Buying makeup online can be difficult; Since you can't test products like in a store, you have no way of knowing if certain shades suit your complexion. This means you're usually left to guess which product is best for you, and in person the nuances can be vastly different than they are online. However, this problem could become a thing of the past, thanks to YouTube's new Beauty Try-On feature, which uses Augmented Reality (AR) to allow you to virtually try on makeup in real time. In a press release, Google explains that this feature offers "realistic virtual product samples that work on a wide range of skin tones." AR Beauty Try-On is currently in alpha, not yet available on YouTube, but you can give it a try via FameBit YouTube, Google's "in-house branded content platform."
A boost for smart screens and mirrors?
MAC cosmetics is the first company to partner with FameBit, allowing users to try different shades of MAC lipstick using AR. If they like what they see, they can go to the store. Line to buy it. Whether many users will buy makeup with this feature remains to be seen, but there is certainly a target audience. In 2018, beauty-related content generated 169 billion views on YouTube. The technology, if it takes off, will also have interesting implications for how we use technologies like smart displays like the Google Home Hub or Amazon Echo Show and smart mirrors like the LG Smart Mirror to make purchases, as well as our smartphones. -image-check">
The ability to try products with AR could increase purchases made through smart displays such as the Google Home Hub (shown). (Image credit: Google) Imagine if you could look in the mirror in the morning, try a new AR makeup, and get your products delivered the same day. Until now, smart displays have struggled to infiltrate the online shopping market. In January 2019, a Voicebot.AI survey found that just 26% of smart screen users had attempted to make a purchase with their device, compared to just 15% who did regularly. Will YouTube's AR Beauty Try-On help tip the scales in favor of smart signaling? Only time will tell; for now, it's at least a fun way to try out bold new looks in the comfort of your own home.