Teint Idole

This is my absolute favourite foundation from the Lancome stable. It's more long-lasting than Maquimatte and easier to apply (with a better dispenser) than Maquicontrole.

Aimed at oilier skins, this is good for everyone, except very dry complexions, who want a medium to fuller coverage that's oil free and really does stay put all day.

Like a lot of oil-free make-ups, it needs a deft hand in application. It dries quickly on contact and needs very careful blending around the edges. But once it's on it really does stay put, especially if set with a dusting of powder.

As with much Lancome, it's quite highly scented (although, interestingly, that made for the American market is less so), and it's always worth doing a sensitivity check, I've found, with this range (although it's fine on me and I have quite reactive skin)

The colour range is nothing special, however, and very pale and cool-toned skins are likely to be disappointed (take no notice of the colours on the Lancome web-site by the way, they must win the accolade for most inaccurate on the whole WWW!).

The pump dispenser is nice because it keeps the product fresh and protected from any contamination; and unlike many such packs you can actually undo everything to get the last bit out of the bottle.