At illuminateAI, we are proving how AI driven technology in beauty works across both e-commerce and in store as an effective tool for store associates to create deeper connections with clients and increase sales through personalized product recommendations. Earlier last year, French heritage brand Clarins integrated an AI-driven makeup recommendation engine, powered by illuminateAI to assist their Beauty Coaches – their sales associates and beauty experts who are at the front lines in their boutiques and cosmetic counters – when working with and selling to customers. Beauty Coaches reported that our technology enhanced client trust and that our complementary product recommendations increased Average Order Value (AOV) 40% – 60%, and 70% of customers who used the illuminateAI technology purchased a second product.
With Clarins, our technology doesn’t just recommend the best foundation, but an entire suite of products, from nude and red lip color to blush and bronzer, based on the customer’s unique skin. Used by Clarins Beauty Coaches inside Clarins stand alone boutiques, John Lewis department stores and Boots locations, the Clarins AI Shade Finder transforms a standard smartphone into a true scientific instrument, capable of accurately reading the unique color signature of every skin tone in less than 60 seconds. Instead of relying on a single photo, the system captures a rapid sequence of images while changing the phone screen’s light. By analyzing how light reflects on the skin, the algorithm can precisely identify skin tone, undertone and overall colorimetry.
“This gives credibility and science to customer dialog”– Clarins Beauty Coach about using the skin measurement tool from illuminateAI.
This partnership illustrates the power of our technology to transform the in-store experience. In our first months since launch our accurate data on skin and AI-powered beauty advisor, provided personal product recommendations which achieved an unprecedented 80-90% client satisfaction. Two of the three locations in which one partner deployed IlluminateAI software saw corresponding year-on-year sales increases ranging from 60-80%.
“Clarins is very proud to enrich our makeup expertise with a truly precise AI tool to complement our Beauty Coaches’ and makeup artistes’ professional advice,” says Katalin Berenyi, Clarins Brand General Manager. “Beauty Coaches told us it transformed their relationship with clients with an added emotional layer, and customers loved how simple and intuitive the experience felt.”
Clarins is leveraging illuminateAI tech in-store across 7 countries today, including at their department store and drugstore locations Boots, John Lewis, and Selfridges. Direct to consumer and more countries will roll out next year.