Mink: The Personal 3D Makeup Printer

 

Michelle Phan “Robot Chic” YouTube Billboard, NYC

 

If you’ve been around New York City recently, watched networks like ABC Family, or opened a copy of Allure, you may have noticed the YouTube campaign featuring the biggest beauty gurus. It’s no wonder we continue to witness the rise of beauty bloggers and vloggers; The Internet is a huge force in revolutionizing the concept of beauty and how we consume beauty products.

We buy and sell cosmetics online, review beauty products online, and watch countless makeup tutorials online. Wouldn’t it make sense to eventually create our own makeup at home with the help of the Internet and 3D printing technology? Yes!

All you fellow tech geeks out there might be familiar with TechCrunch Disrupt and some of the hype surrounding 3D printing. But what does that have to do with the beauty industry? Imagine taking the color from any image on your phone or computer and printing custom makeup at home–essentially creating your own personal Sephora (okay, maybe that’s just me being really hopeful).

I was so excited to see this article and demo spotlighting Mink, a mini 3D makeup printer created by Grace Choi, a Harvard Business School grad.

Grace Choi, Mink at TechCrunch Disrupt

Mink, The Makeup Printer

You basically use any image software to identify a specific color, copy and paste the Hex Code and send the color to print. Choi’s prototype currently produces a powder eyeshadow pigment, but she explains the printer would also be able to create lipsticks, foundations and creams.

The evaluated price point is $300.00 for the printer (no set price yet for the ink/substrates). If you’re intrigued, you can request an invite to receive further updates regarding Mink.

I wonder about the quality of the “ink” and pigment ingredients. Even though Choi mentions the ink is FDA-compliant, I would like to know the composition in comparison to other trusted brands. Also, what else could the software and printer produce?

Will this technology really drive down the cost of cosmetics and help consumers save money in the long run? I hope so!

Regardless, the emerging 3D printing technology is pretty exciting and I like to think that an at-home makeup factory could be on the horizon!

Take a moment to watch this demo and let know what you think. What type of beauty product or invention would you create?

 

 

 

 

Hester Street Fair + Michelle Phan & Em Cosmetics

Her vision is limitless. She shines so bright that she lights up the dream in my heart, and I know she does the same for everyone she reaches.

Today was a fulfilling day because I got to check out some spectacular treasures at the Hester Street Fair in NYC (LES) and above all, I got to meet my inspiration, Michelle Phan!

If you have ever been on the Internet, you have probably seen something about Michelle and her work.  Michelle has evolved into a superstar in the beauty industry and has pioneered in the world of DIY and social media success.

In a nutshell, Michelle has worked her heart out and it is safe to say she has “made it.” I have susbcribed to Michelle’s YouTube channel Michelle Phan since 2006 and she has been a source of inspiration to me ever since.

To name a few of her accomplishments:

A photo from Michelle’s feature in October’s Glamour Magazine:

Michelle recently launched Em Cosmetics,  her very own cosmetics line in collaboration with L’Oréal cosmetics:

And of course, she also spearheaded the YouTube beauty guru-inspired subscription service called Ipsy:

These are just a few reasons why Michelle Phan is someone to admire.

Her vision is limitless. She shines so bright that she lights up the dream in my heart, and I know she does the same for everyone she reaches.

At the Hester Street Fair, you have a chance to meet local artisans, chefs and jewelers. The first thing I did was head straight to Michelle’s Em Cosmetics tent to check out the goods and meet the ultimate beauty guru:

Original Cookie Ice Cream Sandwich from Melt Bakery:

Original Artwork from Tamara Garvey:

Midi Rings from Wink and Flip:

Mix It Up Pinks Lip Palette from Em Cosmetics (she signed ”Good Luck“!):

I’m wearing the NYX eyeshadow color in Morocco from this month’s Ipsy bag!

A brilliant touch is the empty bubble, where you can mix the colors to make your own shade!

I had such a great time–another magical NYC moment. Thanks to Michelle for her kindness and grace.

Ladies, never give up on your dreams and always reach for the brightest star!