Review: Tom Ford Illuminating Primer

As I learn more about my skin and the suitable foundations, I desperately want a products that I can reduce the oxidation nightmare and retain the moisture of my skin. But I'm picky. I don't want a silicon-based primer simply for the touch of the material on my face. It's just my personality. When I found out about the ingredients and the concept of Tom Ford Illuminating Primer, I knew I must try it. It's been a smart investment for both my skin and my foundations. But will I purchase it again?

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer (the updated version doesn't include SPF) ($70 for 1 oz) is designed as a hybrid between a skincare and makeup via Tom Ford Infusing Complex. What is this complex? Words from the company "The Tom Ford Infusing Complex infuses skin with a potent combination of specially selected nutrients that help skin stimulate its natural repair mechanisms. By helping skin cells replenish their natural energy, it fundamentally rejuvenates the complexion, so it looks and feels brighter, fresher and less tired. High-performing antioxidants help protect the skin, creating a vital-looking face. The skin is left looking renewed, resilient and smoother."

As the primer, it's supposed to provide a flawless canvas for smooth application and long-lasting color. The brand recommends us to use it in a small amount all over the face after your regular skincare routine and before foundation.

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer comes in an elegant and light weight pearl white bottle and Tom Ford's signature glossy brown cap. There's no real cap though. The mechanic pump emerges as you twist the bottle. When you twist the bottle a bit more, the pump is locked To retract the pump, simply twist the bottle in opposite direction. The security lock ensures that the pump is in place both ways. I think it's such a brilliant and chic design!! You don't have to mess with falling out caps and accidental primer spill.

Sleek design of the primer. Mechanic pump intact 

To release the pump, twist the bottle. You can lock it by twisting a bit more. Same step to retract the pump into the bottle, twist more to secure it. 

The pump 

The ingredients sound awesome to me! Now we just have to see it in action, right?

Thumbs-up for mineral-oil-free, silicon-free, preservatives-free and natural extracts

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer contains ultra fine micro shimmer that results in a healthy glow if used alone. I have tried it in several ways. 

#1. In place of a moisturizer after a hydrating toner. The purpose is to seal the moisture of the skin. Don't. Do. This. hehehe. Unless your skin is rather dull, dry and need extra boost of shine. I massage skincare products on my face to facilitate the absorption and do the same for this primer. Well, my face looks really oily. It doesn't make the foundations last longer nor shorter, rather it lightens my foundations and absorb them into my skin. It doesn't feel comfy on the skin either. 

#2. As an illuminator, underneath foundation. It works wonderfully! After moisturizing my skin routinely, I press Illuminating Primer on my cheekbones, under the brown bones, cupid bow, and chin and blend lightly. I apply foundations on top of the primer as usual. The foundations transform into more dewy finish and also get brightened. The results is subdued glow in the areas highlighted. It's great for very natural healthy looking skin. But it won't be as noticeable as Tom Ford Shade and Illuminate. 

#3. Upon the company's suggestion, I apply a small amount all over the face. This by far the best method for my skin. Although I don't find my skin gets particularly smoother, the primer does create a subtle glow for my complexion. As you can see from the swatch below, my matte foundation Clarins Ever Matte looks dewy post-primer.  

#4. Mix the primer with the foundation. It also increases the glow for the foundations beautifully this way. The excellent consistency of the primer makes it blend seamlessly with the foundations. I love Tom Ford Illuminating Primer best for this method among other like Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base, Giorgio Armani Fluid Sheer and Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector. The others contains high shine shimmer, albeit very finely milled, they're too shiny when mixed with foundations. But be careful not to mix too much, or else the primer can lighten  your foundation considerably. 

My attempt to draw my initial with the primer fluid! You have complete control of the flow and the amount of primer through the small pump. 

The primer produces such a stunning glow. Applied excessively for swatches. Doesn't emphasize pore, fine lines or imperfection

The matte foundation turns to a subtly dewy finish with the primer

Same swatch. Cool lighting

Tom Ford Illuminating Primer helps to reduce foundation from oxidation to the level less than a silicon-based primer. The key to minimize oxidation on my skin is an oil-free formula of the foundation itself and well-moisturized skin. The primer acts as a barrier between my skin oil and the foundation. The foundations that aren't oil-free still turns muddy only a bit more slowly compared to sans primer. 

Now come the price point. It's overpriced. Period. The primer functions more efficiently as an illuminator than creating a smooth canvas and prolonging the wear of foundation on my skin. The packaging is so clever, convenient, compact and secure. It's perfect for on the go and looks elegantly on the vanity counter. When applied properly, Illuminating Primer can give a stunning understated glow of a healthy complexion. It's a excellent fancy extravagance for my skin. It isn't a must-have. 

Back to the question: Will I re-purchase Tom Ford Illuminating Primer? No. I have many highlighter that can give me the glow I want. And for a smoother skin, nothing beats good exfoliators and healthy lifestyle. 

Bottom line. Love! A nice-to-have illuminator for subdued natural glow. I'm using it everyday. It's a luxurious and chic product for your makeup wardrobe. If you have dry, normal or combination skin, you might love it for all over your face. Ladies whose skin is oily might want to use it to highlight certain areas only.

Have you tried Tom Ford Illuminating Primer? I would love to hear how it works for you. What other primers would you recommend?