Imagine trying on dozens of lipstick shades or perfecting your winged eyeliner without ever touching a product. Sounds futuristic, right? Well, thanks to AR makeup and virtual try-ons, this is not just some sci-fi thing anymore—it’s happening in the makeup industry, and the impact is incredible.
According to a report by Markets & Markets, the global AR market is expected to reach $198 billion by 2025, with the beauty and personal care sector being a significant contributor to this growth. This statistic indicates that the demand for AR in the makeup industry is expected to continue rising in the coming years.
With Snapchat, 93% of users have shown love for AR shopping. They’re all about virtually trying on makeup and getting personalized skincare tips. AI and AR are shaking up the beauty world in exciting ways!
Here are some of the most exciting makeup AR trends you need to see!
Sephora’s Virtual Artist
Imagine scrolling through your favorite beauty brand’s website and, with just a simple click, seeing how different lipstick shades or eyeshadow palettes look on your face in real time.
Take Sephora’s Virtual Artist for instance which has been a huge hit! In a case study by Braze, they saw a 28% increase in people using their virtual assistant, a 16% boost in how much people use it, and a 48% jump in overall traffic to the AR tools. Sounds like their smart strategy of targeting different customer groups and reaching them across channels paid off.
And it’s not just Sephora. A Perfect Corp survey found that 70% of consumers feel more confident about their purchases after using virtual try-on tools. This added confidence leads to higher sales and fewer returns, making both shoppers and brands happy.
Sephora’s Virtual Artist App
L’Oréal’s Makeup Genius
AR technology isn’t just for trying on makeup; it’s about finding the perfect match for your unique features. AR apps can analyze your facial features, skin tone, and even skin type to recommend the best products just for you.
Take L’Oréal’s Makeup Genius, for example. This app uses AR to scan your face and suggest products that match your skin tone and preferences. This personalized approach has boosted user engagement and satisfaction.
And it’s not just a gimmick. Perfect Corp found that 61% of users appreciate tailored beauty advice, and it significantly influences their buying decisions. Personalized recommendations make shoppers feel valued and understood, leading to happier customers and more sales.
L’Oreal’s Makeup Genius
Ulta Beauty’s AR Kiosks
AR isn’t just shaking things up online; it’s transforming the in-store experience too. Retailers are now installing AR mirrors and kiosks, letting you try on products virtually without needing physical testers.
Take Ulta Beauty, for example. They’ve set up AR kiosks in their stores so you can try on makeup virtually. This not only makes shopping more hygienic but also speeds up the process, helping you quickly find the perfect products.
And the impact is huge. Gartner says that adding AR to physical stores can boost customer engagement by 20% and increase sales by 15%. Shoppers love the convenience and fun of AR, making their shopping experience even better.
Ulta Beauty’s AR Kiosks
Maybelline AR Effect
With the help of VMG Digital, Maybelline was able to successfully boost awareness and improve its brand experience through the facial recognition AR effect or filter we created for them. Although it may seem like any other social media make-up filter we find online, what’s engaging about it is that people can try different shades of liners, bronzers, and lip colors that are suited for them.
So when they go shopping for a new makeup set, it would be easier for them to pick the ones that are good for their skin.
Maybelline’s AR Effect
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Makeup brands should start creating immersive, personalized experiences that could wow and delight consumers to stay ahead of the curve and solidify their position as leaders in the beauty landscape. The future of makeup is all about seamlessly blending technology and artistry, and those who recognize and act on this opportunity will be the ones shaping the industry’s future. Don’t miss out – it’s time to get ahead of the game!
How can VMG Digital help you create AR experiences?
We are a TikTok, Snap Lens, and Meta-partnered creative agency, giving us special access to different AR trends, best practices, insights, and more. We have already produced 300+ AR projects to date all with an overall 96% customer satisfaction rate.
We’ve been recently recognized by Sprout Social to be one of the best TikTok Creative Agencies in 2023. Read more about our recent campaign here (spoiler alert: 1B+ views in the first two weeks)
Our talented pool of editors, designers, and animators will also make sure that we deliver high-quality & world-class output with a fast turnaround time. Through the help of our dedicated client services managers and our Create Technology (one-stop collaboration platform), we will guarantee a seamless collaboration experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions About AR
How can AR be used in business?
From virtual try-ons, product demonstrations, virtual tours, in-store demonstrations, marketing, and advertising, AR has proven to work effectively and efficiently. It is being adopted by almost every industry around the globe.
How do you create AR for advertising?
Creating AR experiences for advertising purposes may not be possible internally unless you are equipped and experienced to do so. Your best bet is to hire a creative agency like VMG Digital that is fully packed with experience, research, and insights, and equipped with highly-talented animators, designers, and editors, to do the hard stuff for you. Learn more about AR Ads.
How do you create an AR filter?
Creating an AR filter can be a little technical and might require professional work. Sign up for our free creative consultation promo here and we will explain to you how.
What is AR makeup and how does it work?
AR makeup uses augmented reality technology to overlay virtual makeup onto your face in real time. By using your smartphone or an in-store AR mirror, the app scans your facial features and allows you to see how different makeup products, like lipstick or eyeshadow, will look on you without actually applying them.
Are virtual try-ons with AR makeup accurate?
Yes, virtual try-ons with AR makeup are designed to be very accurate. Advanced algorithms analyze your facial features and skin tone to ensure that the virtual makeup looks as realistic as possible. While it might not be a perfect match, it’s a great way to get a good idea of how a product will look before you buy it.
Can I use AR makeup tools at home, or are they only available in stores?
You can use AR makeup tools both at home and in stores. Many beauty brands have apps or website features that let you try on products virtually from the comfort of your home. Additionally, some retailers have in-store AR mirrors and kiosks to enhance your shopping experience.
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