Augmented Reality is the new way to shop

Online shopping has evolved. Brands are turning to augmented reality (AR) as a new way for customers to try on products.

By hayden ng - 12 May 2021

Share this article

To say that our lives have undergone a 180-degree change since the start of COVD-19 is not an understatement. Pre-pandemic, terms like work from home (WFH) and social distancing were unheard of.

Now, beauty and fashion brands, aesthetics clinics, as well as fitness studios are changing their business models by going digital. It’s not simply setting up online stores and allowing us to shop at home in our favourite loungewear.

Online skin consultations, Zoom workouts and beauty mobile apps have made it clear. Virtual and augmented reality (AR) are the new norm for businesses and they're here to shake up our shopping experiences. It’s not exactly a bad thing. In fact, they can help us to minimise physical contact, keeping us safe in an increasingly touch-less world.

Ahead, some of the brands that are currently offering us alternatives to the traditional touch-and-try shopping method. From a lip scanner to trying on shoes virtually, these are the innovations that have caught our eyes.

Chanel Beauty

Credit: Chanel Beauty

1/5

The good people at Chanel Beauty has launched a new mobile app titled Lipscanner. Just like its name suggests, this makeup app is made for lipstick enthusiasts to find the perfect Chanel lippy based on their favourite colours.

See a colour that you fancy? Launch the Lipscanner app, point the camera towards an item that you fancy, and let the app scour through Chanel’s extensive lip collection and recommend you some matching lipstick, lip gloss or lip pencil options. Matching your lippy to your outfit, for example, has never been easier.

Bulgari

2/5

Think you can only shop for high-end jewellery by stepping into a luxury brand's boutique? Think again. Bulgari, one of the best-known jewellery houses worldwide, has an online store in Singapore.

That's not all; to make the online shopping experience more life-like, the website features AR functions for its bags department. Here, shoppers get to picture how their favourite Bulgari bags look in real-life with the help of 3D images and AR feature. All within the safety compounds of one's home. Neat!

Gucci

3/5

We won't deny it — we love the convenience of online shopping. However, one of the toughest struggles of buying things online is visualising how a product looks on us

To help us out, Gucci has a mobile app that has special built-in AR abilities that let you try on its statement-making sunnies, sneakers, lippies, and hats. Simply called Gucci, the app is free to download and even boasts arcade-style games as well as Gucci podcasts covering topics from inclusivity to environmental concerns.

Massimo Dutti

Credit: Massimo Dutti

4/5

Good news for all fans of Massimo Dutti. The famous Spanish fashion label has just launched its online store in Singapore last month. And that means you can now shop for stylish work- and weekend-ready pieces in the comfort of your own WFH desk.

Massimo Dutti also has an eponymous mobile application that allows users to ‘try on’ its casual-sport shoes. All you have to do is to download the app on your Apple or Android device, click on the Shoes Experience tab and see how they look on your feet. After trying it out, we think it looks pretty real; how cool is that!

Sephora

Credit: Sephora

5/5

When buying a new makeup product, swatching is such an essential part because it helps us to decide which shade works best for us. With product testing prohibitions going on in stores, it’s no wonder makeup fanatics are feeling a little lost.

Thankfully, Sephora Virtual Artist is here to help. Whether you’re looking for a new foundation, eye shadow or blusher, this app will help you to filter and pick the correct matches.

Augmented Reality is the new way to shop

Share this article

Chanel Beauty

Bulgari

Gucci

Massimo Dutti

Sephora

Tags

Share this article