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We presented you in the past with the wonderful technology and amazing applications of 3D printers. Since then, the technology has made incredible progress. But we spoke too soon when we wondered what would they come up with next in this field of science, because we just received our answer during the TechCrunch Disrupt NY 2014 event. Enter Grace Choi, a young and ambitious Harvard Business School alumni, who presented a revolutionary 3D printer to the conference. The printer, known as Mink, is said to put an end to the reign of the cosmetic industry.
Well, it is too soon to make such predictions, especially since the beauty and cosmetic industry is worth hundreds of millions of dollars and growing. However, the 3D printer for cosmetics is a very interesting piece of technology that needs further analysis.
How does Mink work?
Well, it looks and basically functions like any regular printer, but with some added perks to say the least. According to Grace Choi via TechCrunch, Mink
Lets users choose any color on the web, or in the real world, and using simple, already-existing software, print that color into a blush, eye shadow, lip gloss, or any other type of makeup.
Let’s see if we got this right: we can pick any color from anywhere and with the help of a computer, a tablet and even a phone, we can create our own makeup? GizMag says we got things right and it quotes Choi for further clarifications:
Instead of being restricted to a limited color palette, users will be able to print (and wear) makeup of any color in the world, from the comfort of their own homes, according to Choi. “It can take any image and instantly transform it into a wearable color cosmetic, turning any phone, laptop or camera into an endless beauty aisle,” she says. “You can take a picture of your friend’s lipstick and just print it out.”
But who is going to be interested in this type of technology? Aren’t we all bound to the already established and successful cosmetic industry? Grace Choi begs to differ. She aims to make her 3D printer for cosmetic purposes available sometimes this year and, even if unconfirmed, rumors say she already is in negotiations with some important interested parties in the future of Mink. She also intends to sell the printer at a ridiculous price, under $200 with her target demographic between ages 13-21. But if you can have all Chanel lipsticks all year long at a mind blowing price, how long do you think it will take women older than 21 to become interested in Mink?
