Foreo claims 'world first' with 3D 'make-up artist' technology

Skin care company, Foreo claims to have developed ‘the world’s first digital make-up artist’ by combining 3D printing technology and advanced real-time facial mapping software. 

3D printer, 'Moda' is shaped like a computer but with a circular groove screen, complete with 2000 built-in nozzles for spraying FDA approved mineral cosmetic 'ink' onto the face.

According to the brand that's flourishing in the UK and Asia; the intuitive mobile app allows the consumer to choose from a library of 'celebrity made-up looks' or the 'uniquely you' option, before placing their face into the printer which then 'scans their geometries and prints make-up onto the skin'.

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An Aprils Fools joke, surely?

Well, according to the brand's website; the technology is real and the process is applied in three steps. The first is a primer which ensures long-lasting coverage as well as protection from UV rays via its SPF formula. 

The next layer is a foundation which provides highlighting and contouring, while the final step applies high-impact colour for the cheeks, lips, and eyes.

‘3D printing’, a buzzword for the industry

‘3D' printing is the buzzword of the minute in the cosmetics industry.

Other recent innovations includes giving consumers the option to make their own colour cosmetic formulations at home for a fraction of the price that beauty brands charge.

Former Harvard Business School student Grace Choi says her invention, a 3D ‘Mink printer’ makes it possible to create make-up from any home computer.

All that is required is a colorful image from the Internet, a tool like Photoshop that could lift a hex color code, and a Mink Printer, which hooks up to a computer to print specific ink colors on colorless shadows and creams.

According to Choi, this technology provides the consumer with an option to generate any color cosmetic of their choice for a fraction of the retail price and at $200.

While this may come as bad news to mass or prestige color cosmetic brands, the inventor says the technology has actually been generating a lot of interest from major makeup players.

Down the line, the young entrepreneur says a Mink-branded printer could make sense. But she also thinks that if she teaches the world to print its own makeup and turns every young girl into her own L'Oreal shop, business opportunities will arise naturally.