45% Consumers Seek VR & AI Experiences For Online Beauty Shopping: Survey

According to a recent survey conducted by McKinsey on emerging beauty trends, a staggering 45 per cent of respondents expressed a strong inclination towards businesses that provide virtual reality or AI experiences for trying out products online. The allure of virtually exploring cosmetics, skincare, and hair care offerings from the comfort of one's home has captivated the modern beauty enthusiast, reshaping the way we shop for beauty products.  

Virtual Beauty Revolution

With this growing consumer demand, brands are all geared up to introduce cutting-edge technologies to create immersive digital experiences that cater to every individual’s unique preferences and needs. Let's dive deeper into the captivating world of virtual beauty and discover how it'll revolutionise the beauty industry as we know it in the next five to ten years.

Saahil Nayar, CEO, Swiss Beauty, shared, “In the coming years, virtual reality and AI are likely to become integral parts of the beauty industry's customer experience strategy. Brands have already started incorporating technologies like virtual try-ons that can enable customers to virtually try on a wide range of beauty products, such as makeup, hair colours, or even skincare treatments. Advanced algorithms and AI-powered simulations can accurately depict how these products will look on an individual, taking into account various factors like skin tone, hair type, and facial features. This technology could significantly enhance the online shopping experience by allowing customers to experiment with different looks and make more informed purchasing decisions.”

AI-Powered Skincare  

Interestingly, advanced AI algorithms have the ability to examine images or videos of a customer's skin, enabling comprehensive analysis and personalised recommendations for skincare regimens and products. 

In a recent ‘Glam-up Fest’ held in Mumbai, Flipkart introduced skin analyser that allows customers to take selfies, which are then examined, and based on their skin type, then the technology recommends a suitable product to be ordered. Ravi Krishnan, Head of Flipkart Labs, Flipkart, said, "Flipkart continuously leverages tech and innovation to add to the shopping experience. Flipkart’s Virtual Try-on feature allows customers to try on up to 7 different make-up products through AR, enabling them to 'Shop the look' and then make informed purchase decisions. Our latest tech addition - the Skin Analyser acts as a personalised skincare advisor, providing objective skin type scores and personalised recommendations."

Ayurveda and AI

The integration of traditional Ayurveda with cutting-edge technologies is something to watch out for. Shreedha Singh, CEO and Co-Founder, T.A.C - The Ayurveda Co. informed, “By implementing AI in the form of dosha consultancy, we can understand an individual's Ayurvedic body type and offer targeted solutions that address their specific needs and doshic imbalances. This integration of AI and Ayurvedic beauty practices allows us to unlock a world of hyper-personalised solutions.”

Taking our technological offerings a step further, now beauty companies are integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies at their smart stores, too. “Through AR, customers can visualise how different products and treatments would look on their specific skin and hair types. This virtual try-on experience empowers individuals to make well-informed choices regarding beauty products that best suit their unique needs. In addition, VR plays a significant role in enhancing education and awareness within the Ayurveda space. By immersing customers in a virtual environment, they gain a deeper understanding of Ayurvedic principles, doshas, and the significance of tailored beauty regimens. This interactive approach fosters education, and awareness, and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their skincare and beauty routines,” added Shreedha.

What Future Entails?  

Talking about the innovations or experiences one anticipates these technologies to bring to consumers in the near future, Saahil Nayar added, “Immersive Virtual Shopping is definitely one of these innovations that we are expecting to come in very soon. Virtual reality can create immersive shopping experiences where customers can virtually explore beauty stores or salons, browse product displays, and interact with virtual beauty consultants. This can offer convenience to customers who prefer online shopping while simulating the engaging aspects of in-person experiences. Virtual reality and AI can facilitate remote beauty consultations, where customers can receive personalised advice from beauty experts through virtual platforms. This technology can eliminate geographical barriers and allow consumers to access expert guidance from the comfort of their homes, leading to a more accessible and convenient beauty consultation process.”

One must understand, this is different from online consultations because virtual consultations would mean you would be present virtually in the advisors salon/studio, and experience things firsthand, stressed Saahil.

With the rising demand for immersive virtual beauty experiences, businesses that harness the power of virtual reality and AI are sure to capture the hearts and wallets of beauty enthusiasts, ushering in a new era of personalised and interactive beauty journeys.