M∙A∙C is making online shopping in the age of social distancing easier than ever through its new Virtual Try-On feature, which lets consumers instantly sample products on pictures or live videos of themselves before ever making a purchase.

The try-on offering uses YouCam’s augmented reality technology to create photo-realistic simulations that can be tested on any skin tone and adapted to different textures, mattes, sheens, glosses, and more than 200 shades of lip or eye colours. Usage of the tool continues to grow as more consumers turn online for purchases during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a threefold increase in consumer engagement over the eight-week period ending April 20.

“As pioneers in digital innovation, we understand that there is no better way to connect with our ​consumers than through a convenient, personalized online shopping experience,” said Ukonwa Ojo, Global ​Chief Marketing​ Officer and Senior Vice President, Global Marketing, ​M∙A∙C Cosmetics​. “Through our Virtual Try-On feature, we’re able to bring a quintessential element of the in-store experience right to our consumers’ homes.”

To get started, consumers should visit MAC’s ​Virtual Try On page​ and choose a product to sample. Users will then be prompted to enable their live camera or upload a photo of themselves or a model. From there, consumers can test out various swatches to instantly find the right shade before making a purchase. For further assistance, consumers can also chat live with a M∙A∙C artist.

M∙A∙C first began testing augmented reality technology in 2017 by installing virtual try-on mirrors in select stores. To date, more than 120 stores globally have installed the virtual try-on mirrors, which leverage facial and 3D video makeup rendering technology to create a curated set of M∙A∙C shades and looks to be tried on by a user instantly.

“We believe our YouCam Makeup AI and AR technology has revolutionized how consumers discover, try and buy beauty,” said Perfect Corp. founder and CEO, Alice Chang. “MAC continues to lead the industry in this critical area and we are thrilled to partner with them to make this virtual-try on offering even more accessible to consumers who are socially distancing at home.”