Incubated at IIT Madras, 1000Lookz, the developer of virtual makeover tool and try-on simulation technologies has launched MIDAS product (jointly developed by Schwarzkopf Professional India, business unit cosmetics/toiletries of the Henkel group).
MIDAS is an iPad/iPhone app that allows a user to upload a photo and allows virtual rendering of hair styles and hair color products.
The app offers following features:
– Makeup: Upload your own pic. Apply makeup for your face (foundation, blush, concealer), eyes (eyeshadow: lid, contour, highlight & smoky eye effects) and lips (lipstick & lipgloss). ‘Finger Painting’ will let you paint on face, eyes or lips with your fingers on your iPad! Adjust points to increase or decrease makeup spread on face, eyes or lips.
– Instant Lookz: Explore the different categories & try out the various pre-designed makeup created by experts! Just tap on an instant look and see the same makeup getting applied onto your uploaded own pic!
– Hairstyles & Hair colors: Zoom in/out hairstyles or face. Hair colors for hairstyles & for your own hair! Color full hair or regions of hair or try hair streaking using your fingers to paint!
– Accessories: Complete your makeover by sporting new spectacles or sunglasses or bindi.
“It took us nearly 3 years to research along with IIT-M professors to solve this critical logic of facial image processing where we identify the key facial points of a user. And it has taken us nearly more than 9 months to develop this beautiful product for iPad with Schwarzkopf Professional. I am extremely satisfied and confident about the output of the final product. We are going to truly revolutionize the Beauty and salon industry. “ [Vasan S, Founder and CEO – 1000Lookz].
Given that India has more than 5,000 premium salons – the market opportunity is quite huge for an application like this – though it mandates having an iPad/iPhone and team should look at launching an Android version, in order to gain wider acceptance/usage.
As far as target segment is concerned,the startup is targeting salons to jewelry stores, eyewear brands and ecommerce sites etc.; and plans to expand to APAC, MEA and European market.
Download the iPad app (priced at $4.99) and share your comments/suggestions.
