As we all adjust to our (temporary) reality as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, some beauty brands and experts are trying to find ways to offer services virtually.
From live stream tutorials to video appointments, these are the brands and founders who are trying to maintain their connection with clients at this time.
Jocelyn Petroni
Jocelyn Petroni is one of Australia’s leading beauty experts. Combining holistic skin and nail artist, visiting the Jocelyn Petroni salon is an experience. So, while that’s currently not possible, you can nab some time with Jocelyn virtually.
A Virtual Skin Consultation allows you to discuss your skin goals and any questions over FaceTime and you’ll be given a JP Virtual Skin Analysis and prescribed a step-by-step homecare routine. A 45-minute appointment costs $300 but is redeemable for products. The consultation will be carried out by either salon manager Amba Brennan, salon educator Lauren Borenstein or (on special request) Jocelyn Petroni herself.
Onda
Sydney-based Onda is a beauty salon created by friends Naomi Watts, Larissa Thomson and Sarah Bryden-Brown. The ethos of Onda revolves around clean beauty and using products that are hard-working and don’t harm the planet. For only $30, you can book a 20-minute video appointment with some of the most in-demand facialists in the country.
During the appointment, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss any skincare concerns or questions you might have as well as your current skincare regime. Onda will then provide you with “a written recommendation including both a morning and evening routine, product suggestions and tips to best look after your skin from home.”
The price of the appointment is also redeemable on product.
M·A·C
Iconic beauty brand M·A·C has launched two new virtual services so customers don’t have to leave their homes to get the full M·A·C experience. You can now have a one-on-one Virtual Appointment with a M·A·C Australia makeup artist to discuss everything from shade selection, colour matching and application advice.
There are five options to choose from starting with Ask M·A·C: a free 15-minute consultation to ask any questions you may have or find the perfect product for you. The next three appointments cost $49 each (which is redeemable on product) and run for 30 minutes.
These are called Complexion Perfection, Eyes on You and Lip Service. If you’re looking for a complete how-to, the Makeup Masterclass is the one for you. It runs for 45 minutes and costs $79 (which is also redeemable on product).
All you need for the consultation is an Apple device and a Wi-Fi or 4G connection.
If you’d simply rather play with a few M·A·C products, but don’t want to venture in-store, there is a fix for that! M·A·C has launched a Virtual Try-On feature, which allows you to instantly sample products on pictures or live videos.
The feature uses YouCam’s augmented reality technology to create simulations that can be tested on any skin tone and adapted to different textures, sheens, glosses and more than 200 shades of lip or eye colours.
To use this feature, simply head to M·A·C’s Virtual Try-On page and choose the product you wish to sample. You’ll be prompted to enable your camera (or you can upload a photo of yourself) and then you can choose the product you want to try. You’ll never buy a lipstick that doesn’t suit you ever again!
DECIEM
DECIEM, the umbrella company for skincare brand The Ordinary, is launching live virtual consultations on April 27. Called DECIEM AT HOME, the live appointments will allow customers to chat to DECIEM advisors through e-commerce app HERO.
“Our DECIEM team will be able to speak to customers through live-streaming video, offering advice on products and answering any questions, as we would do in our stores,” the company said in a press release.
Users will be able to interact and share instant messages, two-way video chat, photos, and videos with DECIEM ambassadors.
According to DECIEM, “the technology directs users to their nearest store ambassador, meaning that product availability and pricing is consistent with the customer’s location.”
“QR codes can be provided to those who do not wish to purchase at that moment but would like access to the advice provided at a later date. This functionality will also be available in-store (once DECIEM stores are reopened).”
To access the virtual consultations, simply head to the DECIEM website from April 27 and the functionality can be found on product pages across the entire website, which enables easy access to assistance while exploring products. DECIEM team members will be live online from 8am to 8pm. Once stores have reopened, these hours will correspond with store hours.
Mecca
Beauty haven Mecca is offering complimentary consultations via FaceTime. So, if you’ve got any burning beauty questions, Mecca staff members are there to answer them. You’ll just need an iPhone with 4G or Wifi to access the service.
There are a number of complimentary appointments available including a 15-minute beauty, makeup or fragrance consult, or you can opt for a 30-minute skincare consult.
Otherwise, you can also book in for a 30-minute virtual shopping experience for $100 (which is redeemable).
All Saints Skin Clinic
If it’s good enough for Elle McPherson… The Sydney-based luxury skin clinic, loved by the Aussie beauty, is hosting new ‘Art of Face’ virtual consultations to support both existing and new clients looking to rejuvenate their skin in the time of isolation and beyond.
The digital one-to-one consultations include a full assessment of a client’s skin type, that better enables clinic experts to discuss skin concerns and recommend the best ways to help treat these through new regimes, tips and tricks as well as prepare the skin for post-isolation treatments, “whether this be a post-ISO glow treatment such as Clear + Brilliant or more of a transformative treatment such as Fraxel for skin renewal,” says owner Dr Joseph Hkeik.
Trinny London
Created by British fashion expert, Trinny Woodall, beauty brand Trinny London is offering a new virtual makeup service called Match 2 Me.
The interactive one-on-one appointments run for 30 minutes and take place via Google Hangouts. Simply book in a time that suits you and you’ll be able to chat with a Trinny London Pro Makeup Artist, who will show you the best colours, products and techniques for you.
At the time of your appointment, click on the link in your confirmation email to join.
Rationale
Luxury skincare brand Rationale is staying connected with customers via their phone consultations. To take part, simply fill in the online form detailing your skin concerns and a consultant will get in touch.
According to Rationale, the consultation process will start with a Skin Consultant assessing images of your skin. Then, they “will take you through an in-depth consultation process whereby your concerns, current regime and ideal desired results are defined to understand your skin and its unique needs.”
“The experience is completed with a tailored prescription followed by on-going Skin Reviews and support to deliver Luminous Skin for Life.”
Amy Jean Brow Agency
The team at Amy Jean Brow Agency are now conducting brow appointments via Zoom. Simply book your appointment via the website and you’ll experience a one-on-one virtual brow consultation with an AJ Master Artist.
The AJ Master Artist will teach you how to groom, tint and dress your brows at home through personalised tips, tricks and demonstrations. You’re also able to purchase recommended products following the consultation and your host will organise for the goodies to be sent straight to your door.
Appointments cost $75 for an Amy Jean Master Artist and $100 for Amy Jean herself.
Ella Baché
Skincare brand Ella Baché has launched Virtual Salons — a complimentary Virtual Skin Consult with local Ella Baché beauty therapists via video chat.
Launching March 26, the Virtual Salons allow Ella Baché therapists and franchisees to continue to serve their communities, despite having to close their physical salons. During the video appointment, therapists will diagnose and talk through any skin concerns you may have and offer personalised product recommendations that are available to buy online.
To book your appointment, click here.
Jen Atkin
Owner of hair brands Ouai and Mane Addicts, Jen Atkin has been sharing hair tutorials on her Instagram. Atkin has filmed a bunch of Instagram Live videos, including one where she shows her followers how she cuts her husband’s hair.
Atkin has also started to do YouTube Live Streams, which are filmed live while people can watch but also save to the profile to watch again with no expiration.
Skin Confidence
The Brisbane clinic is pivoting in the time of COVID-19 to help its clients keep skin fresh and happy through online channels.
“Skin Confidence Clinic is staying in contact with clients by adapting to technology and offering virtual consultations via Facetime, Zoom, WhatsApp and WeChat,” says Dr Rose from the clinic.
“These consultations are great for clients to discuss their skin concerns, talk through treatments and discuss how best to prepare for some of our most popular laser treatments such as Thermage FLX.”
Clients seeking treatments like these are also able to make flexible appointments in anticipation for the clinic’s reopening.
Edwards and Co
Australian salon Edwards and Co temporarily shut its locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Byron Bay and the Gold Coast on March 25, due to recent restrictions put in place by the Government.
But, the brand has launched an IGTV series called The Lockdown with Edwards and Co. The series features the founder of Edwards and Co, Jaye Edwards and he demonstrates everything from applying your own colour at home to trimming your fringe.
Depending on how long our beauty salons have to stay closed, we’re guessing that more brands will jump on the virtual bandwagon, so we’ll keep updating you as it happens.
The current health crisis is evolving rapidly. If you suspect you or a family member has coronavirus you should call (not visit) your GP or ring the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.