Smart beauty mirrors in the beauty industry

Let’s face it: keeping up with what today’s beauty customers want isn’t easy. Expectations of shoppers are higher, attention spans are shorter, and people want answers instantly. That’s why smart beauty mirrors have caught the attention of so many in the beauty industry. They aren’t just cool gadgets or a passing trend. For many of us working in beauty, they’re becoming the quiet game-changer on the shop floor and in the consultation chair.

‍

I’ve watched people’s reactions the moment a shopper sees their skin “diagnosed” on-screen, or tries on a bold lipstick shade virtually before even picking up a sample. The experience feels personal in a way that sticks. Behind the scenes, these mirrors are the assistants we never knew we needed, providing honest feedback, simplifying choices, and helping us recommend products with greater confidence.

‍

Today, brands and retailers are moving fast to bring these mirrors into stores and salons, not because it’s trendy, but because it actually helps both teams and customers. The technology is making real connections possible, one reflection at a time.

‍

What are smart beauty mirrors? 

If you think a mirror just shows you your reflection, think again. Smart beauty mirrors really change the game. They don’t just show your reflection; instead, they actually notice details like dryness, fine lines, or uneven skin tone. After that, they give you product and care tips that really suit you. It’s kind of like having a helpful beauty expert right there by your side.

‍

One of the best parts? You can try on makeup without ever touching a brush or lipstick. Whether you want to see how a bold lip looks or test out a new foundation shade, the mirror shows it instantly. Many smart mirrors also pair with apps on your phone, where you can keep a record of your skin over time. That way, you get advice that changes as your skin does.

‍

For brands, these mirrors let you connect with customers in a way that feels personal and helpful. Whether users are standing in a store or scrolling at home, they get an experience that’s personalized just for them and that helps the brands build trust. In everyday terms, smart beauty mirrors make the simple act of checking your reflection a little smarter and a lot more personal.

‍

Benefits of smart beauty mirrors

Smart beauty mirrors are shaking things up for brands and retailers who want to build real connections with their customers. These aren’t just mirrors. You look into one, and it actually takes a moment to understand your skin. It notices dryness, wrinkles, uneven patches, and then gives suggestions that don’t feel generic but instead fit you personally. That kind of advice helps customers trust the brand and stick around longer.

‍

The shopping experience gets a whole lot easier and less intimidating. Instead of sifting through endless products or worrying about testing too many things, people can try on makeup or check out skincare tricks right in front of them, virtually, with no mess or fuss. Brands like Sephora have spotted that customers spend more time exploring and feel more confident when they use this kind of tech.

‍

From the business side, these mirrors are a smart way to learn more about what customers want without being pushy. They gather helpful clues about what customers enjoy and how they shop, allowing brands to adjust their products and marketing to fit those needs better. L’Oréal and other major brands rely on this information to keep growing and stay ahead of the competition.

‍

Another big plus is how these mirrors cut down on waste and make testing cleaner. With fewer physical testers being used, there’s less product getting thrown away and a smaller worry about germs, something that’s become really important lately. Plus, these mirrors get the lighting just right, so what you see is what you get.

‍

Smart beauty mirrors give brands that extra edge. Shoppers love feeling understood, and these mirrors really make that happen. You can experiment, see how things look right away, and even ask questions if you’re unsure; it’s like the store is paying attention to you personally. Shopping feels less like a chore and more like an enjoyable discovery.

‍

Lots of these mirrors can sync up with your phone, too. So even after you’ve left the store, you’re still connected. Maybe you’re tracking how your skin’s doing, or getting little tips sent straight to you. It’s nice to get helpful advice without having to search for it, and it sort of feels like the brand is rooting for you behind the scenes. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to turn someone into a loyal customer.

‍

Really, it’s all about making things smoother. Shopping gets easier and a lot more personal, while brands learn what their customers care about and find new ways to keep in touch. Everyone walks away happier.

‍

{{boost="/internal/widgets"}}

‍

Brand examples 

1. L’Oréal 

‍

L’Oréal has really made a huge name for itself. Now, they have also incorporated smart beauty mirrors to elevate customer experience. If you’ve been to one of their stores or checked out their website, you’ve probably come across their Virtual makeup try-on tool, which uses ModiFace technology. What makes this tech impressive is how simple and fun it is to use. You just use your device’s camera or a mirror in the store, and instantly get to see what lipstick, eyeshadow, or foundation shades actually look like on you with no guessing, no mess.

‍

The tool uses powerful augmented reality and AI for lifelike color matching and realistic simulations, drawing from a huge database of expert-rated images of people of all ages and skin types. But L’Oréal doesn’t just stop with makeup. The brand also offers Skin Genius, which brings AI-powered skin analysis right to your phone or their in-store tech. After you take a selfie, Skin Genius compares your skin against a clinical database of thousands of graded faces. It checks for eight key signs, from dryness to fine lines, and gives you a personalized skincare plan, all in minutes.

‍

What’s refreshing is how L’Oréal makes all of this feel genuinely helpful, not pushy. You get to try out different looks, see how they actually work on you right away, and leave feeling sure that the products you’re thinking about really fit your style and needs. From a business point of view, L’Oréal takes what they learn from these tools while always respecting customer privacy and uses it to make better products and keep up with new trends.

‍

2. Sephora 

‍

Sephora’s been mixing beauty with technology in a way that feels new and really gets you involved. Their smart mirrors are part of what makes shopping there more fun than usual. With their Virtual Artist, you can try on all sorts of makeup like lipsticks, eyeshadows, blushes, without actually putting anything on. It’s fast and clean, so no mess and no fuss, just pure experimenting.

‍

What's neat is they don’t just throw tech at you and leave it at that. The mirrors and their app give you little tips here and there, plus they suggest products that go well together, so your whole look comes together nicely. It’s kind of like having a makeup-savvy friend right there with you, helping you pick stuff that suits you.

‍

From the business side, Sephora pays close attention to what folks like when they use these virtual try-ons. That info helps them keep the right products in stock and figure out what’s hot before anyone else. It’s smart, but also very tuned in to what their customers really want.

‍

3. Olay 

‍

Olay has found a really down-to-earth way to bring tech into skincare. Their Skin Advisor tool is as simple as snapping a quick selfie, and from there, it works like a friendly skincare guide offering suggestions tailored just for you. It’s not about flooding you with complicated info but about making it easy and useful, so you feel confident about what you’re putting on your skin.

‍

What’s cool is that Olay doesn’t expect you to be a skincare pro. Whether you’re just starting out or know a bit already, the advice feels straightforward and practical. The tool considers your age, skin type, and any concerns you might have, then gives you recommendations that really fit your lifestyle with no confusing jargon, just real help.

‍

Behind all this, Olay is using what they learn from people who use the tool to keep getting better. They’re always switching things around based on what people actually need, so everyone can find something that works for their skin. It’s smart stuff, but nothing that feels confusing or over the top.

‍

4. MAC Cosmetics 

‍

MAC Cosmetics loves bold colors and creative looks, and their smart beauty tech really helps you play with that vibe. Their virtual try-on lets you play with fun lipsticks and eyeshadows without making a mess. It’s pretty cool because you can see what a wild color looks like on you before you buy it without any stress.

‍

What’s great about MAC’s tech is that it’s not just about picking the usual makeup. It encourages you to get creative, mix and match, and really express yourself, just like the brand’s always been about. Shopping becomes more like playing around with ideas.

‍

MAC keeps an eye on which looks are getting the most love. That helps them come up with new products and campaigns that really connect with their fans. So it’s a win for everyone. You get to try out fun makeup, and MAC stays ahead of the game.

‍

5. Estee Lauder

‍

Estée Lauder’s always brought a sense of timeless beauty, and now they’re mixing in some handy technology to make things easier for everyone. Their smart mirrors let you test out makeup without getting messy, so you can see exactly what suits you before buying. It’s perfect whether you want something subtle or striking.

‍

What makes it really good is how it feels personal, like having a friend there to guide you. You don’t just see colors; you get useful tips that help you pick what’s right for you. It takes the pressure off and makes shopping a bit more fun.

‍

They’re also paying close attention to what people like, so they can keep making products that fit what their customers actually want. It’s a nice balance of classic and modern that just works.

‍

Best SDKs used by brands 

1. GlamAR 

‍

‍

GlamAR is an easy way for people to try on makeup, hair colors, jewelry, and much more without actually touching a thing. Imagine being able to see if that bold lipstick or new hair shade suits you, all through your phone or a special mirror in the store. It takes the guesswork out of beauty shopping and makes it more fun.

‍

What’s great about GlamAR is that it fits brands of all sizes. Whether you’re a big name or just starting out, you can make the experience truly your own, as it’s not just some one-size-fits-all filter. Plus, it’s not only lipsticks or eyeshadows, you can try on a bunch of different products, and it looks really real, not fake or choppy.

‍

For brands, GlamAR is useful because it shows them what the shoppers actually like trying on. That way, they can bring in the right products and make better choices about what to offer customers.

‍

Features:

• Customizable experience: Brands, big or small, can tailor the try-on to fit their unique style and vibe.

• Supports many products: From makeup and hair color to accessories, it’s great for a wide range of beauty items.

• Realistic and smooth: The virtual try-ons look natural and flow seamlessly, so customers feel confident in what they see.

• Insightful data: Brands get useful info about what customers are trying and love, helping them keep up with trends.

• Works everywhere: Whether on a phone app or an in-store smart mirror, GlamAR runs smoothly across different devices.

‍

{{component="/internal/widgets"}}

‍

2. Banuba 

‍

Banuba is a face software company that was established as an AI lab. Using AR, computer vision, and machine learning, it offers virtual try-ons for eyewear, hats, nails, and makeup. Thus, it improves conversions, reduces returns, and engages customers. 

‍

Banuba has introduced the ‘TINT’ platform for AR try-on. It is a web-based solution you can easily introduce on your brand's website. If you have an e-commerce website or app, you can incorporate its real-time 3D virtual try-on. Customers will enjoy perfect fitting convenience, lifelike product looks, easy selection, and an easy checkout.

‍

Partnering with Banuba will ensure you receive free updates and software enhancements. Banuba provides your online shoppers with a range of face modification tools to boost their confidence while using front-facing cameras.

‍

Features: 

• Easy-to-access: Banuba’s AR try-on solutions are designed and optimised for a wide range of devices, covering 97% of iOS and 80% of all Android devices. Besides, its in-store AR mirror combines a physical and digital shopping experience, where customers can try on numerous products without assistance.

• User-friendly platform: Consumers will not require special devices or reference items to use the virtual try-on platform. It's a safe, easy-to-use, and accessible option.

• Real-time impact: Banuba’s rendering technology provides real-time beautification and makeup try-ons for the camera apps. Your customers can get a customizable experience for different product categories. 

• User interface: Its user interface is available in multiple languages. So, you can reach global consumers and enable them to try on your beauty products. 

‍

3. Perfect Corp. 

‍

Perfect Corp provides AR and AI beauty tech solutions. It has introduced virtual makeup try-ons to give your customers a real-time experience. Perfect Corp helps med spas and aesthetic clinics view 27 facial simulations across six facial zones. 

‍

I clicked the ‘Try-on’ button and customized my makeup with adjustable textures, patterns, and effects. This AR makeup platform can help e-commerce businesses achieve customer loyalty. Apart from makeup, Perfect Corp offers AR try-on solutions for footwear, bags, clothes, scarves, hats and headbands, nails, hairstyles, rings, bracelets, watches, earrings, necklaces, and so on.

‍

Beauty brands and retailers can use their smart beauty mirror to increase conversion rates and boost sales. Give your customers a virtual try-on option to do a makeover online for free without using any makeup products in real time. Since it works with major browsers across every platform, you can easily integrate it into your brand sites.

‍

Features:

• Virtual try-on: Perfect Corp offers various virtual try-ons like makeup, hair color, jewelry, hats, etc. Besides multiple colors and shades, various textures and patterns are available to try on.

• Realistic tracking: Your makeup flows with you effortlessly whether you’re smiling, striking a pose, or just moving around. It always looks natural and stays perfectly in place, just like the real thing.

• Personalized suggestions: Think of it as that one friend who always knows what looks good on you, making you feel confident and totally you.

• Smart skin analysis: No more standing in front of the mirror wondering what to buy. This actually understands your skin and guides you to products that really work for you.

• Always there for you: At home on the couch, shopping online, or trying things in-store, you can explore new looks whenever you feel like it. It’s your beauty studio, always on hand.

• Helping brands keep up: And here’s the bonus, brands get to see what people truly enjoy trying. That way, they can create products that actually connect with us and feel worth using.

‍

4. PulpoAR

‍

PulpoAR SDK is like giving brands a magic touch to bring things to life. Instead of only looking at products on a screen, you get to actually play with it. Try on accessories, peek at 3D models, and dive into fun, interactive stories. It’s all about making the whole thing feel easy and cool, so people actually want to try it.

‍

What’s wonderful is that PulpoAR doesn’t make things complicated for the people building it. Developers can skip the headache and just create something that really wows customers. It’s like opening up a playground where creativity can run wild, but without any rules slowing things down.

‍

And the best bit? Everything responds instantly to you. Move your head, wave your hand, and PulpoAR moves right along with you like it’s really happening. Plus, it works on your phone, tablet, or computer. So wherever you are, the fun can keep going.

‍

Features:

• Makeup try-on: You can choose your favorite makeup looks and see how they’d look on you by using a selfie or uploading a photo. They can also choose to try the makeup on different models or snap a quick picture to see how it looks instantly.

• Customized AR makeup: This platform gives you easy-to-use tools to play with your makeup, whether it’s adjusting how bold it looks or comparing different styles to find your perfect match. Apart from specific products, they can choose complete makeup looks.

• Genuine color matching: Forget guessing about colors, there’s a variety of shades and textures to pick from, and the tech makes sure what you see is exactly what you’ll get. No surprises, just perfect matches.

• Works everywhere: Whether you’re scrolling on your phone, relaxing with a tablet, or sitting at your computer, this tool slots right into any online store so you can play around with makeup anytime. Shopping’s never been this easy or fun.

‍

5. OrboAI

‍

OrboAI has embraced AI technologies to provide a personalized experience for customers of D2C, retail, or e-commerce businesses. Orbo AI blends technology and creativity to bring brands closer to their consumers with an impactful user experience. It suggests makeup, hair color, foundation shades, skin types, and skin care solutions.

‍

It is a web-based virtual try-on and needs no separate mobile application for the VTO experience. I have tried makeup in real time through my device’s camera. After choosing the product, it automatically applied the shade on my face and recommended similar products. 

‍

Through the smart magic mirror, it can conduct a thorough analysis of customers' skin and come up with the results of their past choices, provide personalized guidance, and prioritize their preferences.

‍

Features: 

• Compatible solution: You can merge OrboAI’s virtual try-on technologies across multiple devices. It is available on smart mirrors, digital kiosks, websites, tablets, and mobile applications.

• Foundation try-on: OrboAI is highly accurate in analyzing consumers’ skin tones. 

• Makeup try-on: Consumers can try makeup in real-time using their devices' cameras. They can choose the product or shade. Also, they have an option to apply a preset look. OrboAI’s technology can apply the shade or look automatically and allow them to view how the products look on them. 

• Omnichannel deployment: Orbo AI is omnichannel-ready and easily integrates across websites, mobile apps, digital kiosks, and smart mirrors. This consequently increases your reach and widens your customer base.

• Accurate results: OrboAI’s technology works on six skin types and ethnicities. It ensures high accuracy in shade detection and real-time application, providing consumers with a jitter‑free and authentic virtual makeup experience.

‍

{{boost="/internal/widgets"}}

‍

My selection process

I was on the hunt for software that could truly make these mirrors come alive, offering sharp, accurate skin analysis, super realistic virtual makeup try-ons, and personalized beauty advice that actually feels genuine and helpful. So, I dove right in and tried out each SDK, checking how well they performed once plugged into mirrors or apps, and whether their results looked and felt natural.

‍

I tested every SDK using a wide variety of photos in different lighting setups to see if their results stayed consistent regardless of the conditions. This helped me see which ones offered consistent, reliable analysis and smooth effects no matter the situation. Some SDKs were a bit all over the place, while others nailed it with clear, insightful feedback and flawless makeup overlays.

‍

The ones that stood out were able to identify skin concerns like dryness, spots, and texture, while also delivering smooth, realistic virtual makeup applications that adjusted naturally with movement. Privacy was a big concern for me. I trusted and preferred SDKs that genuinely respected user privacy while still letting the smart mirrors deliver fast, intelligent insights right when you need them, without ever making you feel like your data was at risk

‍

At the end of the day, the SDKs that won me over were easy to integrate, performed smoothly across different devices, and offered clear, helpful feedback that brands could use to provide a personalized and delightful experience. What really mattered was creating beauty tech that delivers genuine value, earns your trust, and makes the whole experience easy, welcoming, and accessible to everyone.

‍

Use cases of smart beauty mirrors

You know, when you walk into a store and you just want to find the perfect lipstick without hunting through dozens of testers or worrying about germs? They make getting ready feel a little easier and a lot more fun. You just stand in front of the mirror and instantly try on all kinds of shades and styles, no mess, no fuss. It makes shopping faster, cleaner, and honestly, a lot more fun.

‍

At home, these mirrors feel like your personal beauty coach. They don’t just show your reflection, they actually analyze your skin, noticing things like dryness or uneven tone, and then suggest products or routines that really suit you. The cool part? They remember how your skin changes over time and tweak their advice so you’re always taking the best care of yourself. And if you ever want to try a bold new makeup look? You can experiment virtually without wasting a drop of product.

‍

For beauty brands, smart mirrors are a total game-changer. It’s a win-win because users get a shopping experience that feels personal and thoughtful, and brands get to build real connections that feel a little less like a sales pitch and more like a friend giving great advice.

‍

What’s truly exciting is how these smart mirrors are making beauty tech accessible to everybody. Whether you’re treating yourself at a fancy beauty counter or just casually checking out a look in your own bathroom, these mirrors break down all the usual hurdles. These mirrors don’t just let you try on makeup virtually; they make the whole experience fun and easy for anyone to enjoy. 

‍

Conclusion 

Smart beauty mirrors are kind of changing the game. Imagine getting ready in the morning and instead of just a regular mirror, you’ve got one that actually helps. You can play with makeup looks, see what suits you, and even keep an easy eye on your skin without feeling like you’re doing homework. It doesn’t feel like tech, it feels like having a best friend in front of you, cheering you on while you get ready.

‍

For brands, it’s huge. Instead of just showing products on a shelf, these mirrors let people actually try them in a fun, no-pressure way. And here’s the cool part - they get smarter the more you use them. So after a while, the suggestions feel personal, like “oh wow, this is actually me,” not just another sales push. That little difference? That’s what makes someone come back again and again.

‍

At the end of the day, the magic is in how easy it feels. No stress, no awkward counters, no pressure. It just makes beauty light, playful, and simple. Whether you’re at a store or chilling at home, the mirror makes the whole thing feel natural, like you’ve got a sprinkle of magic in your routine.