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 NARS, and its Japan-based parent company Shiseido, see data and AI-driven personalization as key in their efforts to cater to the needs of an increasingly digital customer base. Benjamin Lord, NARS executive director of omnichannel of global eCommerce, sees the use of data and AI and critical to stand out in an "oversaturated" beauty market that is cluttered with new players (Glossier, Beautycounter) and established brands (Clinique, Estee Lauder). In 2017, Shiseido acquired AI and AR developer Giran, and more recently, artificial skin tech startup Olivo Labs, and personalization solution provider MATCHCo, in order to help NARS and its other brands (bareMinerals, Dolce & Gabbana…) create new personalized products and seamless experiences for their customers. Shiseido looks to be ahead of most companies: mobile and online sales account for 25 percent of its revenue compared to just over 6 percent for the entire beauty industry as a whole.
"NARS Cosmetics Puts Its Best Face Forward With AI, Data", PYMNTS, May 30, 2018
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 L’Occitane en Province is opening its flagship store in Manhattan. Known for its natural beauty products, the French beauty brand is adding a host of technologies to its New York City location. In addition to having an area focused on social media, the store will also have a live feed of the brand’s US Instagram account. Stationary bikes combined with augmented reality will allow customers to take a virtual bike ride across Provence. Also, the company is using the store to expand its sustainability partnership with recycling company TerraCycle.
"L’Occitane Embraces The High-Tech Experience", PYMNTS.com, August 22, 2018
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 Infinite Beauty has begun offering its HydraFacial MD Highlights high-tech beauty services at its spa location in Bethesda, Maryland. Noted for its technology-focused approach to beauty care, the company operates eight spa locations that provide customers with innovative treatments, such as high-frequency, microcurrent, ultrasonic, and LED light therapy. According to the company, the HydraFacial process can increase skin hydration, help reduce lines and wrinkles, as well as enhance the appearance of hyperpigmentation or redness.
"Infinite Beauty Continues to Ramp Up Investment in Beauty Technology", Newswire.com, August 24, 2018
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 FOREO Institute is developing ways to incorporate artificial intelligence into its LUNA fofo line of beauty technology products. Founded in 2013, FOREO has been creating high-tech products for the beauty industry, as well as “sleek” product designs. Among the industry “firsts” the company has come up with include the first silicone cleansing brush.
"FOREO spearheads innovation in beauty technology industry", Saudi Gazette, August 30, 2018
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Givaudan Active Beauty has introduced EVE, an artificial intelligence-enabled new product development tool designed for the creation of new cosmetic products. According to the company, EVE is designed to quickly match a product brief with Givaudan Active Beauty’s lineup of active cosmetics ingredients. Its intuitive interface allows EVE users to easily navigate through several criteria, including the targeted consumer profile, region where the product is expected to be launched, and regulatory compliance requirements.
"Artificial intelligence can speed up new product development, says Givaudan", Premium Beauty News, September 03, 2018
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Avon announced the launch of Digital Innovation University, the direct-to-consumer beauty brand's digital training program for its Sales Training Teams. Developed in partnership with digital experts, the training program is available online. It comes with three modules and runs for three months.
"Avon's commitment to upskilling Sales Training Team with Digital Innovation University", Avon Company, September 05, 2018
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Beauty brands are integrating technologies, including artificial intelligence, sensors, and Internet of Things, into their skincare devices designed to provide consumers with personalization and tailored information about their beauty care routines. Brands have their respective approaches to customization and consumer education, with Neutrogena, for example, developing products that come with sensors and cameras to offer consumers information on the health of their skin. For its part, Foreo has launched the Luna FoFo AI-enabled skincare device, while Clarisonic has introduced its Mia Smart facial massaging device.
"The next generation of beauty devices are using AI and IoT technology to win over customers", Glossy, September 07, 2018
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 Perfect Corp. has partnered with fashion house Flying Solo NYC to provide consumers with an augmented reality beauty experience using the YouCam Makeup app at the 2018 New York Fashion Week. To be featured during the AR event are two new looks featuring airbrush accents and colorful lashes. These looks will be integrated into YouCam Makeup to allow users to virtually try on the looks. Also, YouCam and Flying Solo will live stream a beauty special event in the app.
"YouCam Makeup & Flying Solo Kick Off NYFW with a One-of-a-Kind AR Beauty Experience Bringing This Season’s Runway Looks to Life", Business Wire, September 07, 2018
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 South Korean skincare brand Aesthetic Hydration Cosmetic has unveiled a pop-up store in Shanghai, marketing the company’s official entry into China’s beauty care market. According to AHC, its cosmetics products are being sold at health and beauty stores across China, as well as in online shopping malls in the country. With the pop-up store offering customers the chance to experience the company’s leading products, AHC said it will target women in the country with its leading moisturizing products.
"S. Korean skincare brand AHC officially enters China", Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea , September 12, 2018
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 L’Oreal Paris has launched the Try On, an augmented reality try-on tool powered by the ModiFace virtual technology. Requiring no other apps, the tool allows consumers to virtually try on more than 300 of the company’s beauty products, including blushes, eyeshadows, eyeliners, lipsticks, and lip liners. Available on LorealParisUSA.com, the Try On tool is easy to use, with users needing to follow only four steps.
"L'Oréal Paris Launches New Virtual Try-On Tool", PR Newswire, September 13, 2018
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 Samsung and beauty giant The Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. joined forces to host the 2018 WWD x Samsung Style Dimension, an industry event highlighting the use of immersive technologies in creating consumer experiences. Held on September 6 and 7, the event also focused on industry trends involving the integration of beauty, fashion, and technology. Unlike its previous editions, the 2018 Style Dimension allowed those who attended the event to buy all the beauty brands on display and to interact with pop-up displays enabled by Samsung’s technologies.
"Style Dimension Blends Beauty and Tech, Woos ‘Experiential Consumers’", WWD, September 14, 2018
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 Skincare trends, referred to by industry observers as “black tech”, are becoming popular among millennial consumers in China. Three of the leading black-tech product categories are black-tech facial machines, with the ReFa Electronic Roller from Japan as a leading example; black-tech facial cleansers, such as those from Foreo; and black-tech massage boosters, including those from the SK-II brand. Facial rollers from ReFa accounted for 50 percent of the segment’s revenue in 2017, with more than $4 million worth of ReFa machines sold during the November 11 Singles Day shopping festival. Foreo’s facial cleanser became a social media favorite, with many celebrities posting themselves using the product. SK-II launched a massage booster in 2017, selling all of its 10,000 units during the company’s 2017 TMALL Super Brand Day event.
"Chinese Millennial Skincare Gets a Black Tech Makeover", Jing Daily, September 14, 2018
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 Macy’s revealed it is integrating new features, including virtual reality and augmented reality, to improve the experience of consumers shopping for furniture and beauty products. Also, the company said it will join forces with Facebook to bring almost 150 ecommerce brands to the retail chain’s The Market @ Macy’s retail platform. According to the retailer, the partnership will offer participating small businesses and ecommerce brands to take advantage of a Macy’s store environment during the holidays. During the Code Commerce On-Location Event in New York City, Macy’s will highlight several technologies, including virtual and augmented reality furniture shopping, augmented reality for beauty, beauty playground, and radio-frequency identification.
"Macy’s, Inc. Improves Customer Journey With Enhanced In-Store Technology Experiences", Business Wire, September 17, 2018
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