After writing a little bit of this and a little bit of that on augmented reality, I kept wondering what the first actual implementations would be and here I got my answer today, when I came across this Augmented Reality Cosmetic Mirror. It is installed at the Takashimaya department store in Shinjuku and is quite impressive, come to think about it.

Developed by one of the industry giants, namely Shiseido, the Digital Cosmetic Mirror can serve to test make-up and even receive recommendations and that without even having to lift a mascara brush. Thanks to augmented reality, sampling gets a lot easier, more interactive with the customers, as well as more saving on waste.

All that customers have to do is to sit down, and let the camera scan their face, after which the terminal will provide them with tailored recommendations. Now, users are given dedicated buttons on the touchscreen that have the function of painting make-up on their image in real time, allowing the results to be seen instantly. Included are also make-up designs that are currently on the trend before printing a sheet with before and after photos, along with product information for the customer to go buy whichever colors worked for them better.

Well, not that I am keen on using make-up or something but I really like this implementation, as it does not only reduce waste, but also makes sampling a lot more safer to what regards hygiene, therefore will attract more people to try out various make-up, because I know many have a slight (or not just slight) fear of using a blush after somebody else. One more benefit of this is that it will provide people with more make-up ideas, while the department stores' benefit is quite easy to understand - more sales.


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