Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Identification of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles in Histological Samples by Enhanced Darkfield Microscopy and Hyperspectral Mapping
Published on: December 8, 2015
A new method for the evaluation of makeup coverage using hyperspectral imaging
Carl Blaksley1, Kumiko Udodaira1, Alexandre Nicolas1
1L'Oréal Research & Innovation, Kawasaki, Kanagawa, Japan.
Introduction:
The coverage of a makeup foundation is a perceived attribute which is not captured by opacity or any other single optical property. As previous instrumental measurements do not allow us to consistently compare one product to another, we have begun exploring new parameters and analysis methods made available by hyperspectral imaging. Presumably, the coverage of makeup comes from the change in color, homogeneity, and evenness over the face after application, and the ability of the product to hide spots and other blemishes.
Methods:
As a starting point to unravelling this complex topic, we define a homogeneity factor which measures the change in the homogeneity of the spectra using the distribution of spectral angles in the face. We likewise define a spectral shift factor which indicates the degree of spectral change after product application. To test these new parameters and the overall analysis method, we applied them to the HSI validation dataset which contains data for three makeup foundation products of different coverage levels applied to 9 models.
Results:
We find that correlates with the sensory ranking of coverage. Similarly, the parameter correlates with the visible color change induced by the product, and we can map the three products into distinct categories based on their effect on and .
Discussion:
Nevertheless, the homogeneity factor does not fully describe coverage, and in the variability in the product effect from model to model we find evidence that we must also account for the relative color difference between the model's skin tone and the product shade among other factors.
Related Concept Videos
Ultraviolet and Visible (UV–Vis) Spectroscopy: Overview
Imaging Biological Samples with Optical Microscopy
In optical microscopy, the specimen to be viewed is placed on a glass slide and clipped on the stage...
Super-resolution Fluorescence Microscopy
X-ray Imaging
Attenuated Total Reflectance (ATR) Infrared Spectroscopy: Overview
The ATR process begins by directing a beam...
Flame Photometry: Overview

