It is getting easier and easier to find a perfect foundation match without ever leaving home. (Just as well, really!) The latest skin-matching service we've tried out (on the strength of an Instagram ad because they've really chipped our brains, big-time), is DCYPHER, which uses AI to create a bespoke shade – and, at £28 a pop, it isn’t bank-breakingly pricy, either.

First up, you use your phone's camera to analyse skin tone – because we are ALL subtly different, and even with the massively improved shade ranges now available, it's quite often challenging (and requires expensive trial and error) to find the right shade.

There are different formulations to choose from: Radiant Foundation (the one Jo went for), Matte Finish Foundation (now on her winter wishlist) and Tinted Moisturiser + Natural Finish Foundation, which could be a perfect 'weekend' base for someone who likes to dial down their coverage then. (Jo will 100% be trying that, too.)

You pay, then DCYPHER send you a nifty little sample pot so you can check the match, with a QR code for ordering the full size. If the sample needs a tweak, there's an easy way to contact them and they'll send another that's been adjusted – but Jo's was a 'hole in one' (as we suspect they often are). In fact, as she's been travelling a lot, she tends to put a few pumps from the bottle into the little sample pot, and swirl her brush around in that; it holds enough for around three days’ use.

How does it work? The system and products have been created by a hugely experienced biochemist/consumer scientist duo, Adam and Claire Triantis. As DCYPHER put it: ‘Our world-first technology enables you to build a totally bespoke foundation formula (a.k.a. your ‘beauty code’) that matches your shade, but has the coverage, moisture level, texture and finish just the way you like it… There’s nothing off-the-shelf about DCYPHER; we start each formula from scratch meaning every foundation that leaves our lab is completely unique and personalised to you.’

But what we also REALLY like is that if the shade really doesn’t work when you get the full size, DCYPHER will give you your money back.

Let us tell you: bespoke foundation has come a LONG way from the days of Prescriptives, who used to custom blend it for Harrods customers BY HAND, in front of our very eyes!

£28 for 30ml – buy here

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