The beauty market is no stranger to technology. Every beauty enthusiast probably has at least one electronic device at home designed to aid in improving appearance. For example, hair straighteners and curlers have been staples in many women’s lives for decades.
However, the use of artificial intelligence in the beauty realm is a little harder to imagine. When most people think of AI, robots will be the first to come to mind. But at present, many beauty brands are already applying AI to perform various jobs. Here are ways the beauty industry has utilized the power of AI:
Your Personal Shopper Is AI
Most companies are using artificial intelligence to aid in creating a personalized and satisfactory customer experience online. When it comes to shopping for beauty products, consumers want to buy in-store because, when they are present, they can test the makeup or skincare physically.
While convenient, e-commerce has its limitations. When people purchase products, they want to return them because there is a chance that the items might not work for them. No one wants to spend money on something that will not work for their own needs and concerns.
This is how AI can save the day. Popular brands such as Olay and Clinique utilize the technology to provide unique recommendations based on the user’s specific skin type. The Olay Skin Advisor and the Clinique ClinicalReality use algorithms to analyze skin conditions from a single selfie. It provides personalized tips to improve the skin. Of course, it also promotes its line of skincare products that will suit the customer’s concerns.
Whether in-store or online, shopping for beauty products is a long process that requires trial and error. There is also a lot of research involved in finding the right product to use. Suppose you need, for example, eye cream for your tired eyes. You will have to read articles and watch videos about several products. It takes a lot of effort to shop the best puffy eye cream online. Having an AI as a personal shopper to offer recommendations based on your specific needs is a welcome experience to many who take extra care of their skin.
AI as a Product Developer
AI provides benefits by collecting and analyzing troves of user data to figure out what consumers want and need.
Instead of coming up with ideas for products that might or might not stick around, some companies now harness the benefits of technology to aid in product development.
AI is capable of recognizing patterns in millions of user-generated data from across different platforms. The technology is very efficient. There is slight bias involved, and therefore, there is minimal risk of error.
Avon came up with its True 5-in-1 Lash Genius Mascara through the use of AI, called the “Genius Algorithm,” to scour through thousands of consumer comments online. The company wanted to know what beauty enthusiasts were looking for in mascara. They formulated the product based on the algorithm’s findings.
The result is a mascara that provides intense volume, long-lasting lift, dramatic length, stark definition, and deep black color. The reviews have so far been positive.
AI in Product Formulation
The makeup industry has witnessed brands become more inclusive. A brand selling foundation, for example, has upward of 20 shades to provide the closest match possible to every customer’s skin tone.
But many women are still finding it a challenge to choose the shade that best matches them. In particular, people of color face a limited shade range. They have to settle with a lighter foundation than their actual skin tone or a shade with the wrong undertone, both of which make makeup applications look unnatural.
The solution? Artificial intelligence. One brand called Dcypher Cosmetics is using technology to fill in the gaps in the beauty market. The company employs AI diagnostics to match the customer’s skin tone and manufacture the perfect foundation shade. The shade will never be too light or have the wrong undertone because the color is based on the customer’s skin tone.
The high-end fashion brand Yves Saint Laurent uses similar technology. The brand developed an AI that powers its Rouge Sur Mesure at-home device. It can produce thousands of unique shades of lipstick based on the customer’s preference. Once the customer has chosen the color, the device will create a sample applied to the lips.
AI is being used in various ways in the beauty industry. While its utilization is still minimal, expect more brands to adopt the technology and provide superb service in the near future.