Best Beauty Apps for Smartphones

For the Nail Polish Lover

App: China Glaze

Why you need it: If you’ve ever thought, "I wish I had a nail polish shade to match this [insert just about anything here]," this app is for you. Snap a pic of your hot pink shirt, your greige couch, or your orange cat, and get several similar China Glaze shade options. Then pop over to the fitting room and “try it on.” Choose your skin tone and nail length to get an accurate idea of what that hue will look like on you.

Price: Free

Available in the iTunes App Store

02 of 07

For the Serious Salon-Goer

App: Beautified

Why you need it: Last minute date? Book a same-day blow out or bikini wax at a top-notch salon without any hassle. Choose from the list of available salons (it includes big names such as John Barrett and Warren Tricomi) and treatments (haircut, massage, mani, pedi, and many more), enter your credit card info, and just show up. Right now the service is only available in NYC, but there are plans to add more cities in the future.

Price: Free

Available in the iTunes App Store

03 of 07

For the Wanna-Be Makeup Artist

App: Beauty Mark

Why you need it: If you like to experiment with new makeup trends or tend to squander large amounts of time watching beauty tutorials on You Tube, Beauty Mark will hit the spot for you. Swipe through different eyes, cheeks, and lips looks, and create your favorite face. Then nail it with a little help from the how-to videos or step-by-step written directions.

Price: $2.99

Available in the iTunes App Store

04 of 07

For the Girly Gamer

App: Bumble and Shuffle by Bumble and bumble

Why you need it: Bumble and Shuffle is like Candy Crush for beauty junkies. Start in the Bb. Salon and earn points for every three fashion-week-inspired hairstyles you match in a row. Move on to the product lab and match-up Bb. products. The final level: Go backstage to style models. And it’s not just fun and games—as you rack up points, you can score serious Bumbleandbumble.com deals, ranging from free shipping on product purchases to $5 off your order.

Price: Free

Available in the iTunes App Store

05 of 07

For the Natural Beauty

App: Carol’s Daughter

Why you need it: If you’re a Carol’s Daughter customer, you’re already aware of the sense of community this natural skin and hair care brand strives to create among its fans. This app offers a place for fans to get the scoop on—and shop for—the latest products; take fun, interactive quizzes; and watch videos on how to style their hair. Earn points just for using the app’s features or for checking into a Carol’s Daughter store. For every 100 points you earn, get a $10 off promo code.

Price: Free

Available in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play

06 of 07

For Anyone Who Needs to Brush Up

App: Olivia Garden Hair Brush Guide

Why you need it: There are a head-spinning amount of hairbrushes on the market, and with options such as round, paddle, vent, ceramic, boar bristle, and more, it's hard to know which one is right for your hair. But this app makes it easy. Choose your hair type (straight, wavy, or curly), texture (thick/coarse, regular, or fine), length (short, medium, or long), and styling goal (straight, volume, updo, detangling, or touch up), and get a recommended Olivia Garden brush. No more guesswork!

Price: Free

Available in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play

07 of 07

For the Anti-Aging Product Junkie

App: My Own

Why you need it: You’re vigilant about daily sunscreen and anti-wrinkle creams, but it would be nice to have a little proof that they really work. With the My Own app, snap a pic of your face for a detailed aging analysis. Then track changes on your complexion over time. You’ll also get a recommended skin care and wellness regimen with a side-by-side projection of how your skin could look if you follow the suggestions.

Price: Free

Available in the iTunes App Store and on Google Play

Was this page helpful?