Review: Tom Ford Cheek Brush 06

Sunday, July 30, 2017

I have a little bit of a confession. I have major regret, and it's beauty buying related. Years ago, I had been lusting after Tom Ford Cognac Sable quad for many moons. So many in fact, that it was discontinued before I could purchase it. I regret this, immensely. When I heard that the Tom Ford brushes were due for an overhaul (source), I immediately resolved to not feel this same regret. So I recently splurged and bought the 06 Cheek brush that I had been making eyes at for the last few years.

I want to tell you that this brush is just ok, and that it does what any other blush brush in my collection can do, but that's not true.

This brush is marvelous. The white goat hairs are dense, the softest that you can imagine, and pristinely white. They are so fine and packed in the brush head tightly, it offers the user a lot of "springiness" when applying with this brush, an almost buoyant feel.

The TF Cheek Brush doesn't feel hefty, but it also doesn't feel lightweight. Goldilocks situation. The handle has a pleasing thickness to it, I like the shiny lacquered gloss finish. I've washed the Tom Ford 06 a few times, a couple of hairs have shed. Not even worth mentioning, really.

The closest brush I have to this is my Hakuhodo J214($35), in terms of hair quality. It is also a fraction of the size, it happens to be an oversized eyeshadow brush. I have a few other fluffy white goat brushes that are meant for blush, however they just are not in league with the TF 06 Cheek.

Top to bottom: Koyudo CB fu-pa 02, Tom Ford 06 Cheek, Koyudo CW 07 Powder & Cheek

Left to right: Koyudo fu-pa, Tom Ford, Koyudo CW 07.

The Koyudo fu-pa is supposed to be a foundation brush and it's head is much larger than the TF, but the footprint picks up a similar amount of blush, though much more harsh and elliptical in shape. The Koyudo CW 07 picks up blush in a much more dispersed and rounded way. Both Koyudo brushes are not nearly as soft and uniform as the Tom Ford, though the fu-pa is quite dense.

I love how the TF Cheek's footprint is slightly oval, and when it picks up blush the color is softened around the perimeter.

I'm wearing the following:

Face:
Innisfree No Sebum Blur Primer, The Saem Perfection Tip Concealer, Sephora 8HR Mattifying Compact Powder,

Cheeks:
Tom Ford Solar Exposure highlighter, Tarte Amazonian Clay Blush in Paaarty

Eyes:
Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Powder Duo in Granite, YSL Pure Chromatics No. 8, Tarte Clean Slate Primer, Opera Volume Control Mascara, Viseart Neutral Matte.

Lips:
Pony Effect StayFit Matte in #Magnificent (review here).

Since I've purchased this brush, I've been on a journey of blush discovery. It's like I'm experiencing these blushes for the first time, because in a way, I am. I'm finally seeing the color like it should look on my face. I've worn a different blush each day and thoroughly enjoyed each shade. NARS Sin yesterday - what a gorgeous mauve base, what pretty gold shimmer. Tarte x Sephora Birthday Amazonian Clay 12- Hour Blush in Paaarty today, what a flattering matte dusty pink! Every blush seems extra marvelous.

However, this extraordinary blush Renaissance experience comes with an equally extraordinarily high price tag: $79 for this single brush. The closest thing to a sale that I can recommend if you're interested in buying Tom Ford brushes is to sign up for Saks Fifth Ave's email and get the 10% off code for first time sign up. It's something.

I have absolutely no regrets buying this brush in the end. None. Tom Ford 06 Cheek makes me love all my powder blushes again, it's been an absolute joy to reach for an exciting blush every single day (that I already own!). I'm glad I won't be kicking myself in the future when this line of brushes is changed over to a synthetic mix, though I am very curious about what's to come for Tom Ford brushes.

Tom Ford 06 Cheek Brush can be purchased from Beautylish, Saks Fifth Avenue (where I bought mine with the 10%), Nordstrom, and other stores that carry Tom Ford. The brush is $79. Sephora now carries Tom Ford as well. Use code TOMFORD for a free mini Tom Ford Ultra Rich Lip Color in Le Mepris with orders over $35.

PS: if anyone out there has a Tom Ford Cognac Sable quad they're looking to sell at a reasonable price, mosey on in to my inbox.

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