Since government-mandated lockdowns around the world have seen non-essential businesses temporarily shut their doors, beauty brands have had to take their services online whether that’s Bleach London’s Zoom Hair Party Series or skincare clinics offering digital skin analysis.

For DECIEM, the parent company of cult skincare brand The Ordinary, moving the in-store experience online means a new virtual consultation feature which will enable customers to ask all their skincare questions without leaving the house. Debuting at 5pm today, the chat function dubbed DECIEM AT HOME will operate on their website from 8am-8pm and allow people to chat live with DECIEM skin experts via instant message, video chat, or a phone call.

The chat will also include a picture and video sharing function so that the experts can assess your skin more accurately and you will have the opportunity to check back in three weeks later to see how your routine is working. And the best part is it’s all free and you are under no obligation to make any purchases.

DECIEM co-founder Nicola Kilner says the move was made because human connection matters more than ever. "Skincare is deeply personal, and our audience deserves to receive dedicated advice before considering what may work for their specific needs," she said. "DECIEM AT HOME will be an online reflection of the educated, human experience that our store ambassadors are so passionate about delivering daily."

So, if you’ve ever wondered what the difference is between a retinol and a vitamin C and which you should be using, this service is for you!