These days, you would be hard pressed to find someone without a smartphone attached to their palm. While numbers do vary, social media agency Zuni estimates that around 65 per cent of Australian mobile-users have a smartphone. It’s not surprising then, that an increasing number of beauty brands are releasing apps to get their share of this powerful marketing tool. Here’s our round up on nine consumer apps that had us reaching for the download button in 2012.
Artistry Intensive Skincare
The international beauty brand has launched an Australian-friendly app in the form of the Artistry Intensive Skincare app for iPad. The app provides users with insights into the brand’s Intensive Skincare range, providing advice on how to apply the professional treatments at home.
beautyheaven
The beautyheaven app is a beauty shopper’s best friend, offering more than 50,000 product reviews from real people to make any purchasing decision easier. Users can also check prices, closest stores and create their own product wishlist.
Dior Addict
Launched in conjunction with the Dior Addict fragrances in July last year, this iPhone app offers summer style lessons and make-up tips, as well as an exclusive Dior Addict film. Starring model Daphne Groeneveld and directed by Jonas Akerlund (the man behind film and music videos for Lady Gaga and Madonna), the film is empowering but fun.
DMK’s Your Skin Diary
DMK’s app Your Skin Diary” allows users to keep track of changes in their skin. In addition to helping consumers take images of their skin concerns and diarise them so as to monitor changes, it also directs people to DMK clinics and provides the UV index for any given day.
Made for iPad and Android tablets, the KEVIN.MURPHY app features an array of hair how-tos from the main man himself, product information, and the brand’s newest launches and promotions. The Collections” feature showcases all of the brand’s latest campaign shoots.
Philips Zoom
Ever wondered how your smile would look if your teeth were just a few shades lighter? The Philips Zoom virtual teeth whitening app gives users the opportunity to whiten their teeth in photographs of themselves using a shade simulation tool based on a professionally-used shade guide. Users can share or save the photos, plus they receive a coupon for $100 off a Philips Zoom procedure.
SunSmart
The app every mum would approve of, SunSmart provides users with daily reminders of the time of day sun protection is required based on their location. It also offers a sunscreen calculator, which helps users determine how much sunscreen they need to apply, taking account of their size and clothing.
THE ICONIC Magazine
It wasn’t long before we saw popular online store THE ICONIC’s print publication make its way into the app arena. Launched late last year, THE ICONIC Magazine app takes shoppers behind the scenes, and allows them to shop straight from the mag’s pages.
YouSave Chemist
Several months ago, the retailer launched its first mobile app offering health and beauty news and information for in-store shoppers. More recently, however, YouSave introduced a new iPad app, which has even more focus on beauty news and features exclusive iPad content. It also features a What We’re Loving” section and allows users to browse the online store.