Sally Hansen is launching the next generation of virtual nail color try-ons: the mass market leader is the first nail color and care brand to offer a new virtual and interactive tool, in conjunction with Perfect Corp.

While there are other virtual try-on apps, Sally Hansen’s version allows for real time sampling, an omnichannel approach, and instant access to purchase from retailers.

Users see a given nail color on a live moving image of their own hand thanks to AgileHand Technology, a breakthrough that debuted last month at CES (and can also be used for jewelry and other products). Users have access to hundreds of Sally Hansen shades to sample using this augmented reality tool.

Too often consumers use a color chip in-store or color swatches but those options don’t take into consideration skin tones and nail shapes—the result can be disappointment for consumers and even product returns.

Not only does this try-on system aim to work both on mobile devices with desktop capabilities to come, but it can also be used in-store. Users can immediately purchase their selected Sally Hansen polish after test tracking a shade from a variety of retail partners including Target, CVS, Ulta Beauty, Walmart, and Amazon.

The nail category was a standout in the cosmetics industry over the past few years as more people needed to perform their own manicures and pedicures from home due to the pandemic. The momentum in nail color and care continues to build as many consumers found they were adept at doing their own nails.

“Nail polish is a highly impulsive category—consumers love to experiment with any number of shades and finishes. Now, Sally Hansen fans can feel free to play even more with our new virtual try-on tool,” said Jean-Denis Mariani, Chief Digital Officer at Coty, Sally Hansen’s parent company.

Coty entered into a strategic, multi-channel agreement with Perfect Corp. at the end of last year promising to embed a suite of best-in-class augmented reality and artificial intelligence experiences into the digital marketing tool kits of its beauty brands.

The Sally Hansen virtual try-on tool is the first technology solution applied since the partnership formed, with an expectation for additional activations to come, including virtual try-on, online skin diagnostics and data-driven personalization, across Coty’s broad portfolio of cosmetics, skin and fragrance brands.

“We are thrilled to continue building upon our partnership with Coty and power their AI + AR virtual try-on experiences for Sally Hansen nail color with our innovative new AgileHand Technology,” said Alice Chang, Perfect Corp.’s Founder and CEO. “ Coty’s precise interactive digital nail try-on experiences for Sally Hansen are a perfect example of leading brands leaning into the digital transformation and introducing impactful consumer shopping through beauty tech.”

The Sally Hansen virtual try-on tool is free and available on any mobile device via SallyHansen.com. The tool will first roll out in the U.S. with other markets to follow.

“We can’t wait to show you what’s next,” added Coty’s Jean-Denis.