One of the downsides to buying cosmetics at a drugstore versus a beauty department store like Sephora is that you can't actually try on the products. But imagine walking into your local pharmacy and being able to test out a cool eye shadow or a new lipstick before buying them? Well now you can thanks to a new innovative beauty app, Makeup Genius by L'Oréal Paris (now available for downloading). I actually got to test-drive this thing out and I swear to you–it WILL change your life!
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So how does this thing work? Unlike other beauty apps I've tried out that allow you to try on makeup after uploading a photo of yourself, this one uses your smartphone's front-facing camera. In other words, you can try on eye shadows, lipsticks, blushes and even eye liners in real time. How awesome is that? All you have to do is open the Makeup Genius app and it instantly maps out points on your face that helps it identify your features. Then, you pick a L'Oréal product and scan the bar code to your smart phone. I remember trying L'Oréal Extraordinaire by Colour Riche Lipstick in Fuchsia Orchestra ($10) for example, and the makeup was instantly applied virtually to my face. Like it was on my face and even moved with my facial expressions, my smiles and my pouting. Tell me that isn't genius!
And trust me chica, this thing looks natural all right. So natural if I face-chatted with that look on, you'd totally think I just had makeup on. Did I mention you can also try on runway ready looks too? Even though I have to say I looked pretty crazy in a few of them. Extremely long falsies have never really been my thing.
So the next time you find yourself at your local drugstore debating over whether you want to try a new purple eyeliner or a bright, bold lipstick (by L'Oréal Paris of course), just scan the bar code, try it on and see how you'd really look in it. It doesn't get any better than this!
If you're as easily entertained by beauty apps as I am, here are 12 other really cool ones you should TOTALLY check out!
–Additional reporting by Michelle Regalado
Image via Alison Brod PR
How's Your Hair
The web app How's Your Hair offers users a "hair forecast" based on where you live. All you have to do is type in the name of your city and the app will pull up factors like the percentage of humidity and wind levels to expect the following day. It'll then make hair style suggestions accordingly. Sounds pretty great, right?
Think Dirty
Think Dirty basically makes clean beauty shopping a breeze by rating thousands of popular North American and European products on a scale from one (being the cleanest, most chemical-free) to 10 (being the "dirtiest").
NailSnaps
NailSnaps lets you turn your personal photos into fun and unique stickers to wear on your nails!
GlamSquad
Not enough time to hit the salon? Glamsquad is a new app, recently launched in New York City and coming to Washington, D.C., Los Angeles and other cities this summer, that brings the blow out and styling to you, wherever you are–home, office, gym, etc. It costs $50 and they only need 60 minutes of advanced notice!
Hair MakeOver
Need a new haircut? This app allows you to try on different kinds of styles and cuts before you make your big chop. Just add your picture, select a hairstyle and it will match it in less than a minute!
Hair Color Booth
Now you can finally see how you would look with rainbow hair. Take a picture of yourself with your iPhone camera and get an instant color change!
Makeup Tips & Tricks
This adorable makeover app teaches you how to use basic makeup brushes and tools. Compiled by professional makeup artists, this super cute iphone application covers everything from nails, eye makeup, lips and more. I love how each tip is presented on a pretty pink vanity mirror!
OPI
For all the nail polish obsessed ladies out there, this app allows you to virtually paint your nails to help you see which OPI lacquer suites you best!
Beauty Product Reviews by TotalBeauty.com
Looking for a new conditioner or foundation, but not sure which one to buy? This TotalBeauty.com app has you covered! Check out over 280,000 consumer product reviews on everything from blowdryers, skincare and more!
Natural Beauty Tips
Make Saturday your at-home spa day with this fun app, that offers natural beauty tips you can try in the privacy and convenience of your kitchen. It’s fun, effective and is bound to save you a couple of bucks that weekend!
Make Perfume
Before you head out to buy another bottle of your favorite perfume, check out this super cool app that shows you exactly what you need to make your very own signature fragrance. Sounds like fun to me!
Clinique Forecast
Before you decide to flat iron your hair in the morning, check out this cool app from Clinique to get your real-time weather forecast so you can prep your skin and hair accordingly!
