Want a makeup artist on standby? There’s an app for that.

One of my greatest joys (and indulgences) is calling on a makeup artist when I need one. Usually reserved for really special occasions (which don’t come along that often), nothing makes me happier than serving as a living canvas (and giving a little direction as to the look I’m going for, of course). So when I was offered the opportunity to try the new NIYA Beauty app, I (almost literally) jumped at the chance.

Here’s how it works… You book a session with one of more than 20 artists (you can check out their portfolios beforehand), and at your designated time, they video-call you and you have 30 minutes to do whatever you please (or 60 minutes if you book back-to-back sessions). You can show them the makeup you have and get suggestions for how to use it (and anything else you should have) or get step-by-step instructions for creating a look if you’re getting ready for a night on the town.

Before my chat with Kimm DiCato (who rocks, by the way), I made a little list of a few things I wanted to discuss. First was my Soleil Tan de Chanel, because I simply love this cream-based bronzer so much, and I wanted to make sure I was maximizing it’s potential. (BTW, I am.) Second on my list was how to use the gorgeous colors in Anastasia Beverly Hills’ new Riviera palette. I explained to Kimm that I rarely step outside my neutral comfort zone, and she suggested I use the vibrant colors along my lashline for a pop of color. (Can’t wait to try that one!)

Then she asked me to demonstrate my every-day look so she could make some tweaks along the way. I applied my It Cosmetics CC Cream, M.A.C powder bronzer, and since I had shown her some of my stash, she suggested I layer two of my Charlotte Tilbury cream shadows. (I never thought to do that before.) Then, she recommended I apply my brown Pat McGrath eyeliner on my upper waterline—and although I never wear eyeliner during the day, this small step really made a major difference. As a final touch, she prodded me to apply a bit of bronzer on top of my eyeshadow to help tie everything together and keep everything in place. Game changing! From there, she told me to layer two stick-based colors on my cheeks (the NARS Orgasm Multiple all over and my Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in “Formentera” on the apples for an extra pop). At this point the clock was counting down, so we ended with me dabbing the Formentera on my lips and topping with the Orgasm. After our call ended, I looked in the mirror and was wowed how I looked like myself—but better.

Seriously, we could have chatted all day (at least I thought so). It was so nice to talk “shop” with a pro, without the pressure of dealing with an artist in a department store whose “real” job is to sell. And best of all, I can hit up Kimm via text chat in the app if I have any questions—and pay only $35 the next time I want more face-to-face time. My only regret: I had to fly out the door to pick my son up from school right afterwards, so I totally forgot to take a picture. [Insert sad emoji here.]