We earn commissions from brands listed on this site, which influences how listings are presented.
Advertising Disclosure
Last Updated: Dec 2024

Top 10 Best Makeup Apps

Whether you want to find a specific item, review and compare products, or buy online, makeup apps can help you achieve the look you want.

How Makeup Apps are Transforming the Beauty Industry 

Makeup apps are used by individuals and makeup artists to find, review, and buy products. Looking to use a makeup app but aren’t sure which one is for you? 

Smartphones can be used for communication, navigation, and so much more. But did you know that your phone can also help you make beauty decisions? Makeup apps are growing in popularity and their features are getting more advanced by the day. These apps are changing what we buy, how we buy, and why we buy, turning the beauty industry on its head.

Wish you could try before you buy? 

It’s the toughest part about shopping for makeup. You go into a store, find what you think you want, only to get home and be disappointed after you try it on. Though annoying, this problem is inevitable. With so many different skin tones and complexions, and even more product shades and colors, it’s almost impossible to choose the exact product for your specific tone. The good news is that makeup apps are changing all of this.

If you’re ready to start making the right purchase the first time, try the popular L'Oréal Makeup Genius app. Backed by one of the most reputable names in the industry, the app lets you try before you buy. Just open the app, and virtually try on different products in real-time. You can see if shade “003” is a better match for your skin than “004”. You can also try celebrity looks to see if you like them before going out and buying the needed products. Another app for this purpose is ModiFace. It’s used by makeup artists and professionals to try out makeup on clients before the actual appointment. You can see how makeup looks on the person, and when done, see where to buy the products in question.

You can also use makeup apps for direction on which products to be using on your skin. Beautiful Me analyzes your photos to give you insight about your skin and hair. You can see if your skin is aging, which products and shades are best for you, and whether your hair needs some TLC. Visada also uses your photos to develop a custom beauty analysis. It gives you a complete breakdown of your skin to help you improve your beauty routine and ensure you have the most flawless skin possible.

The End of Physical Stores

Not only are makeup apps revolutionizing what we buy, but they’re changing how we buy. You can use a makeup app to see a certain product on your face, but some apps take it a step further.

Take Sephora To Go for example. It offers a ton as far as makeup tips, tricks, and how-to’s, but it goes the extra mile to help customers. It has an inspiration page where users can go to get makeup and hair ideas. You can also upload a picture of yourself with a certain look and get feedback from other users. The best part about the app though, is that you no longer have to go to the store, as you can order products through it. After setting up an account, you can look through products, and if you’re ready to buy, just tap a button. Your product will get shipped to the address you put in. The app also offers promotional codes, and other special offers. This model of ordering from your phone, extends to salons and makeup artists as well. If you’re looking to get a haircut or style, get your nails done, or get your makeup done from home, we’ve got you covered. Thousands of people are using The Glam App, which at the tap of a button sends a hair stylist or makeup artist to your home. They set up their products and tools, and get you glammed up in no time. The app was founded by hair stylist, Joey Maalouf, and actress Cara Santana, and is one of the best on-demand beauty apps available. Apps like these take away the need for physical stores and salons. They’re changing the industry by cutting out the need to get in your car, drive to where you’re going, wait, and drive home again.

Never Be Disappointed 

Makeup apps also give you reassurance when purchasing products online. With apps like Beautylish and Pretty in my Pocket, you can ask product-related questions and read reviews about them. Pretty in my Pocket also lets you scan product barcodes for easy searching. So if you’re in the store and just want to know more about a foundation or lipstick before buying it, scan its barcode and you’ll get a plethora of customer reviews.

If you care less about buying makeup and rather wish you could look like you’re wearing makeup in every selfie, try out Perfect 365 that’s used by 80 million people, or YouCam. These apps are the magic spell to all of your photos. They have powerful editing capabilities and filters that will take your simple, makeup-free picture to “wow” in a few strokes and clicks.

The Beauty of Makeup Apps 

With their many features, ease-of-use, and futuristic capabilities, more and more makeup apps are popping up to answer consumers needs. Apps are turning the industry upside down by completely changing the way we buy products. So before your date night, office party, or school reunion, check out the most popular makeup apps to look and feel your best!

You May Also Like These Top 10 Lists:

How we created this
list
Compiled from “Best of” lists published by the world’s most trusted sources, and with our own recommended brands peppered in - this Top10 list aims to help consumers make smarter decisions.