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Augmented Reality is an amazing technology that has the potential to change the way we experience the world. It can be used for so many different things, including beauty and fashion. In this article, we will discuss 10 exciting augmented reality ideas for beauty and fashion!
What Is Augmented Reality, And How Does It Work?
According to Wikipedia, AR is an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated content, where the content can span multiple sensory modalities.
Three basic features of AR are: a combination of real and virtual worlds, real-time interaction, and accurate 3D registration of virtual and real objects. This experience is seamlessly interwoven with the physical world such that it is perceived as an immersive aspect of the real environment.
AR has many potential applications in a range of industries, including education, healthcare, retail, tourism, and more. For example, AR can be used to create interactive museum exhibits, or to provide step-by-step instructions for assembling products. With its ability to enhance the real world with digital information, AR has great potential to change the way we live and work.
How Can Augmented Reality Be Used for Beauty and Fashion?
Many major brands have started to add AR to their online shopping experiences, in both the beauty or fashion realms. A quick search on Google for keywords related to beauty and fashion will now bring up numerous examples of AR in action.
AR is also being used extensively in a variety of industries, such as the cosmetics industry. Consumers can now try out various makeup products online for free before purchasing them, including foundation, blush, eyeshadow, lipstick, etc.
Or for hair product brands, consumers can now try out different hair colors and styles online before dyeing their hair or going to the salon for a new look, to ensure that the new style will suit them.
The nail industry has also seen an increase in AR experiences in recent years, with major brands offering free online nail art services.
In terms of the fashion industry, virtual try-on of jewelry has become increasingly popular in recent years, to the point where you can see jewelry brands promoting virtual try-on on YouTube and other social media channels. For precious jewelry, consumers tend to want to see how the jewelry looks on them before making a purchase. This can also help speed up the in-store shopping process for the brand. More and more watch brands and eyewear companies are joining the ranks of those offering AR shopping experiences.
8 Innovative Augmented Reality Ideas
Makeup
According to Fortune Business Insights’ prediction, the global cosmetics market is expected to grow from USD 28.7 million in 2021 to USD 41.5 million by 2028. And the current AR makeup technology has enabled consumers to experience makeup virtually before making a purchase. Lipstick, for example, can be virtually applied with a selection of different textures and styles for the lips.
Similarly, contact lenses are also able to be tried on virtually by consumers, allowing them to get the look they desire before committing to the actual product.
Additionally, virtual beauty makeovers can also include different items such as mascara, eyeshadow, blush, eyeliner and contouring. These tools allow customers to experiment with looks in advance and tailor their virtual experiences to suit their individual preferences.
Foundation
AR technology has revolutionized makeup shopping by providing technology that allows customers to virtually test different shades and colors of foundations without visiting a store.
This virtual foundation testing currently covers over 89,969 possible skin tones and is able to detect the user's skin tone and match them with the best corresponding color from different brands. After making their suggestion, users can apply their recommended colors immediately, trying various warm or cool shades depending on personal preference.
Popular finishes such as dewy or glossy are also supported by AR virtual makeup products, allowing consumers to experience them before committing to a purchase.
Skin Analysis
AR technology has been making waves in the dermatology industry. By harnessing AI and AR capabilities, the detection of 14 skin conditions, such as acne, oiliness, dark circles and more, is now possible. Through objective numerical representation, AI skin testing not only provides users with an insight into their skin condition but also delivers timely product recommendations tailored to one's individual needs.
Moreover, the technology can even simulate the effects of a range of skincare products and display long-term improvements over specific periods of time.
A recent medical journal study further uncovered the high correlation between results from AI skin tests and actual physical examinations by physicians. (Learn more from here: AI Skin Tech Results Align with Dermatologist Skin Assessments)
Hair
Growth in the hair care industry is also steadily on the rise. The AR technology continues to shape techniques in hair styling, and is offering consumers the chance to virtually experience various colors of hair before commiting to dyeing. With support for numerous shades, two or more gradient colors, and a number of different glows, the tool offers a wide range of options for consumers to try.
In addition to dyes, AR can offer users a chance to explore various haircuts from short-haired, medium-long hair, long hair, diverse bangs, and even the ever-popular bob cut.
Watch
The watch industry has seen a tremendous adoption of AR technology in recent years. Market advances have made AR watches more accessible than ever before; shoppers can now 'try on' different watches online without the need for any external markers or extra steps. Instead, they can simply enable the camera on their mobile device.
Moreover, the introduction of Physically Based Rendering (PBR) technology has raised the bar for consumer expectations. When it comes to detail, allowing users to see minute details like metal finishes, the material type and accurate color representations with unparalleled clarity is key. The modern watch shopping experience has evolved and is continuing to evolve through these advances in technology, creating an entirely new and exciting way to interact with timepieces.
Eyewear
In the eyewear sector, Augmented Reality is also becoming widely used. Advances in technology have allowed companies to create and develop smart eyeglasses commonly seen in science-fiction films.
In the domain of beauty and fashion, AR glasses are becoming popular for e-commerce applications. Glasses virtual try-on solutions allows consumers to virtually try on a wide variety of frames and lenses before making a purchase.
This eliminates the need to spend time browsing through physical options as users can adjust details such as frame size, and lens color from their own device. Once they select their desired item from e-commerce platforms, customers can order products directly to their home or pick them up from nearby stores - a win for all!
Nails
AR technology has taken the nail industry by storm. Whether it is nail polish, or nail art, AR technology is there and making an impact.
In both physical stores and online retailers selling manicure products, customers no longer need to compare physical samples - they can simply open their phones and virtually try on multiple colors and designs with ease, offering a hassle-free solution to uncertainties such as color combinations. Moreover, AR technology also supports a range of different textures like matte, cream, jelly and sheer which further add to the joy of trying out products and increase the purchase rate.
Necklace
Augmented Reality technology has made its way into the jewelry business, allowing customers to experience what wearing a necklace would look like before buying. With this technology, customers can freely move their necks and their AR-assisted necklace will follow their movements and sway naturally.
The Physical Based Rendering (PBR) technology used for watches can also now be applied to necklaces, enabling customers to get a close-up view of all the details of the jewelry piece. Additionally, AR necklaces come in different lengths, suitable for everyone’s personal preference.
How Will Augmented Reality Change the Beauty and Fashion Industries in the Future?
As the popularity of augmented reality grows, so too does its use in shopping. More and more companies are implementing AR to aid the consumer in their decision-making process. And it's not just businesses that are benefiting from this technology – over 89 million people in the US interact with AR every month (Insider Intelligence).
When it comes to shopping, Augmented Reality is proving to be a valuable tool. 39% of people use AR to help make their decisions, and virtual try-on is becoming increasingly popular. This technology allows consumers to see how a product would look in their environment, which is invaluable when making a purchase.
The augmented reality market has grown steadily since 2019, and it is projected to experience a 27% CAGR over the next few years (PR Newswire). With more and more companies implementing AR into their shopping experience, it is clear that this technology is here to stay.
Conclusion
As augmented reality becomes more popular, we can expect to see even more innovative uses for it in the beauty and fashion industries. With its ability to help customers make decisions about products, AR is proving to be a valuable tool for retailers. The market for augmented reality is growing steadily, and with more companies implementing it into their shopping experience, it is clear that this technology is here to stay.
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Reference:
1. https://www.insiderintelligence.com/content/us-augmented-virtual-reality-users-forecast-2022
2. https://www.insiderintelligence.com/content/augmented-reality-shoppers
3. https://prnewswire.mediaroom.com/index.php
