Searching for a Facetune Alternative? We've Got You Covered

If you’ve ever spent hours editing a selfie just to make it look natural yet flawless, you’re not alone. Facetune has been the go-to photo retouching app for years. But let’s be real—it’s not always the most budget-friendly option. 

Maybe you’re tired of the paywall, or you’re simply looking for something that feels more intuitive, powerful, or affordable. If that’s the case, you’re probably wondering: What app is like Facetune but free? Let’s dive into the best options out there—because your glow-up shouldn’t come at a cost.

Why People Love Facetune in the First Place

Before we jump into alternatives, it helps to understand what makes Facetune so popular.

Facetune’s biggest strengths include:

• Skin smoothing and blemish removal

• Teeth whitening and eye brightening

• Face reshaping and retouching tools

• Easy-to-use interface with drag-and-drop simplicity

• Makeup filters and light adjustment

It’s basically your selfie’s best friend—but not always your wallet’s. This leads us to the hunt for the best free Facetune alternative.

What Makes a Good Facetune Alternative?

A solid Facetune replacement should be:

• Free or affordable (or at least with powerful features in the free version)

• Packed with retouching tools (skin, eyes, lighting, reshaping, etc.)

• Easy to navigate and intuitive for beginners

• Powered by AI or smart editing tools for natural results

Let’s take a look at some apps and platforms that tick these boxes—and even go a few steps further.

Best Apps Like Facetune That Won’t Cost You a Dime

There are some incredible tools out there, and they don’t all live in the App Store. From mobile apps to full-on photo editors, here are a few that might be the Facetune dupe you’ve been dreaming of.

1. Luminar Mobile 

I’ve tested a lot of mobile editing apps over the years — some promise too much, others just slap on filters and call it a day. But Luminar Mobile caught my attention for a different reason: it feels like it was built for people who actually care about the craft.

It brings the AI power of Skylum’s desktop tools into a compact, intuitive mobile version — perfect for quick edits without sacrificing quality. And while it’s technically “free,” it doesn’t feel like a watered-down version of something bigger. You’re working with real tools here.

Top features of Luminar Mobile include:

• SkinAI & BodyAI: Automatically retouch skin and adjust body shapes for natural-looking results.
• SkyAI: Seamlessly replace dull skies with vibrant ones to enhance your landscapes.
• RelightAI: Adjust lighting conditions dynamically to suit your artistic vision.
• EnhanceAI: Improve photo quality with a single slide, adjusting color, tone, and clarity.
• RAW Support: Edit RAW files directly on your device, preserving maximum image quality.

If you’re someone who shoots a lot on your phone — or you like the flexibility of editing on the go without cracking open a laptop — this is a solid alternative to Facetune. Especially if you’ve outgrown the overly filtered, plastic-skin look and want something a little more elevated.

2. YouCam Makeup

This app leans into beauty edits and real-time filters. It’s ideal for those who want to test out makeup looks or gently enhance features without going full glam.

Top features:

• Real-time beauty camera

• Skin smoothing and blemish-erasing

• Lip and eye color changer

• Hairstyle simulations

If you’re looking for an app like Facetune that’s easy and fun, YouCam Makeup is a solid choice. Plus, many of its tools are free.

3. Snapseed by Google

This one might not be on your radar if you’re focused on beauty retouching, but Snapseed is incredibly powerful and 100% free.

Perks include:

• Professional photo filters and effects

• Healing tool for quick touch-ups

• Precise brightness, contrast, and structure sliders

• Great for selfies and scenic shots alike

You won’t find face reshaping here, but Snapseed holds its own for natural touch-ups and lighting control.

4. AirBrush

This is as close to Facetune as it gets, minus the high price tag. AirBrush gives you almost everything Facetune offers, especially in the free version.

Highlights:

• Skin retouching

• Teeth whitening and eye brightening

• Slimming, reshaping, and lengthening features

• Makeup filters and background blurs

Curious about how this one stacks up? Many users say it’s the best free Facetune alternative they’ve found.

5. FaceApp

Okay, yes—it went viral for aging filters. But it’s also a pretty strong contender when it comes to facial tweaks.

You’ll find:

• Smile enhancers

• Beard/mustache additions

• Gender swaps and age simulations

• Skin smoothing and reshaping

It’s playful but still delivers solid photo edits. Plus, its AI is among the most advanced for facial analysis.

A Bonus Tool for Changing Faces—Literally

Let’s say you’re doing more than just selfies. Maybe you’re into artistic edits, creative swaps, or concept photography. You might want a tool that lets you go beyond touch-ups.

That’s where Luminar’s erase and replace AI feature comes in. Want to swap out a background, remove a person, or completely transform facial features? GenSwap makes it possible—no Photoshop skills are needed. It’s a great solution for users who want a more experimental approach to face and photo editing.

Why Filters Aren’t Enough Anymore

Filters used to be the standard for making a photo look better. Now, we want customization. We want to tweak our jawlines slightly, remove that zit, and brighten our tired eyes—but not look like we edited anything. That’s why features like face slimming, skin smoothing, and subtle retouching are must-haves.

Looking for a precise face-reshaping tool? Luminar’s face slimming filter is ideal for minor contouring without creating that alien effect we’ve all seen before. It gives you control over cheekbones, jawline, and facial symmetry—without overdoing it.

What to Watch Out For in Editing Apps

Not all editing apps are created equal. Some are packed with hidden fees, while others lack the tools you actually want. Here are a few red flags:

• Overuse of filters that make everyone look the same

• Aggressive upselling before showing any results

• Difficult interfaces or steep learning curves

• Edits that leave artifacts or distortions in your photo

If the app doesn’t let you preview or undo changes easily, it’s probably not worth your time.

Photo Editing Tips for a Natural Look

Even with the best tools, a heavy hand can ruin a great photo. Here are a few quick tips:

• Use skin smoothing sparingly to avoid a plastic look

• Brighten eyes, but don’t bleach them—keep the sparkle natural

• Avoid maxing out slimming tools; instead, use small adjustments

• Match the lighting of your edit to the original photo

• Zoom in a while editing to spot strange glitches or lines

Sometimes, less is more—especially when you want to highlight your real features, not hide them.

More Than Just Selfies: Creative Possibilities

Photo editing isn’t just about looking better. It can be a form of self-expression. Maybe you want to experiment with surreal edits, create double exposure shots, or even make your Instagram feed more aesthetic.

If you’re into visual storytelling or want to experiment beyond filters, check out this list of creative selfie ideas for inspiration. This is your sign to stop settling for the same old selfie style and start creating something original.

Want to Ditch Facetune and Go Pro?

If you’re looking for a high-quality, creative-focused editor with room to grow, consider exploring apps that let you control RAW files and layer effects and work with AI tools. For example, if you’ve used RawTherapee in the past but want something more modern and intuitive, there’s a lot out there.

This list of RawTherapee alternatives might help you upgrade your editing setup without needing a PhD in photography. Especially if you’re balancing casual use with creative work, the right tool can make your workflow a lot smoother.

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to stick with one app to get perfect photos. The best results often come from combining tools—or finding one that does it all in a smart, user-friendly way. Whether you’re looking for a lightweight mobile app or an advanced desktop tool, there’s a free Facetune alternative out there that fits your style and budget.

Next time someone inquires, “What app is free and similar to Facetune?” — you’ll be ready with numerous suggestions. Whether you’re smoothing skin, reshaping a jawline, or adding some creative flair, the key is to find a tool that feels natural, powerful, and fun. So go ahead—explore, experiment, and elevate your photos. Your new favorite Facetune dupe is just a download away.