Augmented Reality (AR) offers customers the opportunity to virtually test products wherever they are either in store, online or via their favourite social platforms. Extended realities (XR) is the umbrella term of augmented reality, virtual reality, 360 and 3D.

Customers spend on average nine minutes to virtually try-on L’Oréal products compared to 2 minutes prior to March 2020. “AR has given us a competitive advantage during Covid-19," L’Oréal Matrix CDO.

Here are five ways that XR is driving engagement and sales in the beauty industry...

1. Virtual Try-On for Fun

Allow users to virtually try on and experiment with colour. Activated from social platforms (FB, IG, Snap) allow your customers to play and experiment with different looks to inspire their next purchase. As well as driving brand engagement, you can also track ROI as users can go on to purchase products they have engaged with on platform.

Urban Decay 24/7 Eye by @urbandecaycosmetics Try it here (featured below), MY LIPS BUT XXTRA by @nyxcosmetics, try it here, Pride & Joy Looks by @maccosmetics Try it here.

2. Virtual Try-On for Function

Use Virtual Try-on as a tool to help users find the right products or shade for them. Activated from social channels, allow customers to virtually try different shades or products and click straight to purchase. This experience can also be replicated on the brand website or partner sites e.g. Superdrug or Amazon allowing users to test the looks when they are shopping online. 

Face-o-Matic by @guccibeauty Try it here, Teint Idole by @findyourshade.nl Try it here, Dior Addict Stellar Shine by Dior Try it here (featured below credit Snap).

3. Reimagine Shopping Experiences

Virtual e-commerce. Charlotte Tilbury is now onto its second iteration of the website which has been transformed into a virtual store. Virtual stores allow customers the opportunity to virtually shop from the comfort of their own home in a fully branded immersive world. Enabling them to fully engage in the brand experience akin to a physical shopping experience. Try out the experience here 

4. POS or website

No need to use an app to access virtual try-on. This can be activated at POS via scanning a QR code with your smartphone camera or directly via a brand website, no apps required. This makes the journey as seamless as possible and removes any friction of needing to be on social media or downloading an app. Try Esse’s Virtual Nail try on here

5. Connected Packaging

Bring some extra special light to the upcoming end-of-year festivities with the hypnotic new packaging inspired by the ‘luminarie’ that acted as the colorful scenography for the#DiorCruise21show from@MariaGraziaChiuri, and experience the magic of this fairytale decor through the dedicated AR lens available on Instagram, Snapchat and Facebook. View it here (featured below).

We hope we have inspired you. If you would like to chat about how to bring your brand or products to life using XR, please get in touch here. For all questions or for more information please get in touch.