The relentless pace of virtual meetings, often starting before we feel truly 'meeting-ready,' is a modern workplace reality. Google Meet is addressing this with a novel solution: AI-powered virtual makeup. Rolling out now to Google Workspace subscribers, the feature offers users 12 distinct makeup looks – ranging from subtle enhancements to more expressive styles – applied in real-time during video calls.

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Caption: Illustration: Maria Diaz/ZDNET | Logo: Google

This isn't just a simple filter overlay. According to Google, the system uses AI to map and enhance specific facial features – eyeshadow, lipstick, blush, and eyeliner – ensuring the effect remains natural-looking and stable even when users move their heads, touch their faces, or take a drink. The AI is designed to match the user's unique facial structure, aiming for a seamless integration rather than a jarring digital mask.

// The tech builds upon Google Meet's existing 'Portrait touch-up' suite, which includes options for complexion smoothing, under-eye lightening, and eye whitening.

Key Technical Details & Availability:
* 12 Looks: Options span natural tones (pinks, oranges, browns) to more defined styles.
* Dynamic Adaptation: AI maintains the effect realistically during movement.
* Workspace Exclusive: Only available to paying Google Workspace subscribers (Rapid and Scheduled Release domains).
* Rollout Status: Gradual rollout began October 8th, 2025. Disabled by default.
* Platform Limitation: Currently not available on the Google Meet web or mobile apps.

The move highlights the increasing pressure for constant professional presentation in the remote/hybrid work era. Research cited by Google suggests prolonged exposure to one's own video feed can distort self-perception, sometimes leading to drastic measures. Virtual makeup offers a less invasive alternative.

However, the feature inevitably sparks broader discussions:
1. Workplace Expectations: Does this tool alleviate pressure or subtly raise the bar for 'acceptable' appearance in professional settings?
2. AI Ethics: While framed as enhancement, it contributes to the normalization of AI-altered realities in daily interactions.
3. Accessibility & Equity: Limiting it to paid Workspace tiers creates a disparity between users.

For developers and tech leaders, this represents another step in the integration of sophisticated, real-time AI computer vision into mainstream collaboration tools. It demonstrates the ongoing push to make video interactions less about the limitations of the medium (like showing up bleary-eyed) and more about the content of the conversation, albeit through digitally mediated presentation. Whether this empowers users or adds another layer of performative expectation remains an open question as these tools become more pervasive.

Source: Based on reporting by Jada Jones for ZDNET (https://www.zdnet.com/article/this-google-meet-tool-could-help-you-look-better-in-meetings-even-the-early-ones/).