Dive Brief:

• As more companies use virtual technology for cosmetics testing, Perfect Corp. created YouCam Tutorial, which helps brands create step-by-step beauty tutorials to educate consumers on makeup application techniques, the company announced on Friday.
• YouCam Tutorial uses AI to guide users through makeup tutorials using text and interactive, augmented reality visuals overlaid onto users' faces. It also features e-commerce capabilities, which let shoppers buy products used during the tutorial in one click, the company said.
• Perfect Corp. debuted the new tool in partnership with The Nolcha Shows during New York Fashion Week from Sept. 12 to 14. Makeup artists backstage during The Nolcha Shows received guided tutorials for creating runway beauty looks, per the announcement.

Dive Insight:

The YouCam Tutorial tool is designed to provide shoppers with a hyper-realistic and educational experience that can build brand loyalty and encourage customers to purchase the featured cosmetics, according to Perfect Corp. Shoppers can use the YouCam Tutorial tool using a smart mirror in-store or through instant replay on their mobile device or laptop.

"The real-time tutorial and advanced brush stroke animation continue to build upon the virtual beauty counter experience by offering guided step-by-step education to drive customer satisfaction and sales," Perfect Corp. founder and CEO, Alice Chang, said in a statement.

For the past few years, Perfect Corp. has introduced a variety of AR cosmetics technologies. In July 2019, the beauty tech startup unveiled "YouCam for Web," a tool that integrates with a website and lets consumers browse and try on cosmetics before buying them using AR technology. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Mineral Fusion to launch its virtual cosmetics testing tool in select Whole Foods stores. Companies such as Snapchat, Google and Bobbi Brown Cosmetics have tapped the company to integrate its virtual try-on technology.

Perfect Corp. also recently raised capital to expand its business. In January, the company raised $50 million in Series C funding to develop its AI beauty technology and expand internationally.

Now that the COVID-19 pandemic has complicated in-store cosmetics testing, more companies are turning to AR testing tools to attract consumers, and competitors are entering the AR territory as well. Pinterest debuted its AR try-on feature in January to let shoppers preview eyeshadow products before buying them. The following month, Essie and ModiFace rolled out a virtual try-on feature to test nail polish colors.