There’s been an influx in recent months of beauty brands using augmented reality to offer virtual try-on tools. We’ve written about a few of our favourites here.
Largely fuelled by the pandemic and because everyone has been forced to stay at home, these services use the camera on your phone, or your laptop’s webcam to overlay the product you’re looking to buy on top of your live image.
The downside is that not all brands offer such services, and those which do often only let you try on a small selection of products. This makes navigating through the various options time-consuming and not as frictionless as shopping IRL.
In a bid to tackle this, Google has launched its own AR beauty try-on tools for products in its Google app and Google Shopping listings.
The product is launching in the US this week, via the Google app on iOS and Android, and is expected to appear on UK listings soon.
As Google explains in a blog post: “If you’re shopping for beauty products, it’s difficult to make a decision on such personal items without trying them on.
To make it easier, we’re working with data partners ModiFace and Perfect Corp to help you better visualise thousands of lipstick and eyeshadow shades from your favorite brands like L’Oreal, MAC Cosmetics, Black Opal, and Charlotte Tilbury.
“You can now also virtually try makeup products right from the Google app. Find the perfect nude lip by searching for MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick and quickly trying each shade in the collection.
If you’re looking for a velvety matte lipstick for your holiday video calls with family and friends, search for NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment and find the colour that matches your style.”
Google is additionally adding recommendations from beauty, apparel and home influencers when you’re scrolling through Google Shopping to make it easier to discover new and trending products.
Victoria is founder and editor-in-chief of mamabella, freelance journalist and Mum. She has a passion for empowering people to feel beautiful whatever their age, size, skin type and budget
