Learn how to master the trend & discover which products to use
While some of us get freckles by luck of the gene pool (thanks Mum and Dad), others don't have a single dot in sight. If you fall into the second camp, fear not. It’s super-easy to emulate freckles using a touch of make-up or self-tan. Who knew?
With eyeliner or an eyebrow pencil
Good foundations
Faux freckles work best on hydrated skin, so start by moisturising your face with a cream of your choice.
Follow this up with a touch of lightweight foundation, buffed evenly with a damp make-up sponge. If you’ve only got full-coverage to hand, don’t stress. Try mixing a pea-sized amount of your foundation with the same amount of moisturiser. That should do the trick.
The main event
Once you’ve aced your base, it’s time to unleash your inner artist.
Grab your eyeliner of choice and gently dot random constellations across your nose, cheeks and forehead. Remember, natural freckles aren’t uniform in size and shape, so don’t be afraid to let loose.
Once you’ve applied a fair few, try switching to an eyeliner in a softer tone. Why? When you mix products and shades, it creates dimension and makes the freckles appear more natural.
Finishing touches
Once you’re happy with your freckles, pat them gently with your fingertips to blend slightly.
Once the pigment is fully dry, dab a touch of dewy highlighter over the top to make those freckles pop and add a summery sheen.
Finish with a swipe of translucent powder, et voila.
Our top picks:
Fenty Beauty Flypencil Longwear Eyeliner
Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eyeliner in Dark Brown
Benefit Precisely My Brow Pencil Ultra-Fine Brow Defining Pencil in shade Medium 03
IT Cosmetics Brow Power Eyebrow Universal Taupe
Fenty Beauty Brow MVP Ultra Fine Brow Pencil & Styler in Medium Blonde
With a fake freckle pen
If you hadn’t heard of them already, now you have – faux freckle pens are officially a thing.
Good foundations
Like with the eyeliner method, you’ll need to start by prepping your skin. Once you’ve moisturised and applied a lightweight foundation, it’s time to get creative.
The main event
Let’s grab your freckle pen and get to work. Simply dot the felt tip across your nose, forehead and cheeks.
Achieve a soft, subtle look with a few freckles or go for a bold finish by gradually building them up. Try mixing different shades for a dimensional look.
Finishing touches
Like before, add a touch of dewy highlighter then finish with a swipe of translucent powder. That’s spot on.
With fake tan
Introducing DIY freckles that last for days. Yep, we’re faux real.
The prep step
First up, wash your face with your favourite cleanser then pat dry. Fake tan enthusiasts – you know the drill.
The main event
Pump a blob of fake tan onto a plate, then using a small, thin brush, start to gently apply your fake tan freckles. Remember, the more inconsistent and randomly placed the dots are, the more realistic they'll look.
When you’re happy with your pattern, blot freckles (don't rub) with a damp make-up sponge, then leave to develop for at least 10 minutes. As with any tan, the longer you leave it, the darker it’ll develop.
Finishing touches
Remove the tan with a make-up wipe, then swipe a touch of highlighter over your freckles to get a super-summery finish.
Our top picks:
No7 Perfectly Bronzed Self Tan Mousse, Light/Medium
Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Mousse, Medium
There you have it. Three foolproof ways to get sun-kissed freckles without stepping foot outside. Your secret’s safe with us!
