3D-Printed Make-up. Photo Credit: Time.com

Harvard Business School graduate, Grace Choi, has come up with an invention that allows users to print their own makeup within minutes.  The user would simply find a hue they desire, use software to determine the exact color code, send the color code to the printer and the device prints this color onto blank materials that are used for powder, creams, or gel makeups.  Printing one’s own makeup begin with a colorless makeup palette that is inserted into the 3D printer and ends with the desired color and amount of makeup one needs.  The printer uses the ink solution to print only a top layer of color to the blank materials and voilà, instant makeup that is ready for application.  There is the issue that the ink does not “seep” homogenously through the makeup but this is seen as a good thing by Choi saying that it would be added savings to the consumer.  The printer does not print great quantities of makeup, only enough for the application.  This printer is being called Mink and will be ready for retail next summer for about $300.  This could be an enormous turn for the cosmetics industry as now this eliminates needs to go to high-end retail stores for brand name makeup for only a specific color.  Cost will be significantly dropped as there is no need to buy unnecessary volumes of makeup one wears infrequently or for a single occasion.  The costs added for brand recognition, labeling, and containers are also eliminated as it is made at home inside the printer.  It is a very personalized way to present one’s self that is limited only to the creativity or imagination of the user, not by beauty standard setting corporations.  Even as a man who does not wear makeup regularly, I am in full support of this innovating that gives creative control to individuals.  Well done Choi.  Watch the whole presentation here http://techcrunch.com/2014/05/05/mink-is-a-3d-printer-for-makeup/