The launch of the latest iPad has got us feeling a little tech-savvy, here at Bella HQ. Okay, so we’re not the kind of people to queue outside the glistening Mac store in the small hours of the morning so as to get our hands on the latest technology (you’re far more likely to find us tucked up in bed, catching some Zzzzs whilst lathered in cream and hiding behind an eye-mask), but that doesn’t mean we don’t like our iPhones, iPads, Androids and ‘Crackberries’ just as much as the next person.
It’s fair to say that Apple started something of a revolution when they launched the App Store in July 2008. In the three years that have passed, well over 700,000 apps have been compiled by clever developers and programmers which, between them, have clocked up nearly 25 billion downloads.
But with such a vast wealth of apps available, some gems can get lost. To help you out, and keep you looking like a goddess, we’ve compiled our top five style, beauty and wellness apps.
1. Mirror HD
I don’t know about you, but I’d be lost without a mirror. I’m one of those super-vein people who uses any reflection they can to check for flyaway hairs, makeup mistakes and that annoying bit of black pepper that got caught between their teeth after lunch. Mirror HD makes use of the iPhone’s camera to capture your profile, with easy-to-access zoom tools to hone in on your skin. Easy to use, and always useful. It’s a winner in my book.
Cost: Free
Note: Only available on iPhone 4 and above
2. Total Beauty
Don’t let the fact that this is a US-based app put you off. Most of the products contained within the app are available in Australia, so it can prove a handy tool when you’re umming and erring over whether to buy a new product. Jam packed with product reviews and with a handy overall score out of 10 for each, you can even buy selected beauty goodies straight from the app.
Cost: Free
Note: Some products may not be available in Australia
3. Beauty Genius
Would you love to look like Cheryl Cole? Well, we may not all be blessed with her genes, but at least we can mimic her makeup thanks to the Beauty Genius app from Marie Claire. With tips to help you master tricky trends like red lips, smoky eyes and false lashes as well as product recommendations and videos, it’s a one stop shop to help keep you gorgeous.
Cost: Free
4. L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival
If you missed Melbourne’s premiere fashion event this week then fret not. You can still catch the runway shows on the LMFF iPhone app. With galleries and video footage from the shows, as well as photos shared by fans, you can stay on trend in both fashion and beauty.
Cost: Free
Note: If you’re a die-hard L’Oreal fan then make sure you download the L’Oreal Paris App for all their latest how-tos.
5. Cosmetifique
These days it pays to stay aware of what you’re putting on your skin. Cosmetifique is a database containing over 5,000 ingredients commonly found in cosmetic products. Simply type in an ingredient you’ve spotted on the back of your lipgloss or face cream and find out whether it’s been rated good, acceptable, not good or awful by the people at the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients.
Cost: $0.99
Note: A must-have for those interested in organic and natural products
