L’Oreal releases virtual makeup app

New York – L’Oreal Paris is releasing Makeup Genius, a free mobile app that uses advanced facial mapping technology to turn the front-facing iPhone and iPad camera into a virtual mirror that allows women to try on products in real-time. Makeup Genius allows consumers to scan a L'Oreal Paris product or advertisement to detect a color match, virtually try on individual products or test out curated looks from expert makeup artists, and share with friends and family on Facebook.



Working with facial mapping technology provider Image Metrics, L’Oreal created a facial mapping algorithm that allows women to try on eye shadow, eyeliners, lip colors and blushes and experiment with different looks, all in real time.



Makeup Genius captures 64 facial data points and 100 different facial expressions, making it intuitive enough to discern between the skin of the lips, eyes and other facial contours, allowing the virtual makeup to move with the user as they turn their head, change facial expression and test out new looks at various angles and lighting conditions.