Clarins Launches AI-Powered Foundation Matching Tool
Beauty brand Clarins has unveiled its "AI Shade Finder," a new digital tool for foundation matching. The company claims the technology is the most precise on the market, capable of analyzing over 20,000 skin tones. The tool represents a growing industry trend of using AI to drive personalization and increase online conversion rates.
- The AI Shade Finder was developed with Silicon Valley tech startup IlluminateAI and uses spectroscopy to analyze how light reflects on the skin, achieving a 96% match rate when compared to a makeup artist. This tool is initially being rolled out as an in-store exclusive service at 200 Clarins counters and boutiques across seven countries. - During pilot testing in France and the U.K., the in-store tool demonstrated a 70% conversion rate and doubled the average basket size compared to consultations without the service. - The global market for AI in beauty and cosmetics was valued at approximately $3.27 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $16.4 billion by 2033, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19.8%. Personalized recommendation tools are the largest segment of this market, accounting for $1.2 billion in 2023. - Competitor L'Oréal offers a virtual "Match My Shade" tool powered by AI that analyzes a 360° selfie video against a library of 45,000 skin tones to find a match in 10 seconds. - The technology is part of a larger digital acceleration for Clarins, which has included the launch of a direct-to-consumer mobile app and an "AI Skin Observer" tool for personalized skincare recommendations in partnership with Perfect Corp. - The use of virtual try-on technology in the beauty industry has been shown to increase conversion rates by as much as 2.5 times. It also helps to reduce product returns, a significant issue for online retailers. - Key technology provider Perfect Corp., a partner for brands like Estée Lauder, has developed "BeautyGPT" and "SkincareGPT" tools to act as intelligent digital advisors for consumers. Their technology is used by over 600 global brands and their consumer apps have over a billion downloads. - This push into AI is a strategic move for Clarins to accelerate its makeup category, according to President & CEO Jonathan Zrihen. The tool's launch is timed to support the new Double Serum Foundation.
