Let’s be honest, it’s never easy to find a good foundation match, especially if you’re buying it online. And even if you’re able to swatch in store on the beauty counter, it’s not always easy to find an exact match from the shades available to you.
So, when I discovered Dcypher, a brand that provides custom-mixed foundations not too long ago, my interest was immediately piqued. Whilst I already have foundation, skin tint and BB cream formulas that I adore, the shades can often lean too warm, too cool or just not work for my complexion in the change of seasons.
So, having a custom-matched formula mixed for both my skin tone, skin type and the coverage plus the finish I require? It sounded too good to be true, and, to be honest, I was dubious that I would like the formula (I’m incredibly fussy, and like a natural-looking foundation, or a glowy foundation formula). However, I now stand corrected, and I’m recommending it to everyone I know. Scroll on for my full review of the Dcypher Custom Foundation and everything you need to know.
Dcypher Custom Mixed Foundation
Dcypher
My Custom Foundation
ProsCustom-mixed to your exact shadeYou can choose the coverage and finish, plus the formula to suit your skin typeShade match gurantee allows you to have it re-mixed for free if it’s not a good matchConsThe pump can dispense too much product
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
(Image credit: Dcypher)
You start your custom match by selecting your coverage, and you can choose between sheer, medium and full coverage finishes depending on how much you like. Then, you can choose the finish from matte, natural or radiant, and choose your skin type so that Dcypher can blend the perfect formula for your complexion.
Next is where Dcypher analyses your skin tone. Using your phone or laptop camera, it will take a snapshot of your complexion to measure your skin’s depth, vibrancy and undertone. These will all shape the pigments mixed into the custom shade, and you’ll be given a unique shade ID code, so that you can reorder the exact shade again if you wish. Then, your custom-blended foundation will be sent to you. Dcypher also offers a concealer, foundation drops and a glowy skin booster, all of which can be made in your shade too.
For my foundation, I went for a sheer coverage paired with a radiant finish. I have combination skin, but I like my complexion products to be lightweight and subtly radiant. Upon trying the foundation for the first time, I was blown away by the colour match. It basically disappeared into my skin. The liquid texture isn’t heavy whatsoever, and it melts in like a second skin with a subtly radiant finish.
Even with choosing the sheer finish, I was surprised at the amount of coverage it still gave me, so keep that in mind if you prefer something very light, such as a skin tint (the Dcypher Custom Glow Booster might be more up your street if you favour a lighter and glowier finish).
No matter what formula you have, each foundation has the same core ingredients to hydrate, including hyaluronic acid and glycerin, as well as caesalpinia spinosa fruit and kappaphycus alvarezii extracts.
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As you can see, my foundation blends seamlessly into my skin. I’ve found that having an exact shade match means I often use less (one pump of foundation is plenty for my entire face), meaning it sits better on my skin, and there’s no need to worry about blending it down your neck. It sinks in totally seamlessly.
A word of warning, however. I find the pump on my bottle too powerful. It needs quite a bit of force to push down, which, the first time I used it, fired it all over my carpet. So take caution! Packaging malfunctions aside, I really can’t fault the foundation. Plus, if you need to switch up your shades for summer or winter, you can rescan your skin again and have another match to see you through seasonal complexion changes.
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Eleanor’s skin without foundation.
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
Eleanor’s skin after applying her Dcypher foundation.
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
I’m so impressed with the shade match. After years of never finding one that was quite right, there is something very reassuring knowing that this foundation is completely bespoke to my skin. I love the formula so much more than I thought I would. It’s lightweight, and even the sheer finish offers generous coverage over my rosacea and acne scarring. The radiant finish is beautiful, a satiny finish that’s not too dewy, but just lends my skin a healthy glow.
Sure, it might not be as cheap as drugstore foundations, but it’s not quite as expensive as the luxury foundations out there, and for the custom-blended formula, I think the price point is very fair for what you’re getting. And given how little of the product you actually need to cover your skin, I can imagine a bottle of this foundation lasting a long time. I now reach for this foundation almost every day, that’s how much I love it. I will never be without a bottle in my makeup bag.
Dcypher
My Custom Foundation
At Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including some skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
