Clarins Launches AI Shade Finder: Revolutionizing Foundation Matching Technology
Clarins Embraces AI with the New Shade Finder
In a bold step towards innovation, Clarins has revealed the AI Shade Finder, a cutting-edge tool that promises unparalleled accuracy in foundation matching. This revolutionary technology, launched in February 2026, represents a significant leap forward for the beauty industry, which has long struggled with the complexities of skin tone and undertone matching.
A Partnership with IlluminateAI
Developed in partnership with IlluminateAI, a Silicon Valley startup specializing in advanced technology, the AI Shade Finder utilizes state-of-the-art techniques to evaluate skin tones and undertones. This groundbreaking system allows Clarins to offer a tailored experience, combining the art of makeup with the science of artificial intelligence, creating a unique service for every customer.
With the AI Shade Finder, customers can expect an efficiency that previous methods could not guarantee. Traditional matching often resulted in mismatches that could be frustrating for both clients and beauty consultants alike. The AI Shade Finder optimizes this experience by offering over 96% accuracy in shade matching—comparable to the expertise of seasoned makeup artists.
How It Works
The technology behind the AI Shade Finder relies on spectroscopy, a sophisticated technology harnessing the science of light. By quickly taking multiple images of a customer’s skin under various lighting conditions, the system evaluates how light interacts with skin tones. This capability allows for a detailed analysis of an individual's unique color signature in less than a minute. As a result, customers are given recommendations that couldn't be attained using standard methods alone.
According to Konrad Jarausch, CEO of IlluminateAI, "The technology transforms a smartphone into a precise reader of skin color. This breakthrough enables us to quantify pigmentation and undertones more accurately than ever before, allowing for a much more personalized makeup experience."
Beyond Foundation Matching
While the AI Shade Finder excels at matching foundation colors, its capabilities extend much further. After analyzing the customer’s skin, Clarins Beauty Advisors can curate an entire makeup routine that complements the person’s complexion. By moving beyond just foundation, the AI Shade Finder enhances the overall customer experience in a way that was previously unimaginable. No longer will clients have to worry about their makeup appearing differently when exposed to natural light!
An Exclusive In-Store Experience
The AI Shade Finder is now exclusively available at Clarins locations, crafted as an intuitive and user-friendly tool. This project reflects Clarins' commitment to employing advanced technology while ensuring that the human touch remains at the heart of their services. The system is not just a tool for matching but has also fostered emotional connections between beauty advisors and clients, creating a more personal shopping experience.
As Jonathan Zrihen, President and CEO of Clarins, states, "The AI Shade Finder enables us to variate AI and beauty tech in our efforts to accelerate growth in the makeup arena. We are thrilled to present an innovation that was designed with and for our clients."
Proven Results
The AI Shade Finder has already shown its effectiveness in preliminary tests conducted in boutiques across the UK and France. Initial findings revealed that the new tool significantly enhances the traditional makeup consultation process, resulting in improved sales and customer satisfaction.
Katalin Berenyi, General Manager of Clarins, emphasized, "This tool enriches our beauty advisors’ expertise and adds a new layer of emotional engagement. Our clients have embraced how interactive and straightforward the entire experience has become."
Leading the Future of Beauty Tech
With the AI Shade Finder actively deployed in over 100 stores across seven countries—France, the UK, Ireland, Italy, Switzerland, Mexico, and the UAE—Clarins is solidifying its position as a pioneer in beauty technology. Furthermore, with the launch of their new Double Serum Foundation, the company is set to expand this service to additional markets very soon.
In conclusion, the AI Shade Finder marks a pivotal moment for the beauty industry, combining cutting-edge technology with a personalized experience that redefines makeup consultations for the modern consumer. As Clarins continues to innovate, it shines a light on the importance of science, precision, and client experience in the world of beauty.