NEW YORK -- Smearing red lipstick all over their faces and fingers, little kids like to try on mommy's makeup -- it's a mess, but also a rite of passage.
Mattel has transformed that traditional play pattern with the Barbie Digital Makeover Mirror, which Mashable saw at the 110th American International Toy Fair this week.
Using an iPad and a separately purchased vanity frame, girls get to "try on" eye shadow, lipstick and glitter. They hold a wand, and dip it into pretend makeup. Using augmented reality and photo facial recognition, the makeup then appears on the user's face when she looks in the mirror.
Think of it as dress-up goes digital: If you make a mistake, simply start over. What's more, there's no mess to clean up after.
Of course, results aren't perfect. In my makeover, we went a little overboard on the eye shadow, but that's the point. Users get to try on, wipe off and experiment with different colors. And if they find a makeover that comes out well, they can save it to a scrapbook, or share it with friends on Facebook.
The app can also be used without the vanity mirror, but with those white make-up lights and pink frame, who can resist? The mirror will sell for $69.99 when it goes on sale this summer.