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Artificial intelligence is no longer an emerging layer in beauty and retail — it’s becoming the foundation of how consumers discover, evaluate, and purchase products. Insights from Perfect Corp.’s latest consumer trend report, developed in collaboration with Spate, reveal a clear shift: AI is now a trusted shopping companion — and consumer expectations are accelerating fast.
As we look toward 2026, the brands that win won’t simply “add AI.” They’ll design experiences around it.
Here’s what the data tells us about where AI-powered beauty and shopping are headed next.
1. AI Has Become a Core Shopping Behavior — Not a Novelty
AI adoption has reached a tipping point. According to the report, nearly 9 in 10 consumers already use AI for shopping, and just as many say they plan to adopt even more AI-powered tools in the months ahead.
This isn’t experimental usage — it’s habitual.
At the same time, consumer interest in AI has increased +79% year over year, signaling both rising awareness and growing reliance on AI-driven tools to simplify decisions.
What this means for 2026:
AI won’t be a differentiator — it will be expected. Brands that fail to integrate AI into the shopping journey risk feeling outdated as consumers increasingly rely on intelligent tools to guide them.
2. AI Is Replacing Search With Personalized Guidance
Consumers are no longer searching for individual products — they’re searching for solutions. According to the Spate Popularity Index:
- Searches for “skincare routine” are up +395% year over year
- Searches for “hair routine” have surged +1,000% year over year
These dramatic increases reflect a shift away from product-first discovery toward personalized, routine-based guidance — a space where AI excels.
The report reinforces this behavior, showing that 80% of YouCam Apps users surveyed now use AI for gift discovery, highlighting how AI is becoming a go-to tool during high-intent shopping moments.
What this means for 2026:
AI-powered assistants and recommendation engines will increasingly replace traditional search, filters, and static quizzes — acting as the primary interface between consumers and brands.
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3. Consumers Want AI That Understands Them — Not Just Recommends Products
When asked which AI tools they value most for beauty and fashion shopping, consumers were clear:
- 31% prefer AI beauty and fashion assistants
- 28% value AI editing tools
- 15% want personalized product recommendations
- 15% want recommendations based on past purchases
- 11% prioritize virtual try-on tools
The takeaway? Consumers are prioritizing AI that understands their needs and context, not just AI that displays products.
What this means for 2026:
The future of AI in beauty is conversational, adaptive, and insight-driven — helping consumers feel understood while reducing decision fatigue.
4. Visual AI Builds Confidence in a More Value-Conscious Market
As shoppers become more intentional with spending, confidence matters more than ever. The report shows that nearly 1 in 3 consumers plan to cut back on holiday purchases, signaling a broader shift toward mindful, value-driven shopping.
In beauty, affordability-focused conversations center around:
- Perfume
- Lip gloss
- Lipstick
- Wigs
Visual AI — including virtual try-on and skin analysis — helps consumers feel confident they’re making the right purchase, especially when budgets are tighter.
What this means for 2026:
AI-powered visualization will be critical to helping brands convert cautious shoppers by reducing uncertainty and reinforcing value.
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5. Hybrid Shopping Experiences Are the New Normal
Consumers don’t see online and in-store shopping as separate experiences anymore. According to the report, 73% of consumers plan to shop both online and in-store.
Shoppers want:
- The hands-on guidance and education of in-store experiences
- Paired with the speed, convenience, and personalization of digital shopping
AI bridges this gap — enabling seamless experiences across channels.
What this means for 2026:
Brands will increasingly rely on AI-powered tools that work everywhere — from ecommerce and mobile apps to in-store consultations and associate-assisted selling.
6. Promotions Still Matter — But Personalization Wins
While nearly 70% of consumers prefer percentage-off promotions, the report also highlights growing demand for:
- Curated bundles
- Value sets
- Personalized gift guides
- “Top 10” lists and curated content
AI plays a central role in delivering these experiences at scale — tailoring promotions and content to individual preferences.
What this means for 2026:
Discounts alone won’t drive loyalty. AI-powered personalization will determine which promotions resonate — and which get ignored.
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Looking Ahead: AI as the Infrastructure of Beauty Commerce
The data is clear: AI is no longer an add-on — it’s becoming the infrastructure behind modern beauty shopping. From discovery and personalization to confidence-building and hybrid experiences, AI is shaping how consumers shop today — and how they’ll expect brands to show up in 2026.
For brands, the opportunity now is to move beyond experimentation and begin building AI-powered ecosystems that are scalable, personalized, and deeply integrated across the consumer journey.
The future of beauty isn’t just digital — it’s intelligent.
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