One of the POP display trends——Virtual try-on

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By Bob Chow | Samtop Display

Virtual try-on technology has become a major trend in POP displays as beauty brands integrate AR/VR to improve trial experience, reduce tester waste, increase customer confidence, and boost conversion in both physical stores and online retail.

Back in 2019, POP display trends predicted that digital elements would merge with physical retail. Today, this trend has fully matured: AR, VR, and AI-powered virtual try-on technologies are now defining the next generation of beauty retail experiences.

Virtual try-on displays increase engagement, reduce product waste, and turn passive browsing into interactive product discovery. From nail polish to makeup, brands are now transforming traditional POP displays into smart, connected, digital-first systems that help shoppers make decisions faster.

VR nail polish machine

💅 1. The Rise of VR Nail Polish Try-On

Several years ago, we first saw a VR-powered nail polish printer at a trade exhibition. Customers inserted their hand into the machine, selected a pattern, and the device printed it directly onto the nails — creating an instant “wow” effect and attracting crowds to the booth.

VR / AR + nails = high-impact, photo-friendly retail experience.

Today, the concept has evolved even further.

COTY x OPI Digital Nail Trial (AR-Enabled FSU)

Play (the design studio) partnered with COTY to create a free-standing POP unit with built-in AR tracking:

• The machine scans the shopper’s hand in real time

• User selects a color

• The display shows an ultra-realistic preview of the polish on their actual hand

💡 Why it works:
Nail polish is difficult to remove. Virtual try-on eliminates friction, speeds decision-making, and dramatically increases customer satisfaction.

💋 2. Virtual Try-On for Cosmetics

Testing makeup is easier than nail polish in physical stores — but it still has challenges:

• Hygiene concerns

• Constant wiping and removing

• Time-consuming trial process

• Limited testers or out-of-stock shades

Virtual try-on solves all of these issues instantly.

How AR Cosmetic Try-On Works

The technology maps facial features in real time and simulates:

• Lipstick

• Foundation

• Eyeshadow

• Blush

• Liner

• Skin finish or glow

Shoppers can try dozens of looks without touching a single tester.

3. The ModiFace Breakthrough (L’Oréal Acquisition)

In one of the most strategic retail-tech acquisitions of the decade, L’Oréal acquired ModiFace, the global leader in AR beauty simulation.

ModiFace’s engine is:

• Extremely accurate

• Real-time

• High-fidelity

• Designed specifically for cosmetics

Their technology powers try-on experiences across:

• Mobile apps

• E-commerce product pages

• Smart mirrors in cosmetics stores

• In-store POP displays

• Retail tablets & consultation counters

Brands Using ModiFace

• Estée Lauder

• Sephora

• MAC

• Bobbi Brown

These brands use AR try-on to create digital mockups in both physical and online retail environments.

🚀 4. Why Virtual Try-On Is Now a Core POP Display Trend

Customer Benefits

• Faster product selection

• More confidence in purchase

• Fun, immersive shopping experience

• No hygiene concerns

• No makeup removal required

Brand Benefits

• Higher conversion rates

• Reduced tester waste

• Lower operational costs

• Stronger storytelling

• Social-media-friendly interactions

• Data insights from customer choices

Retailer Benefits

• Less mess on counters

• Reduced tester maintenance

• More consistent merchandising

• Higher engagement zones

Virtual try-on transforms the POP display from a static fixture into a smart retail tool that sells.

🛠️ 5. How Virtual Try-On Integrates with POP Displays

Modern POP displays combine:

The result: an immersive retail moment that blends physical products + digital behavior.

🏆 6. Case Examples of Virtual Try-On POP Integration

OPI Digital Nail Trial

• AR nail try-on

• Live color switching

• Free-standing POP station

• Perfect for malls & beauty counters

Sephora Virtual Artist

• Uses face-tracking

• Try lip, eye, and face products

• Integrated with in-store tablets & mirrors

MAC Virtual Try-On

• Shade matching

• Online + offline hybrid trial

• Great for high-performance color cosmetics

Virtual try-on is no longer an add-on — it's becoming the default trial experience in beauty retail.

📩 Conclusion: Virtual Try-On Is the Future of POP Displays

✔ Virtual try-on increases engagement
✔ Reduces tester waste and cost
✔ Enables hygienic, touch-free trial
✔ Speeds up customer decision-making
✔ Connects physical POP displays to digital retail
✔ Enhances brand storytelling and experience

As AR and AI technologies advance, virtual try-on will continue to evolve — creating smarter, more interactive, and more personalized display systems for beauty brands worldwide.

📬 Want Virtual Try-On Integrated Into Your POP Display?

At Samtop Display, we help beauty brands:

• Build AR-integrated POP displays

• Develop smart mirrors and tablet-based try-on systems

• Create FSU units with digital screens

• Design hybrid (physical + digital) retail experiences

• Integrate QR-linked virtual try-on into printed displays

📧 yan@samtop.com
🌍 www.samtop.com