App-ily ever after: Enhance your grooming choices with the help of these apps that could (almost) save you from a public meltdown at the salon.
Modiface
iTunes and Google Play
With a host of makeover apps available in the market, ModiFace’s Virtual Makeover stands out as one of the easiest and most fun to use. To get a sense of how skincare products, makeup, haircuts or colours would look like on you, simply upload your picture and let the app’s facial recognition technology apply the simulation effects on the photo. The downside: As it’s an American app, some brands may not be available here.
Recommended for: Tech-savvy folks who always touch up photos before posting them on social media
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
GlamScout
iTunes
With more than 80 luxury & drugstore brands and thousands of products available, you’ll definitely have fun playing around on this app. Try on makeup from websites, magazines, or real life, and match curated looks from celebrities and makeup artists virtually before you attempt the real deal.
Recommended for: Folks who love recreating celebrities’ best looks
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
Hairstyle Makeover
iTunes
If you’re thinking of trying a new hair trend, this app offers over 600 real hairstyles from celebrities, models and real people available via in-app purchase. Simply take your photo, upload to the app and start playing around with the options and editing tools available, including Eraser, Flip, Color and Opacity controls. You can even gets comments from friends on your “new” cut before making it a real deal. A more advance version, Hairstyle Makeover Pro, is available at US$4.99.
Recommended for: Folks who are looking for a quick image refresher without risking a sobering cut
Rating: 3/5 stars
Makeup Simulator HD
iTunes
Nobody said experimenting with makeup colours means you have to risk looking like a clown, but the truth is, sometimes accidents do happen to good people. This app is your first step to finding out what colours bring out the best of your complexion and features, and letting you doing the mixing and matching.
Recommended for: The conservative who’s taking baby steps towards colour makeup
Rating: 3/5 stars
And one for the guys…
Mens’ Hairstyles
US$0.99, iTunes
Before your boyfriend or brother decides to book an appointment with a trendy hairstylist who will no doubt recommend an edgy cut that may or may not suit his face, sit him down with this app, which has over 140 hairstyles and close to 100 beard styles to set him on the right path to his image overhaul.
Recommended for: Your boyfriend or BFF who’s “inspired” to channel his inner George Clooney
Rating: 4/5 stars
Overall verdict:
I had fun playing around with the apps but truth be told, I was not fully convinced that the edgy undercut I was contemplating would turn out the way the apps made it appear, simply due to the difference between the 2D style you see onscreen, and actual hair texture and head shape. That said, I can certainly see how cosmetic apps that colour coordinate outfits with makeup options can save indecisive spirits some precious time.
