Innovation experts are predicting that the age of analogue lipsticks will soon come to an end as consumers desire products that are smarter, adaptable and more eco-friendly.

As part of a look into the future of packaging, branding agency 1HQ has created a concept for a state-of-the-art sustainable lipstick showing how the product might be updated for the digital era.

The lipstick, which they have named Moi, would allow wearers to save their colour selections and even create unique fades, patterns and gradients. Via voice command, these could instantly be applied to any skin tone or fashion choice.

1HQ believes this digital lipstick will help the beauty industry reduce the amount of plastic that it contributes to the environment as it would be a re-usable product.

Mike Webster, director of 3D Structure & Experience at 1HQ, believes it won’t be long before we “say goodbye to single-use lipsticks that break or dry out.”

“We envision a lipstick applicator that utilises inkjet printing technology so that every application is as good as the first,” he said.

“It no longer makes sense to produce packaging that is discarded after a single use, so the applicator will be reused, leading to reduced waste and revolutionising the eco-credentials of this currently single-use product.”

1HQ envisions that autonomous filling stations would be located in stores and busy locations to replenish the lipstick when these colours run low.

Users would also be able to download colours and effects they like from their favourite celebrities and influencers.

By providing a variety of different shades and tones, 1HQ’s concept could help the beauty industry be more inclusive of different skin colours, following criticism that the cosmetics sector is failing to tackle diversity.

Mike Webster, director of 3D Structure & Experience at brand agency 1HQ, explained how this would work. He said: “Thanks to inkjet technology, there is real potential to create a colour-changing lipstick.”

“Using piezoelectric Drop On Demand technology, we envision a lipstick applicator that will release its formulation through tiny nozzles and proximity sensors to print a bespoke range of colours that complement your skin tone or shades that are perfect colour matches of your favourite outfits.”

He continued: “Like many other smart devices, it will likely be controlled through a mixture of haptic and voice input. So, whether you’re after a striking matte red or a subtle nude, you’ll be able to select the right option by simply applying pressure or speaking.”

Moi comes with various other digital features. As it’s thought that 3D olfactory printers could be used to create new scent molecules one day, this could enable the engineering of personalised 3D printed scents and tastes.

The development of self-regenerating materials is also currently underway. 1HQ believes that, in future, this technology could be applied to makeup. So, you might find that in the future your lip gloss will remain perfectly in place all day and the lipstick applicator will be able to repair itself when damaged.