
7 Best providers of AR mirror (SDKs) for e-commerce brands

Only some consumers find it easy to choose an ideal product. When it comes to shopping in-store, consumers can take help from salespeople or use the trial rooms. But some shoppers find it unhygienic. On the other hand, online shopping makes it more difficult for customers to select the right products. That’s where the AR mirror comes in.
AR mirrors allow you to offer your customers virtual try-on facilities while they shop online or in-store. Thus, it can blend the physical world with the digital one. In retail and e-commerce, creating a convenient and engaging shopping experience for your customers is essential. As a result, they are more likely to return and buy more. Deploying the AR mirror will give your shoppers interactive and engaging shopping experiences.
As the AR mirrors are reshaping the beauty market, the global market size of smart mirrors is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2023 to 2032. To make your brand an innovative leader in the beauty industry it is essential to introduce AR mirrors for consumers. In this way, you can increase your sales opportunities.
Is investing in AR mirrors worth it for your business? In this blog, you will know everything about it. I have already shared my picks for the best providers of AR mirrors. But this is not an entire list of AR mirror providers; it’s the ones you should consider:
7 Best providers of the AR mirrors (SDKs)
- GlamAR ( Best for AR try-on)
- Perfect Corp ( Best for advanced makeup simulator)
- Banuba ( Best for AR mirror software)
- DeepAR.ai ( Best for AR shopping)
- MirrAR ( Best for easy-to-integrate AR software)
- Modiface ( Best for AR capabilities)
- PulpoAR ( Best for in-store smart mirror)
Glance at the 7 best providers of the AR mirror (SDKs)
What is an AR mirror?
AR mirrors merge the traditional functioning of mirrors with augmented reality. It not only enables your customers to see your reflection in the mirror. Instead, they can apply digital projections to themselves. Using AR mirrors, consumers are able to try on makeup, jewelry, accessories, and clothes, with no physical touch. AR and AI technologies lie at the core of AR mirrors.
AR mirrors are responsible for tracking your customers’ faces and bodies. Then, the mirrors will segment these faces into zones and overlay makeup or other products in real-time. Combining AR technology and 3D tracking, the AR mirrors can detect an individual’s hand gestures and facial characteristics. Thus, it enables personalized and interactive shopping experiences.
Benefits of the AR mirror
AR mirrors help retailers build stronger connections with customers by offering personalized experiences. Nowadays, consumers expect personalization in both online and in-store shopping that intuitive AR mirrors can fulfill. Let’s discover the advantages of AR mirrors for retail and e-commerce brands:
1. Enhanced user experience
With an AR mirror, your customers can try on makeup products, clothes, and other accessories. As a brand owner, you can integrate it into your e-commerce website to enable customers to use a virtual try-on module for products in a hygienic way. Shoppers will not be required to try any used products or testers to make a purchase. In this way, they can save time and experience improved shopping.
2. Boosting interactivity & engagement
AR mirrors allow shoppers to experience your products virtually. Consumers can try on and interact with virtual products through these mirrors. They can experiment with your products and make a confident purchase. Thus, you can offer them personalized and interactive shopping experiences. This, in turn, converts your curious leads into consumers.
3. Increased foot traffic
As compared to traditional shopping, online shopping invites more customers due to its convenience. AR mirrors are a plus to digital and in-store shopping. It enables shoppers to try on products before buying them. They can see how products will suit them and choose the best one. Using AR mirrors, you can attract increasing numbers of customers to your online or offline store.
4. Elevating brand awareness
AR mirrors encourage social sharing. Since your customers can share their virtual try-on experiences through social media, your brand’s reach will increase. Thus, you can keep growing your business and stay ahead of this competitive market.
5. Driving sales
AR mirrors bring confidence in shopping among consumers. Now, consumers are more likely to buy your products as they can visualize them in the virtual space. As a result, you will face lower return rates and more conversions. You can get valuable data about your customers while they interact with the AR mirrors during shopping. It will help you redirect and reshape your marketing strategies.
Best providers of AR mirrors & SDKs for e-commerce
AR mirrors can be game changers for e-commerce brand owners in the field of customer engagement and retention. Keeping it in mind, I am presenting the 7 best AR mirror SDKs that are worth testing:
1. GlamAR
If you want to add an interactive and intuitive edge to your e-commerce brand, GlamAR’s AR try-on technology will enhance your user experience. It allows your customers to try on your products with just a camera. They won’t need to download any app. No matter if it is a makeup product, eyewear, jewelry, or accessory, you can let consumers interact with your products in real-time.
Using AR technology, you can offer experiential shopping through PDPs, apps, kiosks, or smart mirrors. On the virtual try-on platform, the camera of your customer’s mobile or computer will work as mirrors where they can see how your product would look on them. To integrate GlamAR’s SDK into your e-commerce platform, you can follow the ‘ Getting started’ guide.
Features:
- Makeup try-on: Your customers can try on different finishes and shades of your makeup products. A variety of makeup products are available to experiment with: lipsticks, eyebrows, eye shadow, eyeliner, mascara, lip liner, blush, etc. I tried lipsticks through a live camera. The makeup try-on software allowed me to compare my look after applying lipstick. Plus, I saved my best try-on look.
- Eyewear try-on: For an eyewear brand, GlamAR offers 3D and AR solutions to improve the online shopping experiences of consumers. I tried on eyeglasses and sunglasses through a live camera on this eyewear try-on platform. I can also adjust the eyewear while trying on with the help of the tools for positioning and scaling.
- Jewelry try-on: Jewelry brand owners can allow their customers to try on jewelry from anywhere through GlamAR’s jewelry try-on technology. They can see how necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and other jewelry products would look on them in real time. I tried necklaces and nails through a live camera, available on this platform. Consumers can also use their still images or models to try on jewelry pieces.
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2. Perfect Corp
While virtual try-on technology providers are designed for enhancing customer engagement, Perfect Corp has taken it a step further with its 3D makeup simulator. It will help makeup brands increase conversions and boost sales. Perfect Corp’s AI and AR-powered virtual try-on experience is like looking into a virtual mirror.
You can embed a virtual makeover / AR try-on via their web SDK or modules (often starting with a trial or freemium/demo tier). The advanced AI makeup simulator technology provides a personalized look for every skin tone and face shape. It offers AR beauty try-on across online and in-store platforms. In this way, you can ensure an omnichannel and consistent customer experience.
Features:
- AR makeup: An advanced makeup simulator of Perfect Corp enables lifelike makeup applications for consumers. It is an affordable self-service solution for 7 product categories: lipstick, blush, eyeshadow, eyelash, eyeliner, foundation, and mascara. With minimal coding work, you can create AR makeup try-on experiences for your customers. I experienced lip color try-on, and it surprised me with various shades and textures, along with a range of lip shapes.
- Face analyzer: AR virtual makeover shopping experience is powered by AI deep learning technology. It ensures accurate and realistic face tracking. It is optimized for all ages and ethnicities. Apart from a virtual makeover, you can offer color analysis and product recommendations to your customers.
- AR hairstyle: Consumers can find their perfect hairstyle with this AR hairstyle virtual try-on. The AR haircut, hairstyle & wig generator of Perfect Corp can show your customers how they will look with new hairstyles. I tried different hairstyles on my uploaded image, using this platform.
3. Banuba
Do you want to improve your customer satisfaction and protect their health? Banuba’s AR mirror software offers a no-touch display with new try-on possibilities. Consumers can control the system with simple, intuitive gestures. Most importantly, AR mirrors are more hygienic and enjoyable to your customers, especially health-conscious ones.
AR mirrors allow shoppers to try multiple products and their combinations with no help from your in-store staff. Since virtual testing kits are reusable, you can save money by introducing them to your customers. AR mirror software from Banuba supports makeup, jewelry, headwear, eyeglasses/sunglasses, watches, and other product try-ons.
Features:
- Beauty AR SDK: Banuba’s TINT platform offers beauty AI and AR tools to enable real-time face beautification. It will help you add face touch-ups and makeup filters to your iOS, Android, and web apps. The beauty augmented reality filters work on video calls, photo, video editing, and live streaming apps. On top of this, it promotes user-generated content offerings.
- AR makeup: Banuba’s AR makeup SDK offers a makeup API for virtual cosmetics that resembles physical ones. You can optimize this SDK for high and low-end devices. Now, your customers can try multiple makeup products at a time and swap them out in one click. The makeup API supports native Android and iOS, as well as Flutter, React Native, Web, Unity, and Desktop platforms. This means that they can use beauty effects on smart mirrors in stores.
- Web AR SDK: Banuba’s streamlined web AR kit helps you create AR experiences through your web browsers. It includes product try-ons and background filters. The web AR supports the application of multiple AR assets on more than one face. Plus, it can provide browser support for Chrome, Firefox, and Safari to enhance your market reach. For e-commerce: you can drive product discovery and sales through its virtual try-on capabilities.
4. DeepAR.ai
If you are an e-commerce brand owner and looking for an AR shopping platform, DeepAR.ai enables you to offer your customers glasses, shoes, watches, and other product try-ons inside your website or app. Also, it provides all the tools for adding AR features to your video chat app.
DeepAR Ads SDK helps you take your AR and interactive camera campaigns across HTML5, iOS, and Android AR ad formats. When it comes to AR e-commerce, you can enable footwear, wrist jewelry, glasses, beauty, and makeup product try-ons. Apart from this, consumers can avail of the face filters, background replacement, and blur effects on DeepAR.
Features:
- AR beauty & makeup: For beauty brands: DeepAR creates AR makeup try-ons and advanced beauty effects. It offers a photo and video SDK for a photo-realistic makeup, hair, skin, and accessories simulation. It allows your customers to create a makeup look in real-time with AR try-ons. I tested its makeup try-on in the browser.
- AR SDK: Since DeepAR has created a full-stack AR SDK, you or your developer can add face filters, masks, and special effects to their app or website with ease. It has hundreds of realistic masks and effects with which you can increase your customer engagement.
- Background replacement: You can use this background replacement and blur feature in any type of project, from video calls to photo editing apps on mobile or desktop. It is integrated into the DeepAR SDK. So, it would be user-friendly. You can combine it with other features, such as face filters, hair segmentation, etc., and manage it from one SDK.
5. MirrAR
Since the future of online shopping is experiential and highly personalized, MirrAR’s AR software enables virtual try-on capabilities. It aims to fill the gap between physical and digital shopping. Integrating the AR software, your customers can try on your products virtually from anywhere.
You can display jewelry, beauty, skincare, eyewear, and other fashion accessories through the AR platform. Consumers can experiment with your products in real-time until they find their best one. Thus, they can make an informed purchasing decision. It may lead to low return rates and customer satisfaction.
Features:
- AR makeup tool: It offers your customers a virtual makeover experience in real-time. Using AR and AI-driven tools, shoppers can try on different shades of lipstick, eyeliner, etc. It empowers realistic facial mapping for accurate makeup trials. With 300+ facial points, the technology can detect wide-angle facial profiles, dramatic facial movements, and changes in light.
- Omnichannel integration: You can provide your customers with virtual makeup software through your e-commerce website, branded application, social media handles across devices & also in-store fitting mirrors. They can try on your makeup products from smartphones, PCs, and tablets, with the help of AR-enabled beauty tools. Plus, they are able to compare their looks side by side in the same virtual try-on window.
- AR social media: Understanding your brand’s requirements, MirrAR can create appropriate AR filters. The filters will be added to your brand’s social handles. After platform approval, your customers can try on your products on their social media platforms.
6. Modiface
For 15+ years, Modiface has been a leading creator of AR technology in the beauty industry. It offers beauty tech solutions to engage, educate, and empower consumers. Its nail, hair, and makeup virtual try-ons, as well as AI-powered skin diagnostics, provide the best AR capabilities for consumers.
Modiface’s tracking technology can process your customer’s image directly on your device. This means that their image never leaves their device and keeps their data safe. The technology can automatically adapt to different lighting and skin tones. The makeup, hair, and nail renderings of Modiface ensure realism and color accuracy.
Features:
- Makeup virtual try-on: It allows your customers to test color cosmetics in a digital space. You can add this technology to your website, app, or in-store virtual mirror. Then, let consumers click ‘Start my Camera’ to see their try-on video on screen. They can select different shades and experience those that appear on their faces.
- Multi-platform compatibility: Modiface offers various makeup categories, such as lipsticks, foundations, brows, etc., through different platforms: Android, iOS, web, Windows, and WeChat. You can get your products configured for use with makeup virtual try-on in minutes. For this: you need to send your product list and reference images.
- Makeup tutorials: On this platform, your customers will find makeup tutorials that will help them learn to create a perfect makeup look. The technology overlays animations to show consumers how to apply the makeup. It offers video guides and pro tips that will teach them the exact motion to use makeup brushes.
7. PulpoAR
When it comes to elevating customer experience, PulpoAR’s AR commerce would be one of your best solutions. It offers omnichannel virtual try-on augmented shopping solutions for beauty retail. It enables your customers to try on your products on desktop and mobile web with realism, regardless of their location and time.
In this way, you can engage your customers with your brand with a convenient and flexible shopping experience. On the plus side, you can integrate this AR try-on technology into your in-store smart mirror. It eliminates hygiene issues for consumers. Now, shoppers can try on products with touchless screens, instead of in-store trial rooms.
Features:
- Accuracy: AR technology ensures an accurate overlay of virtual objects on top of a real image while modifying the texture and shades. As a result, your customers can experience accurate virtual try-on experiences no matter what the product is. The face, hand, and head tracking technology can provide a facial makeup, hair color, and nail polish try-on easily and be accessible for consumers.
- In-store smart mirror: Let your shoppers scan the QR code on the smart mirror. Then, they can select a product on their smartphone that they want to buy. Finally, they are able to see how the product would look on them. It may help you reduce your expenses through the AR product trials.
- User-friendly solution: PulpoAR is optimized for every browser and platform to ensure fast and optimal performance. Its real-time tracking try-on technology allows you to integrate it into your e-commerce platforms and any devices.
Other platforms you can explore
There are many other AR mirror SDKs that may not quite make it due to my strict criteria for listing AR mirrors. But the good news is that I would like to share those SDK providers with you. Here they are:
- Eyesmatch’s Memomi: It is an advanced mirror software that can transform the luxury shopping market. It has a multi-layered AR and AI engine that provides your customers with a realistic and personalized experience. The ready-to-market technology works across platforms, including web, iOS, and Android. In-store and online. No matter if you have a fashion or beauty brand, Eyesmatch can customize its virtual product application and offer personalized product recommendations in real time.
- Arbelle: If you want to transform your customers’ personal devices into virtual mirrors, Arbelle’s AR software allows you to offer them a virtual makeup try-on. Now, your customers can explore products anytime, anywhere. Makeup AR helps consumers to experience how the products would suit them and drive their confident purchase decisions across channels. According to their skin shade and face shape, consumers will obtain personalized product recommendations. You can integrate this beauty AR into your website, app, or in-store setup and get valuable insights about your customers that will help you modify your marketing strategies.
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Brands that are using the AR mirror
Nowadays, brands are using and introducing AR mirrors to offer their customers virtual try-ons and interactive shopping experiences online and in-store. It enhances customer engagement and increases conversions. Let’s have a look at some popular brands that are using AR mirrors:
1. Sephora
Makeup by Mario launched a life-size AR Mirror at the entrance of Sephora Times Square. It allows their customers to experience a virtual makeup try-on and a tutorial from its founder, celebrity makeup artist Mario Dedivanovic. As a beauty retailer, Sephora launched a 3D AR mirror in partnership with Modiface. It is designed to transform cosmetic shopping for women.
Sephora’s AR mirror allows consumers to apply cosmetics on their faces in real-time. Using advanced facial recognition and tracking technology, it maps a customer’s face in an accurate manner. As a result, consumers will get virtual try-on experiences of makeup products.
Sephora’s virtual artist can give them a virtual makeover. Sephora’s makeup app uses facial recognition to empower customers to try on products anywhere. The app scans the face, detects eyes, lips, and cheeks for product placement. Then, it lets customers try on makeup virtually to see just what this eyeliner or that lipstick looks like on them.
2. L'Oréal Paris
L’Oréal presented the new beauty experience at Viva Technology Paris in 2018. It included an AR mirror to enhance customer experience. Thus, it brings innovation to the beauty industry. L’Oréal Paris transplanted the Instagram lens experience to an AR mirror.
It ensures a user-friendly and engaging interaction. So, consumers can interact with your products virtually. No matter if it is in-store shopping, events, or exhibitions, shoppers can experience personalized and enjoyable shopping.
Apart from this, L’Oréal collaborated with the Asian retail giant Watsons. Watsons installed Perfect Corp.'s AR makeup mirrors in its Shanghai stores in 2017. Sometimes, it features L’Oréal’s product inventory.
“We really believe that the future of beauty will be digitalized and tech beauty and in this area, we have been really the first to start and we are ahead of the game and for us, it is priority number one. In all aspects — social media, our search, our e-commerce, data, artificial intelligence — we really want to be ahead”. - says L’Oréal CEO and Chairman Jean-Paul Agon.
3. Prada
FFFACE.ME developed two different formats of AR mirrors for Prada Beauty. It represents a creative fusion of art, technology, and fragrance. There were three AR filters that symbolised the multifaceted essence of women. Thus, it is successfully celebrating its diversity and complexity.
Passers-by interacted with AR mirrors that are set against the Paris Opera backdrop. It reflected their image through a unique filter and a personalized experience, paired with an instant photo. The AR mirrors were placed in high-traffic areas and created “wow” reactions from engaged consumers.
How to choose the best AR mirror provider?
AR mirrors shape the future of the beauty industry. As I was researching each AR mirror SDK, I started paying attention to its features and impacts. When you are in the same boat or in deeper waters, select the SDK provider that speaks to your pain the most. Try the demo (if available) for a few weeks and see if it is worth your investment.
I am hopeful that you will notice a difference in your conversions after even a few days. You can try GlamAR’s SDK to build your own AR mirror to drive sales and engage customers more. It has a user-friendly interface and is compatible with multiple platforms.
Therefore, brand owners can integrate this SDK into their e-commerce platform to transform the way consumers shop. Learn more about how GlamAR SDK works.
Conclusion
Now, consumers are more inclined towards tech-driven experiences. They get bored when it comes to waiting in a queue for trial rooms, and also become frustrated when they have to return products for the wrong size or fit. An AR mirror is something that gives them the convenience to try on products in a quick and hygienic way.
For beauty and fashion brands, AR mirrors are increasingly becoming essential rather than optional. So, you must think about how you can implement them as fast and efficiently as possible. It would be playing a pivotal role in your brand’s marketing and offering your customers personalized shopping experiences. For integrating AR mirrors online or in-store, contact the SDK providers, such as GlamAR, to explore them in e-commerce.
AR mirrors combine a one-way mirror with a hidden display, a camera, and specialized AR software. Thus, it overlays digital information or virtual products onto a consumer’s real-time reflection. A camera captures their images. Then, the AR software analyzes the data and user movements to offer realistic simulations of products.
A smart mirror refers to any tech-driven mirror. For example, digital displays for information or basic lighting. On the other hand, an AR mirror adds a layer of AR to that functionality. It enables virtual object placement and interaction.
Usually, AR mirrors are common elements in the fashion and beauty industries to allow virtual try-on experiences. They are also useful in retail, advertising, and for home use.
Some AR mirrors run fully on-device, but cloud improves accuracy, updates, analytics, and product inventory. But some basic display functions might work offline. Most importantly, the full experience of AR mirrors depends on a connection to the internet and cloud-based platforms.
Businesses can extensively customize the AR mirror experience. It aligns with their brand, including adding logos, corporate colors, and custom animations to the interface and photo outputs. Also, they can personalize the user experience with the incorporation of AI to analyze preferences. It allows tailored recommendations for products like clothing or makeup.
AR mirrors require special hardware. It includes a digital display, a camera to capture the consumer, and a processing unit for running the AR software. But specific hardware may vary based on the complexity of the AR experience. Some systems add existing digital screens with cameras.