Andrea

Getting a New Device? Here’s what you NEED to know.

If you’re planning to replace your existing device with a new one, there are a few things you will need to do to make sure you don’t lose your data.

Backup your Data
One option is to use iCloud to backup your data. There are a number of steps you need to follow to make sure myBeautyCache is included in your iCloud Backup. You’ll need to make sure you follow the instructions exactly.

For complete details, visit Instructions for Backing up Data

**Remember, if you have an issue with your device and can’t restore from backup, you will likely lose your data.

My Recommendation: iTunes File Sharing
In addition to backing up your data (or if you don’t want to backup your data), I recommend using iTunes File Sharing to keep a copy of the databases on your computer.

It is an additional safeguard that can help to prevent you from losing your data when getting a new device or if something goes wrong with your current device and you can’t restore from backup.

I personally do not backup myBeautyCache to iCloud. Instead, I use iTunes File Sharing to keep a copy of the databases on my computer. Each time I add a number of items to the app or when the app is updated, I replace the databases with current ones.

It is more work to do it this way, but the. reason I do this is because if I have an issue with my device and can’t restore from backup (this has happened to me twice before) I won’t lose my data (as it is stored on my computer).

Also, if you want to have your data on more than one device, you can simply copy the databases to that device.

Instructions for iTunes File Sharing
I am including a link to the Apple website as their instructions include screenshots are easy to follow: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201301

If you have any questions, you can contact me through the app by going to the Support section and selecting Email Developer.

3 Ways to Protect Yourself When Ordering Online

I don’t know about you, but I buy almost everything online these days. It’s a rare occasion for me to go out to the store or mall to buy something.

Based on my past experiences of ordering online (some good, some bad), here are 3 simple ways to help protect yourself when ordering online:

Check the cost of Shipping:
Before you spend your time finding products on a particular website, find out how much they charge for shipping. I don’t know how many times I have spent an hour or so researching and adding products to my cart only to find out the shipping charges are too high for my budget.
Check the Return Policy:
Be sure to read the return policy before making a purchase. The first thing I check is the number of return days and the procedure for returning the item(s).You will also want to check to see if they offer free shipping on returns and if they refund the shipping charge you paid to get the item.If they have a brick and mortar store, see what their policy is about making returns to the store. It is usually cheaper to drive to the store to return it rather than pay the price to send it back. Read more here: Why you should always check the return policy
Do a Google Search and/or Check with the BBB:
If you are not familiar with the company or merchant, you can always do a Google search to find out if they have a good reputation. You can also check the BBB website to see if there have been any complaints filed against them.

Happy Shopping!

Why you Should Always Check the Return Policy

For some reason I have stopped checking return policies, I mean, aren’t they all pretty much the same (each gives you a specified number of days to return the item if you are not satisfied) — or so I thought.

I order so much online and last week while I was placing an order on a popular website (a website that I have ordered from in the past) – I discovered something very disturbing about their return policy, so I wanted to share this experience will all of you.

So, I just started using a new skincare line through a discovery kit I purchased. Since I liked the items so much, I decided to buy the full sizes. While placing my order, I started to get a little concerned because of the amount of money I was going to spend on the new products — and what if I didn’t like them once I got the full sizes. So something told me that before spending the money, that I should check the return policy — just to see how I would return the items if I needed to. Now, as I said, I have ordered from this website in the past, all items I already used, so I never even thought to check the return policy.

After reading the return policy, I was absolutely shocked — this particular website only takes returns if the item has not been opened (or used). I thought that I must not be reading the policy correctly, so I called the company to inquire — and sure enough I read it right.

Needless to say, I did not place an order. I know that if I order anything from that website, I will only order items that I already use and have no intention of returning.

If I had ordered those products and didn’t like them, I would have been out over $200 — too big of a risk for me.

From now on, I will always check the return policy before I place an order (even if I have already ordered from them in the past).

Beauty Product Shelf Life

Ever wonder how long you should keep your beauty products?

I compiled a general guideline that lists how long you should keep various beauty and skincare products (for specific expiration dates and shelf life, it is best to contact the manufacturer).

Moisturizer: 3-12 months 
Moisturizers with natural ingredients, plant extracts, essential oils, and botanicals are best used within 3 months because they will lose their efficacy. Moisturizer can also be a breeding ground for bacteria, so make sure your hands are clean before reaching into the jar, or use a q-tip instead.
Quick tip: when you open a new product, write the date on the container with a waterproof marker – that will help you keep track of how long you have had it.

Foundation: 6-18 months
 Oil-free foundation tends to have the shortest shelf life because it will dry out quicker than other types, whereas moisturizing, cream, and compact foundation will last longer. Like moisturizer, foundation can be a breeding ground for bacteria, so make sure you don’t contaminate the jar/compact when using your foundation. Liquid foundation that is packaged with a pump dispenser is a great option.

Powder: 2-3 years
 Powder may actually last longer, but two years is the longest you should keep it. For pressed powder, you should frequently wash/change the sponge.

Concealer: 12-18 months 
You should replace your stick or compact concealers when you notice that they are starting to look dried out. Liquid concealers should be replaced when they start to separate.

Powder Blush & Eye Shadow: 2-3 years 
These products can probably last longer than two years, but over time, the product may change color or texture. If you have an eye infection, you may not want to use your favorite eye shadow for a few days/weeks until it has cleared up, because you can actually contaminate your eye shadow with the bacteria.

Cream Blush & Eye Shadow: 12-18 months
 Cream blush and eye shadow can dry out over time. Just like the powder eye shadow, you should not use your cream eye shadow if you have an eye infection.

Stick Eye Liner/Lip Liner: 2-3 years 
Because you frequently sharpen the product, you don’t have to worry as much about bacteria; however, if you get an eye infection or cold sore, you should replace the product.

Lip Stick: 2 years 
You should replace the product when you notice it is starting to look dried out, or if you get a cold sore.

Lip Gloss: 18 months 
Since it is a liquid, it will not last as long as lip stick. You should replace the product immediately if you get a cold sore.

Mascara: 3 months 
Since mascara is liquid, it is an ideal environment for bacteria. Your mascara can become contaminated if you keep the product longer than 3 months. Your mascara will last longer if you avoid pumping the wand in and out of the container (you are forcing air into the product and your mascara will dry out quicker). Also, avoid wiping the wand on the side of the container, wipe it on a clean tissue instead. If you get/have an eye infection, you should immediately replace the product

Nail Polish: 1 year 
Keeping nail polish in the refrigerator can actually make it last longer and keep if from clumping.

If you have any concerns that the products you might be using are expired, it is best to contact the manufacturer or the makeup counter where you purchased it.

Important Details for the Update

*** UPDATE ***

The brand new, redesigned myBeautyCache is now available in the App Store. If you’re interested in trying the new app, here is the link: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/mybeautycache/id1505353367?ls=1

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*** UPDATE February 18, 2020 ***

This update applies to the original myBeautyCache app.

**The original myBeautyCache app is no longer available in the App Store. If you previously purchased the app, you can still download it by going to the Purchased section in the App Store. Since the app is not in the App Store, I will no longer be able to update it.

Sadly, I had to pull the update with all the new features. After I installed the update, my device kept crashing every time I tried to open the app. This did not happen one time while I was testing the app, so I didn’t expect it. So I decided to put the app back to the way it was before the big update. The last thing I want is for users to have an issue with the app.

Apple just approved an update to put the app back to the “original” version. It is available in the App Store now. I installed it on my device, and it is working fine.

The app is back to the way it was before the big update.

Unfortunately, I am not going to be able to update the app with the new features I mentioned. It seems that whenever I update the app, the users that have had the app a long time or have a lot of products added to the app have an issue, which is why I have decided not to update the app again. With all the changes Apple makes to the iOS, the app will eventually become unusable. The only way to fix certain issues is by changing the database — which I can no longer do for this app.

I may completely rebuild the database and release a new BeautyCache app with all of the features as I spent months working on it, but I haven’t decided yet. The whole situation is very disappointing, to say the least. I was really excited for all of you to see the new version of myBeautyCache.

** If you tried to install the app and had issues – as long as you didn’t delete the app, and it didn’t open it, you can install the latest update and you should be able to access the app as if nothing happened.

If you did delete the app or are having an issue, you can get your data back 2 ways:

If you used iTunes File Sharing to copy the databases to your computer, you can simply copy them back to the device AFTER you install the latest update.
Restore from your device from backup. Here are instructions from Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204184

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I apologize for the inconvenience!

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*** ORIGINAL POST ***

myBeautyCache turned 7 today – February 1, 2020!! I can’t believe the app has been in the App Store for 7 years!!! I actually remember the day it was approved.

The first version of myBeautyCache was much different than the app you are using today. Since then, I have updated the app MANY times. I am currently working on more BIG changes for the app – I’m adding new sections and a number of new features.

Because the changes are pretty extensive, I considered creating a new app — but if I did that, I would need to stop supporting this app. I know some of you have had this for many years, so I wanted to remain loyal to you and decided to make the changes to this app instead of creating a new one.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE UPDATE

I don’t have an exact date for the new version of myBeautyCache, but I wanted to let you know now so you are prepared for when it is available. I’m planning for it being available within the next couple of weeks.

The most important thing you need to know is that when you first open the new version of the app, there will be a slight delay. The length of the delay will depend on how many products you have. I have tested it on databases with 400MB and 7GB. It takes approximately 2 minutes for the 400MB database and up to 10 minutes for the 7GB database.

The delay is due to the changes I made to the database. Unfortunately, I have no control over the amount of time it takes for the app to open. **But it’s important that you stay on the screen until it has finished updating and the app opens.

After the delay and the app opens, you will see a screen that asks you to update the database. The update should only take a few seconds. When I tested it on the 7GB database, the database update took 30 seconds.

BACKUP YOUR DATA

You will want to make sure you back up your data prior to the update. I recommend using iTunes File Sharing to keep a copy of the databases on your computer. That way if you have an issue and can’t restore from backup, you will still have the databases on your computer. You can also use iCloud or iTunes. Here are Instructions for Backing up your Data.

STAY INFORMED

I currently don’t have an exact date for the update, but in order to keep you informed so that you’re ready when the update is available, I created a special email list. The list will only be used to let you know the status of the update. Also, as it gets closer, I will be providing you with more information about the new sections and new features that will be available in the new version of myBeautyCache.

***** EMAIL LIST IS CLOSED *******

DON’T WANT TO SIGN UP?

If you aren’t interested in signing up for the email list, please make sure you update your data before you install the update (when it becomes available in the next couple of weeks).

**If you have automatic updates turned on, you may not know when there is a new version of the app as it will automatically be downloaded on your device — so please be sure you are constantly backing up your data or turn automatic updates off.

CHANGES TO THE APP

Along with adding new sections and a number of new features, I will be moving the app to a subscription model. Since you purchased the app, you can continue to use the app you purchased. You will only need to sign up for the Premium Member Subscription if you want access to the new sections and new features.

I’ve resisted moving to a subscription model, but updating the app and adding new features requires a lot of time and the app is not sustainable the way it is now.

For more information about the changes and why I am moving the app to a subscription, please visit the FAQ section.

**If you like the app the way it is and aren’t interested in the new features, you can choose to not update the app to the new version. Just make sure that you have automatic updates turned off on your devices, otherwise, the update will automatically download.

QUESTIONS

You can contact me by going to the Option & Support section of the app and selecting Email Developer.