wanted to ask u, if i use liquid foundation by TF in color FAWN, will stick foundation will be same in color. I mean liquid and stick foundation have same colors or different? And how do u think stick foundation would be in hot humid climate? is it light or heavy? thank you
Thank you for your kind words, Anon! With regards to your question, in my experience, I have seen that there is a direct correlation between the TF liquid and cream/stick foundations. For example, I wear Natural in both the liquid and stick versions!
When applied with a foundation brush over primer, I have found the stick foundation to hold up quite nicely, even in humidity. If it is extra warm/humid, I might set it with a bit of powder, but overall it has a fairly light texture as long as it is applied sparingly and built up as necessary!
I hope that is helpful…xoxo and keep me posted,
–The Beauty Professor
thank you
Hi! I am trying to find out what shade I would be in Chantacaille Future Skin and Cle de Peau Silky Creme Foundation. I wear Fawn in Tom Ford and it is a perfect match. Thanks!!
Hello Anon,
I would suggest taking a peek at BF20 in the Cle de Peau Silky foundation and Chamomile or Cream in the Chantecaille Future Skin.
Hope that helps!
–The Beauty Professor
Hello beauty professor,
You Are so great and wonderful! You cannot imagine how helpful Your swatches are. . Needless to say, you are so pretty. .I have to ask you about TF Foundation, I heard it is best to use the liquid and then go over it with the stick to achieve the best look, but would not this be too heavy.? I just bought the stick in pale Dune and wondering if i need to buy the liquid as well, also which which of their pressed powder you recommend the transcluent or illuminating? I have combination skin. . Thank you
Hello,
Thank you for your sweet comment and compliment! I am beyond glad that my swatches are helpful for you. I really like wearing the stick by itself and haven't personally found the need to buy the liquid foundation (which is quite sheer) as well. Lately, I just put a few swipes of the foundation stick on my face and then buff it into my face with a damp Beauty Blender and achieve a flawless finish in 60 seconds. Of the two pressed powders I recommend them both for different reasons; the illuminating adds a lovely glow if you think the foundation stick is too matte on its own and the translucent is great if you find yourself getting too shiny as the day goes on.
Hope that helps…xoxo and have a lovely weekend,
–The Beauty Professor
Wow, just discovered your blog and it is really helpful and informative!
Recently spent quite a lot (too much actually) at Saks in NYC on TF makeup…..my first time using the brand
and I was kind of intimidated by the new shade and illuminate compact. I bought the special TF sculpt brush designed for it and everything. But you did a great job contouring without it using that Sephora#130 brush which looks completely different! I still have a lot to learn about contouring but I really enjoyed your tutorial….thanks beauty professor! I'm feeling less intimidated now!
Hello Lisa,
So glad you found your way to my blog…thanks for your comment! Congrats on your TF Shade and Illuminate acquisition…it is truly a unique and wonderful product and I am glad that my tutorial was helpful! It's always my goal to take the intimidation out of the beauty process ; )
xoxo and do keep in touch,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi, love your blog. i like to try tom Ford foundation stick, but not shore with one to get.they dont sell tom Ford in Sweden. om än 30 in chanel. what would you recommend?
Thanks, Linda! I am guessing you could be between #5 Natural (on the lighter side) and #6 Sable (a bit darker).
I hope that helps!
xoxo,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi there! I purchased the liquid first in Natural no.5 and have just received the stick also in Natural.The stick is gorgeous but it is quite a bit paler then the liquid – is this normal, being its a different texture? I think I need to go darker in the stick to Sable No. 6. Be very grateful if you could confirm if the stick comes up paler than the liquid. Fab blogs here, thank you!
Hi Maria,
Thanks for your question and kind words. I do find the cream formula runs a bit lighter than the liquid (which oxidizes more quickly due to its thin texture).
Hope that helps you in your search…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Thank you so for confirming. I did purchase the Sable in the end and I think for this time of year, being spring, I will keep to that and keep the Natural for mid winter. Its a shame there are not more TF counters at the big stores, so I have to order online. I would like to try Tawny too when tanned, perhaps! Thanks again! The swatches, reviews and info are so helpful, great site here!
My pleasure, Maria, and glad to hear it!
Take care and have a beautiful week…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hello Beauty Professor,
I'm glad I found your blog while searching for the perfect TF traceless fondation shade for me. I don't have a full on TF beauty counter in my city so buying the fondation is a bit of a gambling game here. Maybe you can help me here. I'm a NC30 MAC, Beige 30 in Vitalumiere aqua (altough it gets a bit muddy after a while), no 7 in By Terry Sheer expert, 5.5 in Armani Luminous Silk, no 2 in Armani Face fabric, and best match is Chantecaille Just Skin in Nude and also Future Skin in Nude. What shade should I pick for the Traceless as I have no choice but ordering it online. Thanksss so so much before.
Thanks, Cicilia…glad you found your way here~
Based on your current foundation matches I am guessing that you would be #4 Bisque or #5 Natural in the TF stick formula. The #4 is a hair darker and more neutral than the #5 so if you are concerned that the #5 will be too light (it's approximately NC 25), then you could embrace the #4, which is more like the Chanel Beige 30 or Chantecaille Nude shades.
I hope those details help you in your decision-making process ; )
xx and keep me posted!
–The Beauty Professor
Hi Beauty Prof ~ you are doing a fantastic job & your site is really a great help!!! I was wondering which shade of the TF foundation I should use if I use bobbi brown skin foundation liquid ~ warm sand / beige (more beige)?
For someone with dry skin who hates touching up makeup as the day progresses, would you recommend this foundation over any other? I'm debating between this, the la praire hydra tint, and chantecaille future skin. Can you recommend which one is best
Hello and thank you ever so much!!
In light of your current Bobbi Brown match, I would recommend Natural; it is my winter shade as is Bobbi Brown Beige!
With regards to your question, of your three options, I would suggest the Tom Ford Foundation Stick above the LP Hydra Tint and Chantecaille Future Skin as I think the lasting power (if you are adverse to touchups) is superior to the other two. Plus, the coverage is very build able, so you can get light coverage (akin to the Hydra Tint) on days when you want it and medium to full coverage when you require a bit more ; )
I hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
Hi B P!
Nice swatches(Especially in the sunlight before one goes out looking orange lol). please What finishing powder would go best with the praline or warm almond? i m torn between choosing the sable voile/sahara dusk.I'm an NW45 but my exact shade would be a combination of nw43/45 hence my choice of Praline and warm Almond.i
I Would appreciate your recommendation. Ify x
Hello and thank you!
I would suggest the Sable Voile…Sahara Dusk is very dark and best suited to the Chestnut shade.
I hope that helps!
xx,
–The Beauty Professor
I am a #4 natural in bobbi brown skin stick foundation. What shade should i get in TF?
I would recommend #5 Natural!
–The Beauty Professor
I came across your blog while looking for the right shade in this foundation. What would you recommend for something lightweight and full coverage? This or By Terry Cover Expert?
Hi Anon,
I would recommend either formula for lightweight full coverage. That being said, if you respond better to a cream, then the TF is teh way to go. The By Terry is a touch more matte and liquid in texture.
Hope that helps…xx,
–The Beauty Professor