Do you know one of the most annoying experiences? Picking out a foundation shade in the store. Testing multiple shades on your face with a sampling sponge under harsh white lighting. Purchasing the shade you think matches, then going home only to realize that your new foundation doesn’t match at all. But that is now a thing of the past because AI has found its way into the beauty aisle.
Beauty companies have been forming partnerships with tech companies to create virtual try-on experiences, as a way to connect the physical and digital world. Cosmetic AI is a technological tool designed to help users find beauty products that complement their skin. Not only does AI assist with shade matching, but it also helps target skin concerns and identify the best treatment plans for conditions like fine lines, acne, hyperpigmentation, and dryness.
How It works
At some cosmetic stores, customers are able to find specific shades by uploading a photo of their skin to find shades and products that suit their skin type. There is also an in-store option where associates scan your skin and their AI tells them the most suitable products for your skin.
Benefits
Cosmetic AI has many benefits. It’s very innovative in time management. You don’t have to spend as much time in stores trying to match products to your skin. You don’t need to analyze different skin conditions that your salesperson may not know. And you can create custom skin regimen’s for all your skins needs. Along with cutting down on time, it’s also more sanitary. This way, you’re not cross-contaminating with products other people have tested on their skin in stores. The AI technology beauty companies are using have even sent people personalized product suggestions to their emails based on their skin’s needs.
AI in Beauty Retail
Cosmetic stores like Ulta and Sephora use generative AI, a type of artificial intelligence that has the ability to create new content by learning from knowledge and data that already exists. Generative AI is helping cosmetic brands formulate product pairings and custom products that cater to your specific needs.
For those who still prefer a traditional shopping experience, AI is integrated into in-store systems.
At Sephora
- Color IQ: Associates scan and upload a customer’s skin data into the system, which then matches their skin tone to the most suitable foundation, concealer, and powder shades for a perfect match.
- Skin IQ: This system analyzes a customer’s skin to recommend the best products for their specific concerns while identifying underlying skin issues.