Tech-Powered Cosmetic Services?

Tech innovations have become so commonplace that AI in beauty industry is welcomed with more open minds and commercial potential. Who would’ve thought that the day will finally come when technology can be applied to almost everything? 

In 2021, the market value of AI in the industry of beauty and cosmetics was calculated to be a staggering $2.70 billion and is expected to rise to over $13.34 billion in worth by 2030.

How does Artificial Intelligence in beauty work, exactly? What are some concrete examples of using modern technology in keeping up with emerging beauty trends and changing customer demands in the world of cosmetics?

6 Ways AI Revolutionises Beauty

CoverGirl, L’Oreal, Sephora, and Sally Hansen are just some of the giant cosmetic brands that have augmented their existing services and developed new customer-centric features with the help of technology.

There are other notable applications of tech in Beauty, including:

 

• Product Customization

Thanks to AI, customers can now have their data collated and analyzed to help them find a specific product on a brand’s website or create a product with features that are more aligned with their preferences. The capability to customize product features according to what the customers need is now a crucial necessity in cosmetic products. It highlights diversity and flexibility to address more distinct customer dilemmas. An excellent example of this is a questionnaire provided to customers once they check out the product page of a website. The forms contain questions that customers need to answer to help them find the exact product they want. Instead of spending a hefty amount of time scouring the internet and going through countless buyer reviews, the AI can direct them to what the customer is looking for.

 

• Augmented Reality

Amid the rising COVID-19 cases, beauty and makeup stores that offers Bare Luxe Skincare products had to refrain customers from trying their products to curb the spread of the deadly virus. Also, walk-in customers were either not allowed or accommodated but only at a limited capacity.

The inclusion of Augmented Reality (AR) allows customers to virtually “try on” a product as though they were using or wearing it in real life. For instance, they can test different lipstick hues or shades of foundation to check whether it matches their skin tone or suits their desired makeup look in the comfort of their homes. It saves them more time and effort while also keeping them safe from contracting COVID.

 

• Reduced Waste Products

Before the era of augmented reality, tons of tester products had to be disposed of. That includes products mass-produced for customers to purchase. It also meant using more resources and energy to manufacture more cosmetics and higher CO2 emissions.

On the other hand, the option to test products virtually paved the way for brands to significantly reduce the amount of energy, resources, and waste generated and discarded. Since customers can check and customize the features based on their distinct preferences, manufacturers could estimate their production based on demand and ultimately contribute to achieving net-zero emissions.

 

• Filters and touch-ups

According to studies, online conferences have significantly affected people’s self-image, considering how viewing their faces on camera for a prolonged period makes them more self-aware and critical of all the big and small imperfections on their faces.

Filters and touch-ups are all the rage in recent years. Every camera app and social media platform has built-in filters meant to touch-up specific flaws such as pimples, acne scars, dark undereye circles, and even uneven skin tone. Some filters also enable users to make it look as though they are wearing real makeup.

In more advanced setups, Zoom’s ‘touch up my appearance’ feature combines the use of real-time algorithms, biometric facial features, and a diverse database of images to create a hyper-realistic filter that suits different facial features. Zoom users can use the filters while on a Zoom call or meeting, helping them enhance their appearance and reduce feelings of self-consciousness.

 

• In-depth Customer Review Analysis

Technology helps cosmetic brands make better use of customer-generated data and enhance customer experience and satisfaction with their products. AI-powered algorithms make it possible to filter, process, and analyze user comments, ratings, and reviews about the brand.

In this manner, brands can adjust their features and services accordingly. It allows them to delve deeper into the purchasing behaviours and motivating factors of their target audience. Some beauty and cosmetic brands make the mistake of jumping on trends without even realizing whether the said trend resonates with their existing customers or aids in resolving prevailing issues that buyers have with their products.

 

•  Diversified Customer Base & Efficient Assistance

While the inclusion of more innovations in beauty and cosmetic products, it is inevitable to raise the question of whether a human-powered workforce is still as essential in the beauty industry. The answer is an obvious yes. Human intervention is still highly needed. For instance, the more accurate and professional expertise of a licensed esthetician is a must if you want to carry out safe and effective skin treatments for different patient requirements. Dermatologists are needed in determining underlying skin conditions and prescribing products that are more suited for a particular skin type or ailment.

Meanwhile, integrating chatbots and live chat support on the websites of big and small beauty brands reduces the time it takes for customers to receive assistance on their queries. Specifically, chatbots can take on Frequently Asked Questions of customers. A self-service option may also be included with the help of automated responses and product guidelines for a faster and better customer experience.

The inventions enumerated in this blog are just the start of more impressive advancements to come in the world of cosmetics and beauty.

 

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