YSL Le Teint Touche Eclat Foundation

It's been 20 years since the launch of the iconic Touche Eclat and YSL have created a new foundation that takes the legendary highlighter and adapts it to a cutting edge foundation - the aim is to achieve the same illuminating result for the entire face, without looking like a disco ball (presumably).  The formulation has been designed so that it doesn't have a mask like effect.

This was the first foundation I have been excited about all year and also my first foundation purchase of the year! I normally stick to the following foundations religiously:

Korres - Ginger and Vitamins, Wild Rose, Watermelon Tinted Moisturiser

Chanel - Vitalumiere when it was available. Damn you Chanel.

Laura Mercier - Tinted Moisturiser

Super by Dr Perricone - Sun Kissed Tinted Moisturiser

How long have I tested this for?

I have been using this foundation almost every day for 4 weeks.

Packaging

The packaging for this foundation is very classic, classy and looks expensive.  I am pleased simply due to the price of the foundation as I think you should get a good packaging to justify some of the money.  I am happy to whip this out the ladies at work or at the gym as it looks quite glam - these things matter to some and not to others, the whole package of product AND packaging matters to me!

The pump comes as standard unlike some higher end foundations which is definitely good and more sanitary, you usually need one pump for a daytime foundation application, two pumps if you are going to layer it for evening or to cover scars or redness.

Consistency

The consistency of this foundation is similar to the now discontinued Chanel Vitalumiere foundation.  It's not exactly the same but it has the same liquid skin feel when you apply and it blends just as easily.  I wouldn't say it is quite as thick as the Vitalumiere but it's the best replacement I have found.  Once blended you don't look mask like and your skin does look luminious and have a very real skin-like quality.  It isn't powdery or chalky and doesn't settle in pores or fine lines on me.

The foundation seems somewhat gel like and once on it feels weightless.  I would say that this might not be the best for acne prone or oily skin, I find it perfect and I have super dry skin so I use that as a basis that it might be too moisturising for others with oily skins. 

Colour Match

I went to get colour matched when I was fake tanned as I wanted this to match with that as these days I fake tan once a week or fortnight as I have had enough of being pasty!  I am shade B50 Beige when fake tanned and this is perfect, I use Vita Liberata tan in medium or dark and just use a bit of extra bronzer if I am dark fake tanning.

There are 22 shades of this foundation from light to dark and there seems to be a good number of cool, warm and neutral shades.

How do you apply it

I either apply this foundation with my fingers or a stippling foundation brush.  I don't really get as good an application when applying with a paintbrush style foundation brush as the brush applies it much thicker than it needs to be so then you have to rub it in with your hands anyway. I dot on my cheeks, chin, forehead and nose and then buff in with the brush in circular or sweeping upward movements.  

If I am having a bad spot/dark circle/look like a fugly beast day then I will apply the foundation, then apply my yellow concealer to undereye circles and anywhere else red or weird, then use my foundation brush with any left over foundation to blend it all together....et voila - fugly face is much improved.

I do not think this is the best foundation for people who like a matte heavy coverage.  But then the people who normally like the matte heavy coverage are sometimes the ones who should be using it!  Note to people with acne - having matte orange acne just makes you look like you have nic nacs stuck to your face, and that's as bad as having acne! Sometimes a concealer and sheerer foundation sandwich can look better and less bizarre.

Can you mix it

I sometimes mix this with the L'oreal primer Magi Lumi which is really amazing.  I know this foundation is illuminating but the primer really is like a highlighter, it makes you look like your skin is glowing, good for a natural day if you are just going to the park or the shops, to pretend your skin is naturally glowing, you wouldn't be able to get away with it at night as you would look too shiny under bright lights or photography flashes.

How long it lasts

I have had this a month and you can barely tell I have used any.

Where can you purchase

All high street YSL counters in places like Boots, Selfridges, Debenhams and House of Fraser and online.

How much does it cost

It costs £28.  To me this is reasonable but obviously depends your age and budget.  Foundation, skincare and mascara are the three most important things to me to getting a flawless look so I don't mind spending more on these items if I think the price is justified as I do with this foundation.  Also bear in mind that a Touche Eclat pen can cost £25! So this is much better value.

Our survey says?

Winner for me,  9/10 and a big thumbs up.