L’Oréal executive says robots could one day apply makeup

In short: A L’Oréal technology executive says the idea of robots applying makeup is starting to look realistic, even though no product has been announced.

What's going on

Guive Balooch, L’Oréal’s global vice president of technology and open innovation, said robots applying makeup is “not all that far-fetched.” He described a future where putting on makeup could become close to automatic. He compared the idea to a scene in The Fifth Element, where makeup appears to apply itself.

This is not a consumer product L’Oréal has announced. Instead, Balooch was talking about a possible direction for the future. It is a sign of how beauty companies are thinking about using more technology in everyday routines.

L’Oréal is already working on other beauty tech tools. These include AI-powered skin diagnostics, which are tools that use computer programs to look at a photo of your skin and suggest what it sees (like a fast second opinion). The company also works on virtual makeup try-ons, which let people preview makeup on a screen before buying, and on personalized recommendations.

What to watch

If L’Oréal and others move from software to robotics, the big questions will be about safety and accuracy. Applying makeup is delicate, especially around eyes and lips. Watch for early uses in controlled settings first, like salons or in-store demos, before anything aimed at home users.

Source: NYTimes