beauTECHfication – Experiment Week DTNS 5085  ## Metadata - Author: [[Daily Tech News Show]] - Full Title: beauTECHfication – Experiment Week DTNS 5085 - Category: #podcasts - URL: https://share.snipd.com/episode/5be8e324-85bd-49b6-986a-0c152d5fed35 ## Document Notes ## Highlights - **Beauty Tech Is Broad And Deep** - The beauty tech industry combines tech and beauty across many segments beyond makeup, including skincare, hair, fragrance, and services. - Technologies like AR, AI, biotech, materials science, and IoT enable personalized and enhanced beauty experiences. Transcript: Nica Montford Welcome to Beautechification, decoding beauty one feature at a time. I'm your host, Nika Monford, aka Tech Savvy Diva. In this podcast, we discuss the tech behind the beauty sector's products and services and their impact on the ever-changing culture behind traditional beauty, while also paying Homage to the pioneers who got us here. The beauty tech industry is a rapidly growing sector that combines both technology and the beauty industry. This industry is experiencing significant growth with revenue projections reaching over $170 billion by the year 2030. The beauty tech industry includes more sectors than one may think. It's just more than just makeup. It includes skincare, hair care, fragrance, personal hygiene, and toiletry products. And let's not forget its service sectors, such as hair and body treatments. The increasing integration of tech and digital tools are designed to improve skincare, makeup application, overall beauty routines. We're talking personalized cosmetics and smart devices. Encompassing the use of technologies like AR, VR, data science, AI and machine learning, also app development, and also biotechnology material science. And you cannot forget about the internet of things. All of these things are used to enhance beauty experiences. I mean, it truly runs the gamut of technology. ([Time 0:02:47](https://share.snipd.com/snip/ad0c5e4d-c406-4eb3-98dd-b8d2a3d3285f)) - **Discovery Of A Custom-Foundation Device** - Nica encountered BoldHue while researching and became intrigued by its custom-on-demand foundation device. - The kit scans skin and mixes a personalized foundation from six cartridges in about one minute. Transcript: Nica Montford About a month ago, while doing some research for a side quest that I was working on in this very space, I came across Boldhue. Boldhue is a technology company founded in 2020 by Rachel Wilson and Karen Layton. They created a groundbreaking device that formulates personalized foundation on demand. Their primary product is a tech-enabled kit that includes a device that can scan your skin and then mix a custom shade of foundation based on the readings in just one minute. With this product, the guesswork in selecting a foundation in a store or online, it gives you or the customer their own custom mix. I talked about Bold Hue on DTNS, but I became intrigued behind the tech that powers it. And it deserves to me a bit of a deeper dive into the technical aspects. One of the unique aspects of Bold Hue is that it combines both hardware and software. As someone whose educational and professional experience has lived at that cross-section, I wanted to see more. While obviously don't know the specifics behind the tools and technology, but that BoldHue uses, but based on the hardware app, I have some educated guesses on what might go into something Like this. The tech kit includes the Bold Hue device, which includes a detachable scanning wand and the foundation pigment cartridges. So how does it work? The magic wand is held against a user's face in three different locations to get an aggregate of the skin tone. It is then returned to the main BoldHue device where the software just takes over. A custom mix foundation is created from six onboard cartridges and dispenses into a glass pod with enough to hold just about a week worth of product. ([Time 0:04:52](https://share.snipd.com/snip/2820b04b-88d1-44df-a84d-ec092c02b5d2)) - **Why Scanning Needs Precise Optics** - A facial scanning tool likely relies on high-resolution cameras and multispectral sensors to capture accurate skin data. - Controlled LED lighting and precise optics help ensure consistent readings across environments. Transcript: Nica Montford Again, that's where we'll start. To me, the scanning tool is the star of the show. There are several key technologies that would likely be used in a facial scanning product. Would be optical scanners and cameras, image processing hardware, software algorithms, and some calibration components. Let's break those down. When we think about optical scanners, optical sensors, and cameras, I would think what would go into this would be one, high resolution digital cameras with good color accuracy, multispectral Or hyperspectral imaging sensors that capture light beyond what's visible to the naked eye. Also LED arrays that provide controlled, consistent lighting across different wavelengths. Onto the actual image processing hardware. I would think that there would be a dedicated image signal processor or ISP to handle just the raw sensor data, just the raw data that comes from the scan. Also on that hardware processing, likely some color processing chips for accurate color space conversions. And in instances like this, sometimes specialized AI accelerator chips for real-time analysis are included. And if you think about this, most of the scans are real time for a product like this. ([Time 0:07:36](https://share.snipd.com/snip/1f99eb42-ae0e-490f-bffb-1044c9dffb1a)) - **Real-Time Image Processing Matters** - Image signal processors, color processors, and AI accelerators enable real-time analysis of raw sensor data. - Real-time processing is necessary to provide immediate, accurate shade recommendations during scans. Transcript: Nica Montford I would think that there would be a dedicated image signal processor or ISP to handle just the raw sensor data, just the raw data that comes from the scan. Also on that hardware processing, likely some color processing chips for accurate color space conversions. And in instances like this, sometimes specialized AI accelerator chips for real-time analysis are included. And if you think about this, most of the scans are real time for a product like this. Picture this. You're in the garage, hands covered in grease, just finished up tuning your engine with a part you found on eBay. And you realize, you know what? I could also use new brakes. So where do you go next? Back to eBay. You can find anything there. It's unreal. Wipers, headlights, even cold air intakes. It's all there. And you've got eBay guaranteed fit. You order a part, and if it doesn't fit, send it back. Simple as that. Doesn't matter if it's just maintenance or a major mod. You got it, especially when things are guaranteed to fit. So when you dive into your next car project, start with eBay. All the parts you need at prices you'll love. Guaranteed to fit every time. EBay. Things people love. If you're a lineman in charge of keeping the lights on, Grainger understands that you go to great lengths and sometimes heights to ensure the power is always flowing. Which is why you can count on Grainger for professional-grade products and next-day delivery. So you have everything you need to get the job done. Call 1-800 click grainger.com, or just stop by. Grainger, for the ones who get it done. Avoiding your unfinished home projects because you're not sure where to start? Thumbtack knows home so you don't have to. Don't know the difference between matte paint finish and satin or what that clunking sound from your dryer is. With Thumbtack, you don't ([Time 0:08:41](https://share.snipd.com/snip/a75f9c24-54c5-4f7a-b525-0cc45212aec3)) - **Always Calibrate For Lighting Variance** - Calibrate scanning devices frequently using color reference standards and white balance sensors. - Include filters and calibration software to reduce glare and adjust for ambient lighting differences. Transcript: Nica Montford Something like this would have to be fine-tuned and calibrated, not just initially, but likely multiple times within the process of using it. So in that calibration space, I would think color reference standards are charts that can be used for standardization for the calibration process. Also, white balance sensors to adjust for different lighting environments because we've seen that the different types of light that a person can be in has the ability to change what The skin actually looks like. Additionally, different filters to reduce glare and improve the measurement accuracy. Finally, we can't forget about AI and software algorithms. So this is where we get to the part where it gets a bit important. So I would think computer vision algorithms for face detection and segmentation, likely some neural networks for pattern recognition, and the different types of skin characteristics, Regression models to predict optimal foundation formulas, classification algorithms for the different skin types, undertones, and coverage needs. Also, color analysis algorithms that map the standard RGB values. This allows for the translation and the standardization of skin tones scales across the board because there will be different types of skin tones, skin types, and everything in between. Also, you want to make sure that there is some calibration software included in this to account for different types of ambient light conditions. ([Time 0:12:24](https://share.snipd.com/snip/36c33b3c-c6a5-401f-94f1-2aafde2c6ab5)) - **Algorithms Need Good, Diverse Data** - Computer vision, neural networks, regression, and classification are vital to detect skin features and predict formulations. - Diverse, high-quality training data is essential because bad data undermines even the best models. Transcript: Nica Montford So this is where we get to the part where it gets a bit important. So I would think computer vision algorithms for face detection and segmentation, likely some neural networks for pattern recognition, and the different types of skin characteristics, Regression models to predict optimal foundation formulas, classification algorithms for the different skin types, undertones, and coverage needs. Also, color analysis algorithms that map the standard RGB values. This allows for the translation and the standardization of skin tones scales across the board because there will be different types of skin tones, skin types, and everything in between. Also, you want to make sure that there is some calibration software included in this to account for different types of ambient light conditions. Finally, machine learning models trained on diverse data sets that accurately classify skin tones across different ethnicities. ([Time 0:13:12](https://share.snipd.com/snip/704e4b78-612b-454f-bcb6-f5e489a08317)) - **From Scan To Mix Requires Systems Integration** - Translating scan data into pigment ratios requires digital color matching, color-prediction algorithms, and coverage modeling. - IoT connectivity and cloud processing let devices sync, update firmware, and improve mixes via continuous learning. Transcript: Nica Montford The second most important aspect, I think, of this product or a product like this is taking in all that data that the scanning tool captured and porting it back into the actual device That is going to do the custom blend so that it integrates back with the full hardware kit so that that blend is accurate to what was scanned. So this would likely entail technology based on digital color matching, automated mixing systems, some quality control technology. Also, we can't forget about database management and optimization, as well as hardware integrations. So let's start with the digital color matching. So in this space, I would think you would have to have data analysis to translate the different skin measurements into actual pigment ratios. I would think that you would need some color prediction algorithms that account for how pigments blend and interact. Because again, there are six different color cartridges that are used to mix this custom foundation. Also opacity and coverage modeling to determine base formula leads. So, you know, create some base formulas. And then as you get the different types of skin tones, the different types of skin characteristics, you can build upon that. When we get to the mixing, it is an automated mixing process. So you would think that there would need to be precision dosing based on what is actually the pigmentation that's needed, making sure that those dumps of the different types of colors Are dispensed accurately. Also systems for controlled ingredient combinations, real-time mixing with feedback sensors to verify that the color is actually accurate. So not waiting until the very end to verify it, but do it as you go along so that you can reduce the amount of error. Finally, some sort of technology to inform that the blend is uniform and consistent. Okay, on the quality control side of things, we want to make sure that the mix matches the specifications. That's one in the quality control. Two, you want to make sure that you include sensors for proper texture. And finally, because these are skin related components that are actually going on human skin, you want to make sure that the pH monitoring for stability and skin compatibility is accounted For. Now we talked before about having these base formulas to build upon. So this is where we come into thinking about the database and the optimization, because these formulas have to be housed somewhere. So we want to make sure that all of these formulas are stored properly in a database. And also that the formula optimization algorithms that balance the color match with the performance characteristics is included as well. Finally, on the hardware integration side, with this particular product that we mentioned at the top, it has a scanning tool that detaches, and then it goes back onto the kit. You want to make sure that the Internet of Things, the IoT, the connectivity for cloud-based processing, continuous learning, this allows for the different pieces of the hardware To talk to each other, as well as for an app that initiates and manages the process and also includes the capability to update the hardware's firmware as well as time goes on. ([Time 0:14:44](https://share.snipd.com/snip/9946352a-a202-408e-bb0a-798fbd67712d)) - **Mixing Requires Real-Time QC** - Automated mixing needs precision dosing, real-time feedback sensors, and uniformity checks to ensure accurate shades. - Inline verification reduces errors rather than only checking at the end of the mixing process. Transcript: Nica Montford Because again, there are six different color cartridges that are used to mix this custom foundation. Also opacity and coverage modeling to determine base formula leads. So, you know, create some base formulas. And then as you get the different types of skin tones, the different types of skin characteristics, you can build upon that. When we get to the mixing, it is an automated mixing process. So you would think that there would need to be precision dosing based on what is actually the pigmentation that's needed, making sure that those dumps of the different types of colors Are dispensed accurately. Also systems for controlled ingredient combinations, real-time mixing with feedback sensors to verify that the color is actually accurate. So not waiting until the very end to verify it, but do it as you go along so that you can reduce the amount of error. Finally, some sort of technology to inform that the blend is uniform and consistent. ([Time 0:15:54](https://share.snipd.com/snip/b140bc3f-faf8-44d7-9ee3-3e0dfc5e70dc)) - **Test Texture And pH During Formulation** - Include quality-control sensors for color, texture, and pH to ensure skin compatibility and product stability. - Monitor these parameters to meet safety and performance expectations for topical products. Transcript: Nica Montford That's one in the quality control. Two, you want to make sure that you include sensors for proper texture. And finally, because these are skin related components that are actually going on human skin, you want to make sure that the pH monitoring for stability and skin compatibility is accounted For. ([Time 0:17:16](https://share.snipd.com/snip/dfe9a6e0-ab76-458a-9387-884acb353f95)) - **Inclusivity Shift Changed The Market** - Inclusive shade ranges became mainstream after Fenty Beauty popularized 40+ shades, pushing legacy brands to expand offerings. - Wider shade availability benefits people across the melanin spectrum and those with conditions like vitiligo or albinism. Transcript: Nica Montford Let's discuss it further in Culture Debug, where beauty culture gets a code review. Traditionally, foundation matching has been extremely complicated, especially, especially for Black women and women of color. There wasn't always an importance placed on having a diverse range of products for people with melanated skin. Historically, there were about two to four shades available for darker skins in most beauty brands. I remember seeing this shift when Rihanna launched Fenty Beauty back in 2017 with 40 different shades of foundation. Now it's over 50 shades, but this included a significant amount of diverse shades. With the success and acclaim for her brand, many other legacy brands launched their own, quote, 40 shades of products. Now, while there were a few brands like Makeup Forever and MAC Cosmetics who did have at least a 40 shade range, Fenty Beauty seemed to, you know, supercharge those other brands who shortly After launched similar ranges of products. While most of the conversation has been around the inclusivity of darker shades, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the other spectrum. There are approximately 1 in 17,000 people who have albinism and approximately 1 to 1.5% of the global population that has vitiligo. Having brands that have a wider range of shades be inclusive also benefits people who have conditions when the extremes include lack of melanin. The positive of all of this is that now we have brands that have 50 or even 60 shades of foundation, which highlights the importance of products being available for all instead of a few. With the inclusion and prevalence of technology, one can hope that it only gets better from here and that all people are fully being serviced and considered. ([Time 0:19:38](https://share.snipd.com/snip/92516d5b-95b5-4c5c-a3e3-2a097b9e8693)) - **A Pioneer Solved Shade Gaps In 1973** - Eunice W. Johnson created Fashion Fair Cosmetics to solve the problem of mixing shades for Black models during Ebony Fashion Fair tours. - Fashion Fair became the first prestige cosmetic line for Black women in major department stores. Transcript: Nica Montford And the glow up will meet an ancestor that helped pave the way for how we use tech today. Mixing makeup to get the perfect shade is definitely not new. And in the past, individual solutions were once necessary. Eunice W. Johnson and her husband, along with her husband, created, among other things, Ebony Magazine. The Ebony Fashion Fair Tour, which was a fundraising event under the brand. This tour was a pioneer in itself because it used Black models on the runway and helped highlight Black designers. Exhausted by the burden of mixing colors to achieve the right skin tone for her models, Johnson created Fashion Fair Cosmetics in 1973. Her brand of cosmetics created products crafted to cater to Black women's various complexions and undertones. Fashion Fair became the first prestige cosmetic line that Black women could purchase in major department stores. ([Time 0:22:31](https://share.snipd.com/snip/579a1644-e36a-4d4f-abe6-c496340c58ba)) - **Pilot Episode Seeks Listener Feedback** - This episode is a pilot within DTNS's Experiment Week, inviting feedback for possible expansion into a full beauty-tech show. - Nica invites listeners to share feedback via DTNS channels or her social handles to shape future episodes. Transcript: Nica Montford Again, this is a pilot and experiment run for potentially a longer show. I would love to hear your feedback, whether through the official DTNS channels or directly through me on social media at TechSavvyDiva on all platforms or via email. I am at TechSavvyDiva. Through this podcast, I'm so excited to dive into all things that make up the unique business that is beauty tech. And I hope that you will join me on this journey. And with that, this is the tech vacation, beauty and tech perfectly compiled. Hi, this is Joe from Vanta. In today's digital world, compliance regulations are changing constantly, and earning customer trust has never mattered more. Vanta helps companies get compliant fast and stay secure with the most advanced AI, automation, and continuous monitoring out there. So whether you're a startup going for your first SOC 2 or ISO 27001, or a growing enterprise managing vendor risk, Vanta makes it quick, easy, and scalable. And I'm not just saying that because I work here. Get started at vanta.com. If you work as a manufacturing facilities engineer, installing a new piece of equipment can be as complex as the machinery itself. From prep work to alignment and testing, it's your team's job to put it all together. That's why it's good to have Grainger on your side. With industrial grade products and next day delivery. Grainger helps ensure you have everything you need close at hand through every step of the installation. Call 1-800 click Grainger.com or just stop by. ([Time 0:24:06](https://share.snipd.com/snip/fc245cff-2654-43df-9f4e-1e6c7dfd21ac))