YouCam Makeup revolutionised the beauty industry by leveraging augmented reality [AR] and reaching 590 million+ downloads as of July 2024. Meanwhile, platforms like IPSY and Nykaa have surpassed $1 billion in revenue. Discover the top beauty apps that are transforming your smartphone into a personalised beauty advisor.
Top Beauty Apps That You’ll Want To Download NOW
YouCam Makeup, launched by Perfect Corp in 2014, went viral due to its AR technology that allows users to virtually try on makeup. BoldHue recently made headlines with its innovative approach to foundation selection; the company developed a ‘magic wand’ that scans the user’s skin tone and then mixes a custom shade of foundation in just one minute!
IPSY, a personalised beauty subscription service, transformed the beauty industry by offering tailored product selections based on individual preferences. In 2020, IPSY reported generating $1 billion in annual revenue through its 4.3 million subscriber base. The new crop of beauty apps can turn your smartphone into a beauty advisor, allowing you to try out a new hair colour, makeup trend or nail art before you take the plunge. So now you’re just a click away from advice, help and experimentation!
In recent years, the beauty industry has experienced a significant digital transformation, with an increasing number of consumers turning to mobile apps to meet their beauty requirements. Per a report by Grand View Research, the global beauty tech market is projected to reach over $100 billion by 2027, driven by advancements in AR, AI, and mobile technology.
A key factor behind this growth is the increasing use of smartphone use—over 80 percent of internet users worldwide now own a smartphone, providing easy access to beauty apps at any time and place. Additionally, a survey by Statista reveals that 65 percent of beauty consumers prefer trying products virtually before making a purchase, highlighting the demand for personalised digital experiences.
This shift towards digital solutions offers convenience and privacy and also empowers consumers to make informed beauty choices, fueling the adoption of beauty apps across demographics. Let’s take a look at the leading beauty apps based on features and functionalities, ease of use, privacy and security. From make-up masterclasses to a digital hair colour, there’s an app for everything!
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Top Beauty Apps That You’ll Want To Download NOW
YouCam Makeup
YouCam Makeup allows users to experiment with makeup styles without physically applying products. Its AR technology provides realistic virtual try-ons for lipstick, eyeshadow, foundation, and more, enabling you to see how different looks suit your facial features. This way, you know exactly what to ask for when you’re at the salon.
YouCam Makeup also features skin analysis and personalised skincare recommendations. The user-friendly interface and customisable options make it easy to create and save multiple looks, which can be shared on social media. Its integration with e-commerce allows you to purchase makeup and skincare products through the app, streamlining the beauty shopping experience.
- Features: YouCam Makeup allows users to experiment with makeup styles, using AR
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android, with subscription fees for a few features.
Think Dirty
Navigating ingredient labels can be a tough task. This app aims to help you discover potentially toxic chemicals in your cosmetics and personal care products, so you can decide what is safe and what you’d like to skip. Simply scan the barcode of any product, and it will analyse the ingredients, safety ratings, and potential health impacts. The app also categorises ingredients into green, yellow, or red labels, helping users quickly identify products free from harmful substances.
Think Dirty also offers educational information about harmful ingredients and safer alternatives, encouraging healthier beauty routines. Its user-friendly interface and extensive database make it a practical tool for consumers concerned about product safety and transparency. By promoting awareness and accountability, Think Dirty fosters a more conscientious approach to beauty retail.
- Features: Think Dirty analyzes the ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android
Chanel LipScanner
Luxury brand Chanel’s latest innovation lets users scan an image (i.e. a book cover or Chanel bag!) and provides Chanel’s perfectly matched lipstick from over four hundred options before trying it on to see how it looks on them.
- Features: Chanel LipScanner
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS
Sephora
The Sephora app serves as a comprehensive beauty destination, combining shopping, tutorials, and personalised recommendations to stock up on beauty supplies. Users can browse a selection of cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance products from top brands, often with exclusive online offers and discounts. The app’s virtual try-on feature uses AR to let customers see how different shades of lipstick, foundation, or eyeshadow will look on their face before making a purchase.
Sephora’s personalised recommendations are based on user preferences, previous purchases, and beauty quiz results, making product discovery more tailored and efficient. The app also provides access to expert tutorials, beauty tips, and reviews, helping users make informed decisions. Its integration of e-commerce and educational content makes it a favourite among beauty lovers who want convenience and expert guidance in one place.
- Features: Sephora combines retail, tutorials, and personalised recommendations
- Exclusive Offers: Discounts on a selection of products
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android
UV Lens
You might be slathering on sunscreen in the morning, but that might not be enough when it comes to protecting yourself from the harmful effects of sun exposure. This app works by assessing your skin and determining the risk factor, and then advises you when it’s best to go outside based on the UV levels. PS It even gives you a reminder to top up your sunscreen throughout the day!!
- Features: UV Lens advises users on sun protection
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android
Top Beauty Apps That You’ll Want To Download NOW
Skin Matters
Skin Matters helps users decipher the long list of ingredients in their skincare products, what it actually means, and a better understanding of what will and won’t work for their specific skin type. It’s perfect for someone who wants to get their skincare right! Founder Joanne Evans tells Elle, ‘we don’t have to be so afraid of chemicals anymore, if we have access to the knowledge to know that a skin care ingredient can be derived from sugar cane… it is natural but has a chemical name. Air is a chemical, water is a chemical, and everything we touch and see is chemical derived.’
- Features: Skin Matters deciphers the list of ingredients in skincare products
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android
Nykaa
Nykaa is a leading beauty app and online marketplace that offers cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and personal care products from leading brands. Its extensive catalog ensures that users can find both premium and affordable options, often with exclusive deals and discounts. The app also features customer reviews, ratings, and detailed product descriptions to help users make informed choices. Nykaa also provides beauty tutorials, expert advice, and personalised recommendations. The app’s user-user-friendly interface and reliable delivery service makes it popular and its loyalty program and regular promotional offers keep users engaged and encourage repeat shopping.
- Features: Nykaa offers cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and personal care products
- Exclusive Offers: Discounts on a selection of products and a loyalty programme
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android
BeautyPlus
BeautyPlus is a selfie camera and photo editing app for users who want to enhance their photographs quickly and easily. It offers tools including skin smoothing, blemish removal, teeth whitening, and makeup filters, enabling users to create polished selfies. The real-time beautification features allow users to see the enhancements as they take photographs, making it ideal for social media content creation.
BeautyPlus also provides artistic filters, backgrounds, and effects to add creativity to photographs. Its user-friendly interface and quick editing functions make it accessible for users of all skill levels. Many users rely on BeautyPlus for personal selfies and for professional photographs for blogs, profiles, and marketing content, making it a versatile tool in the beauty and social media space.
- Features: BeautyPlus is a selfie camera and photo editing app
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android but a few features are paid
MiiSkin
Most melanomas start out as new marks on the skin, or moles that may have changed shape or size. This app will let you track changes in your skin, so you know when you need to get it checked by a dermatologist. The in-app camera lets you take high quality, high-resolution photos of your skin, so you can stay on track of your own health.
- Features: MiiSkin will let you track changes in your skin health
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android
Top Beauty Apps That You’ll Want To Download NOW
FaceApp
FaceApp is a photo editing and enhancement app that uses artificial intelligence to transform selfies in creative ways. Users can apply age filters, change hairstyles, add smiles, or alter facial features. The realistic filters and editing capabilities have made it popular for creating before-and-after images or engaging social media content. FaceApp also offers beauty enhancement features such as skin smoothing, blemish removal, and makeup application.
- Features: FaceApp is a selfie camera and photo editing app
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android but few features are paid
Hair Color by ModiFace
Ever wondered what you’d look like as a redhead or blonde? This app will let you try it out without commitment. It’s easy: you just have to upload a selfie, trace your hair with your finger, and then pick from thirty different shades to find a match that’ll work for you before meeting with your colourist.
- Features: Hair Color by ModiFace is a selfie camera and photo editing app
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android but few features are paid
Hwahae (화해)
Hwahae is a Korean beauty app recognised for its ingredient analysis and product safety information. Users can scan product barcodes or search for items to receive ingredient breakdowns, safety ratings and potential allergens. The app offers personalised recommendations based on skin type, concerns, and preferences. Its community features include reviews and ratings, providing additional insights into product effectiveness.
- Features: Hwahae is recognised for its ingredient analysis and product safety information.
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android
Beautystack
Beautystack combines all our beauty booking requirements with a virtual format. Local artists and beauticians can take photographs of their work history and upload it onto their Beautystack profile. Potential customers can browse these images and book technicians based on their virtual look books.
- Features: Beautystack takes care of our beauty booking requirements with a virtual format.
- Exclusive Offers: None
- Availability: Free to download on iOS and Android
FAQs on things to look out for when using a beauty app:
- What should I consider regarding the privacy and security of my personal data?
When using a beauty app, it’s important to review the app’s privacy policy to understand how your personal information, photos, and preferences are stored and used. Look for apps that have transparent data handling practices, encryption, and options to control your privacy settings. Avoid apps that request unnecessary permissions or share your data with third parties without clear consent. - Does the app offer accurate virtual try-on or editing features?
Since many beauty apps use augmented reality or AI to simulate makeup looks or edit photos, it’s crucial to check user reviews and demos to gauge the accuracy and realism of these features. An app with reliable technology will provide a more satisfying and trustworthy experience, helping you make better decisions or create more realistic images. - Are the product recommendations and reviews trustworthy?
Ensure the app provides genuine reviews and recommendations from real users or trusted beauty experts. Be cautious of apps that appear biased, overly promotional, or have fake-looking reviews. Authentic feedback helps you assess product quality and suitability for your skin type or preferences. - Does the app comply with safety and ingredient transparency standards?
For apps that analyze products or provide ingredient information, verify that they adhere to safety standards, especially if they originate from reputable sources. Look for transparency about how ingredient data is sourced and whether the app highlights potentially harmful substances or allergens, aiding safer purchasing decisions. - Is the app user-friendly and accessible?
Choose an app that is intuitive, easy to navigate, and accessible on your device. An overly complicated interface or frequent technical glitches can hinder your experience. Check if the app offers tutorials, customer support, or community features that enhance usability and engagement.
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
