This beauty is finally mine!!!
If Tom Ford’s last year’s Holiday release brought us the Warm and Cool Face Palettes for Eyes and Cheeks, striking an instinctual difference between complexions and skin tones, the newly released Solar Exposure is that unifier that acknowledges there are those of us (myself included) who find it difficult to identify themselves with either one of those categories. I have often struggled to figure out what seems to flatter my complexion the most. Is it soft warm shades or sophisticated cool tones? Does my darker winter hair color make a difference? Would my outfit of the day play a role? I sit and ponder and often times I’m left feeling overwhelmed by the amount of choices and giving up. That’s what happened with the Warm and Cool holiday palettes. I simply couldn’t make up my mind and couldn’t justify the investment (buyer’s remorse is real after all). But, good things happen to those who wait. And as if Mr. Tom Ford himself read my mind, his Spring 2017 collection surprised the beauty community by revealing a neutral face palette, and don’t you just love the name, Solar Exposure?
Excitement levels are running high, but I will stop with the rambling (please don’t blame me, this palette is a beauty lover’s dream) and give you the 411! Let’s just say that in the name of research (for the blog, of course), I dipped my brush and am finally ready to expose this palette for you right now!
The palette offers an assortment of 4 eye shadows, a blush and a highlighter, all working together to balance and enhance the complexion for a neutral look.
The 4 eye shadows have finishes that vary from satin to shimmer, glitter and almost matte. The shades can be worn for subtle day to day looks, but can also be layered for a more intense and dramatic look. The shades are:
- Eyeshadow on top left of the palette: neutral ivory – satin finish, perfect as an all over the eye shadow
- Eyeshadow on top right of the palette: translucent soft purpley brown with silver glitter – glitter finish
- Eyeshadow on bottom left of the palette: taupey light medium brown – satin finish
- Eyeshadow on bottom right of the palette: deep grey-ish brown, perfect to smoke out the eye look and provide some crease definition – almost matte finish
The shades swatched and applied beautifully with the exception of the translucent glitter shade (top right of palette), which seemed a little dry and required several swipes to pick up the pigment. In my personal experience, the glitter shadow did not show very well when applied on top of the pearlescent ivory (top left of palette), however it seems its role is to merely enhance the other shadows included in the palette by adding a pop of sparkle. I must admit that although the glitter shadow looks absolutely exquisite in the pan, I am a bit disappointed with the formula and wish that instead, the palette would have included a more versatile, matte medium brown to offset the other two satin shades (top left and bottom left of palette). Glitter can be tricky and I do however, appreciate that there was not any fallout in sight with this particular glitter shade.
The blush is a soft, light-medium peach shade with the most flattering gold shimmer running thru it. I was a bit skeptical of the blush initially and didn’t know if I could make it work for a day to day understated look. With shimmer, I’m always afraid of looking a tad over done or trying too hard. But to my surprise, this blush creates a soft glow and brings a healthy luminosity to the face, thus making it perfect for day to day, as well as for special occasions. The blush (both in terms of shade and finish) is the perfect balancing act for the eye shadows featured in this palette.
The highlight is a soft, pearlescent champagne color with a gorgeous satin (almost frost) finish. It has subtle silver shimmer particles running thru it to illuminate the face. The shade feels like velvet on the skin, applies and blends seamlessly.
So this is a makeup look featuring the Tom Ford Solar Exposure Face Palette on the eyes and cheeks (blush and highlight). For the eye look above, I started out by lightly dusting the ivory shade (top left of palette) all over the lid. Next I used a flat shader brush such as the MAC 239, and patted the taupey light medium brown (bottom left of palette) on the outer half of the lid, buffing it out and blending into the crease. I was going for a diffused sort of look, so I was not too precise about the color placement. I deepened the outer corner with the grey-ish brown (bottom right of palette) and used it also to line my lower lash. Finally, I added a dab of the glitter (top right of palette) on my inner corner and popped it on the center of the lid as well. On the lips, I’m wearing Tom Ford in Revolve Around Me featured in last summer’s Soleil Collection.
The Tom Ford Solar Exposure comes packaged in an elegant palm-sized magnetic palette that resembles a chic white clutch with luxurious gold trimming. It makes for the perfect travel companion, but also looks incredibly chic displayed on any vanity.
The only thing I really don’t like about this palette (and have a hard time getting over) is the pricing. With such a vast array of options out there (for instance, the Charlotte Tilbury face palettes, see here, are a more affordable high end option), it’s becoming harder and harder to justify the investment. But to this day, Tom Ford still remains that iconic brand, we beauty lovers grow up dreaming of and hoping to be able to own one day!
What are your thoughts on these Tom Ford face palettes? Have you picked up any of them?
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
More Articles Like This ...
Burberry Beauty Spring 2017 Collection | Silk and Bloom Blush Palette Review and Swatches
Hourglass Ambient Surreal Light Palette | Review and Swatches
Anastasia Beverly Hills Master Palette by Mario | Review and Swatches
Fallen From The Lipstick Tree | Charlotte Tilbury Hot Lips Collection Review and Swatches
Marc Jacobs Air Blush Soft Glow Duo Blush | Review and Swatches
Cat,
You look stunning. I think the tones in the palette suit you well. It’s a good think you were patient. I purchased the Warm Palette. I have not used it often, however, I do think it was worth the investment. The chic clutch is just such a nice luxurious touch. Wonderful review!
xo
Dom
http://www.calibeaute.com
This is such a beautiful palette, definitely a treat! But I agree with you that paying so much money for a palette with only 4 eyeshadows all of them should more versatile and usable, the glitter looks gorgeous but it’s not a first choice for everyday makeup look.
The blush and highlighter look stunning though. x
Mummy’s Beauty Corner
Cat this palette was made for you as it suits you so so well! I really like that this was made as an ‘in-between’ palette following on from the Warm and Cool palettes. I didn’t purchase either of them and to be honest I didn’t think this one was for me, but seeing your swatches has totally changed my mind now! (bad friend!). Its so pretty and I think I may have to look further into it now.
Beautiful, yet lethal review! LOL Kelly xx
http://www.KELLiLASH.com
I couldn’t agree more with you Cat, Tom ford represents quality and luxury. And this looks like such a beautiful palette but the price point is getting a little silly almost feels like they are trying to price a certain demographic out which is sad and leaves a bad taste in my mouth.
However it is the ultimate palette for any makeup enthusiast like me and you and so many more ladies and men out there.
You’re gorgeous my friend and did a very pretty look with this palette ! I love Tom Ford fragrances that are very pricey too but didn’t yet splurge into the makeup… there isn’t a counter near me so I admire on my screen… without swatch on me it’s too hard too choose 😉 Thanks a lot for this beautiful review and photos ! Kisses
Kédidja ~ beautymoodboard.com
Beautiful shots and I always enjoy seeing your sweet face any chance I get. Loved the makeup look you’ve created and in my honest opinion, the blush is the only pretty part of this palette. I skipped on it due to not being able to justify the cost based on the ‘ordinary’ array of shades included in it. Sorry Tom!!
Cat, what a great review on this palette! It is gorgeous and your makeup look using it is absolutely beautiful. The blush and the highlighter are my favorites from this palette and I would buy it just because of them. Thank you for your honest review on this palette, it is truly one of those luxury beauty products that I would love to own one day 🙂
Lily | https://lmastr0819.wordpress.com
Beautiful post Cat and even more beautiful YOU! I simply loved your look and how beautifully you described the luxurious palette. I’ve given up the whole pondering about cool or warm, because when it comes to skin tone those are not the only undertones. Personally I went with the Cool palette during the Holidays simply because I was more attracted to the shimmery top coats and cool pink blusher, which I adore. It would have been a more difficult choice between all 3 palettes available, but I still think I would’ve picked with the Cool palette for my complexion. Happy weekend!
xx Laura / Laurantaina Beauty Blog
This palette suits you so perfectly! I really have my eye on it, especially seeing your beautiful look and swatches! I just can’t quite pull off the high price tag right now.
Jenn │ Beauty by Jellybean
Love the photos! The blush swatch reminds me a bit of the Nars Orgasm blush – really pretty!
Solar Exposure suits you so well, Cat! I think i’m much more in love with the 2 cheek shades in this palette than the eyeshadows, creating a huge dilemma for me. I have both the Cool and Warm palettes from last Winter, and I do think Solar Exposure strikes a nice balance between the 2. The problem for me, is these sort of shades tend to get rather muddy on my lids, It’s a great travel palette though, but the price point makes me think twice before checking it in with my luggage!
As if I didn’t say this enough on Instagram, but the palette really is gorgeous! I already loved the colors just from seeing them in the palette, but the blush and the highlighter look even more beautiful swatched! I also really love your makeup look with this palette, you did such a great job! The only thing I can’t get over is the price though, especially since I don’t *need* more eyeshadow or blush >_< I guess for now I'll just continue ogling at your pretty pictures, haha
Jenny // Geeky Posh
Cat thank you for the review, it looks absolutely beautiful on you. And yes the price is too steep and I’ll decide this week if I need another palette.
Cat you look stunning! This palette is absolutely gorgeous! Still can’t decide whether I should get it or not! Do you think the blush is Similar to Nars Orgasm?
I originally wanted the cool palette and actually waited to a point where I finally didn’t get it…
Such a dilemma indeed!!
Nice post as always!!
Xxx
Lyna
OMG perfection!!! Loved this palette and you look stunning!! Thanks for sharing (:
Kisses,
Live. Laugh. Love. & Make Up
Love this review! And yessss I want this! The fact that it’s a neutral palette is a definite point–ah but you are right-the price… and also I don’t know if this is or will even be available in Korea–and compared to US, pricings of TF (as well as brands like Burberry) are even higher here–ugh as if hey weren’t already pricy! I’m gona have my eyes peeled to score this at duty free next month–at duty free shops here, the pricing is somewhat comparable to US price…. Love the look you created with this palette! You look great ?? ??
This palette is absolutely beautiful, Cat. I can see why you bought it. But I also know what you mean. It’s quite pricy and there are so many palettes out there. I like that this has a blush and highlight in it. Of course the packaging is out of this world.
I would say you have more of an olive skin tone so neutral or warm shades are great for you. Or am I totally wrong.
Lots of love, Desi (stunnydesi_loves on IG)
Beautiful Cat!! Loved this review. I don’t have this TF palette but the blush shades do intrigue me!
<3 Kristin | BlondeisBeauty.com
Yay Cat! So glad you got your hands on this stunning palette. I can’t wait for them to arrive here, because every single colour here is so gorgeous and looks absolutely beautiful on you! I think Tom Ford is always a good investment!
Naya // http://www.partyparrotblog.com
Thoroughly enjoyed your detailed review, fabulous captures and stunning look. I have the Warm Palette and was lusting over Solar Exposure. It went out of stock before I could blink though:) I completely could relate with you about the glitter shade. At this price point, you’d expect the shades to apply themselves:) Thank you for sharing Cat.xo
Hello, Cat! You look lovely in the photos. The neutral palette suits you well. I had the same opinion as you regarding the two winter palettes, so this one is more of an option for me. The eye shadows seem to be the same quality as in the TF quads, with one shade being very sheer. Indeed, CT has better value for money, but TF is… TF! I was looking forward to your review of the highlighter. In my mind I could justify shelling out so much money for this palette if the highlight was a bit more pigmented. Nevertheless, this palette is a collector’s item. Have a great day!