Admittedly, most of us haven’t been wearing FACE lately. Like, I’m all for a full-on face beat when the occasion calls for it, but lately, the only regular “Occasions” that happen around here are for me to go in and wipe my child’s bottom.

But with the new year—and the COVID vaccine—upon us, I’m hopeful there will be many Occasions this year to go out and absorb all sorts of experiences and germs—sensorially, joyfully, all within six feet of a large group of strangers.

I was so excited to be able to sample the Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Liquid Foundation SPF 50, because one has to have a reliable formula to turn to when things start getting social again.

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Review: Is It Worth It?

Let’s get into the details.

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation: The Details

This is described as a medium- to full-coverage foundation; my assessment is it gives full coverage, but with the feel and consistency of a medium-coverage formula.

It’s on the more liquid-y side, comparable to a serum. It will run if you put it right onto your face.

According to Tom Ford, the formula “contains a blend of advanced elastomers and light-diffusing powders to create the perfect radiant surface.” Translated, this means that your skin has a multi-dimensional look with this—no flat “foundation face” with this formula.

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation: How to Apply It

I squirt a pump onto the back of my hand and dip my beloved IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe Complexion Perfection Brush No. 7 into it lightly, then apply in small swirls onto my skin, starting with my cheeks and blending downward, then applying to my forehead and down my nose.

Every time I wear this, I wear it alone, with no primer, and it has stayed in place on my skin beautifully. That’s saying something, because usually you need a primer to make a liquid foundation stay put.

If you prefer a more matte look, you could absolutely swipe some translucent finishing powder on top of it (this is my current favorite), but it is also fine alone. I wear mine with no finishing powder!

Also worth noting: I usually do not prefer products with chemical sunscreens, as they tend to irritate my skin, and although this formula does contain Ensulizole, Octinoxate and Octisalate (in addition to zinc oxide, which is a physical blocker), I experienced no redness or sensitivity. It was an unexpected but pleasant surprise.

Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate Foundation: Is It Worth It?

Okay. Shooting you straight. The price tag is mighty hefty—$150 for 1 oz. of product. It’s, like, well that’s stupid expensive. It is. But! This is an absolutely insane formula.

I honestly probably wouldn’t have pulled the trigger on it were it not given to me to sample via Influenster, but now that I’ve tried it, I can say I would buy it again. And then, like, hide and hoard it away because it’s so expensive. Used judiciously, this should last months, though.

Bottom line: Do you need a $150 foundation? No. But will you love this one if you get it? A resounding yes.