A device that uses augmented reality to achieve the effects of cosmetics and plastic surgery. The device will be safer than traditional cosmetics. It will also offer a degree of flexibility that traditional cosmetics don't.
Through history, we have done numerous things to improve our appearances and beautify ourselves. For instance, the women of the Mursi, Suri, and Karo tribes of Ethiopia place large round plates in their lips when they attain marriageable age. Ancient Egyptians used body sugaring to rid their bodies of hair and ancient Chinese women used pearl powder to beautify their faces.
In the modern day, humanity’s appetite for cosmetics hasn’t reduced. The size of the cosmetics industry (it was worth 507.8 billion US dollars in 2018) points to how much demand people have for these products and the business opportunities it provides. Another great example is cosmetic (surgical and nonsurgical) surgery, which had revenues in excess of 9 billion USD in 2020.
Why an Augmented Reality Cosmetic Device?
The use of cosmetics, both products and surgery, is about influencing how others perceive us. Augmented reality is perfectly poised to help with this. And it offers a lot of flexibility that other types of cosmetics don’t offer.
Imagine a scenario where you want to dye your hair blond today. But then, you are already tired of the color after a week and want to switch its color to brown. However, with an augmented reality cosmetic device, you could change your hair color as many times as you want, whether monthly, weekly, or even twice daily.
Apart from this, constant use of makeup can result in complications, as could undergoing cosmetic surgery. With an augmented reality cosmetics device, these two problems will become avoidable.
The device should be battery powered and small enough to be worn on the body without any hindrance. It can take the shape of band, like a smartwatch but thinner and lighter so it can be worn comfortably on the body. Based on an algorithmic mapping of the body, it should be able to emit a projection to match the intention of the user, like blond hair, tanned skin, or afro hairstyle.
There should be different devices with each developed to address the cosmetic needs of different parts of the body:
one band, worn around the neck, can serve the neck and above
another band, worn around the waist, can serve the upper body and legs
Finally, a pair of wrist bands can serve the hands
Why Should Such a Device be Made?
There are different merits to this idea.
It is a good and feasible alternative to cosmetic surgery. While it is nowhere near as real as cosmetic surgery, if used correctly, it will achieve the same effect and create the same perceptions we are after.
Also, since it is a technological innovation, it will be more affordable than cosmetic surgery, thereby giving more people a flexible and impermanent way of influencing their appearances.
What do you think of such a device. Would you use one or would you rather go the traditional route of applying makeup and undergoing cosmetic surgery? Also, how can this idea be improved upon?
Oguntola Tobi Dec 13, 2021
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