A clever over-the-counter custom foundation

Lancôme’s Le Teint Particulier offers a perfect skin-tone match on the spot at Harrods

Finding the perfect foundation to flatter one’s skin tone and type is no mean feat. It’s unsurprising, then, that bespoke blends are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to off-the-shelf options. And where specialist brands such as Cosmetics à la Carte have led the way, the beauty industry as a whole is following suit, with Lancôme one of the latest to join the custom fray. Le Teint Particulier Custom Made Foundation (£85) was launched in the US in 2015, and last year the service became available for the first time in London, at Harrods.

A hand-held device scans the face to assess the exact colour and tone of the skin

The consultation starts when a hand-held device scans a make-up-free face to assess the exact colour and tone of the skin. Then an algorithm creates a bespoke foundation recipe, using a machine equipped with six peristaltic pumps to dispense the red, yellow, white and dark pigments, moisturiser and “thinner” that allows for customised coverage from sheer to full – the choice of the customer. The aim is to identify cool, warm or neutral undertones and provide a flawless yet natural finish that won’t clog pores but will be long lasting. The bespoke formula is bottled with the customer’s name and shade number printed upon it, and the formula is saved so that refills can easily be ordered.

The bespoke formula is bottled with the customer’s name and shade number printed upon it