Best beauty apps: From cataloguing your nail polish to keeping you safe in the sun, 5 to download now

best beauty apps
Photography by Stefania Yarhi
best beauty apps
Photography by Stefania Yarhi

Have you ever purchased a nail polish only to discover you already have a near-identical shade at home? Or been so confused about what new moisturizer or face wash to try that you wish you had some friend’s advice while in the store? Well, it’s time to enlist the help of your phone! Since we recently rounded up six fashion apps that may have ultimately changed your lifestyle for the better, it should come as no surprise that there’s just as many incredible beauty-focused apps out there. From colour coordinating your makeup with your outfit to getting instant reviews on just-launched beauty products, here are five apps that you need to download ASAP.

Pretty in my Pocket (iTunes)
In search of the best long-lasting lipstick? Not sure whether you should buy that foundation? This app lets you scan barcodes of beauty products right off the shelves and connects you instantly with reviews. You can also follow beauty bloggers and top users (aka “Power Primpers”) for expert beauty advice on the go.

L’Oreal Paris Color Genius (iTunes and Google Play)
This app revolutionizes colour coordination: All you have to do is snap a picture of your #ootd (that is, outfit of the day) and pick a colour from it that you’d like to match, blend or clash your makeup with. L’Oréal will suggest a combination of nail polish, lipstick and eyeshadow shades to best match your colour choice.

Beautylish (iTunes and Google Play)
Looking for makeup tips and hairstyles on the go? Well, Beautylish is the perfect app just for that. Popular with makeup artists and beauty bloggers alike, this one stop app allows beauty enthusiasts to scroll through never-ending photos and tutorials that are sure to inspire a new hairstyle or makeup look. You can also shop for products directly from the app! Talk about convenience.

Coppertone My UVAlert (iTunes and Google Play)
No longer worry about forgetting to put on sunscreen or spend time guessing how often you need to reapply! This app calculates the UV index based on your location and time of day and recommends how much sun protection is necessary, while also setting reapplication reminder timers. (Plus, there’s coupons!)

Nail Polish Book (iTunes)
Are you a girl who has nail polishes on her vanity table, office desk, kitchen counter and throughout various purses? Well, you’re in luck because this app allows you to organize all your nail polish with a personalized catalogue. Just take a picture of each polish, enter its brand and colour name, plus any other desired details and keeping track of your collection just became that much easier. Sort through your colours with ease and never worry about buying the same shade twice!

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