Lancome's Teint Idole Ultra Oil-Free Foundation Stick is effing brilliant

The Teint Idole Ultra Oil-Free Foundation Stick from Lancome is out new favourite stick foundation for a few good reasons

I used to use the infamous Max Factor Pan Stik, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I am ashamed to say, however, that it looked terrible. When I used it, the notion of matching the shade to my own skin was impossible because nothing could cover that red lumpy mess. Also, my teenage self-believed that wearing makeup meant looking like you were wearing makeup. So, instead of a red lumpy face, I went around with an orange lumpy face.

Since then, (long since then) my favourite foundation is Double Wear. And, while I never thought I'd say it, I'm going off it slightly. I am desperate to take part in the pretend no makeup thing, but the after-effects of my teenage red lumpy skin mean lightweight foundations just don't work. My current scarred, big pored, dehydrated but still oily skin rejects anything but ultra long-wear heavy foundation formulas. Or so I thought.

lancome teint idole stick foundation

LANCÔME Teint Idole Ultra Oil-Free Foundation Stick €30

Lancome's original best-selling Teint Idole foundation is beloved by many for its lightweight but long-wear and flawless finish. From the description, it should be ideal for me, but it never felt quite right. Like I do with every foundation, I compared it with DW, and I felt I couldn't rely on it as much.

A few weeks ago, I tried out one of the other new products to join the Teint Idole gang, the Ultra Wear concealer, and I love it. I got the stick foundation at the same time, but just didn't believe it would cover my face for the day, so I put off trying it. But a couple of weeks ago, when I was caught short with a bare face and had to get something on quickly, I turned to the stick. And I'm so glad I did.

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At first, I applied it the same way I did in school. I drew it on in stripes and then blended it in with my paws. (I also saw Drew Barrymore doing this in a five-minute makeup video she did for Vogue. Perfectly acceptable!) However, I feel that blending it with a sponge and rolling it on is a better method for me. However, I've done some research, and a lot of people prefer a foundation brush with a stick foundation. It's up to you.

Teint Idole Ultra Oil-Free Foundation Stick swatch 1

When you put it on, it glides over the very first layer of skin, so you have to pat it in to fill the pores and lines. As I said, I do this with a slightly damp sponge. The coverage is surprisingly full without looking caked. It's as close to a natural looking skin finish, not the filtered to eff type, but your skin. But better. One layer is enough, but I add a little extra under the eyes and around blemishes.

Teint Idole Ultra Oil-Free Foundation Stick swatch 2

The finish is semi-matte, so it's ever so slightly dewy without being greasy. It feels like you're wearing no makeup at all and it's fairly transfer resistant.

I love how easy it is to apply; I love how easy it is to carry around - it's great for top-ups. One of the best things about the Teint Idole range is the shade range - there are about 40 to choose from. My shade is 101 Beige Porcelaine, and it is the closest match to my skin I've ever come across.

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Even though the formula is oil-free, I do still have to powder my t-zone and I use the Teint Idole concealer to help with extra dark bags and the bigger blemishes. I think it's great though. I will ride with me in my handbag for the foreseeable future.

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