Tom Ford Traceless Touch Cushion Foundation

December 11, 2018

Tom Ford never does things half-hearted, so when the latest Tom Ford Traceless Touch Cushion Compact Foundation dropped, I knew it was going to be unlike anything I’ve ever tried. The best part, it is exclusive to the UK and Asia!

I was first impressed by the casing, luxe mahogany trimmed with gold. When every brand in the market is trying to outdo each other with fancier and more heavily decorated cushion cases; I really appreciate the minimalistic aesthetic of the Tom Ford cushion compact, its clean lines and sleek flat top. Even the cushion puff applicator bears a grosgrain ribbon with Tom Ford embroidered on it (rather than printed), a detail that speaks of the luxe and an eye for detail.

Tom Ford has formulated this Traceless Touch Foundation with the brand’s signature Infusing Complex which has the ability to boost skin’s nature repair mechanism and SPF45/PA++++ to protect skin from damaging UV rays. Full list of ingredients may be found here.

There are currently only 8 shades available, and other than 5.5 Bisque, the shades run light. The same shade names are used, though for Singapore the shades usually start from Cream and this time Tom Ford is bringing in 3 shades lighter. The difference is that whilst there is usually a distinct pink/yellow difference in undertone with Tom Ford foundations, this new Traceless Touch Foundation seems to be more uniformly neutral.

I always find myself in between shades when it comes to Tom Ford foundations, and generally opt for a lighter shade for a fresher finish. Linen is my best option in both Traceless Perfecting Foundation [reviewed here] and the Waterproof Foundation and Concealer [reviewed here], and have picked the same for Traceless Touch. However, no 2 Linens are alike, though their relative intensities may be the same, the undertones are different so I would highly recommend heading to a counter in person to find your best shade match.

Notwithstanding, the relatively sheerer finish of the Tom Ford Traceless Touch Foundation allows it to blend in better with the skin, so differences in shades are less obvious. And here is a half-faced before and after comparison:

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Tom Ford Traceless Touch Foundation has a beautiful satin-matte finish that is quite unlike any other cushions that I’ve encountered so far. The finish is so smooth it emits a glow that gives my skin a porcelain like appearance. It is certainly the sheerest of all Tom Ford foundations, but it does a decent job of concealing the redness around my nose and dark circles. The Traceless Touch Foundation dries very quickly upon application, so it is important to work fast and in small areas. Once it dries and sets, it does not budge, and if you try to blend or layer more, it starts to get streaky. On the flip side, the foundation stays put all day, and does not fade or smudge as the day progresses. I always wear my makeup with a primer, but I found that this Tom Ford Traceless Touch Foundation does not layer well over any of my primers, instead it is best applied over well hydrated fresh skin. In any case, it has such remarkable longevity that no primer is necessary, so I can save the extra few minutes in the morning!

The lightweight, long-lasting and perfecting skin-like finish of the Tom Ford Traceless Touch Cushion Compact Foundation has made this my favourite foundation from the brand. Its luxe case is also one that I secretly thrill to have in my purse.