Beauty retailer steps up augmented reality offering

Sephora is upgrading its app-based digital makeover experience.



The beauty chain is expanding the functionality of its Sephora Virtual Artist, an augmented reality-based feature on its mobile app that enables shoppers to digitally try on make-up. The app’s new Cheek Try On service allows users to virtually try on over 1,000 shades of cheek color, including blush, bronzer, contour, and highlighter shades available in single colors and palettes.



As users choose their favorite shades, a list of the top matching colors available from Sephora is quickly returned to the user. Matches can be immediately tried on in Virtual Artist then purchased in app.



The Sephora Virtual Artist also enables users to virtually try on an assortment of lip colors and false eye lash styles. The tool integrated the ability to try on thousands of shades of eyeshadows earlier this spring.



The retailer has made other enhancements to its Virtual Artist service, including integrating its virtual try-on services with its library of “Expert Looks.” Once customers test their preferred cheek shades, they can pair their favorites with lip and eyeshadow colors and false lash styles. Users can then save their favorites to “My Looks” and share them with friends.



Sephora’s app also added a “Color Match for Virtual Try On” feature. The service uses artificial intelligence to detect and accurately estimate the shade in any photo and match it with a lip, eyeshadow or cheek products available at Sephora.



The Color Match feature dovetails into the beauty retailer’s Color Match for lip, a service available within the Sephora Virtual Artist bot on Facebook Messenger. By adding the feature into the Sephora app, users can use their smartphone camera to snap a selfie. AI deciphers the image, and suggests a predominant color. Customers can pick any color from the list of available matching shades, and make a purchase through the app.



iOS users can download the app in Apple Store. Android users can access it in Google Play.