Ever scrolled through Instagram and wondered how that bold red lip would look on you?
Or maybe you’ve been curious about trying a smoky eye but don’t want to waste expensive makeup experimenting?
You’re not alone. The fear of makeup mishaps has kept many of us playing it safe with the same old look, but those days are over.
Virtual makeup apps have revolutionized the way we experiment with beauty, allowing us to try everything from subtle everyday looks to bold, runway-ready transformations without spending a dime or risking a makeup disaster.
From testing out that viral lip color everyone’s talking about to perfecting your contouring technique, these digital beauty tools are perfect for anyone ready to switch up their look but not ready to commit blindly.
Ready to discover your perfect makeup match?
Let’s dive into the best virtual makeup apps that’ll have you feeling confident about your next beauty purchase.
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Why Choose a Virtual Makeup Try-On App?
Virtual makeup apps are completely risk-free.
Whether you’re looking to go bold with a dramatic transformation or just experiment with something slightly different, these apps let you see the results before you make any commitment.
Modern AI technology gives you incredibly realistic previews, so you can make confident decisions about your next beauty transformation without the guesswork.
#1 Facetune

Taking the top spot (and for good reason), Facetune isn’t just another makeup try-on app—it’s your complete virtual beauty studio.
What sets Facetune apart is its incredibly realistic preview technology that shows you exactly how different makeup looks, colors and styles will appear on your unique features.
The app’s advanced virtual makeup technology ensures authentic-looking results, so you can make confident decisions about your next beauty transformation.
Whether you’re considering a bold new lip color or want to perfect your everyday look, Facetune’s comprehensive range of features enhances your virtual makeover experience like no other app can.
From natural “no-makeup” makeup to full glam transformations, Facetune lets you experiment risk-free.
The realistic rendering means you can see how that trending lip shade would actually complement your skin tone or how those smoky eyes would enhance your natural features—all before you buy a single product.
What makes Facetune truly stand out is its versatility.
You’re not limited to just makeup—you can see your entire look come together with beauty filters and photo enhancements, so your new makeup perfectly matches your overall aesthetic.
The Beauty Looks presets make it super easy to try full makeup transformations with just one tap, from glossy and dewy to bold and dramatic.
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#2 ModiFace
ModiFace brings the big guns to virtual makeup with professional-grade AR features.
Owned by L’Oréal and used by nearly a billion consumers worldwide, this app offers real-time makeup try-ons using your phone’s camera, which is more interactive than static photo editing.
The app recently partnered with Amazon to provide AI-powered virtual try-ons for thousands of lipstick products, so you can try before you buy.
The real-time feature is impressive, but sometimes the makeup application doesn’t look as natural as some competitors, which can make it harder to envision how the look would translate to real life.
#3 MakeupPlus
MakeupPlus has earned its rep by working with industry pros and top makeup artists like Bretman Rock and Lisa Eldridge.
The app offers popular makeup looks and pro filters, plus a Virtual Counter feature that lets you try products from major brands like Charlotte Tilbury, NARS and Dior using AR technology.
The app has multiple foundation shades for various skin tones and even colorful contact lenses to complete your virtual transformation.
But most of the advanced features are behind a paywall and some users report the virtual try-on doesn’t always look as natural as expected.
#4 YouCam Makeup
YouCam Makeup is often ranked as a top choice, offering a full beauty camera with virtual makeover capabilities and skin analysis features.
The app has a 360-degree hair color changer with a realistic salon experience and AR beauty products from luxury brands for try-before-you-buy experiences.
One unique feature is the age progression tool that shows you what you’ll look like in seventy years—fun for experimentation beyond just makeup.
While it has a lot of features, the interface can be overwhelming for users who just want simple makeup try-ons and the realistic quality varies depending on the makeup category.
#5 GLAMlab (Ulta Beauty)
GLAMlab is Ulta Beauty’s virtual try-on platform that lets you try thousands of beauty products through photo try-on and live try-on capabilities.With over 4,000 products to try-on and plans to add many more, it has one of the largest product offerings.
The app does texture well, so you can tell the difference between matte and glossy finishes which is super helpful for making purchasing decisions.
Recent additions include virtual hairstyle try-on powered by AI.
But since it’s tied to Ulta’s product catalog, you’re limited to brands available at Ulta and the app is more focused on driving sales than pure experimentation.

How to Add Makeup to Photos with the Facetune app
Want to add that perfect makeup look to your photos without the mess and time of actually applying makeup? Facetune's Beauty Looks Editor makes it incredibly easy to transform any photo with professional-quality virtual makeup in just a few simple steps.
Here's how to add stunning makeup to your photos using Facetune:
Step 1: Open the Beauty Looks Editor
Start by opening the Beauty Looks Editor in the Facetune app. You'll see a variety of preset categories including Natural, Glam, Fun, Night, Trending, and Classic styles to choose from.
Step 2: Select a Makeup Preset
Browse through the available makeup presets and choose one that suits your style for instant glam. Whether you want a subtle everyday look or bold, dramatic makeup, there's a preset perfect for your vibe.
Step 3: Upload Your Photo
Once you've picked a preset, upload the photo you want to edit. The app works best with clear, well-lit photos where your face is clearly visible.
Step 4: Edit with Ease
Use the intuitive editing icons to enhance your look and adjust the slider to fine-tune the intensity of the makeup application. You can customize everything from lip color intensity to eyeshadow boldness to get exactly the look you want.
Step 5: Finalize and Flaunt!
Once you're satisfied with your makeup transformation, save your photo and share your stunning look on your social media! Your followers won't believe how flawless you look.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different preset combinations and intensity levels to create your signature look. The Beauty Looks Editor makes it fun and easy to try bold styles you might not dare to wear in real life.
Why choose Facetune as the best app to add makeup to photos
When it comes to transforming your look with confidence, Facetune is the ultimate virtual makeup app.
Unlike other apps that offer basic overlays or unrealistic filters, Facetune’s advanced AI technology creates real transformations that help you truly see your new look.
The app’s rendering is sophisticated so makeup blends with your features, giving you the most accurate preview possible.
Whether you want a subtle enhancement or a full makeup makeover, Facetune gives you the realistic results to make confident decisions about your beauty routine.
With Facetune, you’re not just trying on makeup—you’re seeing your full transformation.
The app’s features are comprehensive so you can perfect every detail of your new look, from subtle skin smoothing to bold lip colors, making it the smart choice for anyone serious about their beauty game.
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Virtual Makeup Apps FAQs
What is the best virtual makeup app?
Facetune is the top virtual makeup app because of its advanced AI technology, realistic previews, and comprehensive beauty features. While other apps offer basic makeup overlays, Facetune gives you authentic-looking transformations that blend seamlessly with your natural features, making it the smart choice for finding your perfect look.
Are virtual makeup apps accurate?
The accuracy depends on the app's technology. Facetune uses advanced AI algorithms that analyze your skin tone, facial features, and lighting to provide highly realistic makeup previews. While no virtual try-on is 100% identical to real-life results, quality apps like Facetune give you accurate representations to help you make confident beauty decisions.
Can I try different makeup looks for free?
Yes! Many quality apps offer both free and premium features. Facetune provides excellent free virtual makeup capabilities, and premium subscriptions unlock additional advanced features and exclusive beauty looks. You can start experimenting for free and upgrade if you want access to more options.
Do virtual makeup apps work for all skin tones?
Absolutely! Modern virtual makeup apps like Facetune are designed with inclusive technology that works for all skin tones and undertones. The AI analyzes your unique complexion to ensure makeup colors and applications look natural and flattering on your specific skin tone.
Can I save and share my virtual makeup looks?
Yes! Most virtual makeup apps allow you to save your favorite looks and share them on social media platforms. Facetune makes it especially easy to save your transformations and share them directly to Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms with just a few taps.
How do I get the most realistic results from virtual makeup apps?
For the most accurate results, use a clear, well-lit photo taken straight-on with minimal existing makeup. Avoid heavily filtered photos or dramatic shadows, as these can interfere with the app's ability to analyze your features and provide realistic makeup applications.
Can virtual makeup apps help me learn makeup techniques?
While virtual makeup apps are primarily for experimenting with looks, they can help you visualize different makeup techniques and color combinations. Apps like Facetune show you how different makeup styles would look on your face, helping you understand what works best for your features before attempting the look yourself.