If you've ever wondered what you might look like as a blond or whether that dark red lipstick will look good with your complexion, YM Digital Makeover Magic is a low-risk, entertaining way to experiment with different looks. Before you spend hundreds of dollars on unwanted makeup, or waste precious hours locked in the bathroom, crying over a bad haircut, check out this creative photo-editing package. All you need to get started with your makeover is a photo and a PC. Import your picture to your computer using a scanner, digital camera, or photo CD. While it's more fun to experiment with your own image, you can also choose from the 30 makeover models included with the software. They recommend you use a picture with no makeup or accessories, but you can use the included editing tools to perfect your image and rub out background objects (i.e., excess hair or hats) that may interfere with your makeover. Shortcut buttons make it easy to upload your image or add additional images to your profile.
Digital Makeover Magic offers a variety of tools and options that let you decide just how far to take your makeover. We started out with hairstyles, experimenting with a variety of short, long, straight, and curly dos. While some of the styles seemed a bit too far-fetched for our conservative tastes, others offered real insight into possible options. The only issue we had with these hairstyles is that most were not full enough to frame an entire face, so oftentimes it looked like a few layers of hair were missing. We were excited, however, to note that Digital Makeover Magic offers hairstyles for men as well as women because, after all, why should girls have all the fun?
As for makeup options, Digital Makeover lets you experiment with tons of lipstick, eye shadow, blush, and foundation shades to help you find your perfect palette. One of our favorite features was the contact-lens tool, which lets you change your eye color to blue, green, brown, and everything in between. Other notable features include a virtual zit zapper, a blending tool, eyebrow tweezers, and a tissue to wipe away makeup mistakes. If you need help during your makeover, you can check out some of YM's expert opinions, or you can save your photo and e-mail it to a friend for advice. The application even lets you add virtual backgrounds and scenery, so you can capture your mug on the cover of YM.
While we haven't reached a point yet where changing our look is as easy as clicking a few buttons, YM Digital Makeover Magic will provide hours of entertainment and endless opportunities to transform yourself, if only in a virtual reality. --Gisele Toueg
