Beauty emergency? These apps will help you get ready ASAP

Whether it’s peak party season or just another Friday night, there are times we’re so overwhelmed with work and social engagements that we can barely find the time to book our beauty appointments in advance. Luckily, it’s now easier than ever to get the services you need at the last minute. Here are four beauty apps that will come to your rescue and have you looking your best.

Sponge

Founded by former New York lawyer Diane Younes, on-demand beauty service Sponge caters to Hong Kong women who have to maintain busy careers and still make time for beauty routines by bringing beauty experts to your home or office — or anywhere you want, really. You can book an appointment on your phone or on a computer for hair, makeup and eyelash-extension services anywhere from two hours to one month in advance. Hairdos start from HK$330, makeup from HK$440, and eyelash extensions from $1,300 for a full set. There are set looks that you can choose from for makeup and hair so you don’t waste precious time with the specifics, though they are fully customisable. For instance, get The Boss, a straight blowout; or, for makeup, try The Dreamer, a sun-kissed, bohemian look.

Review: This writer tried the eyelash service and had a blast with Sponge expert Audrey, who came to Lifestyle Asia HQ. Possessing a wide range of mink and synthetic lashes in every curl and length, the shape was expertly tailored to my eye and my preference for curly lashes, tapering into longer ones for a glamourous flared shape. While the mink lashes didn’t stay as long as those from some salons I’ve tried in the past, the overall experience, friendliness and the fact that I didn’t even have to budge from my chair, made using Sponge well worth it.

Fab Pros

Another recently launched on-demand beauty booking app, Fab Pros allows you to book a beauty service at your desired location. It aims to be an all-encompassing beauty lifestyle app, with a current repertoire of services including hair styling, spa facials, makeup services, nails, massages and waxing. (Soon it’s expected to also include fitness and wedding or special event services.) Prices are also very reasonable, no more than what it would cost you at some of the best salons in town, but in the comfort of your own home or wherever you choose.

BloomMe

If you’re not already using BloomMe, you should be. The first to open the floodgates of the beauty-booking-app obsession in Hong Kong last year, BloomMe has more than 500 partner spas and salons across the city, with services spanning across nine categories, from massages to haircuts to waxing to mani-pedis. Many of Hong Kong’s top spas are listed on the app, including Jean Louis David, Flawless Spa, Indulgence Spa and plenty more.

Review: BloomMe is a fantastic last-minute beauty solution as it lets you see and book whatever slot is readily available — even if it happens to be five minutes later. One thing we don’t like is that you can’t cancel appointments through the system once it’s booked — and if you do, you’ll have to reschedule with the salons themselves or through the in-app customer support. Communication with the salon is not integrated into the app, either. But the regular, daily discounts up to 30% off on spa treatments, and the convenience of being able to pay ahead by credit card, makes it an essential part of any Hong Kong beauty addict’s arsenal.

Diyi

Perfect for those who love a good stress-relieving massage after a long day at work, Diyi is an app that helps you find the service you’re looking for, whether it’s a shoulder and neck massage or expert reflexology — all at massage parlours within 10 minutes of your location. You can book your session through the app, request for male or female practitioners, and contact the salon directly through the app as well.