Perfect Corp. recently held the first West Coast installment of its franchise Beauty and Fashion Tech Forum event. Taking place in San Francisco, it brought together thought leaders from the beauty, retail, and tech industries to exchange insights on how revolutionary AI tools are reshaping the beauty landscape.
Presentations from Perfect Corp. CEO Alice Chang, Benefit Cosmetics’ Senior Vice President Toto Haba, Dr. Sarah L. Taylor of the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, BeautyMatter Founder and CEO Kelly Kovack, Google Director of Strategic Partnerships Sonia Wadhawan, and Obsess CEO Neha Singh shed light on how AI is set to revolutionize the consumer beauty and skincare experience.
AI-powered tools from Perfect Corp. are transforming the retail industry, and they’re changing the way people shop. The industry has only begun to touch the surface of what’s possible with AI.
Mapping the Future of Beauty
AI has reshaped countless industries, and unprecedented progress has already been achieved in just a few years. Perfect Corp. joined this movement by introducing Beautiful AI — a suite of AI-powered technologies designed to solve major pain points in the beauty and fashion sectors. These tools include:
Before the rise of AI tools, the retail industry saw a gap between online shopping purchases and customer satisfaction.
However, AI offers solutions where customers can confidently shop online while virtually trying on products and receiving personalized advice. Competition reaches a new level as brands must utilize the latest tech for their e-commerce websites and in-store experiences.This is the beauty industry’s future, where integrating AI-powered tech brings new revenue-boosting achievements to a flourishing retail space.
The Rise of AI in Beauty
One of the most transformative applications of AI in beauty is AI-powered skin tech. AI skin tech engages a device’s camera to scan a consumer’s skin. The AI-powered algorithm then maps skin conditions within seconds, identifying target areas. The analysis is instant and accurate, allowing users to learn more about their skin and receive personalized product recommendations.
The technology allows beauty brands to offer their products as targeted solutions for AI-identified skin issues. For example, Mr. Haba discussed how Benefit Cosmetics uses Perfect Corp.’s AI Skin Tech to personalize the customer experience. It integrated the Skin Analysis Tool with its e-commerce website and in-store kiosks to show people the condition of their facial pores. Afterward, they received recommendations for the right ‘POREfessional’ product to help their problem areas.
This integration significantly increases product sales, as the tool provides a direct and personalized solution to individual skin concerns. Customer satisfaction and repurchase rates improve by eliminating the guessing game of online shopping.
Dr. Taylor, Professor of Dermatology at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine, provided another demonstration, sharing insights on how Perfect Corp.’s AI Skin Tech is transforming the world of dermatology and skin consultations. She co-conducted a study to test the precision of Perfect Corp.’s Skin Analysis tool, finding it to be highly correlated with physician assessments. Now, dermatology clinics can confidently rely on this tool’s results when conducting virtual or in-clinic skin consultations.
The Crucial Role of AI/AR Experiences in Beauty and Retail
The future of beauty and retail industries lies in AI and AR-powered experiences, with possibilities including, but not limited to, makeup tools, live fashion try-ons, and in-store facial analysis kiosks. These personalized, interactive moments with brands enhance customer engagement, ultimately boosting customer loyalty and company revenue.
With the advent of AI and AR beauty tools, the convenience of online shopping is combined with the purchasing confidence found in offline retail. Businesses can now offer personalized shopping experiences to customers from the comfort of their homes, solving traditional issues related to online shopping. Plus, customers are enticed to try offline retail experiences through kiosks or store experiences, providing a new reason to shop in person and improve conversions.
The importance of these immersive experiences was discussed in detail at Perfect Corp.’s West Coast forum. Google’s Sonia Wadham Google highlighted how Google and Pat McGrath Labs recently co-hosted an exhibition powered by Google’s AR Beauty Tool. The presentation featured devices for virtually trying on Pat McGrath makeup products, providing a fun, personalized experience to engage and immerse the consumer with the brand.
Transforming the Consumer Experience in 2024 and Beyond
AI technology is making personalized, engaging tools and experiences more than just a luxury.
It’s now an expectation.
But beyond brand engagement and business bottom lines, AI and AR-powered experiences are elevating inclusivity in the beauty world. Before, consumers had no choice but to see products on a model who may not have shared the same skin tone or type. People had to guess if those same products would look good with their unique features and skin tone.
Now, AI-powered tools bring the customer experience full circle, allowing users to preview how products look in a personalized and immersive way. Looking to the future, AI leads the way as a game changer for major beauty brands worldwide, enhancing the consumer experience and helping to match shoppers with the best products for their unique needs.
