Artificial intelligence is no longer just about answering questions or planning your next vacation—it’s helping redefine how we look and feel about ourselves. With my 30th birthday on the horizon and a calendar full of weddings, I decided to put my beauty fate in the hands of AI. Could a machine really know how to bring out my summer glow better than I could? I uploaded my photo, followed its advice, and tested the transformation myself. The result? Surprisingly effective—with one neon-pink misstep.
Asking AI for a beauty reset
Like most of us, I’ve developed a comfortable (read: repetitive) makeup routine. It’s reliable, but maybe a little… uninspired. So when I heard about ChatGPT’s new image-input capability that offers beauty suggestions based on a photo, curiosity won. I uploaded a snapshot of my usual look—ginger waves, minimal makeup—and asked for a summer “glow up.”
After a few back-and-forth prompts to fine-tune what I meant (natural, summery, glowy—not full glam), the AI delivered a list of recommendations. Some were small tweaks. Others? A complete departure from my norm. But in the name of research—and radiant skin—I decided to try them all.
Hair: Beachy vibes with a hint of caramel
The first suggestion was hair-related: add warm honey or caramel highlights and style it in loose, beachy waves. My copper tones already lean warm, but I took the advice to heart and curled my hair before brushing it out into soft waves.
The result? Fuller, more face-flattering texture that really did feel summer-ready. While I won’t commit to daily curling sessions, it’s a look I’ll revisit for weddings and special events.
Verdict: Keep.
Skin: Dewy, not dull
Admittedly, I was a little offended when the bot described my skin as “dull”—though, to be fair, I had just stepped off a long-haul flight. Still, it made a fair point. I usually slap on moisturizer and call it a day, but this time I went all in: toner to tighten and brighten, followed by a rich moisturizer and cooling eye cream.
The extra effort paid off. My skin felt hydrated and smooth, and my makeup applied more evenly with no dry patches in sight. Lesson learned: glowy skin isn’t just makeup—it’s prep work.
Verdict: Keep.
Makeup: Less matte, more radiance
This was the part I feared most. I’m not adventurous when it comes to makeup, and the AI’s suggestions leaned well beyond my usual safe zone: dewy base, bronze eyes, winged liner, rosy blush, and peachy gloss. Still, I gave it a shot.
Swapping my full-coverage foundation for a tinted moisturizer and lightweight concealer gave me a fresh, radiant base. I used powder only on the T-zone to keep things glowing, not greasy. Cream blush and highlighter added surprising dimension and made my cheeks look lifted—something my face needed more than I realized.
Then came the eyes: a wash of bronze shadow and a precise winged liner (shaky hands be damned). I usually skip shadow, but it brought just enough drama to make my eyes pop without feeling overdone.
Finally, the lip. Oh, the lip. I knew coral wasn’t my shade, but I tried anyway. The AI’s recommended gloss turned me into an 80s rollerskater—shiny, loud, and not in a good way. I swapped it for a warmer pink. Still not perfect, but better.
Verdict: Keep (except the lipstick).
Accessories: A minimalist win
ChatGPT rounded out its advice with a styling note: light summer tones and gold accessories. As someone who avoids over-accessorizing, this felt doable. I added small gold hoops—my go-to metal—and instantly looked more polished. A subtle touch, but one that pulled the look together.
Verdict: Keep.
The final glow-up verdict
Surprisingly? I’m sold. Not every AI suggestion was a hit (that gloss is going straight in the bin), but overall, the changes made a real difference. The glowy skin, lifted cheekbones, and brighter eyes gave me exactly the refresh I was looking for. More importantly, it reminded me that small tweaks—better skin prep, intentional color choices, a bit of effort in the hair department—can go a long way.
Would I consult AI for another makeover? Honestly, yes. It’s like having a brutally honest friend who skips the niceties and tells you what you need to hear: what’s working, what’s not, and how to level up your look. Just maybe don’t let it choose your lipstick.
