Instagram makes it possible to ‘fit’ certain glasses and cosmetics in the app

Instagram now allows users to try out cosmetics and eyewear using augmented reality. The feature is currently limited to Mac, Nars, Warby Parker, and Ray-Ban brands. It was already possible to buy the products directly within the app.

Users can navigate to the respective products from posts, shop pages or stories, after which they can try on the products. While the user is ‘wearing’ a product, the color or model can also be adjusted to make comparisons easy. It is unclear whether the function is also available in regions where the products themselves are not available.

The Try It On feature uses Facebook’s Spark AR technology. This has already been used to give users the opportunity to create their own ar filters. Spark AR in Instagram has been available to the wider public since this summer. However, this is the first e-commerce application for Spark AR. Until now, it was only used for filters for entertainment purposes.

Facebook and Instagram regularly take steps towards a greater role for e-commerce. This summer, Instagram’s explore page was also redesigned, with a more prominent position for its shopping section. Parent company Facebook itself is also making progress with its Marketplace.