Reader Panel

This month our panelists are testing Lancome's Photogenic Lumessence

Ellie Reid

Wow, this is the most amazing product!! I've been using it for a few weeks now and I can't rate it highly enough.  I've tried so many make ups over the years (Chanel, Armani, Clinique, YSL.........) and this is by far the best on the market.  It's very easy to apply and gives the most incredible coverage without looking like I've got a mask on.  
It's very natural looking but covers up every imperfection and it really does give a really youthful glow to my complexion.  The colours are wonderful and it was very easy to find one to match my skin, in fact I struggled to decide between 2 colours which both worked. It does not have a pinky undertone to it like so many make ups and therefore looks more natural.

It's very long lasting and I don't need to re-apply during the day.   It is quite moisturizing so don't use a very rich cream underneath it as it can leave you a little shiny!This is my product of the year, I'm so thrilled with it! I won't be trying any other make ups now!

LesLey Page

I have been using the Lancôme photogenic lumessence foundation for the last few weeks. I thought the foundation had a nice perfume to it and when I applied it to my face it evened out my skin tone – especially my forehead where I have a slight change in skin pigmentation. 

It made my skin feel soft and gave it a lovely matt finish - I am prone to greasy skin especially towards the end of my working day and I did not notice my skin looking greasy since wearing the foundation.  I like the fact that it has SPF 15 as my normal moisturiser doesn’t offer this protection.  Overall I was very impressed with the foundation and I will continue to use it and would definitely buy it when I run out. 

Helen Miller

I haven't worn foundation for a long time and generally use a tinted moisturiser and so I found this trial the most interesting as it's wearing something I don't normally wear. The consistency of the foundation was light and appeared moisturising on my hand before I applied it, however, I found that once I have put it on my face it became quite dry and took me a little while to blend it in.
 
Once I had applied it the coverage was great and it certainly lasts all day. I didn't look over made-up (something I was especially looking for given I don't wear foundation) and the finish was quite natural. The packaging was good and it was easy to get the foundation out of the bottle as it uses a pump lid. Additionally, it's a good size so it will be good value for money.

Caroline Rowles

I don't usually wear foundation on a daily basis as I find it quite heavy on my skin.  I mainly use a face powder so this was new to my beauty routine.
 
I was pleasantly surprised on application as it felt more like a moisturiser, rather than a foundation cream.  The colour I picked was a great match to my skin colour and blended in really well.  It gave my skin a healthy glow, especially on my cheek bones.  I found that my nose and chin felt slightly greasy when using the foundation so I limited the usage to my cheeks, mouth, forehead and neck area.
 
It stayed on all day and helped my blusher and lipstick stay in place longer.  I will continue to use the foundation as it gave my face an "uplift" without feeling like I had loads of makeup on.
 
I did find the packaging slightly old-fashioned compared to competitor foundations, however it was helpful to see the colour clearly through the glass.

Heidi Pfeiffer

I have been using the 03 version as it is the best match for my skin colouring.  It has a good texture, applies really easily and lasts well.  However, I have dry skin and the only problem I have with this product is that it doesn't offer any moisturising and it tends to make my face feel quite tight.  I'm sure this foundation would be perfect for anyone with normal skin.

Monday 4 August 2008