Sephora has come out with the first 3D augmented reality mirror. This innovation allows women to see what cosmetics will look like on their faces without having to use testers.
A partnership with ModiFace allows Sephora customers to apply virtual makeup to their faces with a simple swipe in both real time and 3D. By tracking a customer's facial features, the technology can virtually apply eye shadow using a camera's video stream. Customers can pick different shades and see how it will look from all angles, by simply tilting their head. Currently the 3D augmented reality mirror is only available at Sephora's Milan store, but if it's successful wider distribution can be expected.
While augmented reality is being used increasingly in retail, this is a first for the beauty industry.
What's Driving This Trend
- Augmented Reality Makeup
- Opportunity for beauty brands to implement augmented reality technology to enhance customers' shopping experiences
- Virtual Try-on Technology
- Innovation opportunity for cosmetics companies to create their own proprietary virtual try-on apps, making it easy for customers to see what the products will look like before making a purchase
- Personalized Beauty Recommendations
- Tech-driven trend for beauty brands to develop personalized beauty recommendations and virtual makeup application on their websites and apps to help customers find products that suit them
Who This Affects Most
- Beauty Industry
- Opportunity for beauty brands to implement augmented reality technology to enhance customers' shopping experiences
- Retail Industry
- Disruptive innovation opportunities for retailers to integrate virtual try-on technology, personalized recommendations and augmented reality shopping experiences in their stores and online platforms
- Technology Industry
- Opportunity for tech companies to develop advanced augmented reality and facial recognition technology to help beauty brands create even more realistic and personalized virtual makeup try-ons and recommendation engines
