Google just launched a virtual beauty counter and the timing couldn't be better
You can now try on beauty products before shopping them online without leaving the house

Thanks to the events of 2020 - leading many of us to spending a lot more time at home - online shopping rates have gone up by around 22,958,748%. You know. Roughly. We're guessing. It's not an official stat.
And while beauty etailers are one of the best ways to shop your make-up favourites, the one drawback is that you can't swatch testers before you buy as you would in store.
Few things are worse than splashing out on a brand new foundation or lipstick online, only to find that the shade is a complete mismatch or simply doesn't suit you at all when it arrives. Sound familiar? We've all been there.
At least, this was the case until Google took a few steps to change things.
- Best eyeliner for beginners: 5 tried and tested picks anyone can use
- Best foundation for acne prone skin: our top tried and tested formulas
Last week the company announced its new AR beauty counter, created with ModiFace and Perfect Corp, which allows us to try on beauty products from the comfort of our own home.
The new virtual beauty counter comes as an addition to the Google Shopping app and allows you to search and try on products from all of your favourite brands, from the best BB creams to lipsticks and eyeshadows.
According to Byrdie, you're also able to get beauty recommendations and tips using Shoploop, which brings you 90-second shoppable videos. Technology these days, hey.
There is one small catch: the Google Shopping app is obviously only available to download from the Google Play store, so for now iPhone users are missing out on the virtual beauty fun.
Let's hope something similar is rolled out across the board soon, because this is going to make online shopping a whole lot easier in 2021.
Cheers, Google!
-
-
The best sustainable jeans: the eco-friendly wardrobe upgrade
The best sustainable jeans to snap up now for an eco-friendly denim upgrade
By Charlie Bell •
-
The best upcycle ideas to try at home, from fashion to home decor
These 19 creative upcycle ideas add value to everyday unwanted items in your home
By My Imperfect Life •
-
Pixi Beauty Balm review: how good is this pigment packed BB cream?
Here's everything you need to know about this longwear BB cream that offers long term skincare benefits
By Amerley Ollennu •
-
Best eyeliner for beginners: 5 tried and tested picks anyone can use
Looking for the best eyeliner for beginners? From liquid to kohl and gel, these are our top picks
By Lucy Partington •
-
Revolution just dropped a new Friends collection at Ulta (including Joey's famous lipstick)
The third Friends-inspired line is available now at Ulta Beauty – and everything is under $20
By Lucy Abbersteen •
-
All the red carpet beauty secrets you never knew from an A-List makeup artist
Kay Montano shares the red carpet makeup secrets she's used on stars like Margot Robbie and Thandie Newton.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
‘Lip wings’ is the newest make-up trend for your biggest pout yet
The 'lip wings' look will give you real-life Bratz dolls vibes
By Kudzai Chibaduki •
-
The Ulta 21 Days of Beauty 2021 sale is still live—here's what we're buying
The Ulta 21 days of beauty sale is here and with savings of up to 50% here are all the best products to add to basket...
By Sunil Makan •
-
The 90s 'Supermodel Lip' is making a huge comeback - just ask Addison Rae and Lizzo
The 90s 'supermodel lip' is enjoying a renaissance and serving up all the beauty feels from that era.
By Fiona Embleton •
-
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation: Why we love this all-inclusive non-comedogenic formula
Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk foundation is one of the best non-comedogenic formulas we’ve come across, here’s why...
By Aleesha Badkar •