YouCam Makeup is a virtual makeover and selfie editing application developed by Perfect Corp.[1] The app allows users to edit photos with various makeup effects, skin beautification tools, and virtual try-ons for makeup products using augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.[2][3][4] It has been downloaded over 590 million times as of July 2024.
History
YouCam Makeup was launched in 2014 by Perfect Corp,[5][6] a company specializing in artificial intelligence and augmented reality applications for beauty and fashion, and gained popularity due to its AR and AI technologies, which provided realistic and customizable makeup simulations.[7][8]
Since 2016, YouCam Makeup has partnered with various beauty brands and media outlets to expand its functionalities.[9] Collaborations include partnerships with Ardell,[10]Laura Geller,[11]Elizabeth Arden,[12] and Glamour.[13] In 2017, YouCam Makeup expanded its partnerships to include movie and TV shopping collaborations with Paramount Pictures and QVC.[14][15]
In 2018, the app was named "One of the Best" at CES BeautyTech and won the CEW Best Beauty App Award.[16] The same year, YouCam Makeup partnered with Cosmopolitan magazine for the first print-to-digital virtual beauty service, allowing readers to try virtual makeup looks via their mobile devices.[17]
In 2019, the app was honored at the 32nd Edison Awards[18] and CEW's Beauty Awards.[19]
In 2022, the app collaborated with Paramount Pictures on the interactive Top Gun: Maverick movie experience and supported breast cancer awareness by sponsoring Pink Agenda events in May, June, and October.[20][21][22]
Overview
YouCam Makeup operates on a freemium model, offering basic features for free, while more advanced tools and effects are available through in-app purchases or subscriptions. The app also generates revenue through partnerships with cosmetic brands for virtual makeup try-ons. Its virtual try-on feature has been incorporated by beauty brands and retailers for digital product visualization for consumers.[23][24][25][26] The app is available for iOS and Android devices.[1]
