(Las Vegas) Perfect manicure at home and personalized advice for skin care and makeup thanks to artificial intelligence, beauty benefits from technological innovations with the aim of democratizing services sometimes reserved for the wealthiest.
This is particularly the case for the Nimble nail salon, presented as the world’s first device of this type combining artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. It allows you to paint ten fingernails and dry them in just twenty-five minutes. At home, therefore available at any time without an appointment.
This eight-kilo white box with a hatch is on display this week at the consumer electronics show in Las Vegas, the sector’s annual high point.
According to its creators, it uses high-resolution microcameras and 3D imaging to determine the shape, size and curvature of nails. Then a small robotic arm, guided by artificial intelligence algorithms, applies the base-varnish-finish trio and a blower dries between each layer.
When it goes on sale in March, more than thirty colors will be available, in the form of capsules costing ten dollars each and enough to perform two complete manicures. The device costs $599.
AI, now a staple of consumer technology innovation, has also infiltrated beauty products like makeup and skincare.
“Beauty has been an essential need since Homo erectus,” Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of cosmetics giant L’Oréal, said Tuesday during the CES opening session.
PHOTO STEVE MARCUS, REUTERS
“Beauty allows you to increase your self-confidence and self-esteem,” Nicolas Hieronimus, CEO of cosmetics giant L’Oréal, said Tuesday during the opening session of CES.
“Technology helps us form a stronger relationship with our customers,” he added. Regarding beauty, tech offers “inclusive experiences” and allows “people to express who they are”.
“Beauty allows you to increase your self-confidence and your self-esteem,” noted Mr. Hieronimus, the first boss in the sector to speak on the big stage at CES.
In front of an audience of some 2,000 people and all those connected live, he demonstrated the free Beauty Genius application, which aims to be “a virtual personal advisor” supported by AI.
“The first personal beauty advisor,” noted Mr. Hieronimus.
She recommends skincare and makeup products based on your skin, gives tips on makeup techniques, answers questions about problems like acne, hair loss, etc. And allows you to virtually try the products mentioned.
Virtual tryouts
PHOTO BRENDAN SMIALOWSKI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Nimble uses high-resolution microcameras and 3D imaging to determine the shape, size and curvature of nails. Then a small robotic arm, guided by artificial intelligence algorithms, applies the trio base-varnish-top coat and a blower dries between each layer.
A way to guide distraught customers faced with rows of foundations with very similar shades and varied textures or creams with multiple specificities.
This is also the objective of Beautiful AI, created by the company Perfect Corp, which combines generative artificial intelligence and virtual reality to perform live skin analyses, 3D try-ons on hairstyles or jewelry and make recommendations.
In a study published in May, the consulting firm McKinsey estimated the global beauty industry (skin and hair care, perfume, makeup) at $430 billion in 2022 and anticipated it to reach $580 billion. by 2027. And internet sales have almost quadrupled between 2015 and 2022.
The Korean Prinker, a specialist in ephemeral and customizable tattoos for skin and hair, is unveiling a makeup powder printer this year.
Artificial intelligence is once again used, with a biometric 3D scanner to map facial characteristics (contour, shape, complexion). She then recommends eye shadow and blush, and prints the corresponding powders.
When it comes to care, personalization plays a major role and hair is not left out.
L’Oréal is presenting this week as a world first a connected hair dryer, customizable using an application taking into account the type of hair and which automatically adapts power and heat distribution.
In addition, the Airlight Pro uses infrared light to dry the hair, which preserves the hydration of the hair and allows an energy saving of 31% compared to a conventional device, explains to AFP Adrien Chrétien, manager of the development of augmented beauty at L’Oréal. It must be marketed from April.
Another product scheduled for launch this year: the Colorsonic, a hair coloring device that works with cartridges that are reusable for three months.