# Virtual Nail Polish Salons Essie on Hand is a Pandemic-Friendly Alternative to Swatching By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2021-02-20 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/essie-on-hand References: [allure](https://www.allure.com/story/essie-on-hand-augmented-reality-nail-polish-try-on) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/CLenPf6nROr/) The future of beauty is shifting and [Essie](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nail-art-studio) is adapting to changing times with the launch of Essie on Hand, a virtual try-on salon that lets beauty lovers preview the nail polish brand's range of shades on-demand. The [augmented reality experience](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beauty-bestie-20) was created with ModiFace and it gives consumers the chance to try on Essie shades from a computer or phone. Using a web camera or a phone's built-in camera, users can virtually try on different colors. Essie president Alanna McDonald told [Allure](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/florist-eau-de-parfum) "All that someone needs to do is go to essie.com and they can immediately interact with [the feature] rather than putting one more potential friction point in the user experience by requiring an app download. It was really about making it as seamless as possible for consumers." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.7/10 - Popularity: 95% | Activity: 97% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/cosmetics) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Virtual Try-on Services:** Augmented reality try-on experiences will become more prevalent across the beauty industry, presenting an opportunity for brands to enhance customer engagement. - **Seamless Online User Experiences:** Eliminating potential friction points, such as requiring app downloads, can improve online user experiences and increase customer satisfaction. - **Adapting to Changing Times:** Brands that innovate and adapt to changing consumer behaviors and preferences are more likely to remain relevant and competitive in their industries. ### Where This Applies - **Beauty:** Virtual try-on services are disrupting the beauty industry, allowing customers to see products in action before committing to a purchase. - **E-commerce:** Seamless online user experiences, such as offering virtual try-on services, can increase customer engagement and improve sales for e-commerce businesses. - **Augmented Reality Technology:** The adoption of augmented reality technology in industries such as beauty presents opportunities for tech companies to provide innovative solutions and services. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Customization-Friendly Nail Art Products](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nail-art-studio.md) - [AI-Generated Nail Polishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blank-beauty.md) - [Virtual Beauty Speakeasies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/virtual-luxe-lounge.md) - [Virtual Makeup Try-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/parfums-christian-dior.md) - [AR Retailer Haircare Experiences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/walmart-beauty-virtual-tryon.md) - [AI-Based Salon Try-Ons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/perfect-corp.md) - [AR-Enabled Try-On Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/google-6.md) - [Digitized Hair Consultations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sally-beauty-1.md) - [Smart At-Home Nail Salons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/at-home-nail-salon.md)