Max Factor Miracle Touch

RRP: £11.99 for 11.5g
no. of shades available: 9

--What does the promo say?--
"Max Factor’s newest and most innovative foundation will revolutionise the way you apply your base. With a unique lightweight solid to liquid formula it removes the need for the traditional concealer, foundation and powder combination and instead creates the perfect base in just one easy application. The result is a flawless, fresh and incredibly smooth complexion that glows with radiance."

--Packaging--
Nice and compact and slightly different to similar compact foundations on the market. The main compartment is black, and the 'lid' is clear, showing the foundation clearly. When you open it, you find that the 'lid' is actually the main compartment, meaning that the foundation is stored there and because the lid is clear, you can see exactly how much you have left at any given moment. Good job. The black part opens up to reveal the makeup sponge. The only thing it lacks is a mirror - shame, as there's plenty of room for one and L'Oreal manages to include one with its powder, which comes in an even smaller container. The container is slightly bulky, but not too bad, and the black-and-clear colour scheme is really nice to look at, with all product information written clearly on the lid. The lid unscrews easily and is easy to put back on (and of course the main advantage of this being a compact foundation is that there's no spillage). The black bit clicks open using a simple grab and pull mechanism. On the inside of the black part, there are little raised dots. I still have no idea why. On the whole, a good-looking piece of makeup.

--Application--
Just open the black part, remove the sponge, and then unscrew the lid, rub the sponge gently into the solid foundation and then rub onto your face. You could also use a brush if you don't like the sponge provided. It's definitely true to say that this foundation fulfils the product brief: it feels solid in the packaging, but reacts like a liquid foundation on the face, without all soaking into the sponge before it has a chance to get there. As with any foundation, just be careful that you don't have any tide marks around the eyes, nose, lips and hairline, and check for streaks before doing the rest of your makeup. I find that compact foundations do (for some reason unbeknown to me) seem to streak more easily on application compared to normal liquid foundations, so be careful and check your face well before moving on.

--Texture--
As I said, this definitely does what it says on the tin: solid in the pot, liquid on the face. However, this doesn't mean it turns runny; on the face it feels creamy and yet light.

--Appearance--
Pretty good - it gives a really natural appearance (provided, of course, you've checked for giveaway tide marks beforehand!). However, while you could easily skip powder after applying this, I wouldn't recommend skipping concealer. Sadly, if your skin isn't perfect, no foundation will allow you to do this, and this one is no exception.

--Longevity--
Again, I would say it's no better and no worse than any equivalent foundation on the market. No miracles here. It slides off about as quickly as any other foundation too - don't expect it to last all day.

--Coverage--
It just falls short of the quality given by my usual choice of No7; however, it puts on a pretty good show and I wouldn't say this is its biggest shortcoming. It just didn't really light my fire.

--Value for money--
This is a high quality product that is excellent for travelling - probably the best product I've found in that respect and it'll definitely be coming with me on all my trips. However, it is perhaps a little too light if you have less than perfect skin and thus won't fulfil its claims of covering all imperfections. The number of shades available is commendable and I've found so far that more than one shade suits me. It is just about worth the RRP, but I would still recommend trying to get it on promotion if possible: I got a free concealer with mine that was worth £6.99.

perfect partner
Max Factor Mastertouch Concealer, £6.99