AI Makeup Recommendations: A Beauty Expert Puts Virtual Assistants to the Test
Staff Editor Makeup Artist Puts AI to the Test in Beauty Routine Experiment
In an innovative exploration of artificial intelligence’s potential in the beauty industry, a professional makeup artist recently conducted an experiment to assess AI’s efficiency in recommending makeup products. The challenge focused on finding suitable shades for different skin tones, a task that often proves difficult even for seasoned professionals.
The makeup artist turned to ChatGPT, a popular AI language model, to recommend drugstore products available in Canada. To ensure accuracy, the artist utilized ImageColorPicker.com to identify precise hex codes for skin, hair, and eye colors under natural lighting conditions. These codes were then incorporated into a detailed prompt for ChatGPT, requesting foundation, lip product, and eye-shadow recommendations.
ChatGPT responded with a variety of suggestions from well-known drugstore brands, explaining product suitability based on undertones and coverage. However, the AI’s recommendations presented challenges in sourcing, as some specific shades were difficult to find in Canadian stores, necessitating reliance on online resellers.
The artist tested three recommended products: Maybelline FitMe Foundation, CoverGirl TruNaked Nudes Eye-Shadow Palette, and Nyx Soft Matte Lip Cream. The foundation received positive feedback for its shade match and coverage, proving suitable for everyday looks. However, the eye-shadow palette disappointed with its poor color payoff and cool-toned shades that washed out the complexion. The lip cream in shade Abu Dhabi failed to complement the skin tone, requiring additional products for enhancement.
Reflecting on the experiment, the makeup artist noted ChatGPT’s limitations in accurate shade-matching and verifying product availability. While the AI showed potential for general product recommendations and price comparisons, it lacked depth in understanding complexion nuances.
The experiment highlighted the ongoing importance of human expertise in makeup artistry, particularly in shade-matching. While AI tools like ChatGPT offer interesting possibilities in beauty routines, they currently fall short of replicating the personalized touch and nuanced understanding that professional makeup artists bring to their craft.
As AI technology continues to evolve, it may find its place in the beauty industry. However, this experiment underscores that the artistry and personalized approach of human makeup professionals remain irreplaceable in creating truly tailored beauty looks.
