Building on the trend of manicure art - where small gem-like stones are stuck on the nail, ‘Lumi Deco Nail’ features a technology called Near Field Communication, in which small amounts of power are transferred very short distances, to communicate with a smartphone.
According to the developers, the technology also flashes whenever the wearer uses an electronic money card such as a train pass.
The product will be launched in Japan next week, with a set of 16 nail stickers, one of which contains the LED. Depending on the success of the line, the company says it will consider marketing the cosmetic product overseas.
Mobile devices have seen strong growth with new innovations every few months with one trying to better the last and the ubiquity of this technology means that the consumer goods and industries like cosmetics have had to take note to keep on top.
The beauty industry evolving through technology
The growth of mobile technology has been taken on board by many beauty brands, which see the value of smartphones and tablets as research tools and m-commerce vehicles, although there is still work to be done to optimize the platform.
With a big presence in Asia, cosmetic player L’Oreal has already recognized the importance of offering added value for consumers through technology.
The global brand launched a virtual retail kiosk which matches the colors in a user’s clothing and with beauty products from the brand’s range which would complement them.
Customers can directly purchase the recommended products from the kiosk, or have the recommendations emailed to them.
“More interactive beauty kiosks are likely to appear in the future as beauty companies seek to engage with young consumers,” predicts Euromonitor.