Gushing over airbrushed celebrity covers and ethereal photoshoots is so old news. This is 2019 and even our neighbour’s dog has a swelling Instagram account that rivals professional photo shoots. Well, suffice to say perfect photographs (or selfies) no longer require a glam squad, the much coveted 4 p.m. sunlight or even a celebrity photographer at that. Phhh. Girl, what you really need are *drum roll and whistles* new-age beauty apps to put your best face forward. Just think of them as your digital fairy godmother who will bestow you with an Angelina Jolisque pout, porcelain skin or even Kim K’s platinum lob in a bat of an eyelid. Oooh, and thousands of filters, colors and effects. Now, if that’s not convenience, we don’t know what is.
Scroll down below for our tried-n-tested favorite beauty apps
THE Spell: A Virtual Makeover
THE Wand: YouCam Makeup
This one’s the digital answer to MUAs or the makeup didis of the industry. Just snap a photo of yourself and let the photo makeup app do its thaang. The app comes with a plethora of makeup options that you can try on virtually, without having to take the makeup off IRL. Full disclosure: the host of customizable hairstyles, lips colors, eyeliner styles, lash options and even hair colors can leave you befuddled. If all this ain’t enough, you can also choose makeovers inspired by the hottest celebrities or the most popular red-carpet makeup looks. They also have Special monthly makeup looks created for all the horoscope stars signs. Wait. What!
Available on iPhone and Android
THE Spell: Razzle, Dazzle And Sparkle
THE Wand: KiraKira
Want to add a dash of iridescent sparkle to your Instagram feed. Then consider this your holy-grail. The app identifies any object with metal, light (or sequin) in the image and adjusts to the sparkling effect that is extremely eye-catching. What we really love though are the seven filter options including Twinkle, Airly, Color, Shine, Bling-bling, Blare, and the titular Kirakira that offers a unique glittery effect. Wearing a shimmery dress, sequinned jacket or a gold choker? Point and voila, the effect is a quadrupled glistening vision of diamante goodness. We say yay.
Available on iPhone and Android
THE Spell: Personal Glam Squad
THE Wand: Face Tune 2.0
We know photoshopping your selfie to post on Instagram can be a bit much. Well, this is where this nifty app comes in handy. Face Tune 2.0 has live editing features that automatically detects facial features, allowing you to change the shape of your eyes, lips, and nose while using the app camera. After you take your selfie, you can change the curve of your smile, the size of your jaw, the shape of your face, widen your eyes, use filters, and more. You can also smooth complexions, banish that zit,
correct red eye and brighten teeth faster than you can say ‘cheese’. Wowzaa. Now that’s like the best photo editing app ever. Agreed?
Available on iPhone and Android
THE Spell: Editorial Photographer
THE Wand: VSCO
If artsy images or selfies are more your speed, then try VSCO that has a barrage of stunning photo-editing tools and filters. From 130+ pre-set filters for a quick selfie update to advanced professional editing tools that allows you to play around with saturation, contrast, gradient, borders and more, the possibilities are endless. You can also stylize your photos, recreate vintage film looks by Fuji, Agfa and share your photos with content creators around the world. Click away!
Available on iPhone and Android
THE Spell: Airbrushed Perfection
THE Wand: AirBrush
Ahh, much like Face Tune, the AirBrush app also feeds your need for immaculate images sans any imperfections. However, instead of making you look like a life-sized doll manufactured in a factory, the app allows you to make tiny adjustments and enhancements here and there for gorgeous and very recognizable selfies. Choose from a variety of fabulous filters to fix your concerns; plus, there are a host of makeup options that allow you to fix your brows, add a nude lippy or even sport a sultry smoky eye. The world’s your oyster.
Available on iPhone and Android
