With face editing apps you can easily edit your selfies before sharing them on social media. Recently, such apps have seen a spate of innovation and new features, such as AI avatars and automatic touch-up tools.
Based on our extensive tests and research these are the five best face editing apps in 2023:
- FaceApp Editor: The best face editing app for structural face edits
- YouCam Perfect: Face editing app with advanced features
- Facetune2: Easy-to-use app with lots of makeup tools
- BeautyPlus: Face editing app for high-quality photo edits
- Peachy: Fun app with cartoon-themed avatars and many free tools
However, these apps also raise a number of privacy concerns, as they collect large amounts of personal data and share it with third parties.
A VPN is one of the best ways to prevent these apps from monitoring your browsing activity. NordVPN is the top VPN for data privacy as it offers robust security and encryption features.
Read the rest of the article for more details on the best face editing app and what you can do to safeguard your privacy while using one.
Almost everyone has used a face editing app at least once, from predicting how they’ll look in 20 years to touching up a selfie before posting it on Instagram. But just how safe is your data in the hands of these apps? If the use of these apps is so widespread, should we even still worry about our data?
The answer is yes. While face apps seem harmless, most popular applications collect an alarming amount of data — and it’s unclear how that data is used.
In this article, we highlight the useful features of face editor apps and provide an overview of the data they collect. Finally, we list some steps you can take to reduce the privacy risks of face editing apps.
Using a VPN is a great way to protect your identity online. We recommend using NordVPN with face apps, as it excels at keeping your information safe by using the most secure encryption practices.
The 9 Best Face Editing Apps
We’ve listed the best face editing apps below and shortlisted them based on their popularity and range of features. We’ve also provided an overview of the data an app collects based on the privacy policies available on its website. For each app on the list, we looked at:
- The features they offer
- The kind of data they collect and why this information is gathered
- The parties they share your data with
We’ve also highlighted major privacy concerns raised by users and other stakeholders. For a quick overview of the apps’ data collection practices, check out the table below:
Keep reading as we take a deep dive into the best face apps and their unique features.
1. FaceApp: The best face editing app for structural face edits
Pros
- Excellent option for structural face edits
- Excels at blemish removal and age transformations
- Wide range of easy-to-use hair styling options
Cons
- Lacks advanced AI-based editing features
Supported operating systems: Android, iOS
We tested each app on this list using the same stock image to understand their ability to transform faces. FaceApp performed exceptionally on these tests and delivered some compelling face transformation results.
Its ability to change a person’s facial features without distorting them was particularly impressive. We also achieved great results using its hair styling features, opting for a short crop hairstyle in the edited picture.
Data collected by FaceApp
Even though FaceApp is a great app with many useful features, it collects a lot of data from its users for different purposes, such as targeted advertising and app and website improvement. This is the user information gathered by FaceApp:
- Application and website usage data
- Online activity data (using cookies and web beacons)
- Device data (device model, operating system, Google and Apple advertising IDs)
- Location data (including IP address)
- Purchase information (record of purchases, but not credit card or other payment information)
Overall, FaceApp has a pretty standard privacy policy with no alarming data collection practices. However, digging deeper, we found users, including a US Senator, have raised concerns about the app’s terms of service.
They stated that the app is based in Russia, which raises questions about transferring US citizens’ personal data to an adversary. They also claimed the app’s terms of service grant FaceApp an irrevocable license to users’ selfies.
However, the company behind FaceApp quickly clarified that user photos were not transferred to Russia and that AWS and Google servers were used for photo processing. We also had a closer look at its terms of service. While they do grant the company a license to users’ photos, it is solely to render services to users, i.e., allowing them to edit photos.
2. YouCam Perfect: Face editing app with advanced features
Pros
- Great teeth whitening and automatic magic retouching features
- Powerful object and background removal
- Wide selection of accessories, like necklaces and tattoos
Cons
- Constant and persistent ads
Supported operating systems: Android, iOS
Looking for an easy-to-use retouch app to quickly edit your pictures before sharing them online? YouCam Perfect’s magic retouching and preset filters helped us edit our photos easily. The face app also lets you remove objects in the background, which is really useful for decluttering your selfies and images.
We also enjoyed playing around with YouCam Perfect’s accessories and styling options, especially the amusing feature of adding face tattoos. However, we did not like that the app was a bit pushy with its ads, as this can interfere with user experience.
If persistent ads on YouCam Perfect are something that you don’t like when using an app or if you are concerned with potentially harmful software those ads may inflict on your device, like malware, think about using NordVPN. This provider has a practical Threat Protection feature that will prevent ads and malicious software from ever reaching your device.
Data collected by YouCam Perfect
YouCam Perfect is one of the face photo editor apps that collects a wide range of data from its customers that is shared with its advertising partners, subsidiaries, and social media networks. The data collected include:
- Application usage data
- Online activity data
- Device data
- Location data
- Purchase information
- Contact information
- Demographic information
- Social media data
YouCam Perfect’s data collection and usage practices are slightly more worrying than FaceApp’s. For instance, it collects demographic information, such as your age, which FaceApp does not. Despite this, YouCam Perfect’s privacy policy is pretty standard are does not ring alarm bells.
It is also vital to note that Perfect Corp., the company behind YouCam Perfect, has reiterated its commitment to user privacy due to allegations that it transfers user data to China. Our research reveals that while Perfect Corp. is based in Taiwan, it does not transfer data to China. Instead, it can transfer data to its US, EU, and Japan offices.
3. Facetune2: Easy-to-use app with lots of makeup tools
Pros
- Aesthetic photo filters for quick edits and touch-ups
- Features AI-based avatars with vibrant backgrounds
- Wide range of makeup tools, including blush and lipstick
Cons
- Limited editing options on the free version
Supported operating systems: Android, iOS
Filters are a popular way to quickly transform selfies. We found that Facetune2 is a face editing app that has a number of aesthetic filters, like changing your hair color or using makeup filters, which let you transform your pictures in just a few taps. It also includes AI-based face editing and avatar creation, which was a really fun way to change our pictures completely.
However, unlocking the entire range of features will require the paid version. Free face editing apps are fun to use but can be pretty limited in terms of advanced face editing features, which is the case for Facetune2.
Data collected by Facetune2
Facetune2 will gather data from its users, which will be shared with its affiliate partners and other third parties. The reason why this much information is collected is mainly because apps like Facetune2 aim to improve the functionality of their app and website and offer more targeted advertising to their users. The data collected by Facetune2 include:
- Application usage data
- Online activity data
- Device data
- Location data
- Purchase information
- Contact information
- Demographic information
- Social media data
While we did find Facetune’s AI photo editor pretty handy, it potentially comes at the cost of your privacy. Indeed, the app’s developer, Lightricks, faces a class action lawsuit in Illinois. The lawsuit alleges that Facetune illegally collects users’ biometric information, such as face scans, and uses it to train its algorithms.
However, Facetune’s policy does not explicitly mention the collection of biometric data but only suggests that the app uses face detection to determine your posture and other non-identifying characteristics of faces.
4. BeautyPlus: Face editing app for high-quality photo edits
Pros
- Features useful face reshaping tools
- Maintains image quality and resolutions
- AI-based retouch tools allow for quick edits
Cons
- Filters and background removal require a subscription
Supported operating systems: Android, iOS
BeautyPlus is one of the most popular face editing apps in the world. It’s easy to understand why once you use the app. While testing this face-altering app, we discovered that it delivers high-quality photo edits in double-quick time.
The ability of this photo face editor to remove skin blemishes and alter the face’s contour really stood out to us during our testing circuit. However, we would’ve liked to try out more filters, but most require a subscription.
Data collected by BeautyPlus
BeautyPlus is a face editor app that gathers a vast array of data from its customers for various reasons, such as training AI algorithms and enhancing product safety. This data may be shared with legal and regulatory authorities and the app’s subsidiaries. This is the information BeautyPlus gets from its users:
- Application usage data
- Online activity data
- Device data
- Location data
- Purchase information
- Contact information
- Demographic information
- Social media data
Pixocial Technology is the Singapore-based studio behind the BeautyPlus app. It also developed AirBrush, another popular face app. Both apps are governed by Pixocial’s privacy policy, which is quite extensive. The policy envisages the collection of a large amount of user data, including mobile device information, metadata, and image information.
The app also utilizes face recognition technology to ensure that some of its features work smoothly. While the privacy policy states that scans for facial recognition are not retained, using facial recognition itself can be detrimental to user privacy.
5. Peachy: Fun app with cartoon-themed avatars and many free tools
Pros
- Comprehensive body and face editing tools
- Large number of features and tools available for free
- Seamlesss creation of cartoon-themed selfies
Cons
- Not available on Android
- Lacks advanced AI features
Supported operating systems: iOS
iOS users looking for a simple but effective face editing app should strongly consider Peachy. We found that it has more than enough face editing and shaping tools along with preset filters to produce good edited pictures.
We also used Peachy to create amusing cartoon-themed avatars, which are rather popular on social media. However, during our testing, we noticed that it does lack advanced features, such as automatic AI edits, which other apps on our list have.
Data collected by Peachy
Peachy is actually one of the few apps that collect minimal data from its users. The app only gathers contact information to enhance the quality of its services and display better ads for its customers. However, this data can be shared with Peachy’s advertising partners and social media networks.
Peachy’s privacy policy is pretty bare bones and doesn’t reveal much about the kind of data that’s collected. While it may seem like the app collects very little data, we can’t be entirely sure because the privacy policy only mentions how it uses “personally identifiable information.” It doesn’t address how non-identifying information, such as device IDs, is used.
If you are worried about the privacy of your data with Peachy, try NordVPN. Its user-friendly software is packed with strong security features that will safeguard your sensitive information and keep it away from prying eyes.
6. PhotoDirector: All-purpose photo editing app with impressive face editing features
Pros
- AI-based anime and cartoon avatar generation
- Wide selection of text editing options
- Simple and effective object removal
Cons
- Not a dedicated face transformation app
Supported operating systems: Android, iOS
PhotoDirector is a great all-in-one photo editing app. While we found that it offers an extensive range of face editing features, it can also be used to edit pictures, such as landscapes.
We focused our testing on PhotoDirector’s face-transforming features and were pleased to see that it excels at generating cartoon and AI avatars. It also offers the ability to include text in different fonts and sizes.
Data collected by PhotoDirector
PhotoDirector is one of the few face editing apps that generate cartoon avatars, so some of the data it collects is used for training AI algorithms to produce the best result possible for these avatars. In addition, the app gathers the following information from its users:
- Application usage data
- Online activity data
- Device data
- Location data
- Purchase information (including credit card details)
- Contact information
- Demographic information
- Social media data
PhotoDirector is an application created by Cyberlink, a company renowned for its software products. Resultantly, Photo Director’s privacy policy is quite detailed and well-crafted. Moreover, Cyberlink has a solid track record of protecting user privacy, which gives us peace of mind.
7. Pixl: App for quick touch-ups
Pros
- Excellent teeth whitening functionality
- Seamless dark circle brightening
Cons
- Limited set of makeup tools
- No advanced or unique features
Supported operating systems: Android, iOS
Pixl is a great choice for users who like minimal editing and retouching features on their face-altering apps. We were able to quickly whiten teeth and remove dark circles and blemishes using Pixl.
However, based on our testing, we don’t think it is the best option for advanced and detailed edits. For instance, while trying out its suite of makeup tools, we found it to be quite limited.
Data collected by Pixl
Pixl always strives to enhance its apps and website and provide the best services to its customers. That is why it collects the following information:
- Purchase information (including credit card details)
- Contact information
- Demographic information
- Social media data
From the above, it may seem like Pixl collects relatively less data than other apps on this list. However, this is probably the result of a clever play of words in Pixl’s privacy policy. Instead of addressing its overall data collection practices, Pixl’s privacy policy limits its scope to “data we collect about you,” i.e., the user. Resultantly, it avoids disclosing whether the app collects and shares device and network data.
8. FaceLab: Face editing app for swapping your gender
Pros
- Wide range of accessories, especially glasses
- Powerful gender swapping tools
Cons
- Edited photos are watermarked
- Most features are availble only on the premium version
Supported operating systems: Android, iOS
Want to know what you’d look like if you belonged to the opposite gender? FaceLab’s gender-swapping features allowed us to make our photos more masculine or feminine.
We also found that the ability of this face app to add different accessories to our photos also helped make them more fun and interesting. However, we were a bit disappointed to see that most features were only available upon purchasing a subscription.
Data collected by FaceLab
FaceLab collects quite a bit of data from its users and shares it with third-party platforms and its business partners. The app gathers this information for different reasons, such as to improve its services and its website. This is the data collected by FaceLab:
- Application usage data
- Online activity data
- Device data
- Location data
- Purchase information
- Contact information
- Social media data
We didn’t find many issues with FaceLab’s privacy policy. In fact, there are two really positive takeaways from the policy. First, no images or videos edited on the app are stored or processed in FaceLab’s servers. This happens locally on your device or iCloud. Moreover, the app developer, Lyrebird Studio, does not have access to your credit or debit card information.
9. Beauty Makeup Editor & Camera: Great app for making collages
Pros
- AI-based auto-retouch and makeup editor for great selfies
- Built-in collage maker
Cons
- Edits don't always look realistic
- Only available on Android
Supported operating systems: Android
Users who regularly post on social media will like the Beauty Makeup Editor & Camera face editing app. During our testing, we noticed that not only does it offer extensive makeup and face editing features, but it also features an in-built camera and collage maker.
While Beauty Makeup Editor & Camera’s AI retouch app feature is handy for quick edits, we found the edits aren’t always realistic. Moreover, the app is only available on Android for the moment.
Data collected by Beauty Makeup Editor & Camera
The Beauty Makeup Editor app gathers data from its users for different purposes, like improving its services, displaying the right ads for its users, and enhancing its product safety. These are the data collected by the company:
- Application usage data
- Online activity data
- Device data
- Location data
- Purchase information
- Contact information
- Social media data
Beauty Makeup Editor & Camera is an application by Lyrebird Studios, the developer of FaceLab. However, unlike FaceLab, the privacy policy for Beauty Makeup Editor & Camera raises a few concerns. For instance, the app uses AWS servers to store and process photos you edit. These photos remain in the cloud for 24-48 hours, which creates additional avenues from where hackers or criminals can access your photos.
How to Use Face Editing Apps Privately and Securely
It’s easy to say we should stop using face-transforming apps, but sometimes, it simply can’t be avoided. However, there are several ways to use face editing apps securely, like researching an app before you download it or always updating its software.
Here’s what you can do to protect your data while using FaceTune and other commonly used apps:
1. Download reputable apps from official sources
When downloading any mobile app that handles a large amount of data (such as social media apps, food delivery apps, and games), make sure they are the official apps made by their respective companies.
Similarly, ensure you download only from official sources, like Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or the company or developers’ website.
Additionally, make it a habit to double-check the following information:
- App developer: Check to see if the app developer is legitimate. Some apps may be similarly named to the app you’re looking for; looking up the developer name should tell you that you’re looking at the wrong app page.
- User reviews: No app has only five-star ratings. If all the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, they may be fake reviews planted by the developer.
- App release date: Generally, apps that have been around longer tend to be more stable and trustworthy. This isn’t true for all apps, however; some may no longer be in development, so make sure to check the date the app was last updated, as well.
2. Keep software updated
Keeping the software you use up-to-date is a no-brainer. Not only does this improve the overall experience you have with the app, but it also keeps your data more secure.
Apps often launch updates due to bugs and vulnerabilities they found upon testing, so always keep up with the newest updates on the software you use to ensure you stay safe online.
3. Use a VPN
Using a virtual private network (VPN) comes with many benefits, and one of the more prominent ones is guarding your privacy online.
With the help of a VPN, not only will you be able to hide your IP address (essential if you’re using a public Wi-Fi network), but you can also encrypt your data traffic, download files anonymously, and bypass government censorship, among other things.
VPNs are also helpful for hiding your actual location to safeguard you from apps that collect your location data, like face editing apps. Note, however, that a VPN can only do so much. Apps that use GPS tracking will still be able to track your location, even if you try to mask your IP address or location.
We regularly review VPN services to determine which ones are the best at keeping your data secure. NordVPN is at the top of our list almost every time due to its strong encryption, focus on user privacy and excellent speeds.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
4. Limit the information on your social media
Many apps ask for access to your social media accounts or offer registration through your social media. To prevent your data from being accessed by third parties, minimize the information you provide on social platforms or opt out of social media sign-in altogether.
If you’re looking to make registering and signing in to accounts easier, you should look into good password managers. These will help you store all your passwords safely so you don’t have to remember them all. NordPass is our top password manager as it protects passwords with enhanced 256-bit encryption protocols, and it’s easy to use.
5. Research the app and be mindful of permissions
Not everyone has the time to either research the company behind an app or go through its terms and conditions. However, a quick Google search and read-through of the apps’ permissions will only take two minutes of your time.
Be mindful of what the app is for and what it’s asking to access; if the data they want isn’t necessary for the app to function, then this app may very well be unsafe. For instance, many food delivery apps collect lots of data, which does pose a slight security risk.
Final Thoughts on Using the Best Face Editing Apps Privately
Face editing apps are widespread and popular, but that doesn’t mean we should stop being critical about how they handle our data. When hopping on new trends or having fun with your selfies, make sure to double-check how trustworthy an app is and take extra steps to protect your online privacy.
These apps collect all kinds of data, ranging from location data to a user’s phone contacts. Always download an app from official sources, keep your apps up-to-date, limit the information you post online, and use a VPN.
The best VPN to use with face apps is NordVPN because it has a wide range of security features. It offers the AES-256 encryption cipher, which is the best in the industry, along with a double VPN and Threat Protection feature to further enhance your online safety from malicious actors. NordVPN also has several discounts on its subscriptions.
If you want to learn more about how to protect your privacy with different apps, check out our articles below:
- Facial Recognition and Privacy: Everything You Need to Know
- The Best Encrypted Messaging Apps for Total Privacy
- How Secure Are Food Delivery Apps? Which Apps Are Safe?
Have unanswered questions about face editing apps and their privacy practices? Check out our FAQ section below.
Numerous face editing apps are available on the Play Store and App Store. They offer different features, such as AI-based photo filters, hair coloring, and teeth whitening. Here are some of the best face editing apps:
- FaceApp
- YouCam Perfect
- Facetune2
- BeautyPlus
- Peachy
It’s difficult to clearly identify one face editing app as the best because they all offer a range of unique features. As such, the best face editing app for you will depend on your preferences. However, FaceApp is a great app for all kinds of users looking to edit their facial features.
Face editing apps have a number of privacy concerns, such as:
- Extensive data collection, including your IP adddress, demographic information, and other identifiable data
- Use of face scanning technologies that can be used by law enforcement
- Sharing of data with third parties, such as advertising partners and subsidiaries
Overall, using a face editing app can put your privacy at risk. Using a secure VPN, like NordVPN, is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your privacy while using such apps.
