Lancôme HAPTA, a smart makeup applicator designed for people with limited arm mobility, has been included in TIME Best Inventions 2023. It follows in the footsteps of previous TIME honorees, the L’Oréal Colorsonic hair colour applicator (2022), the L’Oréal Water Saver showerhead (2021), the L’Oréal Perso (2020), and SkinCeuticals Custom D.O.S.E (2019) personalised skincare devices.

Recognising the 50 million people who have limited fine motor skills, Lancôme HAPTA is the world’s first handheld, ultra-precise smart makeup device, which helps with makeup application at home.

“It is an honour to be chosen for the fifth year in a row in the TIME Best Inventions of the year list, which showcases our belief that the future of beauty lies between science and technology,” said Barbara Lavernos, Deputy Chief Executive Officer in charge of Research, Innovation and Technology, L’Oréal Groupe. “It is our utter dedication to ensure that all people in the world, no matter their motion limitations, can have access to our industry to achieve their unlimited desires.”

Explaining how the technology works, Guive Balooch, Global Managing Director, Augmented Beauty and Open Innovation at L’Oréal Groupe, said: “HAPTA helps people with mobility challenges by using AI and motion-detection to supplement their natural movements with improved range of motion to guide makeup application.”

“Lancôme HAPTA is a great example of our Groupe’s values embodied in a Beauty Tech device that empowers an underserved population to more easily express themselves through beauty.”

How does it work ?

STEP 1
Plug your preferred lipstick or mascara shade into the device and it will automatically turn on.

STEP 2
Apply your makeup with ease and confidence. HAPTA will counteract unintentional movements to keep your product level.

STEP 3
Enjoy the flawless effect of your lipstick and mascara products, thanks to HAPTA’s precision makeup application.

What’s behind the device ?

HAPTA uses advanced sensors and motion-stabalising technology to keep the device level, constantly adjusting to the user’s position. It is also ergonomically designed, with an easy-grip handle specifically made for those with arm, hand and wrist-related mobility conditions.

Main image: L’Oréal