Whether or not you are obsessed with the iPhone (I am!), chances are extremely high that you will be caught up in at least one debate on the pros and cons of the iPhone 5 (and whether Apple can survive without Steve Jobs) this weekend. But whatever your views, one thing is certain – the iPhone and iPad have done wonders for our style quotient by bringing the world of beauty right into our hands with a host of apps that range from tutorials and product reviews to trying out various looks and benefiting from one-on-one makeup advice with experts who would otherwise be completely out of reach.
Unfortunately though, you won’t find any category dedicated to beauty in the App Store, which means that it takes some digging around to find the best downloads. So, to make things easier for you, here are 10 beauty apps that offer useful, fun and (sometimes) downright wacky tools to take charge of your cosmetic destiny. [PS: All of these are available for the iPhone and iPad, while most are available for Android as well.]
1. Sun UV Protector
If you are pretty good at putting on the sunscreen before heading out but aren’t as conscientious about slapping on a repeat layer a few hours later, this app is for you. It zones in on your location, calculates the day’s UV index based on satellite data for the region, makes the appropriate sunscreen suggestions (based on your skin type), and even sounds an alarm when it’s time to slather on more SPF. Price: US$0.99
2. Make Up Forever Pocket Studio
This is probably the closest alternative to having a personal stylist on call for most of us. Key in your personal style, mood, occasion, problems etc and Make Up Forever artists will recommend your perfect look, along with step-by-step tutorials for achieving the same. Plus, the in-built SOS Studio is a great bet for tackling skin issues and fixing common makeup mistakes. Price: Free
3. @Mirror
There are a gazillion mirror apps out there but most don’t do anything more than switching on your phone’s front-facing camera. This one, on the other hand, has a 4x zoom that shows up amazingly detailed closeups and a Night Mode that works even in complete darkness. Price: Free
4. How To Do Your Own Cute Nails
Nail art is the hottest trend right now but both you and I know that recreating some of those dramatic, off-the-wall designs at home is next to impossible. That’s where this app comes in, with stunning-yet-simple DIY options like Cupcakes, camouflage and citrus slice patterns. Ready for something a bit more complex? Upgrade to the premium version (US$ 1.99) and access step-by-step tutorials for tie-and-dye, nautical and Converse designs — among others. Price: Free
5. InStyle Hairstyle Try-On
Are you the kind who tears out celeb pix to show your hair dresser? Dump the wait-and-see approach and preview what the overall result will look like before putting scissors to strands with this app. Upload your own pic and the app’s auto-detect technology will determine your face type to show you star styles for that shape. The premium version (US$6) also has loads of hair styling tips and personalised recommendations from InStyle editors. Price: Free
6. Photo Makeover
That photo looks perfect except for a silly smirk? Or the camera caught you on a bad day and there is a need for some digital surgery before letting the world (or at least your Facebook clan) see the snapshot? This app comes with a host of one-touch templates to open up sleepy eyes, slim the face and erase other minor beauty faux pas from your pictures. Price: US$0.99
7. MelApp
This one’s not even a luxury… it’s a necessity. First, you take snaps of a suspicious mole on your body and upload it to the app. Then, using built-in image recognition from Johns Hopkins University Medical Center, it’ll tell you whether the mole is potentially dangerous and should be checked by a dermatologist (and even give you referrals to specialists in your area). It’s not a replacement for a doctor but definitely a great guide to point you in the right direction! Price: US$1.99
8. Makeup with Julio Sandino
The legendary Julio Sandino, makeup artist for NARS and Dolce & Gabbana, breaks down make-up application in this series of podcasts, starting with the basics and graduating to tips for how to translate runway looks to everyday. This is the best app I have seen that bridges the gap between ramp and real beauty. Price: Free
9. L’Oreal Paris Colour Genius
Whether you want to match, clash or blend your make-up with an outfit, take a photo of your clothes and the app will find the L’Oreal shades to suit your needs. Both fun and practical – a potent combination! Price: Free
10. Clairol Studio
Ever wondered what you’d look like with a lighter hair colour or if you would suit blonde locks? This app lets you experiment, virtually of course, using over 100 shades of hair colour. Simply upload your photo and select the shade you want to try and the app will apply it to your hair. Or you can answer a few questions and the Clairol experts will recommend the best shades for your tresses. If you are impressed with your new look, there is also the option to share with friends over Facebook. Price: Free
And two for the environment…
Good Guide
Want to steer clear of harsh ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and sodium laurel ether sulfate but find it hard to figure out which products contain them? Simply photograph an item’s bar code and instantly download its “green” quotient, including facts on how good the item is for your health, the environment, and society, accompanied by a list of ingredients and picks of other greener options. Only caveat: The app is currently available on for products sold in the USA. Price: Free
Cruelty Free
Like your cosmetics with a side of conscience? This app allows you to access the latest Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) list of cruelty-free cosmetic and household products from your smartphone. You can search for make-up, skincare, deodorants, household cleaners and even car care that have not been tested on animals. There’s also a comprehensive list of Vegan products. Price: Free
Which is your favourite beauty app? And what do you think of the new iPhone 5? I am personally disappointed!
Those look really great! I would love to try the photo makeover or the Clairol hair ones and the mole checker is something that could potentially save lives; amazing! Guess I need an iphone or an ipad
Hmm, isn’t Christmas right around the corner?
Grin! I hope someone close to you is reading this comment and taking the hint
I started reading a book on Louis XIV today and was thinking of you. It’s called Before Versailles and is an awesome slice of French history!
You are such a kindred spirit
I wish you lived near me, it would be so much fun to go get coffee (or tea) and chat.
I was just thinking it would also be fun to learn some French history as my daughter and I learning some French (she is doing online school this year and French is one of her subjects so I get to learn right along side her.) I’ll start with the novel on Sisi though. Guess I need to add “Before Versailles” to my reading list. Let me know how it is.
I was just thinking the same thing!!!!!!!! Where exactly are you based??
I’m in the U.S. (Colorado) How about you?
I am sort of a global gypsy – usually alternating between Mumbai or Delhi (India), Singapore, New York, London and Paris.
I downloaded 4 of them, and LOVE them! Thanks for the info !
Glad you liked them
) Which ones did you get??
I got the MUFE one – it is really nice!
I love that one!!!!
I LOVE THIS POST!!!! Thank you for the information on all those cool apps!!!!