Building on the launch of AI Skin Observer, dedicated to skin diagnostics, Clarins is further advancing its in-store experience strategy with an AI-powered foundation recommendation service.
Offered exclusively in-store, AI Shade Finder provides what Clarins describes as unparalleled accuracy in shade selection.
Developed in collaboration with IlluminateAI — the first company to accurately measure skin tone and undertone using a smartphone — AI Shade Finder leverages spectroscopy technology to transform a standard smartphone into “a true scientific instrument.”
Instead of relying on a single photo, the system captures a rapid sequence of images while changing the phone screen’s light. By analysing how light reflects on the skin, the algorithm can precisely identify skin tone, undertone and overall colorimetry.
AI Shade Finder achieves a 96% match rate compared with expert makeup artist recommendations — “a record level of accuracy,” according to Clarins.
"The technology quantifies pigmentation and undertones with a level of precision that was previously impossible in-store with a smartphone. It’s 10 years of make-up expertise, now accessible through a simple face scan," explains Konrad Jarausch, Founder & CEO of IlluminateAI.
From foundation to lipstick
Far beyond foundation matching, AI Shade Finder enables Clarins Beauty Advisors to recommend not only the perfect foundation shade, but also a fully personalized makeup routine, all harmonized to enhance the customer’s complexion.
"The AI Shade Finder enables us to put AI and beauty tech at the service of our ambitious strategy of accelerating in makeup,” says Jonathan Zrihen, President & CEO of Clarins.
According to Clarins, live testing in boutiques in France and the UK has already demonstrated strong impact, both on conversion and on average basket size.
"Clarins is very proud to enrich our makeup expertise with a truly precise AI tool to complement our Beauty Advisors’ and makeup artistes’ professional advice," adds Katalin Berenyi, Clarins Brand General Manager. "Beauty Advisors told us it transformed their relationship with clients with an added emotional layer, and customers loved how simple and intuitive the experience felt."
Clarins AI Shade Finder is currently deployed in more than 100 Clarins boutiques and counters across 7 countries (France, United Kingdom, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Mexico, UAE), supporting the launch of the new Double Serum Foundation, with additional geographies to follow this spring.
