3D printing is commonly associated with creating prototypes, car parts, and various mechanical components. However, the Mink Makeup Printer employs 3D printing technology in a more glamorous way.
This device is a printer that can instantly transform images into customizable makeup. Unlike most 3D printers that use materials like plastic in a process known as additive manufacturing, where layers of material are added to create the final product, the Mink Makeup Printer operates differently. According to Grace Choi, the inventor of the Mink Makeup Printer, "Essentially, it’s similar to an InkJet printer where it takes a substrate, which is coated with a powder, and it takes the ink and deposits it onto the powder. The powder absorbs the ink, and now that ink and powder mixture is instantly wearable."
The Mink Makeup Printer exclusively produces cosmetics in powder form. While beauty enthusiasts may be limited to this medium, they have no limitations when it comes to application. Choi explains that the printed powders are most commonly used as eyeshadows but can also serve as blushes, face powders, and eyebrow powders, depending on the color ink chosen for deposition. The powders and Mink makeup sheets are fully recyclable, reducing waste to a minimum for any unused products.
To create makeup using the printer, you upload an image—any image, whether it's a picture of your favorite celebrity or a makeup palette you've been longing for—into the Mink app. Within the app, you crop and center the image as desired, considering that everything in the photo will be transformed into pigmented makeup powder. Subsequently, the app sends the information to the printer, which produces an exact replica of your chosen image in makeup form.
Although this printer opens up exciting possibilities in the beauty industry, it is not yet available to the general consumer. Choi envisions the Mink becoming integrated into beauty retailers, where consumers can experiment with artistic makeup looks at minimal personal cost. She also sees it as a valuable tool for makeup artists who often require numerous one-time use shades in their work.
At Beauty, Hacked, we couldn't wait for the Mink to hit the market, so we managed to get our hands on it early. Tune into this episode to watch Choi demonstrate the Mink in action with host Jennimai Nguyen, as they transform images from their personal photo collections, the Barbie movie set, and the Euphoria cast into instant makeup.