6 Predictions for the Future of Beauty Tech

Like many other industries, advancing technology is rapidly changing the world of beauty. The global beauty industry has a value of over $530 billion. CB Insights states that the beauty device market alone is a $74 billion dollar industry. Covid-19, however, has likely been a force in the acceleration of many of these new and growing technologies. Trying on makeup digitally in the comfort of your home is just one example, Sustainable packaging, the development of e-makeup, and even personalized printing of cosmetics are all beauty trends that are dramatically changing the world of makeup. The following are six incredible predictions for the future of beauty technology.

 

1) Designing e-Makeup and Online Personas

This is a technique that is similar to using social media filters. Models and celebrities are increasingly using new types of bold e-makeup to make fun statements on Instagram. Cosmetic companies are now making these techniques mainstream. The great thing about e-makeup is that you can try an adventurous look without investing the time or applying real cosmetics.

After downloading a variety of e-makeup, people can create a unique persona on their digital self. Having a digital twin on social media allows you to try new makeup trends in the virtual world before taking a step into the real one. It’s also just fun to build an online personality by creating your own unique e-look.

Cosmetics that were once only for the wealthy or a glamorous runway model, are now available for everyone. This trend will continue and will offer more options. These options will go beyond traditional makeup and include everything from subtle changes to dramatic alterations. Online designer Ines Alpha is one of the artists whose creations are on the cutting-edge of this growing trend.

 

2) The Rise of Smart Mirrors

Makeup mirrors are a staple for nearly everyone using cosmetics. Mirrors that allow you to apply makeup in a variety of light settings are becoming more complex in their ability to analyze skin problems and even advise you regarding the type of skin treatment and cosmetics that will work best for you.

Smart mirrors connect to Wi-Fi and provide a completely interactive experience for the user. Many of the new mirrors come with apps that are easy to download. Some are voice enabled and come with cameras. The mirrors can analyze skin, determine specific needs, and recommend beauty products.

Smart mirrors will continue to advance, doing more amazing things in the near future. Simple audio will become conversation that will guide you as you go through your makeup routine each morning. Beauty assistants may also come along with the purchase of a smart mirror. These mirrors will eventually connect with all your smart devices throughout the home. Face recognition will enable them to instantly recognize the person standing in front of it and adjust all instructions accordingly.

 

3) Advancing Virtual Reality

Trying on makeup before purchasing it is a great way to make sure you choose the right products. Virtual reality is a total immersion experience that blocks the outside world, while augmented reality actually adds different types of digital elements. These two technologies are similar, but have distinct differences. According to Vogue, beauty meets Silicon Valley when it comes to the art, and science, of virtual reality makeup.

Virtually trying on makeup and other types of cosmetics will continue to grow and become the norm before purchasing any products. This will occur in both brick and mortar stores and online. Virtual reality will include 3D face scanning as part of an evolving technology to determine what products are the best for each individual.

Glossy emphasizes the term “phygital” as the new buzzword for virtual and augmented reality beauty technology. The process of experimenting with makeup will increasingly combine aspects of the physical and digital experience. For the time being, it is simply safer and a good business model for customers to try on makeup from the safety of their home.

 

4) Sustainability and Mindful Minimalism

Many companies are adapting the slogan “Less is More.” Currently, the average person owns 40 cosmetic products but only uses about five. Consumers are looking for ways to experience more but use less. Many beauty customers are also searching for and using vegan cosmetic products even if they’re not actually living a completely vegan lifestyle. Using recyclable materials are already part of most beauty companies’ business model.

While many companies already use recyclable packaging, the future will probably include reusable packaging on a wider scale. According to Cosmetics Design, many companies are already investing in the initiative – reduce, reuse, and recycle. Beautiful containers made for refilling multiple times will dramatically reduce the amount of waste in the beauty and fragrance industry.

In the future most major cosmetic companies will adhere to and gain certification according to a variety of ethical standards. They’ll also offer multi-benefit products. Single products that accomplish multiple tasks will likely dominate the market. The companies that thrive in the future are those that find ways to deliver all the results the user wants while still using fewer products with less packaging.

 

5) Functional Fragrances that Affect Mood

Scent has a powerful way of affecting how a person feels and thinks. Creating personal fragrances is now a new way of personalizing products. Fragrance and cosmetic companies such as Estee Lauder, are developing questionnaires that can identify each person’s specific tastes in a fragrance. They will then personally create and deliver a unique bottle to each customer.

Fragrances are not only going to affect an individual’s mood, but respond to it. Glass bottles will include designs with connections to a smart phone or other similar device. This will allow the user to change the balance and composition of the base, middle, and top notes of the fragrances according to their moods. In other words, the combination of ingredients will change and alter the scent of the fragrance.

Personalized fragrance will continue to expand. Technology will recreate particular smells from past experiences or an aroma that elicits a memory and then design a unique fragrance for the individual wearing it. You’ll eventually have a fragrance as unique as your fingerprints or individual eye scan.

 

6) Creating Makeup with 3D Printing

Perhaps the most exciting trend on the horizon is the ability to develop and create your own personal makeup. Personalization is now on the cutting-edge of several industries. Everything from pharmaceuticals to cosmetics are heading toward personalized services. Technology is continuing to move quickly in this direction with a 3D printing process.

The process starts by taking a picture of your face. You can also find another photo of a type, color, etc., of makeup you like. When loading the image into a 3D printing machine, the software can analyze and reproduce the type of makeup you’re looking for. After inserting a makeup sheet into the tray, the printing process begins.

Mink already has a 3D printer that can create customized makeup. This particular device can print more than 16 million hues, enabling you to choose virtually any color imaginable. The device currently only produces powder products such as blush and eye shadow. The future will almost certainly include liquid products such as nail polish and lip gloss.

The advancement of technology is touching nearly every aspect of our lives, including the beauty industry. The trend toward personalization will continue by using cutting-edge technology to meet the need of each individual to feel and look their best.