For months, I’ve been dreaming about the Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Face & Eye Palette 2020. Actually, there are 4 Shade and Illuminate Palettes in the 2020 collection. First, I saw these palettes on Tom Ford’s Website about the time we started social distancing and lockdown. However, there were no TF Shade & Illuminate Palettes . In fact, there weren’t any of these new palettes anywhere! Then, I was told that the department stores would carry them. Unfortunately, I had to wait until May. Okay, so now it is the end of July. I still can’t find them on the Tom Ford Website. Yet, I was lucky this time, because I am always looking on the Nordstrom Website to see their new arrivals. And, guess what just arrived?!
So, right now, you can find the Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Face & Eye Palette 2020 Collection at Nordstroms.
Also, the Shade & Illuminate Face & Eye Palette ( .49 oz. / 14 g.) costs $155.
What Makes Each Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Face & Eye Palette 2020 Different?
Interestingly, each palette includes a contour/bronzer shade and a highlighter. Thus, the name Shade & Illuminate. Furthermore, in each palette, the contour/bronzer and highlighter shades are different intensities. Predominantly, the contour/defining shade becomes more intense in each palette. Moreover, each of the four palettes include an eyeshadow quad. And, it is the intensity of the Shade & Illuminate shades that determined the eyeshadow shades in that palette.
The Shade & Illuminate Face & Eye Palette 2020 Packaging
To begin with, I’ve had other Shade & Illuminate Palettes from other years. And, those palettes were in the white Soleil case. Therefore, I was surprised to see the 2020 collection in Tom’s brown case. One thing I really don’t like about the brown case is it shows every fingerprint, smudge and mark. Be that as it may, I love the gold accents on the compact.
Even more, I love that the compact has a magnetic closure. 
Inside, the case has a large mirror on one side. On the other side are highlighter, and Contour on either side of the palette. Then, in the center of the palette are the four eyeshadow pans. In addition, the palette feels weighty in the hand. After all, this is from a luxury brand. Hence, this is a luxurious palette. 
It even comes in a brown velvet pouch that protects the case. Maybe it will keep it fingerprint-free?
The Tom Ford Formula For Shade & Illuminate Face & Eye Palette 2020
The products in the palette are baked. Unlike pressed powder, there is no dusty fall-out. Instead, the formula starts out as a liquid jelly.
Then, the liquid is baked. Finally, you can use the shadows either wet or dry. Furthermore, the powders melt and meld with your skin. Even more, the powders blend out nicely. Also, the pigments have a high impact.
The result is a nice wash of color on your skin. All of the products look flawless on your skin. Last, the shades are long-lasting!
The Four Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Face & Eye Palettes 2020
There are four Palettes in the 2020 Shade & Illuminate Collection. I purchased three of them. The one I didn’t purchase, Rose Cashmere, has a 0.5 intensity. Although the palette has beautiful shades, I felt it would be a bit too un-intense for me! The Palettes I did purchase are : Red Harness Intensity 1, Moonlit Violet Intensity 2, and Moss Agate Intensity 3.
Red Harness Intensity 1
I hope you noticed the broken contour-definer! Yes, it sure did arrive that way!!! Unfortunately, I am not about to risk getting the coronavirus just to return and exchange the palette! Although, it is a shame to spend $155 and receive a less than perfect palette. Shame on you Nordstrom for not wrapping these precious palettes in bubble wrap to prevent any damage to the palette!
Moonlit Violet Intensity 2
Moss Agate Intensity 3
Moss Agate Intensity 3
My Final Thoughts On The Tom Ford Shade & Illuminate Face & Eye Palette 2020……..
First of all, these palettes are beautiful. Also, they are luxury, high quality palettes. I love that you have your face and eyeshadow in one compact! How great is that for travel? Even if you go to the beach for the weekend. All you’ll need is lipstick, and blush. Maybe some mascara!
I waited a long time for these palettes. Aside from the fact that one of the palettes arrived with a broken shade, which does happen sometimes, they were well worth it. I love intensity 2 and 3 for fall and winter. I love intensity 1 for summer!
PS
Let me know what you think about these Tom Ford Beauties in the comments below!
