Virtual try-on technology: How to transform real-life products into hyper-realistic virtual makeup

With the global beauty tech market reaching a staggering $8.46 billion in revenue, the demand for hyper-realistic virtual makeup experiences is skyrocketing. 

At the heart of this revolution is virtual try-on technology powered by advanced face tracking, which seamlessly integrates real-life makeup products into the virtual realm. And with it, offers an unparalleled user experience.

This article delves into the intricate process of transforming real-life makeup products into hyper-realistic virtual counterparts.

From our proprietary face-tracking technology to the in-depth testing and quality assurance that guarantees authenticity, find out what it takes to create a mirror-like virtual makeup experience.

I. Using proprietary face tracking technology for our realistic makeup simulator

Our proprietary FaceTrack technology revolutionizes virtual makeup applications by combining cutting-edge computer vision, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. This technology detects and follows the movements and features of a human face in real time, ensuring precise and accurate makeup placement.

FaceTrack begins with isolating a face. Then, it identifies and isolates key facial structures such as the eyes, nose, and mouth. After that, it pinpoints specific facial landmarks—up to 151 distinct points—covering the mouth, eyes, nose, eyebrows, ears, and facial contour.

This detailed mapping ensures that virtual makeup is applied with precision, adapting seamlessly to the face’s natural contours.

Moreover, by tracking these landmarks in real time, FaceTrack ensures that virtual makeup moves naturally with facial expressions and head movements. Whether applying foundation, blush, lipstick, or eyeshadow, our technology guarantees a realistic look, enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.

What this means, for example, is:

• When applying virtual foundation, the technology ensures that the product is evenly distributed across the face, adhering to natural contours and avoiding any artificial appearance.
• Blush is precisely placed on the cheeks, following the user’s natural bone structure.
• Eye makeup, such as eyeshadow and eyeliner, is applied with consideration of the eyelids’ creases and folds, ensuring a natural look.

II. How does virtual try-on work: Replicating real-life products virtually

Transforming real-life makeup products into hyper-realistic virtual versions involves several detailed steps. Here’s how our virtual try-on technology works and how we create a stunningly realistic makeup simulator.

1.      Using face tracking technology to obtain facial feature points.

Our advanced face tracking technology precisely detects and maps key facial feature points, such as the eyes, nose, lips, and contours of the face. This foundational step ensures that the virtual makeup is applied accurately and moves naturally with the user’s expressions.

2.      Creating custom meshes for each makeup product using those points.

Using the obtained facial feature points, we create custom meshes tailored to each makeup product. These meshes serve as the framework for applying virtual makeup, ensuring it conforms perfectly to the unique contours and dimensions of the user’s face.

3.      Applying a mask to the created mesh.

To control the precise area and shape of the makeup application, we overlay a mask – i.e., a black-and-white texture – onto the mesh. The black areas denote regions where no makeup will be applied and it will become transparent, while the white areas will be colored, i.e. makeup will be rendered there. 

4.      Applying the desired color to the mask.

Once the texture is set, we apply the desired makeup color to the white areas of the texture. This step allows us to replicate the exact shade and intensity of the real-life makeup product, ensuring vibrant and accurate color representation.

5.      Applying necessary post-processing rendering steps to blend it with the original frame.

Finally, we perform post-processing rendering steps to seamlessly blend the virtual makeup with the original video frame. This involves fine-tuning the texture, adding realistic lighting effects, and ensuring that the makeup interacts naturally with the skin’s surface. The result is a hyper-realistic virtual makeup application that looks and moves like the real thing.

By following these steps, we ensure that our virtual makeup products not only look stunning but also provide a realistic and engaging user experience.

Now, how do we ensure the highest possible quality and accuracy of our solutions? Find out next.

III. In-house makeup testing and quality assurance

Ensuring the highest accuracy and reliability for our virtual makeup products requires a meticulous and rigorous approach.

So, here’s how our in-house makeup testing and quality assurance process works.

1. Detailed testing procedures

a) Real-life testing

To validate our technology and guarantee the utmost accuracy and reliability, we conduct extensive testing across hundreds of makeup products.

For example, for foundation, we use our Shade Finder tool across a wide range of foundation products and then compare the results with real-life applications. For these real-life applications and testing, we use a diverse group of participants with skin tones ranging from the lightest to the darkest.

This, in the end, ensures that our tool performs exceptionally well for different skin tones and under good natural and artificial lighting conditions.

b) Measuring success

We measure the effectiveness of our tool through specific metrics such as accuracy and user satisfaction rates. This data-driven approach allows us to continuously refine our technology, ensuring it delivers precise and reliable results.

 2. Quality assurance protocols

a) Continuous evaluation

Our commitment to quality doesn’t end with initial testing. We engage in continuous evaluation of our virtual makeup products, regularly updating our algorithms and expanding our database of products to keep up with new releases and trends.

b) Feedback loop

We maintain an active feedback loop with users and professional makeup experts. Their insights and experiences help us identify areas for improvement and ensure that our tool remains at the forefront of virtual makeup technology.

c) Professional endorsement

Our technology is not only tested by users but also rigorously verified by professional makeup experts. These professionals, with their deep understanding of skin tones and foundation matching, endorse our tool for its precision and adaptability. Their endorsement is a testament to the practical effectiveness and reliability of our Shade Finder in real-world applications.

IV. Virtual try-on technology: Enhancing the customer journey

Our proprietary face tracking technology and rigorous testing procedures form the foundation of our hyper-realistic virtual makeup applications.

But the journey doesn’t end there. To truly transform the customer experience, you can integrate our advanced virtual try-on technology with additional cutting-edge solutions to enhance product discovery and personalization.

Here’s how these innovations benefit color cosmetic brands by creating a seamless and engaging customer journey.

1. AI Foundation Shade Finder

The Shade Finder is a critical tool in our virtual try-on technology suite. It accurately matches foundation shades by analyzing various factors.

• Firstly, it analyzes skin tone by assessing the user’s facial image in natural lighting conditions.
• Beyond skin tone, it also takes into account users’ finish preferences, such as matte or natural.
• And based on this, our Shade Finder provides a comprehensive and personalized foundation recommendation.

For brands, this means reducing the guesswork for your customers, leading to higher confidence in online purchases and fewer returns. The precision of our Shade Finder ensures that customers find their matching shade, enhancing their overall experience and loyalty to the brand.

2. Product recommender systems

AI and data analytics play pivotal roles in personalizing product recommendations, transforming the way customers interact with virtual makeup tools. By analyzing user preferences, browsing history, and purchase patterns, AI algorithms can offer tailored makeup suggestions that cater to individual needs and tastes.

• For instance, if a user frequently searches for matte foundations and rosy blushes, the system will prioritize similar products in future recommendations.
• It might also suggest complementary items like setting powders or highlighters that enhance a matte finish.

For beauty and cosmetic brands, this means presenting customers with makeup products that match their unique preferences and needs, from favorite shades to preferred finishes.

Personalized recommendations not only increase customer satisfaction but also boost sales by guiding users to products they are more likely to purchase.

Create your own integrated makeup experience

As the beauty tech market continues to grow, the integration of virtual try-on technology will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the industry.

By bridging the gap between physical products and digital experiences, we are not only enhancing the way consumers interact with makeup but also setting new standards for innovation and customer engagement in the beauty sector.

This seamless fusion of technology and beauty ensures a personalized and immersive experience, making virtual try-on an indispensable tool for both brands and consumers.

Contact us today and we’ll show you how it can transform your business.