How is tech upping the ante on customised beauty? Is hemp due for its time in the limelight? What do Gen Zers expect of industry heavyweights? In this part of the 2019 Expert Outlook, we speak to three experts about how the desire for convenience and the digital revolution are impacting beauty.

The beauty industry has been slow to harness the full potential of technology to boost in-store footfall and customer loyalty, but people are beginning to enjoy the benefits of augmented reality to discover products and test new looks – an integral part of shopping for make-up.

The impact of social media on beauty is extending beyond cosmetics to influence people’s attitudes towards both non-invasive and surgical procedures. While people once sought to master sophisticated, time-consuming make-up techniques, they are now exploring cosmetic treatments and even going under the knife to achieve looks popularised by celebrities like the Kardashians.

With her flawlessly rendered appearance and dramatic digital narratives, virtual influencer Lil’ Miquela has been challenging ideas of authenticity on Instagram since 2016. Why are brands and social media users embracing these CGI celebrities and could they ever replace their human counterparts?