Once a signifier of luxury or novelty, custom products and services are now within reach of the everyday consumer, thanks to the rise of artificial intelligence, algorithm-led platforms, and the COVID-era digitisation boom. Today, everyone wants to be the main character of their brand experience.

Augmented reality entered mainstream consciousness through mobile gaming and marketing gimmicks, but we're now seeing more practical uses such as videoconferencing app Vuforia Chalk. Is there an appetite for serious AR tools or do people think the tech is just good for fun?

Skin care products often have a long list of complex ingredients, and with a growing awareness of the chemical nasties in cosmetics, Make It Make It is offering an alternative. Its all-natural DIY kits, which are mixed up at home, ensure people understand exactly what’s going on their skin.

The beauty world is being transformed by new technologies that personalise products to the individual, offering perfectly blended foundation and uniquely formulated hair care. How might customisation impact this historically segregated sector? And could tailored cosmetics become the norm?

With e-commerce accounting for just 6.2% of beauty sales, it’s clear that the industry is still ruled by the high street. Offering an alternative to in-store assistants, My Beauty Matches uses a data-led approach to generate personalised product advice. Can it convince people to buy beauty goods online?