Skip to main content

Ready for a makeover? Try that look virtually first with this new smart mirror

facecake ar smart mirror ces 2017 faceccake
FaceCake / Element Electronics
The company behind the first virtual dressing room is working to make it possible to try on makeup before you buy. FaceCake, along with Made In the USA budget TV brand Element Electronics, recently debuted a NextGen vanity mirror that uses cameras and built-in lights to create an augmented reality experience of, well, your face.

The smart mirror uses cameras to capture faces, while augmented reality software allows users to try on makeup in real time, including cosmetics you already own to avoid odd combinations or products not yet in your vanity as a sort of “try before you buy” option. The mirror will also make personalized product recommendations, the developers say, as well as, of course, sharing looks to social media.

Besides just the virtual makeup samples, the mirror also uses sensors to detect the lighting in the room — since previewing makeup in natural light and artificial light can result in slightly different looks. Dual LEDs also help create ideal lighting for previewing the look, much like a traditional Hollywood vanity mirror.

“We are excited to partner with Element Electronics bringing the vanity mirror of the future into the home,” Linda Smith, founder and CEO of FaceCake, said in a press release. “An intuitive, smart mirror with professional quality lighting and an accessible price, it’s the makeup mirror only dreamed of before with Augmented Reality features that allow for virtual makeovers, personalized recommendations, social sharing, and shopping from the comfort of your own home.”

The companies expect to begin shipping the mirror in the spring.

Pricing details have not yet been released, however, Element Electronics is a budget TV brand that sells electronics to Walmart, Target and Meijer customers — suggesting that the partnership will help put the FaceCake NextGen vanity mirror at a lower price than other similar smart mirrors.

Editors' Recommendations

Hillary K. Grigonis
Hillary never planned on becoming a photographer—and then she was handed a camera at her first writing job and she's been…
The best smart light switch for Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit
The Kasa app being used to control the Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch.

One of the most satisfying smart home devices to see in action are smart lights. The thrill of dimming bulbs and changing colors with an app or voice commands has yet to wear off, and it’s one of the easiest products to set up, schedule, and troubleshoot. But what if you want to add smart capabilities to an existing light fixture? If you’re dealing with a ceiling fan, sconce, or some other pre-wired bulbs, you’ll just need to invest in a smart light switch.

These web-connected products come in multiple gang box sizes, and are sold by many different companies. Not all switches are created equal though, and we wanted to round up the best options for those with Alexa, Google Home, and HomeKit ecosystems. So we’ve done just that!

Read more
From Ninja to Cuisinart: The 5 best Keurig alternatives in 2024
A Keurig K-Supreme coffee maker sits on a kitchen counter next to K-Cups and glass of iced coffee.

There’s nothing better than a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Unfortunately, not all of us have the time to brew a fresh pot before we hit the road. That’s where small appliances like the Keurig come in handy though. Designed to whip up a great-tasting mug of warm delight in just a few minutes, it’s hard to beat the convenience delivered by the popular brand. But Keurig isn’t the only name in town.

If you’ve got a lot of mugs to fill in the morning, or you think you could score a better deal by going with a non-Keurig model, we’re on your side! Here’s five Keurig alternatives for 2024 you can buy right now.

Read more
The 5 best office chairs for long hours in 2024
The Verve in an office.

When you spend half (or more) of your day in an office chair, a $50 budget-buy store brand isn’t the kind of purchase you should be making. Not only are these cheap items more likely to break down over time, but there’s a good chance this kind of chair isn’t going to have the elevated support features your body needs. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the five best office chairs for long hours in 2024.

Each of these models are tailor-made for those of us who need a comfortable chair that feels good all day. We’ve also made sure to include a couple of options for folks who experience back pain, shoulder strain, and other sore conditions.

Read more