Skip to main content

Envisioning is an emerging technology research institute and advisory.

LinkedInInstagramGitHub

2011 — 2026

research
  • Observatory
  • Newsletter
  • Methodology
  • Origins
  • Vocab
services
  • Signals Session
  • Bespoke Projects
  • Build Sessions
  • Use Cases
  • Readinessfree
  • Signals
  • Free scan↗free
impact
  • ANBIMAFuture of Brazilian Capital Markets
  • IEEECharting the Energy Transition
  • Horizon 2045Future of Human and Planetary Security
  • WKOTechnology Scanning for Austria
solutions
  • Innovation
  • Strategy
  • Consultants
  • Foresight
  • Associations
  • Governments
resources
  • Partners
  • Coding for Non-Coders
  • How We Work
  • Data Visualization
  • Multi-Model Method
  • FAQ
  • Security & Privacy
about
  • Manifesto
  • Community
  • Events
  • Support
  • Contact
ResearchServicesSignalsAbout
ResearchServicesSignalsAbout
  1. Home
  2. Research
  3. Aura
  4. Virtual Try-On AR

Virtual Try-On AR

Real-time AR overlays for testing makeup, hair color, and accessories before purchase
Back to AuraView interactive version

Virtual try-on AR uses advanced computer vision, facial tracking, and augmented reality rendering to overlay makeup products, hair colors, and accessories onto live video feeds of users' faces in real-time. These systems use machine learning to accurately map facial features, track expressions and movements, and adjust virtual overlays to match lighting conditions and skin tone, creating realistic previews of how products will look before purchase. Advanced systems can simulate different finishes (matte, dewy, glossy), account for skin texture, and even show how products appear in different lighting environments, enabling confident online shopping and reducing product returns.

This innovation addresses the limitation of online beauty shopping, where customers can't try products before buying, leading to high return rates and purchase hesitation. By providing realistic virtual try-on experiences, AR technology enables confident online purchases and reduces the need for physical stores. Companies like ModiFace, Perfect Corp, and major beauty brands have integrated AR try-on into their apps and websites, with some systems achieving photorealistic results that closely match real product application.

The technology is particularly significant for the growth of e-commerce in beauty, where virtual try-on can replicate the in-store experience and even exceed it by allowing users to try multiple products simultaneously. As AR technology improves and becomes more accessible, virtual try-on could become standard for all beauty e-commerce. However, ensuring accuracy across all skin tones, managing lighting variations, and maintaining realistic representations remain ongoing challenges. The technology represents a major advancement in online beauty retail, with clear benefits for both consumers and brands.

TRL
8/9Deployed
Impact
4/5
Investment
4/5
Category
software

Related Organizations

Perfect Corp

Taiwan · Company

98%

Developer of the YouCam suite and AgileHand technology, providing enterprise-grade AR try-on solutions for makeup, nails, watches, and jewelry.

Developer
ModiFace

Canada · Company

95%

An AR beauty technology provider acquired by L'Oréal to power virtual try-ons across the group's portfolio and partners like Amazon.

Developer
Revieve

Finland · Startup

92%

Provides a Digital Health-Beauty-Wellness Platform that combines AI skin analysis with AR try-on capabilities for retailers.

Developer
Banuba

HK · Company

90%

Computer vision lab developing Face AR SDKs for virtual try-on, face filters, and makeup simulation used by mobile app developers.

Developer
Snap Inc. logo
Snap Inc.

United States · Company

90%

Social media and camera company developing AR spectacles.

Developer
Wanna

United Kingdom · Company

88%

AR commerce company acquired by Farfetch, specializing in virtual try-on for accessories, watches, and beauty products.

Developer
Coty

United States · Company

85%

Multinational beauty company that has strategically partnered with Perfect Corp to deploy AR try-on across brands like CoverGirl and Sally Hansen.

Deployer
DeepAR

United Kingdom · Startup

85%

Provides a lightweight AR SDK for mobile and web that enables makeup try-on and emotional tracking.

Developer
Visage Technologies

Sweden · Company

85%

Specialists in face tracking and analysis, providing the underlying algorithms for many consumer-facing AR beauty applications.

Developer
Pinterest logo
Pinterest

United States · Company

80%

Offers 'Try On for Beauty' features, allowing users to virtually test eyeshadow and lipstick from partner brands using Lens technology.

Deployer

Supporting Evidence

Evidence data is not available for this technology yet.

Research this in Signals

Scan Virtual Try-On AR for yourself.

Signals turns a topic into a sourced research record you can inspect and rerun. Your first scan is free, and this one starts with Virtual Try-On AR already loaded, so edit it or scan as is.