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Augmented Reality (AR) is revolutionizing the beauty industry. This year major industry players had been harnessing this unique technology to attract more customers. Recently, L’Oreal partnered with Facebook to roll out virtual tests for shoppers through AR, aiming to drive more sales online.
According to a survey conducted, 78% of millennial customers would be more inclined to purchase a makeup product if they could see what it looks like on their face prior to buying it. Here’s how Augmented Reality has transformed the beauty industry in 2018.
Millennials and Gen-Z
Millennials and Gen-Z constitutes the majority of the target audience in the beauty industry. This generation practically lives on cell phones and their most information comes in digital form. Internet and technology have been influencing the buying decisions of this tech-savvy generation.
Thus, to attract these buyers, beauty franchisees are incorporating AR into their offerings. The consumers can test out products before making a decision to purchase any beauty products, which will help you gain consumer engagement both in-store and online.
Influencers
Influencers play a decisive role in a consumer’s life. According to research conducted, 65% of millennials would rather listen to their favourite YouTuber than an in-store beauty advisor.
Many brands have put leverage on influencer marketing and many have failed. Use of AR in their beauty franchise has encouraged a high level of influencer engagement. This has not only helped them to use influencer marketing effectively but will also be less expensive.
Bridging Offline and Online Gap
The major problem with online shopping is the absence of in-store help and advice which results in poorly-judged purchases. This may also affect the brand image.
AR not only allowed the customer to try on more products faster but also experiment with various looks and products they would otherwise ignore or fail to notice. Thus, allowing consumers to make smarter and better-informed decisions without the need to physically visit a store.
Personalisation
The personalisation was the most emerging trend of 2018 in the beauty industry. Augmented reality introduced real personalisation of beauty products. Instead of watching a blogger doing swatches of lipstick shades, customers were actually able to try them on virtually. Consumers got to know how the products will look on their face instead of just reading about it or watching on YouTube.
This made the experience far more personal, which in turn made it memorable. Introducing AR into their beauty franchise helped them to cash on this emerging trend, thus increasing the sales of their products.
