The beauty industry has caught up with technology. If you've ever dreamed of the salon coming to you in the comfort of home, that's now a possibility.

From editing and refining, to shopping and getting blowouts without having to go anywhere, here are the best apps you need to have on your iPhone or Android phone if you're a beauty enthusiast.

1. YouCam Makeup

Said to be the world's #1 app for virtual makeovers, YouCam uses AR to recreate looks and define facial features. Let's look at everything the app has to offer.

Download: YouCam Makeup for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)

1. Real-Time Virtual Makeovers

Snap a quick photo or use an existing image from your Camera Roll, then you can select pre-existing makeovers to add to your face. You can also create your own look using a myriad of shades and textures of eyeshadow, lipsticks, foundations, and other makeup products.

2. Skin Scanning

The app will perform a thorough inspection of your skin, then present you with information about your skin's age and health. It does this by identifying all the spots, blemishes, acne, pores, and dark circles on your face.

With a new feature called the Skin Diary, you can also keep track of minute changes on your skin. This will help you mark periods of improvement or deterioration, and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.

3. Face Retouching

Have a photo with one eye smaller than the other? See a double chin you don't like? YouCam has various tools to help you fix these issues, including enlargement of eyes, smoothening of skin, whitening teeth, removing blemishes, slimming your face, and defining cheekbones.

4. Styling Hair

Whether you have long, short, curly, or straight hair, the hair tool on YouCam Makeup has options for most natural hairstyles and lets you change your hair color to any shade.

You can check out what suits you best before you head to the salon, or add picture on your Instagram with some fresh new looks created on your phone.

5. AR Tutorials

Using augmented reality, you can view infinite makeup tutorials and converse with a professional for tips and tricks.

6. Discover Beauty Lovers

You can become a part of the beauty community by following other people on YouCam Makeup. If you like, try posting your own photos as well.

2. Beauty Bay

If you are looking for tons of products, accurate reviews, and exclusive deals that are only a touch away, the Beauty Bay app is for you.

With a rating of 4.8 on the App Store, Beauty Bay is one of the most popular apps in the beauty industry. The app allows you to browse through and purchase an enormous range of makeup, skin, and hair products.

The prices offered by Beauty Bay are comparatively more affordable, so your bank account won't be crying for help while you go on a shopping spree. The app is updated daily and sends out alerts for new promotions and launches, so you'll never miss an update.

If you're a beginner in the vast beauty world, this app will prove to be helpful as Beauty Bay rates its products and lets you know what is currently popular in every category. You'll figure out what you need in no time.

Even better, the app has a helpful feature that allows you to create a wishlist. Add or remove products at your convenience as you browse through reviews and trends.

Beauty Bay is more focused on drugstore products for its customers. If you want to purchase higher-end makeup, jump down to Sephora below.

Download: Beauty Bay for iOS | Android (Free)

3. Think Dirty

Want to test out a new brand but not sure if it's safe? Use Think Dirty to scan the barcode of an item and learn about any existing toxic ingredients in the product.

As of this writing, the app has a database of over one million products. You can compare products and pick out the cleanest option for yourself with just a tap. Furthermore, you can add a product and submit it for review if needed.

Apart from extensive knowledge of product ingredients, there are several other features the app offers:

• The Dirty Meter: This rates your product and gives you an insightful review about its health hazards and certifications.
• My Bathroom Rating: Helps you keep a record of the products in your bathroom and gives you cleaner alternatives for the future.
• Shopping Lists: You can save all the alternatives the app refers to you on shopping lists for later reference. You can also buy them by directly accessing Amazon and Sephora through the app.

Download: Think Dirty for iOS | Android (Free, subscription available)

4. Sephora

Whether you're a beauty enthusiast or not, everyone knows Sephora as the go-to place for all things cosmetics. With the app, the popularity around Sephora has only increased. The app gives you access to all its high-end brands, making sure your experience is similar to the one you'd have in-store.

Along with makeup and cosmetics, you can also buy a range of fragrances and unique hybrid products through the app. You can also check out special promotions and deals only offered to app users.

What sets Sephora apart from other shopping apps is the award system that allows you to redeem points for gifts and samples. The longer you use the app, the more points you receive. It is also famous for its user-friendly interface that's easier to navigate compared to other apps in the industry.

The app also labels eco-friendly products with a green Clean at Sephora label so you can purchase clean, vegan products if interested.

Download: Sephora for iOS | Android (Free)

5. Priv

This app offers a long list of services, deliverable right to your doorstep, in 33 major cities across the US and Canada. Priv has a strong pool of professionals for blowouts, mani-pedis, massages, makeup, spray tans, and much more.

Booking hair and makeup for a party or event is a lot easier with Priv. If you know someone who likes a good trip to the spa, order them a massage for their next birthday. Or invite your friends over for a sleepover and get mani-pedis done in your pajamas.

The options are endless, and thanks to the company's merger with beGlammed in 2019, the list of locations and services is ever-growing.

Download: Priv for iOS | Android (Free)

The Beauty Universe, Accessible on Your Phone

With these apps on your phone, you can do everything from shopping for cosmetics, learning about their ingredients, virtually trying them on, and keeping up-to-date with the latest trends in the beauty industry.

They can save you a lot of time and money when dealing with your cosmetics.