Google just dropped AI-powered makeup filters into Meet, giving users 12 virtual cosmetic options that stay locked to faces even when drinking coffee. The rollout, which began October 8, puts Google's video platform directly against Microsoft Teams and Zoom in the beauty filter arms race that's reshaping remote work culture.
Google just made video calls a lot more forgiving for the makeup-free masses. The company's Meet platform now includes AI-powered makeup filters that promise to stay perfectly applied whether you're nodding along in agreement or reaching for that third cup of coffee.
The timing isn't coincidental. Microsoft Teams and Zoom have been winning over users with their beauty enhancement features, leaving Google's enterprise video tool looking surprisingly bare-faced in comparison. According to Google's announcement, Meet users can now choose from 12 different makeup styles tucked away in the "Appearance" section under "Portrait touch-up."
What makes Google's approach different is the underlying AI tracking technology. The company claims its virtual makeup stays locked to users' faces regardless of movement - a technical challenge that's tripped up earlier filter attempts across the industry. "If a user takes a sip of coffee, the filter will stay on their face instead of shifting to the mug," Google explained in its blog post.
The feature builds on Meet's existing "Portrait touch-up" capabilities that launched back in 2023, which already offered complexion smoothing, under-eye lightening, and eye whitening. But adding full makeup simulation represents a significant leap in both technical complexity and user appeal.
Google's playing catch-up here, but they're doing it with typical engineering precision. The filters are disabled by default - a privacy-conscious move that lets users opt in rather than accidentally appearing with virtual lipstick in their next board meeting. Once activated, Meet remembers your preferences for future calls, streamlining the user experience.
The rollout began October 8 across both mobile and web platforms, suggesting Google's prioritizing broad accessibility over a staggered enterprise release. This democratic approach could help the company rapidly close the feature gap with competitors who've had beauty filters for months.
