FaceTune 2 - Lightricks Ltd

This review of FaceTune 2 was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 23 July 2017.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

ACCM review

This review of FaceTune 2 contains the following information:

• The level to which the game was reviewed
• App description
• Reviewers comments
• In App purchasing
• Online information
• Gambling
• Advertising and product placement
• Gender stereotypes and sexual references
• Coarse language
• Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents
• Other

The level to which the game was reviewed

The game was played for several hours.

App description

This app is designed for users to make aesthetic changes to faces in real photos. Players can either take a new picture or use an existing one from their photo reel. There are 3 main features; Tools – which allow such things as reshaping, paint, light effects and vignettes; Retouch – which allows players to do things such as whiten teeth, improve skin blemishes, add vibrancy and improve the eyes; Filters can also be used to instantly improve the whole picture by changing colour, tone and light source.  This app is quite intuitive to use and fine motor skills are only required to play. Those with a bit of artist flair may also benefit in using this app.

Reviewers comments

In terms of its technical abilities and ease of use, Face Tune 2 is actually quite impressive for a free app. However, in terms of it’s possible psychological impact to children, parents may need to exercise some caution – particularly if their child/ren are appearance and/or image focused. In an age where selfies are rampant and people (particularly children) place much emphasis on the amount of “likes” that they obtain from posting pictures of themselves on social media, this type of app could represent something much more than simply changing minor aesthetics – it may be seen by some as “improving” existing appearances (as if it is not good enough to simply be who you are). As many may attach a sense of their inner self worth to their outward appearance, this app could adversely exacerbate this as the player “fixes” their perceived imperfections.  For many, this app may just be fun and taken in an unserious and light manner – but as indicated above, it could have the opposite effect to those who are trying to seek approval for something as superficial and arbitrary as outward appearance. As a result, (together with social media connectivity) this app is not suitable for children under 13 and parental guidance is suggested for 13+.

In App purchasing

Players can subscribe for monthly ($7.99) or yearly ($28.49) on-going payments, or they can make a one-time purchase of ($62.99). This unlocks further tools that are not included otherwise.

Online information

• Photo/Media/files
• Camera
• Connectivity with social media

Gambling

At the time of review, the reviewer found no simulated gambling content. If you discover simulated gambling content in this app, please contact us with the details so we can update our review.

Advertising and product placement

The app only advertises their further features as noted above.

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

Most of the tool examples and tutorials feature women.

Coarse language

None. 

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

See reviewer’s comments.

Other

None. 

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