Technology is impacting every area of life, including beauty and cosmetics.
Beautytech is the integration of technology into cosmetics and beauty products. Recent innovations in artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), and the Internet of Things are all contributing to the industry’s remarkable rapid growth.
This impact of technology on beauty was highlighted at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES), the world’s largest technology event. A keynote address by L’Oréal CEO Nicolas Hieronymus set the tone for the recurring theme of beauty innovation transforming the beauty industry. Innovations highlighted include state-of-the-art lip tools; Strand protection blow dryer. And Nimble Manicure Salon is the world’s first device that combines AI technology and complex robotics to perfectly paint your nails without having to go to a nail salon.
These latest trends are forever transforming the beauty industry, with beauty routines once confined to the physical realm of brushes, makeup artists, and palettes now moving into the virtual realm of algorithms and pixels. It shows that. According to Vantage’s market research, the annual growth rate of smart devices in the beauty business is a staggering 18.8%, with sales estimated to reach $144.2 billion by 2028.
Here are some of the latest technology trends impacting the beauty industry.
1. Virtual try-on using AI/VR tools
Imagine being able to try different makeup looks without touching your compact or try on clothes without wearing your compact. Thanks to generative AI, the fashion and beauty industry is changing rapidly. There are now many beauty apps on the market that work with AI and VR features, making virtual try-ons a reality for consumers.
Virtual try-ons also took center stage at CES 2024, with companies introducing new AI and VR features to beauty products such as virtual try-ons on watches and jewelry, and 3D hair styling. The biggest advantage of virtual try-on and online product sampling is that users can try on several shades of lipstick, eyeshadow, and hairstyles simply by using their smartphone’s camera.
2. Skin analysis and lip care using AI
AI-powered skin analysis is a rapidly growing trend in cosmetics and skin care. This technology uses AI algorithms to examine various aspects of an individual’s skin. Users can take photos of their skin through their smartphone or real-time live camera mode, which is processed by the AI system to identify skin characteristics and conditions such as skin type, acne, age spots, wrinkles, and pores. Based on these results, we will suggest skin care tailored to your needs.
For example, Perfect Pro’s skin diagnostic technology analyzes three facial images: front, left, and right to detect issues such as acne and wrinkles. This precise method allows for comprehensive coverage, even in difficult areas such as the chin and cheeks.
In addition to skin care, these latest trends also focus on AI-based lip care.amorepacific’s Lipcure Beam, a lip device that not only recognizes lip concerns but also provides treatment and improved lip care, secures the top spot in the digital health category at CES 2024, and is one of the fastest growing AI technologies in the cosmetics and skin care industry. showed significant growth.
3. Wearable beauty devices
Wearable technology, such as smartwatches and fitness bands, is also gaining popularity in the beauty industry. These gadgets measure several health factors, including heart rate, sleep patterns, skin damage, mood changes, and activity levels. Tracking these metrics can help individuals make informed decisions regarding their overall health and can also improve their overall appearance and beauty.
One such wearable beauty gadget, Evie Ring, won the Innovation Award at CES 2024. This smart her ring provides a comprehensive understanding of women’s health by considering factors such as energy levels, menstrual health, and hormonal fluctuations.
Wearable UV trackers that incorporate smart sensors are also gaining popularity. For example, the Shade UV tracker monitors UV exposure and provides real-time feedback on sun protection. These trackers, which can be worn as wristbands or attached to clothing, link to apps that provide personalized product suggestions for sunscreen and other protective measures.
4. Automatic hair analysis
This latest beauty technology trend includes automatic hair analysis. By employing advanced algorithms and sensors to assess hair quality and scalp condition, the AI-driven tool provides personalized insights for a customized hair care routine.
Brands like MYAVANA debuted hair analysis technology at CES 2023. This technology provides AI hair analysis and personalized recommendations. Her Revieve, an AI hair care advisor, accurately identifies the condition of a customer’s hair just from a selfie and provides interactive education and guidance to the customer.
5. 3D printed makeup
The 3D printed makeup trend is gaining momentum in the beauty industry, offering new levels of customization and creativity. One notable example is the Mink 3D makeup printer, which allows users to turn any image into wearable makeup. This printer works by applying ink to a powder-coated substrate, creating powdered, ready-to-wear cosmetics.
The concept of 3D printed makeup has sparked industry interest, prompting other companies to pursue similar ideas. For example, a company named Adorn has introduced his 3D makeup pen that scans the face to create a foundation shade that ideally matches an individual’s skin tone.
6. Smart mirror
This beauty trend is shaped by technologically advanced mirrors that collect personal data to optimize daily beauty routines and provide personalized insights to customers. Key features include adjustable lighting based on personal needs, microscopic skin analysis using built-in cameras and sensors, an interactive experience with Wi-Fi connectivity, and voice-enabled controls. The embedded camera uses augmented reality technology to superimpose the desired product onto the customer’s reflection in real time.
Consumers can use smart mirrors for a variety of tasks. This includes analyzing your skin, previewing your outfits and beauty products, monitoring changes in your complexion, evaluating product effectiveness, receiving AI-powered personalized recommendations, and more. Unlike traditional product testers, which are usually applied to one side of the hand, smart mirrors allow users to try out makeup items as part of a complete look or exactly where the product is intended. can. For example, the Mirart AI mirror, which won the Innovation Award at CES 2024, can predict a person’s ideal appearance.
7. Metaverse for beauty
The Metaverse is a virtual reality environment that fosters user engagement and the use of digital components, a trend that is expected to shape the direction of the beauty industry. Beauty brands are investing in Metaverse to improve customer experience and foster creativity.
Metaverse allows users to experiment with looks and products through virtual makeup and visualize cosmetics applied to the face in real time. Additionally, beauty companies can use non-fungible tokens to create and sell limited edition virtual goods within the Metaverse, giving customers exclusive ownership and trading opportunities. By merging the digital and physical realms, the Metaverse creates new opportunities for consumer interaction and brand partnerships.
8. Virtual makeup filter
Virtual makeup, also known as electronic makeup, is a concept that uses virtual makeup filters to enhance the appearance of an individual’s face in a photo. These filters are one of the most popular features on platforms like Instagram and Snapchat, where digital makeup artists create intricate makeup filters to beautify their followers’ photos.For example, Sephora offers a selection of AR filters for you to try on social media sites. Customers can also try out different cosmetic styles and shades using these filters and get a virtual makeover experience like that provided by professional makeup artists.
9. The beauty of clean products and blockchain
According to Alta According to the 2023 Beauty Consumer Insights Study, 90% of Gen Z and young Millennials are interested in purchasing clean beauty products in the future. More than 50% of Gen Zers carefully consider the ingredients in beauty products before purchasing. Technology is accelerating this trend by allowing beauty brands to gain transparency into their ingredient sourcing and manufacturing processes.
Brands can use digital and social media platforms to communicate their commitment to sustainable practices, such as sourcing organic biotech ingredients and efforts to minimize negative environmental impact. Virtual product sampling also reduced the need for physical product samples, leading to a more sustainable approach to beauty.
Blockchain technology is also increasingly being used in the beauty technology supply chain, facilitating traceability and transparency by monitoring the veracity of companies’ claims about ingredient sources, manufacturing procedures, and cosmetics’ organic or natural ingredients. It will be.
10. Virtual Beauty Advisor
With the proliferation of e-commerce and multichannel sales platforms, technology is reshaping the way products are sold to consumers. During the COVID-19 pandemic, beauty brands began incorporating virtual consultations into their websites in response to store closures. For example, Ulta’s AI-powered beauty advisor uses his GenAI to give shoppers easy access to the company’s extensive beauty resources.
Virtual beauty advisors also provide personalized beauty recommendations and tutorials through live streaming, chatbots, and master classes that mimic the expertise of in-person beauty interactions. The interactive approach offered by Virtual Beauty Advisors increases consumer engagement and allows them to explore the latest beauty techniques and trends from the comfort of their own home.
Kinza Yasar is a technical writer at WhatIs with a degree in computer networking.