A Printer That Makes Eyeshadow? Yep, It’s The Future

If you've ever seen a photo of a gorgeous color and thought it would make the perfect eyeshadow, good news: That dream is about to become reality thanks to a 3-D-printing innovation called Mink. Developed by Harvard grad Grace Choi, Mink allows you to take the hex code off of any pixel and then print it as makeup. No more relying on brands to create the colors we crave — the inspiration begins and ends with the user, with truly instant gratification.

Choi presented Mink at the TechCrunch Disrupt 2014 conference, where she told the audience, "The inkjet handles the pigment, and the same raw material substrates can create any type of makeup, from powders to cream to lipstick." The FDA-approved ink used in the printer can replicate any shade the user wants and then mixes the pigment with the raw materials needed to create makeup. Of course, color is only half the battle — if the formula isn't stellar, the product won't be, either. Choi claims to be using the same basic "substrates" as most makeup, but we're wondering if that will take away from the quality of the creations.

Regardless, for DIY lovers and makeup junkies alike, this is huge news. And, at $300, this could be a cost-efficient option for people who buy a lot of makeup. We're wondering, though, how it's going to impact cosmetics companies. Will there always be a market for color products, or will this innovation eliminate the need for that middle man? We're looking forward to seeing how this technology is received once it launches later this year. In the meantime, let us know your thoughts on Mink: the way of the future or a flash in the pan? (TechCrunch)