As technology has made it possible to have facetime with co-workers even from miles away, companies around the globe are finding ways to accommodate mobile employees. Some 80% to 90% of the US workforce for example say they’d like to work from home at least part time, according to the latest research from the firm Global Workplace Analytics.

Shiseido, in collaboration with Microsoft Japan has developed “TeleBeauty”, an app that automatically calibrates skin tone and applies digital makeup to the face during video-conferencing.

The aim is to support women who actively pursue their careers remotely, be it from home or otherwise, and consider cosmetics part of their image management.

With the technical assistance of Microsoft Japan, Shiseido has developed a trial model of this app for “Skype for Business”.

With today’s progressive diversity of work styles, “teleworking”, a flexible way of performing duties regardless of the time and place, is spreading fast.

Many people take advantage of this style in order to achieve greater business efficiency or to circumvent locational restrictions when, for example, providing child and/or elderly care.

Noticing this trend, Shiseido conducted a survey among telecommuting women. The results revealed a feeling of annoyance with having to apply makeup for one or few online meetings while working from home. They also expressed that they don’t like their personal and private space being seen through the monitor and that sometimes, due to camera quality or room lighting, they feel uncomfortable with the appearance of their skin on the screen.

“TeleBeauty” has been developed based on insights Shiseido has gained through its long experience and work in the industry. Experience gained through makeup techniques owned by Shiseido artists, makeup simulation technology developed by Shiseido R＆D (proved at the stores since 1999), and trend information.

In addition to its main feature of applying makeup, the app can also correct the skin tone and blur the background. As the makeup smoothly follows the user’s facial movements, it is hard to guess that it is a simulation and not real makeup. This easy-to-use app saves the telecommuters both time and effort.