Fotor's Beauty feature allows you to retouch your photos and add makeup to photos online for free! Our touchup tools include the face editor, blemish remover, airbrush, wrinkle remover, red-eye remover, teeth whitener, eye color changer, facelift, eye makeup, lip tint, and more. Next on our list of best photo editing software for Mac is Lightroom owned by Adobe Photoshop. Pretty much anything you want to do with your pictures can be accomplished through Lightroom. You can effortlessly blend, merge shadows, add highlights, make images sharper, crispier or even blur in a few clicks.
- January 02, 2020
- 18 min to read
Most free photo editors available on the App Store are quite basic, offering just a limited number of filters and allowing you to easily and quickly liven up your photos before posting them on social media.
But if you’re an aspiring or professional photographer, you probably need a more powerful app with a broader set of tools to use your creativity to the fullest. Besides, you probably use your Mac for photo editing because working on a large screen makes it possible to adjust the slightest details.
1. Apple’s Photos (Built-in app)
Apple’s Photos app is included for free on all recently released Macs. It does a good job at organizing your photos, but its collection of photo enhancement tools leaves much to be desired. Hopefully, our selection of the best free programs for photo editing on Mac will help you choose the right app to suit all your creative needs.
2. Luminar (7 days trial)
Luminar is another full-featured photo editor that’s popular with both Mac and Windows users. It can work as a standalone app as well as a plugin for such popular programs as Apple Photos.
Luminar uses Artificial Intelligence to enable sophisticated yet quick photo enhancements. Among these AI features are Sky Enhancer, which adds more depth and detail to the sky in your photos while leaving other areas untouched; Accent AI, which analyzes a photo and automatically applies the best combination of different effects to enhance your image; and Sun Rays, which allows you to place an artificial sun and adjust the lighting to your liking or make the sun rays already in your photo look even more incredible.
Luminar has over 60 filters you can apply to your photos to enhance them in a moment. Luminar also provides a set of powerful tools for cropping, transforming, cloning, erasing, and stamping, along with layers, brushes, and many more incredible features. Luminar supports the Touch Bar on the latest MacBook Pro, making photo editing even more effortless and pleasing.
3. Photolemur 3 (Free Version with watermark)
Photolemur is a relative newcomer on the photo editing market but it has all the chances to win the favor of beginner photographers and hobbyists. Running on Artificial Intelligence, Photolemur is a completely automatic photo enhancer, meaning that it does all the editing for you in no time. It has the simplest interface, with only a few buttons and sliders to adjust the enhancement to your liking and view the before and after results.
All you need to do is choose a photo (or a few) that you want to improve, drag and drop or import them using the Import button, and let the program make enhancements. After it’s done, you can compare the edited version with the original image by using the before–after slider and, if you want, adjust the skin tone or even enlarge the eyes using additional sliders. Pretty easy, huh?
Photolemur also offers a number of impressive styles to touch up your photos and give them a sophisticated and professional look. With this app, you don’t need to stuff your head with photo editing nuances and terms. Just run Photolemur and watch the magic happen!
4. Aurora HDR (14 days trial)
As you probably can tell from the name, Aurora HDR is designed to help photographers enhance their HDR photos, making them even more detailed and beautiful. It’s an ideal tool for editing your photos, with an extensive collection of more than 20 tools including details, tone, mapping, color, glow, and vignette. Each tool has its unique selection of controls to adjust its effects.
Aurora HDR enables you to work with brushes, layers, and masks, and provides a number of automatic AI tools for recognizing and removing noise, enhancing colors, lighting, and details, improving clarity, and adding contrast to dull areas while leaving other areas untouched.
Aurora HDR does a great job dealing with difficult lighting situations and creating full-of-life images while being easy to use.
5. Pixelmator (Trial 30 Days)
Pixelmator is a photo enhancer beloved by many Mac users, as it offers a good combination of a modern and simple interface, the ability to work on multiple layers, and powerful features that take photo editing to a whole new level. With so many editing tools, brushes, and effects, you can enhance your photos to your liking. You can choose between two versions of Pixelmator – standard and pro – depending on your needs. The standard version is great for basic photo editing with its selection of essential tools and filters, while the pro version is packed with extra brushes, tools, and effects that let you push your creativity to new boundaries. You can decide which version is suitable for you according to what features you’re looking for in a photo editing app.
6. Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020 (Trial link)
Photoshop Elements isn’t as affordable as other photo enhancers for beginner photographers. But luckily there’s a trial version available, so you can check it out before deciding whether this app is worthy of your money. Photoshop Elements acquired many powerful features from Photoshop, only Elements is simplified for amateur photographers and enthusiasts. It includes a good number of effects and filters, plus automated editing options for improving lighting, color balance, and exposure, and even opening closed eyes and reducing the effects of camera shake.
In addition to all of these awesome features, Photoshop also offers editing modes for beginners, intermediate users, and experts. Beginners will probably prefer Quick mode, as it focuses on essential tools to quickly enhance your photos by improving color, lighting, and other basic settings. Guided mode provides intermediate users with step-by-step guidance with more professional features like artistic effects, skin tone correction, and background replacement. Expert mode gives you full access to the app’s really powerful editing features and is ideal for creating stunning images.
7. Affinity Photo (Free Trial)
Affinity Photo’s interface may seem overwhelming at first, especially for novices, but when you come to grips with it you’ll find that the app is just what you’ve been looking for. Its numerous professional tools, effects, and filters encourage you to get creative with your photos. Among the coolest features Affinity Photo has to offer is a before and after view to compare the original photo with its edited version.
Affinity Photo works with 15 file types, including common ones like PDF, PSD, JPG, and GIF as well as some less popular ones. The app amazes with its abundance of basic and top-notch editing tools, allowing you to tweak your photos using all possible kinds of instruments. Affinity Photo allows you to edit HDR photos, apply artistic filters and effects, play with masks and layers, and create breathtaking compositions by combining several images in one. If you find its interface a bit much and are afraid of getting lost in all those advanced tools, you should probably look for something more suitable for your level. But Affinity Photo is worth mastering.
8. Google Photos
Google Photos is a popular cloud storage service for photos and videos. It can’t boast countless masterly tools like other photo enhancers that we review in this article, but it includes some fundamental features like filters, color adjustment sliders, and transformation tools.
Although Google Photos may not be that helpful when it comes to editing photos, it does a pretty good job at storing high-resolution images and videos with 15GB of free online storage, compared to iCloud’s mere 5GB (which you can upgrade to 50GB for a monthly fee). If you’re planning to go on a trip and take plenty of photos, then it might be smart to sign up for Google Photos to use that extra storage space when you come back.
9. PhotoScape X (Free)
A relatively new photo editing app, PhotoScape X has been gaining popularity with many Mac and PC users since its release in 2008. Its interface is simple but unconventional, with a number of tabs running along the top of the window. Each is responsible for a specific stage of editing. The Viewer tab allows you to browse and organize your photos. After you pick a photo, you can switch to the Editor tab, which includes a broad set of instruments, filters, and effects and a useful feature that enables you to compare the adjusted photo with the original.
The next tabs, including the Batch tab, mainly concentrate on editing and renaming multiple photos at once. The GIF tab allows you to easily create an animated GIF from a group of selected photos.
The downside of PhotoScape X is a lack of selection tools, so all changes are applied to the whole image rather than to a selected part.
10. Gimp (Free)
Gimp is a free open-source photo editing app that has been on the market for over 22 years and is available for Windows, Mac, and even Linux. Unlike many free apps, Gimp doesn’t have any ads or in-app purchases. Its grey interface might seem a little old-fashioned and it may be a bit sluggish when it comes to complex effects, though.
Gimp offers a vast collection of advanced tools that hardly any free photo editor can boast. It has numerous enhancement options such as clone and heal brushes, layers and channels, accurate selection tools, a number of transformation instruments, and, of course, color adjustment controls. Gimp is one of the most powerful tools for enhancing photos and is beloved by so many users for its price (free) and versatility. But if you can’t come to grips with Gimp’s interface, it may be worth paying some cash for a more user-friendly program.
Are you looking for something that will help you get your glam on without doing any of the actual work? Then you needn’t look very far! There are tons of face makeup editors out in the market that are more than able to help pretty-you-up! This article will be introducing you to the most noteworthy of these face makeup editors — complete with the pros and cons of each one! This way, you’ll be able to find the face makeup editor that’s right for you.
Part 1. 10 Most Helpful Face Makeup Editors in 2018
The first type of face makeup editors that we’re going to introduce are PC editors. These can be downloaded directly to your laptop or desktop computer, and are perfect for getting things edited in a timely manner. PC programs are particularly helpful when working with batches of images that are horizontal in shape (i.e. any image not taken on your mobile phone.
1. Wondershare Fotophire Focus
URL: https://photo.wondershare.com/photo-focus.html
Best App For Beauty Photo Retouching On Mac Free Photo Editing Software
The first computer software that we’re going to be looking at is Wondershare’s Fotophire. It’s a program that is 100% intuitive, in that, it offers an easy to master drag and drop interface. With Fotophire, you can be very precise and/or very quick. This is through Presets (which allow for quick edits) and precision-based tools (which allow for on the nose editing.)
- It enables you to fix blurry photos with a single click.
- Help you to re-focus photos with the Creative Blur feature at your will.
- This program allows you to apply more than 200 effects to your photos easily.
- It offers you a 1-click sharpen tool to help you make your photos better.
Pros
- Drag & Drop Interface that makes the program easy-to-use
- A variety of different editing capabilities — Presets, Filters, Brushes, Frames, etc.
- Precision editing tools that will allow you to get the exact look that you want.
Cons
- Offers a FREE demo — However, long term use would require a one-time payment.
- Images are watermarked during the FREE trial
2. Movavi Photo Editor
URL: https://www.movavi.com/photo-editor/
Second is Movavi. This is a fairly large corporation — even if it’s still relatively unknown, that offers a variety of editing tools. It just so happens that they offer a Photo Editing tool as well. Their products are pretty highly acclaimed, and the Photo Editor offers a couple of presets that are made for face makeup editing.
Pros
- Offers preset face makeup editing overlays
- Is not just a face makeup editor — has other editing tools available as well
- Precision editing is made possible with drag and drop
Cons
- One-time payment is required to be able to use the software
- FREE demo will not allow you to save images
- The program is a lot more complex than it needed to be
3. PHOTO MAKEUP EDITOR
URL: https://photo-makeup-editor.en.softonic.com/
The editing capabilities of the Photo Makeup Editor leaves a lot to be desired. However, it is a free program (if you don't count the annoying ads.) One thing’s for sure, this program was made to be used specifically for face makeup editing, which is not something that most graphics editors are able to claim.
Pros
- An actual face makeup editor
- Is 100% free-to-use
- A small program that won’t take up much space on your computer
Cons
- Features ads and other annoying popups
- The effects are not natural-looking
- Very limited in actual editing capabilities
4. PHOTO MAKEUP EDITOR 2.05
URL: https://photo-makeup-editor.soft112.com/description.html
The next editor, the Photo Makeup Editor 2.05, is another version of the one we had mentioned previously. Now, even though this is supposedly the newest version, there are people who like the older version more. If only because the editing capabilities for this one are not as good. Again, this is a FREE program that is made specifically for face makeup editing.
Pros
- Photo Makeup Editor 2.05 is FREE
- It’s a program made specifically for face makeup editing
- A variety of Presets are available for use
Cons
- Is ladened with disturbing ads — to balance the fact that it’s free to download
- Face makeup editing effects look rather fake
- Offers very little variety when it comes to editing capabilities
5. PHOTOSHOP
URL: https://www.adobe.com/products/photoshop.html
You might be wondering as to why Adobe Photoshop is so low on our list, and the answer is simple — it’s not really made to work as a face makeup editor. It can be used as one. However, that would require a lot of time spent on learning the tricks-of-the-trade and some background in illustration. If you’re a professional illustrator AND have access to a graphics tablet, then Photoshop is your answer, if not— then you’re better off using more intuitive programs like Fotophire.
Pros
- Precision-based editing allows for detailed face makeup effects
- Offers a variety of tools that will allow you to get the exact look that you want
- Is a professional product used by many people all over the world.
Cons
- Is NOT a face makeup editor
- Will require Photoshop and Illustration training
- Expensive Monthly/Yearly premium membership
6. PORTRAIT PRO
URL: http://www.portraitprofessional.com/
The Portrait Pro is a program that is made specifically for face makeup editing. It has a more professional look than most. However, it does require a one-time payment — as the Free Trial is very limited.
Pros
- Is a face makeup editor — made for that purpose
- Professional look
- Offers a limited FREE trial
Cons
- In order to be able to use the software properly — payment is required
- Is limited when it comes to actual editing capabilities
- A couple of the presets are not very natural looking
7. PHOTO MAKEUP EDITOR BAIXAKI
URL: https://www.baixaki.com.br/download/photo-makeup-editor.htm
The Baixaki Photo Makeup Editor is a free program made specifically for face makeup editing. The product is available in English as well as Spanish. However, the only way to download it is through the Spanish website.
Pros
- Made specifically for face makeup editing
- FREE software
- Available in Spanish
Cons
- Can only be downloaded from a Spanish website
- FREE means that it will be filled with all sorts of ads and popups
- The effects look fake/unnatural
8. PHOTO MAKEUP EDITOR SOFTSEA
URL: http://www.softsea.com/review/Photo-Makeup-Editor.html
The Softsea Photo Makeup editor is also made to be used specifically for face makeup editing. It’s similar to number 3 and 4 on our list. However, the biggest difference is that you have to pay for the product. You are able to try it out a maximum of 30 times, but after that, you must pay $29.00 in order to use it.
Pros
- Softsea is made specifically for face makeup editing
- Offers a FREE trial (first 30 uses)
- Small program size
Cons
- Requires payment after 30 uses
- Effects look fake
- The official website is simplistic and kind of sketchy
9. MAKEOVER (WINDOWS 10 APP)
URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/makeover/9wzdncrdknz9
Now, although this technically an App, people who have Windows 10 will be able to access this software through the Microsoft Store. The program is free, and offers a variety of makeup presets that will allow you to glam up with one-click.
Pros
- It’s a makeup app that’s made specifically for face makeup editing
- Offers a variety of preset makeup looks that you can use
- FREE software
Cons
- The Microsoft version is a little awkward to use
- Some of the presets might look unnatural — depending on your skin tone
- Difficult to use
10. YOUCAM MAKEUP EDITOR (WINDOWS 10 APP)
URL: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/p/youcam-makeup-makeover-studio-editor/9nklg59r0tk0
Our last face makeup editing software for PC is the Youcam Makeup Editor. Again, this is available for PC through the microsoft store. It’s free, and is easy-to-use.
Pros
- FREE Software
- Makeup App used specifically for face makeup editing
- Preset makeup looks for quick editing
Cons
- The Microsoft version of the app is not fully compatible
- Preset makeup looks can appear fake-ish
- Ads and pops
Final Thoughts:
If I were to choose only one, then I would chose Fotophire. It was first on our list for a reason — it allows for easy but attractive face makeup editing. With Fotophire, you can get detailed edits, or use one of the available presets when you’re in a hurry — without having to sacrifice quality. That makes it the best option out of the 10 we mentioned on this list.
Part 2. 10 Most Helpful Face Makeup Apps in 2018
Now, it’s time for us to introduce you to a different set of face makeup editing tools. If you’re the type to prefer selfies, then these mobile apps might be of interest to you! We’ve compiled a top 10 list that you can refer to so that you can choose the app that works best for you.
1. FACETUNE
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.lightricks.facetune
![Best App For Beauty Photo Retouching On Mac Free Best App For Beauty Photo Retouching On Mac Free](/uploads/1/1/9/6/119612037/503525102.jpg)
The first face makeup editing app that we’re going to introduce has to be the biggest one out there — the Facetune App. I’m sure you’ve heard of it before. It’s an app that was made specifically for editing your face, in a way that’s surprisingly natural (most of the time) and attractive. The Facetune app is available in both the FREE version and the paid version. The free version will have the usual ads and popups, whilst the paid version requires a $5.99 one-time payment.
2. MAKEUP PLUS
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.meitu.makeup
Our next mobile app, is called Makeup Plus. Much like the Facetune app, it will allow you edit your face in a way that is attractive and natural. It’s a FREE app, however, you’re going to have to sit through quite a bit of ads and popups whilst you make your edits. here.
3. MAKEUP
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.modiface.makeup
The Makeup App is a little different from the previous two. For one, it doesn’t allow for natural looks. It’s a good app if you want to look like a porcelain doll (complete with the pale skin and the bright lips,) but it’s not something that will work for everyone. The Makeup App is FREE, but as always — it comes with ads and popups.
4. PHOTO WONDER
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cn.jingling.motu.photowonder
Again, we’re going to move away from the concept that we had introduced previously. Photo Wonder is a different kind of face makeup editor. It relies on fancy overlays and filters that are beauty oriented. It does offer a couple of actual makeup tools as well, but not as much as the others.
5. YOUCAM MAKEUP
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.cyberlink.youcammakeup
The Youcam App was our number 10 for the software list, but it makes its way pretty high up on this list for it’s app appeal. It’s definitely a lot easier to use on mobile, and is actually pretty popular. It offers a variety of face makeup editing tools and is proud of being the best of 2017. In-app purchases are available to use the app in its entirety (without ads or popups.)
Beauty Photo Contest
6. INSTABEAUTY
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fotoable.fotobeauty
Instabeauty is actually a lot similar to our number 3 — it offers a variety of face makeup editing tools that are fun to use, but look kind of unnatural. Still, it’s pretty effective for an app, and it offers a lot of presets that will allow you to change your look without too much fuss.
7. PERFECT365
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.arcsoft.perfect365
The Perfect365 is new, but it’s rising pretty quickly! It offers a more natural makeup look than most apps, and even has its own website! However, the fact that it’s new means that it hasn’t gained much traction in the market. Still, this is definitely an app to look out for!
8. MARY KAY
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=air.com.marykay.enterprise.VMO
Much like the Perfect365, the Mary Kay App is an up and comer to look out for. It offers a variety of face makeup editing tools that are the perfect bridge between attractive and slightly unnatural. I expect it to rise in the ranks given time.
9. PRETTY MAKEUP
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=photo.photoeditor.snappycamera.prettymakeup
The Pretty Makeup is a good all-arounder. Not only does it offer face makeup editing tools, but it also features a camera feature — which you can use to capture photos that are automatically imported into the app (making for quicker editing.)
10. BEAUTY MAKEUP
URL: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tudasoft.android.BeMakeup
The Beauty Makeup App is admittedly not one of the best ones out there. However, it does still offer a lot of the same makeup tools. Quality is not assured, but it’s got the basics down at least.
Free Beauty Photo Contest
Conclusion:
There are many softwares and apps that you can use to edit your photographs, and each one has their own set of quirks. I personally prefer Wondershare’s Fotophire. It's a computer program that is as easy-to-use as any app out there, whilst still retaining top-quality.