In the age of social distancing, babies are named X Æ A-12, brands are racing to find to creative solutions, from digital fashion weeks to online art galleries in lieu of physical catwalks and exhibition spaces, and the beauty world isn’t about to be left behind.
MAC Cosmetics has introduced a Virtual Try-On feature in partnership with YouCam – best known for its photo editing apps – which lets us swatch products on ourselves via pictures and live videos – all before making a purchase. Using YouCam’s augmented reality technology, the feature creates realistic simulations that can be tested on any skin tone and adapted to different textures, mattes, sheens, glosses, with a choice of more than 200 shades of lip or eye colours.
“As pioneers in digital innovation, we understand that there is no better way to connect with our consumers than through a convenient, personalised online shopping experience,” announced Ukonwa Ojo, Global Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, MAC Cosmetics. “Through our Virtual Try-On feature, we’re able to bring a quintessential element of the in-store experience right to our consumers’ homes.”
Virtual reality isn’t new for MAC, however. The beloved label started testing augmented reality technology in 2017 by installing virtual try-on mirrors in select stores. Today, it has more than 120 stores globally equipped with virtual try-on mirrors, which leverage facial and 3D video makeup rendering technology to create a curated set of MAC shades and looks in an instant.
Perfect Corp. Founder and CEO, Alice Chang added, “We believe our YouCam Makeup AI and AR technology has revolutionised how consumers discover, try and buy beauty. MAC continues to lead the industry in this critical area and we are thrilled to partner with them to make this virtual-try on offering even more accessible to consumers who are socially distancing at home.”
To get started, visit MAC’s Virtual Try On page and simply pick a product to sample. Then, enable your live camera or upload a photo of yourself. Don’t worry, though, if it seems intimidating: you could also upload a photo of a model as an alternative. From there, you can channel your inner beauty guru and swatch away like a pro. Similarly to stores, a MAC artist will be available to chat live if you need any further assistance.
Do we have time to give ourselves a virtual MAC makeover before our next Zoom call? We think so.
For more information, visit maccosmetics.ae/virtual-try-on
Photos: Instagram and supplied
