L'Oreal has come to the rescue to those of us who are in need of a make-over with...augmented reality! Apparently we've entered the future. Which, admittedly, might be better than playing with the makeup counter testers, and then, having stepped out of the blinding store lights, realizing that you look like a kid's makeover or Dale Winton
L'Oreal's digital mirror follows other trend-setting developments from the future - otherwise known as Tokyo - such as Shishedo's Digital Cosmetic Mirror which went along the lines of applying makeup to your reflection without it ever touching your skin. Essentially L'Oreal's mirror works in the same way; in-store users use the webcam to take a photo, and then barcodes of products they want to virtually apply. The inteface will make it easier - allowing users to select different colours and get recommendations according to their eye colour.
"Convenient and hygeinic!" the press screams, and whilst it might be OCD sufferers' and lazy peoples' dream come true, it might have potential for women who don't really understand makeup. Beyond a world of orange-skin and clashing eyeshadow, there's also the group of women hazily wandering around a makeup counter looking lost and grumpy infront of a liquid eyeliner (they may also often suspiciously resemble me).
They'll be trialling the digital mirror iosks later this month, says Brand republic and offering products from other brands such as Maybelline.
Is this the new trendy alternative to a free in-store makeover and working out what suits your skin tone best? Whilst augmented reality is heralded as a "natural fit for the fashion and beauty industries" is there something to be said for the days of smearing numerous eyeshadows on the back of your hand? I've heard it called Reality. Will you miss it?
Image of Shishedo's Digital Cosmetic Mirror via Shishedo