Estée Lauder is bringing a beauty tech moment to AfroTech and we’re here for it.
By now we’ve established that the tech, AI, and the IoT are creating endless opportunities and innovation for every industry they touch, and the beauty industry is no exception. So what exactly happens when beauty science meets tech? Estée Lauder’s answer to that question is Color Capture, a tech-powered experience that takes foundation shade-matching beyond the makeup counter. And did we mention they’re debuting this new technology at the conference?
Using a professional spectrophotometer (think: high-tech color scanner), Color Capture measures skin tones and instantly recommends the best foundation fit across the brand’s 55+ Double Wear shades.
“Through the use of advanced color capture technology, we are able to ground shade development in both science and inclusivity. This ensures our shade portfolio continues to evolve with the right match for diverse skin tones and undertones worldwide.” Ashani Davidson, Global Makeup Product Development. With that in mind, it makes sense why this leading beauty brand chose to present this tool at AfroTech.
Color Capture combines algorithm-driven precision with human artistry—because matching foundation isn’t just about numbers. The way the formula looks and feels on real skin matters too.
To be sure they were able to capture a range of complexions, Estée Lauder scientists really did the work to create a tool that is both innovative and inclusive. With data collected from thousands of people across five continents, Color Capture maps real-world skin measurements to precise foundation shades. From warm to cool, light to deep, the system was built to celebrate the full spectrum of shades.
“Color equity demands rigor,” said Garrett Vanderover, Research & Development Fellow, Estée -Lauder. “By pairing high-quality measurements with an algorithm trained on a large, diverse dataset—and by validating results on real skin—we’re narrowing shade gaps and improving match fidelity for more people.”
At [AfroTech Conference, Booth [#615]], attendees can opt into a live, on-site Color Capture experience. Using a professional spectrophotometer, Estée Lauder color scientists will record non-identifying skin measurements (e.g., CIE L*a*b*, reflectance), instantly translate those values through the brand’s algorithm, and provide a recommended match across Estée Lauder’s 60+ Double Wear shades spanning warm, cool, and neutral undertones.
Measurements are collected only with participant consent and are handled in alignment with Estée Lauder’s research and privacy standards (see “On-Site Experience & Privacy,” below).
How does Color Capture work?
Craftsmanship Meets Code. Estée Lauder scientists handcraft every shade with around 50 hours of formulation work, calibrating pigment balance to align with measured targets while preserving finish, wear, and undertone integrity. This integrated approach helps ensure matches aren’t just numerically close—they’re desirable on real skin.
Proof in Practice. With ongoing measurement programs and continuous algorithmic updates, Estée Lauder uses objective color metrics (e.g., ΔE in CIE L*a*b* space) alongside consumer testing to cross-check perceived match quality across depths and undertones. The result is a tighter link between the science of color and the lived experience of wearing foundation.
About Estée Lauder
Estée Lauder is a global prestige beauty brand known for high-performance skincare, makeup, fragrance, and a legacy of innovation in shade development and wear performance. For more information, visit esteelauder.com.
On-Site Experience & Privacy at [AfroTech].
- What we collect: Non-identifying color measurements from a spectrophotometer Purpose: Research and shade-match recommendation.
- How we handle it: Measurements are stored without personal identifiers and are used to improve shade mapping and product development. Participants can opt out of data retention.
- What you get: Your recommended shade(s) and undertone guidance; information on finish/wear testing as relevant.
- Any interested participants should come by with a clean face for shade matching
