Estée Lauder unveils new beauty app for visually impaired users

The Estée Lauder Companies has unveiled a new Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant (VMA) application to support the visually impaired community in applying makeup more easily. 

The mobile app's smart mirror technology is driven by Estée Lauder's Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence capabilities and was developed using machine learning. The launch is the first iteration of the app, which is intended to be continuously improved over the coming months.

The experience uses voice instruction technologies to assist the user in makeup application, offering audio feedback and tips on whether lipstick, eyeshadow or foundation is evenly applied.

The app identifies the makeup on a user’s face and assesses the uniformity and boundaries of the application and coverage. It then finds any areas on the face that may require more accurate application and audibly describes where touch ups may be needed.

The Estée Lauder brand in the UK will be the first to adopt and promote this technology, with the application first launching via the Apple App Store and esteelauder.co.uk.

Michael Smith, Chief Information Officer at The Estée Lauder Companies, said: “We are committed to building innovative technology solutions that make beauty truly inclusive to everyone. We are thrilled to bring the experience of independently applying makeup to the millions of people that are visually impaired. Technology is a powerful tool to drive inclusion and we are delighted to be first to market with this pioneering app.”

Monica Rastogi, Executive Director of Corporate Cultural Relevancy, Inclusion & Diversity at The Estée Lauder Companies, said: “As a company, we are deeply committed to playing our part in creating an inclusive beauty industry. The launch of our Voice-Enabled Makeup Assistant is an important step in our journey towards makeup accessibility for all by removing barriers to engaging with beauty products and services.”