(updated on May 30^th, 2022)

As shopping behavior has drastically shifted to online channels, beauty brands will need to evolve to better serve the needs of consumers. As many as 17% of women no longer wear makeup as a result of changing behaviors during the pandemic (Sharkh). And for those that still do, one in five have moved to the virtual space for their hair or beauty consultations (Oxberry). This isn’t a temporary change either; 46% plan to continue using virtual consultations for their future needs.

By integrate the one-on-one beauty consultant services in the digital environment, brands can easily replicate in-store experience to the customers yet offering a more convenience shopping experience. One way to do that is with Perfect Corp’s Beauty Advisor (BA) 1-on-1 solution. It connects consumers with expert beauty advisors directly on the brand’s website via a real-time video call. With this technology, consumers have direct access to a beauty consultant, all from the comfort of their homes.

1. Online Beauty Consultant Service Reduces Customer's Waiting Time

The BA 1-on-1 solution offers a plethora of benefits over conventional online or phone beauty consultations. Traditionally, when beauty consultants apply the makeup on the customer's face, it often involves a long wait.

Also, without real-time products data, it makes it difficult for beauty consultants to provide accurate product recommendations.

With solutions such as BA 1-on-1, consumers can try-on beauty products in real-time through AR virtual try-on which leads to a much more interactive and personalized consultation experience.

2. A Personalized Beauty Consultant Service Anytime & Anywhere

The ability to connect with professional beauty consultants anytime, anywhere allows customers to reduce time spent making an appointment or visiting a physical location.

All the customers need to do is enable the camera on their laptop or mobile device, within a few seconds, they're able to reach the online beauty consultant, and virtually try-on the makeup looks that were recommended to them.

3. Online Beauty Consultants Mimic the In-Person Experience

Brands don’t have to sacrifice the customer experience just because they aren’t in a physical location. The live-streaming talk is able to mimic the feel of an in-person consultation without the hassle, and provide a real-life beauty consultant that might be more comfortable for customers.

Whenever or wherever the customers are, whether they're on-the-go or chilling at home, reaching the beauty consultant can be so easy that all they need to do, is tap a few buttons on their phone.

4. Unlimited & Realistic Virtual Makeup Try-On With Professional Recommendations

With the help of AI technology, the online beauty consultants will be able to provide personalized recommendations, and combine these with an instant virtual makeup try-on, AI skin analysis, virtual hair color try-on, and much more.

Since customers are able to see exactly what they'll look like with these products during the virtual try on process, they are more likely to buy them.

5. Seamless Shopping Experience Without Any Hassle

During the online consultation, consumers can add products they like to the cart, creating a seamless shopping experience. Everything is managed right from the chat, meaning the customer doesn’t need to write down specific product names or try to search for them on the site later.

6. Tailored Service for VIP Customers With An Exclusive Online Beauty Consultant

To create a special experience for VIP customers, brands can arrange them to schedule calls with specific beauty consultants. This lets the customer develop a sense of trust and companionship with their beauty consultants that will have them coming back for help and beauty product recommendations time and time again.

7. Collecting Data from Online Beauty Consultant Services

After the call, both the beauty consultant and the caller can provide a rating and feedback, as well as report any issues. This ensures beauty consultants provide great customer service and helps brands monitor customers on their sites. Brands can track beauty consultants' performance and customer satisfaction to reward or promote top-ranking consultants.

One example of a company that’s recently launched a virtual beauty consultant experience is Bobbi Brown. The service matches customers with an expert Bobbi Brown artist who can provide product recommendations for eyes and lips, which the customer can then try on. The beauty consultants are also able to provide beauty tutorials for customers who need help using the products.

Brands can refer to this demo video to get a better idea of how the system works.

8. Easy-to-Integrate Omnichannel Virtual Beauty Consultant Services

The best part about the BA 1-on-1 software is that it’s easy to integrate into brands’ existing platforms. Brands will receive technical support from the Perfect Corp. team throughout the process to ensure everything is working smoothly for beauty consultants and customers alike.

The software is also available for a wide variety of applications through the brand’s website, including:

Desktops

Mobile platforms

In-store consultations (using an iPad)

4 Easy Steps for Beauty Consultants to Use the Online Service

For a beauty consultant, using BA 1-on-1 service is easy, the process works like this:

They’ll log in from the brand website, where they can pick up a call.
They’ll switch into teaching mode, where they’ll have control of makeup application of looks and products, hair color, or AI skin diagnostic tools.
These products are virtually applied to the customer in real-time, allowing them to see what they look like.
If the customer likes the look, they can purchase the products right away.

Start A Free Trial of the Virtual Beauty Consultant Service Now

Want to see how Beauty Advisor 1-on-1 works? For more questions, feel free to contact our sales team.

Makeup Consultations FAQs

Why are makeup consultations important?

Makeup consultations allow beauty brands to gather customer information, understand their needs, and provide the corresponding service. It also empowers brands to develop products according to consumer preferences. For customers, high-touch makeup consultations, both online and offline, help them to learn how to use products and ensure they choose the best-fit ones for themselves, decreasing product return rates.

Get expert advice from Perfect Corp. and be part of the beauty tech trend. Contact us for details on beauty tech solutions trusted by 400+ brands globally.

Read our “Beauty Tech: The Complete Guide” to unlock powerful ROI secrets.

References

Oxberry, Eve. “Clients want to continue online beauty consultations and retail beyond reopening,” Professional Beauty, 15 April 2021, https://professionalbeauty.co.uk/site/newsdetails/beauty-clients-continue-online-consultation-retail.

Sharkh, Rebecca Abu. “Has COVID-19 Permanently Changed the Beauty Industry?” Premise, https://www.premise.com/has-covid-19-permanently-changed-the-beauty-industry/.