6 Ways Google Home Is a Beauty Guru’s BFF

Lately it seems like the beauty industry has been taking all of its cues from Silicon Valley (see: extensive list of savvy beauty startups, high-tech skin and hair solutions, futuristic tools, and lust-worthy tech-meets-fashion/fitness/beauty collaborations). And thanks to this new tech wave, the truly savvy among us are learning to bring all kinds of consumer tech into the beauty game—the latest of which is a little gadget called Google Home.

For the tech uninitiated among us, Google Home falls into a category of “smart speakers” (where it keeps company with Amazon Echo) but it’s basically an IRL version of Google’s search bar—sit the chic speaker on your dresser and you can ask it just about anything while your hands are busy with your a.m. beauty routine. To reach peak tech and beauty guru status, here are some ways you can use Google Home to elevate your beauty game.

1. Get the latest news on product drops.

Next time you’re running low on your Kylie Lip Kit supply, rather than launch into full-on panic mode, you can simply ask Google when you can expect the next drop. Then have good old Google Home verify your schedule so you can plan accordingly.

2. Find the best product dupes.

The great thing about Google Home is that it’s pretty much a living version of the wealth of info Google has at its disposal. Searching for a good product dupe? Have your new BFF/beauty concierge do it for you rather than spending forever clicking around—that’s so 20th century.

---

The Easter eggs inside the 'mind' of Google Home:

---

3. Weigh the weather into your makeup routine.

One of Google Home’s more basic features is that it can give you instant weather updates, which will totally come in handy when you’re getting ready in the morning. Raining? Reach for the waterproof mascara. Windy? Start working on an intentionally messy-chic braid. Just put in your home address (or wherever you're located) and ask a question: "OK, Google, is it going to rain today in New York?" we asked. Thankfully, Google answered no, so we slathered on sunscreen before greeting the sunny day.

4. Find the nearest beauty store.

Google Home also has a whole world of directions programmed into its chic little brain. While Google can’t actually do your errands for you, it can tell you where to find a beauty store close to the office when you’re running low on essentials. To the question, "Where is the nearest Sephora?" Google Home spit out a list of locations.

5. Get the latest news on steals and sales.

Google Home also doubles as your very own beauty news hound. Ask it if your favorite stores are having any sales before you make your weekend plans.

6. Keep a running list of beauty buys.

If you’re anything like us, you have an endless and ever-evolving beauty wish list. Next time you hear about a new product you have to get your hands on, just have Google Home add it to your running list of must-haves. It's as simple as commanding, "Add perfume to my shopping list."

The verdict:

Google Home is a sleek, tiny speaker that will look great atop your vanity table—it looks like a chic air freshener, no? Designed with Google's new phone, the Pixel, in mind (though it works for iPhones and Androids), the product is great for tracking household tasks like shopping lists and keeping up with the weather. It's not perfect—you have to remember to ask each question with "OK, Google," though it can remember the context of your first question if you want to follow up with another query. For just $129, this little gadget would probably make a great holiday gift for the techie in your life.

RELATED