Snapchat's new augmented reality (AR) features allow real-fit try-on from major fashion brands Throughout the pandemic, virtual try-on has offered a sweet sense of relief to fashion and beauty brands unable to demo their products offline. From seeing how a new pair of sunglasses might look on your face to testing new lipstick shades out in anticipation of a mask-free future, these AR- and AI-enabled experiences have brought a small part of the traditional retail experiences to lockdown. Even retailers like Wayfair and IKEA rolled out 3D and augmented reality furniture visualization tools so shoppers could'try before they buy'. Only, they haven't all been brilliant--particularly where fashion is concerned. In'real life', dressing rooms are the heart of shopping experiences.

Imagine a world where "Alexa, make my wrinkles disappear" really works. Unfortunately we aren't there yet, but artificial intelligence and augmented reality have changed the way we experience beauty and aesthetics, and these new technologies are paving the way. FACE VALUE After the 2018 launch of Neutrogena's first-generation Skin360 app, which required a skin-scanning tool, the team polled its users and went back to the drawing board. One key learning: Consumers wanted a way to analyze their skin without the extra tool, as well as the ability to track the impact of certain products on their skin health. The result is a "180-degree selfie analysis of skin pixels and facial attributes powered by YouCam technology," says Dianne Rossetti, principal scientist for Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health.