Mini AR Mirror

This custom-built AR Mirror was a fun project to explore a more portable format for augmented reality experiences—something backpack-sized rather than the giant, wall-mounted mirrors typically used for AR try-on setups.

I took apart a real makeup mirror, removed the glass, and repurposed the metal frame to house an iPad running a Snap Camera Kit app that displays Snapchat Lenses I’ve created. Since the iPad was smaller than the frame, I designed a custom 3D-printed case in Blender to hold it snugly, with a channel around the border for a ring of addressable RGB LEDs. This included printing a diffuser to give the lights a smooth, neon-style glow—both functional for lighting the user and visually striking, like a proper vanity mirror.

The electronics were the trickiest part. The high current draw of the LEDs meant I had to design a custom circuit board with an ESP32, a large capacitor for power smoothing, and a USB-C breakout for PD input. This setup allows a standard USB-C battery bank to supply 12V at low amperage, which is then stepped down to 5V at high current—ideal for portable demos where power outlets might not be available. For now, a button on the back cycles through various LED patterns, but the goal is to eventually have the Camera Kit app communicate with the ESP32 via Bluetooth, so the lights can respond dynamically to what’s happening in the AR experience.

The mini mirror format ended up being useful not just for portability, but also because it naturally aligns with the look and function of a makeup mirror. The ring of addressable RGB LEDs does a great job lighting the user’s face evenly—ideal for makeup-style effects or beauty-focused lenses—and visually sells the idea of a high-tech vanity mirror. This opens up interesting use cases for beauty brands like Sephora or Ulta, who could use something like this in stores for customers to preview makeup, skincare, or hair effects digitally before making a purchase. The compact size makes it more feasible for in-store deployments at individual counters or kiosks, and it doesn’t require a massive footprint or permanent installation.

For us, it’s become a powerful demo tool. I can bring it to meetings or events and instantly show what’s possible with AR mirrors, whether it’s real-time face transformation, virtual product trials, or themed branded experiences. The built-in lighting, dynamic visuals, and standalone functionality make it a great conversation starter—and help potential clients quickly grasp how AR could be integrated into their own physical spaces in a sleek, compact way.