I Wanted Sabrina Carpenter’s Chiseled Cheekbones, So I Tried Out Her Go-to Tom Ford Beauty Contour Duo

I purchased the Intensity 2.0, which is great for medium skin tones. Upon unboxing the product, my first thought was that it looks as expensive as it costs—this is no drugstore palette, folks (and trust me, I live for budget-friendly finds.) The container has a reflective brown color with the famous Tom Ford logo slapped right on top to make it the shining star in my makeup drawer. I also appreciate that the mirror is big enough so that I can see my entire face, which is not always the case with compact mirrors.

As for the makeup itself, there are two tones included. One is a rich, deep brown and the other is a shimmery rose-gold shade. According to the brand, the dark shade is made to add depth and define your features. Swipe the contour along the cheekbones, forehead, temple, jawline and tip/sides of the nose. Meanwhile the lighter shade is made to enhance high points and lift your face. It's meant to be used on the highest points of your cheekbones, bridge of your nose and brow bone. (You can even throw some on your cupid's bow and lids, too.)

Copying Carpenter’s GRWM tutorial, I used a makeup brush to apply the product. I used my Fenty Beauty bronzer brush, and the trick here—I realized after a bit of a struggle—is to apply some real pressure so that the brush breaks the product’s mold. Once I did that, I was able to swivel my brush with no problem. 

I started with the darker shade to try and accentuate my cheekbones. As someone with an oval face shape, I have softer features (round chin, plump cheeks) and really no sharp angles. Upon testing the product on my finger, I discovered it has a creamy consistency. But once I used my brush to blend it out, the product leaves a satin finish on my skin. FYI: The dark shade is super pigmented. I made the mistake of applying too much on the brush, and when I swiped it across my cheekbones, the look was way too stark.

However, it’s easy to blend for a much more subtle effect, and it’s surprisingly very moisturizing, probably thanks to ingredients like moringa oil and passion fruit oil, which helps with not pilling. Although the singer has more of a heart-shaped face, I still worked some of the product on my jawline, forehead and nose to match her signature sculpt effect. Word to the wise: A little really goes a long way. 

And if you’ve ever used the wrong foundation (like me), the dark shade can fix your mistake. The brown contour can also act as a bronzer, so it helped warm up my complexion. Luckily, the palette comes in four sets, so you’ll find one that matches your skin tone (or at least give you the sunkissed look you’re going for). The formula is also infused with light-diffusing pearls, which aims to give a three-dimensional radiance, so I was left with a nice bronzed look afterwards. 

As for the lighter shade, it’s the complete opposite. It leaves a subtle golden shimmer on my skin. Unlike the contour shade, I needed more layers if I wanted a dramatic highlight, but settle for one swipe on the highest points of my cheeks, eyelids and the bridge of my nose. I also opt for using my finger since I found the color payoff was way better than using my makeup brush. 

Now for the cons: The palette can get messy. Just look at the picture above and you’ll see some of the product has gotten all over the place. The creamy texture can be a blessing or a curse. And while the compact itself looks luxurious, prepare to see some fingerprints over time. (But nothing a little cleaning can’t fix though.) We have to mention the real elephant in the room: the price. It comes at $95, which is honestly the most expensive makeup item I own. So, is it worth the high price tag?

I give the Tom Ford Contour Duo a raving 95/100. I like the contrast between the two shades. Honestly, I prefer the darker shade as it helped even out my skin tone and add some depth to my face. I would splurge just for this color alone. I also like the satin finish which provides a softer semi-matte look. No matter how cool a dewy look may be, I find it too oily along my T-zone.

I don’t necessarily have the same bone structure as a Carpenter’s after using it. However, I’m more confident in perfecting my own sculpting technique. Since the cream contour was so easy to blend, I was able to give the illusion of sharper cheekbones along with a warmer base perfect for summer. Now, about recreating her iconic curtain bangs though…