Google search new online shopping feature makes buying beauty products online a little less betting. Now you can practically “try” beauty products from Google Shopping using professional models or, if you prefer, on your own – thanks to the magic of augmented reality and the selfie camera of your smartphone.
At launch, only selected products from Black Opal, Charlotte Tilbury, Estée Lauder, L’Oréal and MAC Cosmetics are accepted, but Google says it plans to include more soon. The company also hopes that the new virtual test features will inspire more brands and expand the types of products that users can preview in the app.
To preview makeup on models, search Google Shopping for a product from one of the supported brands. Android users can search using their device’s Google search bar, while iOS users will have to search using the Google app.
If a product supports the Google Virtual Trial feature, a new tab will appear in the “Overview” tab at the top of its Google Shopping page. The tool features patterns of different skin tones and genders, so it shouldn’t be hard to match your specific skin. Touch a face at the top of the window to move to the photo. You can also swipe between colors in the bottom menu if a product comes in different shades.
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To “test” your makeup in RA, tap “Try” the button below the photo model to activate the phone’s camera. Use the menu below to instantly try different color options. The application uses technology from the beauty companies AR ModiFace and Perfect Corp to “apply” face makeup in real time. It’s like using a SnapChat or Instagram filter, but without the extra effects or distorted facial structure, these apps usually apply.
Google says these new tools aren’t meant to be ads, and companies don’t have to pay Google to allow users to “try” their products. However, Google will continue to track your search history so that it can provide you with more relevant ads – unless delete this data from your Google Account.