Women in AI: How Mary Kay Is Shaping the Future of Beauty Tech
Women are still significantly underrepresented in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and technology roles, yet their involvement is essential to shaping responsible, inclusive, and innovative AI for the future. At Mary Kay—the world’s leading direct selling brand for skincare and color cosmetics—women are actively driving the future of beauty by integrating AI and digital technologies into the business.
One such leader is Ada McLaughlin, Senior Product Manager on Mary Kay’s Digital Business Solutions team. Ada is dedicated to creating inclusive, technology-powered experiences that merge creativity, science, and purpose. With a background in global product innovation, user-focused design, and emerging technologies, she has shared her insights at major tech events, including the Augmented Enterprise Summit in Dallas and Euromonitor’s “Future of Retail: Navigating E-Commerce Disruption” panel in Chicago. We spoke with Ada about Mary Kay’s advanced beauty tech initiatives and why increasing women’s representation in AI careers is both a strategic advantage and a necessity for the future.
Getting to Know Ada McLaughlin
Ada has spent nearly 15 years with Mary Kay, following an early career at Facebook in California. Originally from Colombia, she has also worked in Brazil and speaks Spanish and some Portuguese. Her passion lies in empowering Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants with digital tools that help them succeed and elevate customer experiences. Outside of work, Ada enjoys reading (she’s a fan of the C.B. Strike series), is a proud mom to her six-year-old daughter Mia, and a cat mom to Mac.
How AI and Technology Support Beauty Consultants
Mary Kay’s mission has always been to enrich women’s lives—and today that extends to digital empowerment. The company continues to evolve its support for Independent Beauty Consultants through AI and augmented reality (AR) innovations. These technologies simplify business operations and help consultants connect more effectively with customers.
Ada describes technology as a powerful “amplifier” that enhances the human touch. While tech tools streamline and personalize the shopping experience, it’s the consultant who builds trust, provides education, and creates emotional connections with customers—key drivers of loyalty. (Mary Kay recently ranked #2 on Forbes’ Best Customer Service list for 2026.)
The AI Foundation Finder: Beauty Meets Technology
One of Mary Kay’s latest breakthroughs is the AI Foundation Finder, a first-of-its-kind tool in direct selling. Using advanced AI, the tool scans a customer’s face via smartphone and recommends the ideal foundation shade in seconds by analyzing 151 facial data points. It’s built on a scientifically developed skin tone scale to ensure inclusive and accurate shade matching.
The team chose to launch it as a web-based experience rather than a standalone app, making it easier to integrate into e-commerce platforms and Beauty Consultants’ personal websites. This tool helps consultants sell more effectively while giving customers a personalized and seamless way to discover products.
Bridging the Sensory Gap in Digital Beauty Shopping
AI and AR help recreate the in-person beauty counter experience online. Tools like the AI Foundation Finder and MirrorMe™ Virtual Try-On allow customers to test shades virtually and see real-time results on their own faces. This interactive experience builds confidence and trust, even without physically testing the product.
Mary Kay continuously tracks metrics such as user satisfaction, shade accuracy, engagement time, and purchase intent to refine these tools. Engagement has been strong, with users spending more than five minutes per session, over 100,000 scans in a few weeks, and millions of virtual try-ons. Combining technology, data insights, and human guidance empowers customers to make confident purchasing decisions.
Women in Technology at Mary Kay
Ada is a strong advocate for increasing women’s representation in tech and serves as a co-lead for the Mary Kay Women in Technology Group, established in 2011. The group focuses on advancing gender equality in the tech industry through mentorship, networking, well-being initiatives, community outreach, and business education.
The goal is to inspire more women to pursue careers in technology and create a collaborative, innovative, and supportive environment for growth.
Why AI Needs More Women
Women bring critical perspectives to AI development, contributing to safer, more ethical, and more inclusive systems. Ada believes women often approach AI with a collaborative mindset and a strong focus on human-centered design—qualities that are essential for impactful technology.
However, a global study from Harvard Business School’s Digital Data Design Institute found a 25% gap in AI usage between men and women. Closing this “Gap to Growth” is key to advancing women’s digital participation and leadership.
Advice for the Next Generation
Ada’s message to her daughter is simple: “Take risks. You belong.” She also draws inspiration from Mary Kay Ash’s advice about perseverance and finding alternative paths when facing obstacles.
She encourages women in AI to build their digital presence, increase visibility, and recognize their value. The world needs more women shaping the future of technology.
Did You Know?
One such leader is Ada McLaughlin, Senior Product Manager on Mary Kay’s Digital Business Solutions team. Ada is dedicated to creating inclusive, technology-powered experiences that merge creativity, science, and purpose. With a background in global product innovation, user-focused design, and emerging technologies, she has shared her insights at major tech events, including the Augmented Enterprise Summit in Dallas and Euromonitor’s “Future of Retail: Navigating E-Commerce Disruption” panel in Chicago. We spoke with Ada about Mary Kay’s advanced beauty tech initiatives and why increasing women’s representation in AI careers is both a strategic advantage and a necessity for the future.
Getting to Know Ada McLaughlin
Ada has spent nearly 15 years with Mary Kay, following an early career at Facebook in California. Originally from Colombia, she has also worked in Brazil and speaks Spanish and some Portuguese. Her passion lies in empowering Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultants with digital tools that help them succeed and elevate customer experiences. Outside of work, Ada enjoys reading (she’s a fan of the C.B. Strike series), is a proud mom to her six-year-old daughter Mia, and a cat mom to Mac.
How AI and Technology Support Beauty Consultants
Mary Kay’s mission has always been to enrich women’s lives—and today that extends to digital empowerment. The company continues to evolve its support for Independent Beauty Consultants through AI and augmented reality (AR) innovations. These technologies simplify business operations and help consultants connect more effectively with customers.
Ada describes technology as a powerful “amplifier” that enhances the human touch. While tech tools streamline and personalize the shopping experience, it’s the consultant who builds trust, provides education, and creates emotional connections with customers—key drivers of loyalty. (Mary Kay recently ranked #2 on Forbes’ Best Customer Service list for 2026.)
The AI Foundation Finder: Beauty Meets Technology
One of Mary Kay’s latest breakthroughs is the AI Foundation Finder, a first-of-its-kind tool in direct selling. Using advanced AI, the tool scans a customer’s face via smartphone and recommends the ideal foundation shade in seconds by analyzing 151 facial data points. It’s built on a scientifically developed skin tone scale to ensure inclusive and accurate shade matching.
The team chose to launch it as a web-based experience rather than a standalone app, making it easier to integrate into e-commerce platforms and Beauty Consultants’ personal websites. This tool helps consultants sell more effectively while giving customers a personalized and seamless way to discover products.
Bridging the Sensory Gap in Digital Beauty Shopping
AI and AR help recreate the in-person beauty counter experience online. Tools like the AI Foundation Finder and MirrorMe™ Virtual Try-On allow customers to test shades virtually and see real-time results on their own faces. This interactive experience builds confidence and trust, even without physically testing the product.
Mary Kay continuously tracks metrics such as user satisfaction, shade accuracy, engagement time, and purchase intent to refine these tools. Engagement has been strong, with users spending more than five minutes per session, over 100,000 scans in a few weeks, and millions of virtual try-ons. Combining technology, data insights, and human guidance empowers customers to make confident purchasing decisions.
Women in Technology at Mary Kay
Ada is a strong advocate for increasing women’s representation in tech and serves as a co-lead for the Mary Kay Women in Technology Group, established in 2011. The group focuses on advancing gender equality in the tech industry through mentorship, networking, well-being initiatives, community outreach, and business education.
The goal is to inspire more women to pursue careers in technology and create a collaborative, innovative, and supportive environment for growth.
Why AI Needs More Women
Women bring critical perspectives to AI development, contributing to safer, more ethical, and more inclusive systems. Ada believes women often approach AI with a collaborative mindset and a strong focus on human-centered design—qualities that are essential for impactful technology.
However, a global study from Harvard Business School’s Digital Data Design Institute found a 25% gap in AI usage between men and women. Closing this “Gap to Growth” is key to advancing women’s digital participation and leadership.
Advice for the Next Generation
Ada’s message to her daughter is simple: “Take risks. You belong.” She also draws inspiration from Mary Kay Ash’s advice about perseverance and finding alternative paths when facing obstacles.
She encourages women in AI to build their digital presence, increase visibility, and recognize their value. The world needs more women shaping the future of technology.
Did You Know?
- 2026: Women account for only 30–35% of the global tech workforce, with just 10% holding top leadership roles in AI organizations.
- 2025: Mary Kay introduced the AI Foundation Finder.
- 2011: Mary Kay launched its Women in Technology Employee Group.
Learn more about Mary Kay digital tools: here.
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