01.11.23
The Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland has launched its Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant (VMA) application, an artificial intelligence-powered mobile app to help visually impaired users more easily and confidently apply makeup.
ELC developed the app while connecting with visually impaired consumers who expressed the need for technology that can empower them with more independence to apply their makeup with confidence. The launch is the first iteration of the app, intended to be continuously optimized and improved over the coming months.
VMA uses voice instruction technologies to assist the user in makeup application; users receive audio feedback and tips on whether their lipstick, eyeshadow, or foundation is evenly applied. Using AI, ELC’s VMA identifies makeup applied on a user’s face and assesses the uniformity and boundaries of application and coverage. VMA identifies any areas on the face that may require more accurate application and audibly describes where touch ups may be needed.
“We are committed to building innovative technology solutions that make beauty truly inclusive to everyone. We are thrilled to bring the experience of independently applying makeup to the millions of people that are visually impaired,” said Michael Smith, chief information officer, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Technology is a powerful tool to drive inclusion and we are delighted to be first to market with this pioneering app.”
“As a company, we are deeply committed to playing our part in creating an inclusive beauty industry,” added Monica Rastogi, executive director, Corporate Cultural Relevancy and Inclusion and Diversity, The Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland. “The launch of our Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant is an important step in our journey towards makeup accessibility for all by removing barriers to engaging with beauty products and services.”
The Estée Lauder brand in the UK will be the first to adopt and promote this technology. It is targeted to launch on the Google Play store within the year and across other ELC brands and markets in the near future.
Future versions of the application will offer expanded services, with the goal of providing new features, including looks to choose from, and makeup education tools to help visually impaired users better utilize ELC’s products and services.
ELC developed the app while connecting with visually impaired consumers who expressed the need for technology that can empower them with more independence to apply their makeup with confidence. The launch is the first iteration of the app, intended to be continuously optimized and improved over the coming months.
How It Works
VMA’s smart mirror technology is driven by ELC’s Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence capabilities and was developed using machine learning.VMA uses voice instruction technologies to assist the user in makeup application; users receive audio feedback and tips on whether their lipstick, eyeshadow, or foundation is evenly applied. Using AI, ELC’s VMA identifies makeup applied on a user’s face and assesses the uniformity and boundaries of application and coverage. VMA identifies any areas on the face that may require more accurate application and audibly describes where touch ups may be needed.
“We are committed to building innovative technology solutions that make beauty truly inclusive to everyone. We are thrilled to bring the experience of independently applying makeup to the millions of people that are visually impaired,” said Michael Smith, chief information officer, The Estée Lauder Companies. “Technology is a powerful tool to drive inclusion and we are delighted to be first to market with this pioneering app.”
“As a company, we are deeply committed to playing our part in creating an inclusive beauty industry,” added Monica Rastogi, executive director, Corporate Cultural Relevancy and Inclusion and Diversity, The Estée Lauder Companies UK & Ireland. “The launch of our Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant is an important step in our journey towards makeup accessibility for all by removing barriers to engaging with beauty products and services.”
Availability
The VMA App will initially be available via the Apple App Store in the UK and Estée Lauder’s UK site.The Estée Lauder brand in the UK will be the first to adopt and promote this technology. It is targeted to launch on the Google Play store within the year and across other ELC brands and markets in the near future.
Future versions of the application will offer expanded services, with the goal of providing new features, including looks to choose from, and makeup education tools to help visually impaired users better utilize ELC’s products and services.