Flawless: New App Lets You Make Your Own Lipstick – Even Discontinued Colors!

Just when we thought we'd reach the limit of what our smartphones could do, a new app called Flawless is changing the beauty world. If you've ever spotted a celebrity wearing a lip color you just had to get your hands on, but didn't know what brand or shade it was, or if you've experienced that heartbreaking moment when you find out your favorite lipstick is discontinued, then Flawless is the app for you.

Flawless allows you to take a photo of any color you like or upload an image from the Internet, and it will tell you what available brands carry a nearly identical shade, according to Cosmopolitan. While this is amazing all by itself, Flawless takes it one step further by allowing you to custom-blend your own shade if none exist in your desired color. This means you have the option to recreate a lipstick in any color you want, for $45 – even if it's been discontinued.

The best part about the make-your-own lipstick option is that discontinued shades from specific brands will not only be re-created in the same color, but will also be manufactured using the same formula so you have a perfect match. All you have to do is input the UPC code and the app will see to it that the re-created shade i sshipped straight to your doorstep.

While some people might consider the process "ripping off a design," that's not the case because most cosmetic brands offer "white label" products, where manufacturers create formulas and sell them to brands to market as their own. Chris Merkle, the app's creator and developer, thinks the app could lead to brands licensing certain colors or formulas for recreation, but thinks this could be a good opportunity in the long-run.

"Whenever you give more control to the consumer, you create a massive opportunity to create a closer relationship with your audience," Merkle explained to Teen Vogue. "Instead of having to predict next season's hottest shades, setting up a huge manufacturing process and fulfillment over months, beauty brands can shorten that lead-time and optimize for current demand."

The possibilities are literally endless because of the custom-blend option and Merkle hopes to expand to other beauty products in the future.

"People are unique, and not everyone fits the mold for a certain foundation, eyeshadow, or lipstick. Through technology we can create customized solutions and personal recommendations for each user-creating the best experience for them," he said. "At the end of the day, if advancements in beauty tech and cosmetics continue to improve the happiness and confidence of the consumer-everyone wins."