With selfies being so popular, the demand for apps offering creative features to enhance them has soared. If you too are looking for ways to make your self-portraits stand out, check this post for the best filter apps for selfies.
Good to know: learn how to take higher-resolution selfies with your phone’s rear-facing camera.
1. CandyCamera
Price: Free
CandyCamera is definitely my go-to selfie app. I like the soft variety of filters that it offers and that the pictures I take with it always manage to look good.
The app also comes equipped with many features such as the ability to boost your facial appearance by improving things like skin tone, removing eye bags, and more. You can also add makeup and even change your eye color. There’s an AI hair color tool, but it’s honestly not that good. Moreover, CandyCam also includes a Style function which lets you add jewelry or eyewear to your self-portraits.
Another plus of using CandyCamera is that the app lets you edit older images you’ve previously shot. You can add filters and play with all the functions I mentioned above.
2. B612
Price: Free with premium options
Another big favorite of mine is the B612 app which is a must-have, especially if you also like shooting selfie videos. The app has all your essential selfie features such as filters and beautifying options, but it offers more than that, too.
There are real-time effects you can add to your selfies such as animal ears, Christmas-related ornaments, funny hats, accessories, jewelry, and all sorts of funny faces. The feature I like best is perhaps the face editor which lets you modify each aspect of your visage from check bones and eyebrows to lips and eyes. It also lets you experiment with various makeup looks.
B612 includes many more options such as an AI Style feature that turns your photos into awesome cartoon drawings with different themes. You can also use layouts, templates and even have access to a Digital Cam mode. Best of all, there’s the option to create your own filter! Some of these are paid, so you won’t be able to use them for long without paying for a subscription.
Tip: learn how to change your Cameos selfie on Snapchat by following our guide.
3. Cymera
Price: Free
Cymera is a selfie app with a more retro feel to it. It’s not overly reliant on AI like some apps on this list. Instead, it features straightforward options like a robust gallery of filers as well as some effects.
Naturally, the fish eye effect stands out and produces pretty nice results, provided you have enough light. I’ve tried using it on a rainy day and the seflies were way too dark. There are a few more options you can experiment with such as Pop 4 which creates a collage of four photos that’s similar to photo booth pictures.
You can also use Cymera to edit your selfie or even older images that you still have on your phone. This editor includes a few beauty tools, effects, and decorating options. If you love to make collages, this app offers a dedicated creation tool.
4. BeautyPlus
Price: Free with premium options
Another app I frequently use when taking selfies is BeautyPlus. I love its collection of filters, which make you look good even on days when you’re not feeling all that great about yourself.
It has an amazing AI Filter feature that adds beautiful backgrounds (among other things) to your selfies for a stunning effect that doesn’t look fake at all. Also notable is the AI Selfie function, which uses your uploaded selfies to create a set of styles that are remarkably realistic.
BeautyPlus also boasts many options for beautification with tools such as Dark Circles or Expression. On top of that, you have a background remover, Apple Mode which brightens and smooths up images considerably, and even a batch editing mode. Some of these options aren’t completely free, but you can experiment with most of them.
FYI: learn how to use your iPhone hands-free with these voice control features.
5. Retrica
Price: Free with premium options
I love Retrica because it not only lets me take selfies using a variety of excellent filters but also has options for collages, shooting videos, and GIFs. You can unlock even more filters, from Retrica’s library, if you’re willing to sign up with a free 7-day trial. Beyond this, you’ll need to pay the subscription if you want to keep using them.
There are a few extras you can add to your photos such as time & date for a more retro look, vignette, and selective focus. The app is pretty minimalist in terms of features, but it’s also quite low on ads, which is much appreciated.
Retrica doubles as a social app. If you’re looking for inspiration for your shots, check the dedicated tab to find the latest images from Retrica users. You can follow their accounts just like on Instagram.
6. LINE Camera
Price: Free
The LINE Camera is an adorable selfie app that features a really cute mascot. It also features a fun and fresh interface that makes snapping selfies a real pleasure.
LINE Camera has an extensive library of filters and the best part is that they are all free to use. If that’s not enough for you, the app includes a college-making tool, as well as a Paint room where you can create your own canvases.
If you want to amuse yourself further, check the effects. These ads cat ears or a bear head to your selfies in real-time. It’s pretty fun to try, but so far the options are quite limited.
Tip: make sure you check out these free or cheap Adobe Lightroom alternatives.
7. Presets for Lightroom – FLTR
Price: Free with premium options
A Lightroom companion app, FLTR isn’t exactly a selfie app per se. But I’ve included it in this list because it features a super collection of filters. It’s true that some of them are paid, but the app lets you watch ads in exchange for freely using (some of) these filters.
On top of that, you can also access a series of Lightroom presets, and you can even try some of them without paying a dime. If you’re an Instagram user like myself you’re probably going to appreciate the bundles of Highlights icons which look very aesthetic.
Unlike most of the apps included in this list, there are no AI or beautifying options here, but if you’re looking to quickly enhance your selfies, give FLTR a go.
In case you want to keep honing your mobile photography skills, check our post on tips on how to take better photos at night with your Android phone. When it’s time to edit the image, do so faster with these best online photo editors.
Image credit: Pexels All screenshots by Alexandra Arici
