Estée Lauder focuses on shade-matching precision

The US giant is partnering with the University of Leeds in the UK to improve the matching of complexion products across a diverse range of skin tones. Led by Professor Kaida Xiao, an expert in colour science and visual perception, the research will compare instrumental measurements with the way consumers perceive shades and undertones under real-world conditions. The researchers will seek, in particular, to determine the threshold at which a chromatic difference becomes perceptible. The findings could help establish new scientific benchmarks for the evaluation and development of foundations, concealers and other complexion products, with the aim of achieving more accurate shade matching and a more natural-looking finish.