How to Do Virtual Makeovers

Find out how that dye job will look before you commit to it with a virtual makeover

A virtual makeover is a way to see how changes to your makeup, hairstyle and hair color would look without having to commit to the changes. This allows you to try different looks without the worry that it will look bad on you. Virtual makeovers also allow you to save money by not spending on expensive haircuts, dye jobs or makeup that may be nonrefundable. Many of these online virtual makeover tools are free and easy to use.

Things You'll Need

• Photo of yourself
• Scanner, if necessary
• Digital camera, if necessary

Instructions

1. Research the many online virtual makeover sites available. There are many, but all may not be right for you. Some are free, while others cost money. Some only allow hairstyles while others do makeup and hair color as well. The one that you choose should be free or within your budget, and have all of the style changes you wish to browse through.

2. Sign up for an account on the website you chose, if necessary. Even if a site is free, they may still ask for you to sign up or register on the website in order to use the makeover tools.

3. Upload a picture to the website. If you already have a picture on your computer, select the picture from the appropriate folder and upload it to the site. If you don't have one on your computer, use a digital camera to take a picture and load it to your computer. If you don't have a digital camera, take a regular picture and use a scanner to load it onto your computer.

4. Choose the makeover tools you want and follow directions. If you wish to try new hairstyles, select the hairstyling tool. Most ask you to click or drag and drop the style you wish to try. Just follow the directions of your chosen website and try several hairstyles, makeup styles or hair colors.

5. Save the style or styles that you like. Many tools allow you to download to your computer or email the chosen styles to yourselves and others. Feedback from others can help you make a decision about how you want to change your style.

Tips & Warnings

• Most sites ask that you have a picture of yourself with your hair pulled back so that if you use the hairstyle makeover tools, the hairstyle in the picture won't interfere with the one you are trying. They may also ask that you wear minimal to no makeup in the picture. If you don't have these types of pictures on your computer, you can always take a new one using a digital camera or scanner and use that picture instead.

References

• Mary Kay: Virtual Makeover
• "Marie Claire": Virtual Hairstyle and Makeup Makeover
• "InStyle": Hollywood Makeover

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Daily Makeover: Celebrity Hairstyles
• IVillage: Today's Makeover
• Beauty Riot: Free Instant Virtual Makeover