In 2020, the pandemic gave a real shake-up to the beauty industry. The reason was not only in the closed shops but also in the fact that customers didn’t want to use the in-store testers because of hygiene reasons. Although people still wanted to buy beauty products, they didn’t have the opportunity to enjoy the shopping process and feel safe.
That was when online shopping for cosmetics started to gain popularity. People could browse beauty products on the websites and apps of their favorite brands. But still, they wanted to have a chance to try on cosmetic products as if they were in a brick-and-mortar store. So, that was the finest hour of augmented reality (AR) in the beauty industry.
For now, augmented reality has revolutionized the way beauty companies and brands engage with their customers. By superimposing digital content onto the real-world environment, AR demonstrates new ways of showcasing products and services. It helps customers make more informed purchasing decisions. The best example of an AR tool in the beauty industry may be virtual beauty makeover software.
What Is Virtual Beauty Makeover Software
Virtual beauty makeover software is a type of technology that allows users to virtually try on different makeup and beauty looks. No wonder it is often used by cosmetic companies as a marketing tool to showcase their products and allow customers to experiment with different looks before making a purchase.
This innovative software typically uses facial recognition technology to map the user’s face and apply virtual makeup and beauty products in real time. Users can choose from a variety of makeup products, like foundations, eyeshadows, mascaras, and lipsticks. Then, they can adjust the color and intensity of the chosen products to create their desired look. By the way, some virtual beauty makeover software also allows users to try on different hairstyles and accessories.
This tool can be accessed through a website or mobile app and is often available for free to users. It can be a funny and convenient way for people to experiment with different beauty looks and find products that suit their style and preferences.
To make the notion clearer, let’s have a look at Banuba’s Guided Virtual Try-On as a perfect example of such software. If you have a ready-made app or website, you can easily fill it with try-on features by seamlessly integrating Banuba’s product into your application. It is highly realistic, so your users will be satisfied with their makeup transformation. Plus, online purchasing and gift selection for friends is also included in the Try-On. With it, you can make your physical products digital in a couple of days. Plus, it offers more than 22,000 off-the-shelf beauty products. Also, you can customize it to your needs to fulfill your buyers’ wishes as accurately as possible.
How Can AR Software Help Boost Sales
1. Better product visualization
With AR, users can see your products in a more interactive and engaging way, which will provide your customers with an excellent try-before-they-buy experience. For example, Sephora Virtual Artist does not simply let its users try on various cosmetic items but also provides them with beauty tutorials. No wonder people are drawn to this brand and feel connected to it.
2. Enhanced online sales
AR will help you improve your customers’ online shopping experience and drive your sales. Nowadays, users are not afraid to purchase something on the internet, as they feel 100% confident in their choice due to the possibility to see how it looks on them.
3. Reduced return rates
The more your customers are sure about their purchasing decision, the less likely they are to return your product—this is the simple truth of the world of marketing. Logically, if your customers are given a chance to discover in advance whether some product suits them, in most cases, they won’t give it back to your shop.
4. Self-promotion
Using AR solutions in your marketing strategy will positively influence your brand’s image and attract new customers to your company. The more you stay on the modern wave, the more people feel that you are in sync with them. This way, a new audience will be drawn to your brand, making your customers’ loyalty more and more undivided. Also, your buyers may become so-called brand ambassadors if they start telling their subscribers about their shopping choices and experiences. In addition, you can even create some original AR filters, which users may like, and start sharing on social media. This is also how your brand may start being on everyone’s lips.
5. Possibility to analyze consumer behavior
Due to AR solutions, you can add intelligent algorithms to your app or website, which will make it possible for your application to form personal product recommendations, monitor the best-selling products, and adapt your offer to the needs of each customer. In such a way, your buyers will see the products they are more likely to get interested in, so the chances that they will purchase them are much higher.
Conclusion
Overall, AR solutions have the potential to significantly enhance customer experience and drive sales for businesses. By providing users with a more engaging and interactive way to purchase products, AR can help businesses stand out and differentiate themselves in the crowded market.
