HOW TO FAKE FRECKLES AND MAKE THEM LOOK REAL
Whether you're naturally sprinkled with constellation-like freckles or you're dreaming of adding a sun-kissed charm to your complexion, fake freckles are having a serious trending moment. Thanks to social media, this playful beauty look has skyrocketed in popularity, with influencers and make up lovers alike using it to enhance their ‘no-make up make up’ looks. As we shift toward celebrating individuality and skin that looks like skin, fake freckles have become the ultimate way to add a touch of authenticity to your complexion.
But how do you achieve this coveted look? What products should you use and where exactly should you place your fake freckles? Well, here at Cult Beauty, we’re going to explore exactly how to ensure a faux freckle finish that rivals even the most natural dusting of specks.
In This Article:
BUT FIRST, HOW TO FAKE FRECKLES
Start with clean, prepped skin—freckles look best on a fresh base. Apply your foundation or tinted moisturiser as usual but use a light hand. Heavy coverage can make fake freckles look less natural.
Then, choose a liquid/gel or pencil eyeliner and gently dot freckles onto the areas of your face where the sun naturally hits (we’re talking the nose and upper cheeks). Vary the size and spacing to mimic the authenticity of natural freckles.
When deciding what shade of pencil/gel or liquid eyeliner to use, consider using any freckles you already have to colour match. If you don’t have any real freckles then consider your skin’s undertone.
As a guide we suggest:
Fair/Light Skin Tone: Soft taupe, light brown, ash brown Medium/ Olive Skin Tone: Warm brown, copper or golden brown Tan/Dark Skin Tones: Rich brown, chestnut, chocolate, even dark auburn Deep Skin Tones: Dark brown, espresso, or even a soft black
Once you've placed your fake freckles, lightly tap over the dots with your fingertip or a damp beauty sponge to soften the look and help them blend into your skin.
Finally, finish with a setting spray to lock all your hard work in.
But those aren’t the only way you can fake freckles! If you want something more long-lasting and have tried contouring with your fake tan, why not use the same concept to faux freckles. Deposit some self tanner onto your bottle cap or mitt, then, using an eyeliner brush, carefully scatter your faux freckles where you want them and leave for between 1-2 hours before washing off.
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WHERE TO PLACE FAKE FRECKLES
Placement is everything when it comes to making fake freckles. Real freckles tend to appear in areas where the sun kisses your skin the most, so that’s where you’ll want to focus them.
Across the bridge of the nose: This is usually freckle central. Cluster a few here for a more sun-kissed look. Cheekbones and upper cheeks: Extend the freckles out from your nose and onto the tops of your cheeks for a soft, scattered pattern. Center of the forehead: Add a few faint freckles just above the brows for a subtle ‘I spent the day outside’ sign off. Chin and jawline: Optional but adding a few here can make your final look feel more complete. Shoulders or collarbones: If you’re wearing something off-the-shoulder, a few fake freckles here can also create an even more natural illusion.
Pro tip: Keep your freckles irregular and asymmetrical – natural looking freckles aren’t uniform so avoid doing perfectly placed patterns.
THE BEST FAKE FRECKLE ESSENTIALS
1.An eyeliner pen
Eyeliner pens are a great way to create defined and long-lasting fake freckles. Ideal if you want bolder freckles that really stand out, this make up tool is great if you’ve mastered the art of fake freckles.
Pro tip: As a liquid eyeliner dries down quickly, we suggest you start slowly and tap them out with your fingers or a damp beauty blender quickly to ensure that the freckles look more natural.
2. An eyeliner gel
Softer and more forgiving, eyeliner gels are perfect for building up the look of your freckles and layering clusters that look like they’re naturally there.
Pro tip: Use a fine detail brush to dot on your freckles, then lightly tap them out with your finger for a natural-looking sign off.
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3. An eyeliner pencil
Perfect for beginners, a pencil offers a softer, more natural effect that’s ideal for a “barely there” freckled finish. Although this type of freckle isn’t as long lasting (especially if you don’t set and have an oilier skin type), it’s a great way to start experimenting with fake freckles.
Pro Tip: Always use a sharpened pencil to give you the most defined freckle, otherwise you can risk creating ‘blobs’ instead of freckles.
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4. Translucent powder
Mattifying skin instantly, a translucent powder is a must-have for creating a smooth, velvety surface that helps your gel/liquid and pencil eyeliners stick onto your skin better and stay put... especially if you’ve applied your freckles over foundation. What’s more, they soften harsh lines and make your expertly applied dots melt into your make up instead of sitting on top.
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5. Setting spray
Like a top coat over your make up, setting sprays ensure that everything you’ve applied underneath won’t move throughout the day. Once you’ve added your base, powder and freckles, sometimes the entire look can feel a little bit obvious or layered (especially if you’re aiming for a more natural finish). That’s where setting sprays comes in—a quick spritz helps melt everything together, leaving your complexion looking seamless..
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FAKE FRECKLE FAQs
Why are people putting fake freckles on?
A symbol for fresh, radiant skin, girls, guys and everyone in between are putting fake freckles on as it’s a make up trend that enhances the natural look of your complexion.
How to make fake freckles look natural?
Start with a light base like a tinted moisturiser or a skin tint and apply your fake freckles where they would naturally occur on the face. Concentrate on the bridge of your nose and upper cheeks. As discussed above, avoid being too uniform in shape and position, so vary where you place them and their size. Add a light dusting of powder on top and finish with a spritz of your favourite setting spray.
Do fake freckles fade?
Yes, fake freckles do fade but how quickly they do depends on what you use to create them and whether you set them in place with a powder, setting spray or both. Like all make up, to ensure longevity, it’s imperative that you lock everything in place, so we always suggest using both a setting spray and a translucent powder once you’re happy with your look.
And there you have it — there’s no more need to envy those sun-kissed specks. With a few quick dots (in well thought-out places), you can fake your way to freckles that look effortlessly real in no time.
Rina is Cult Beauty’s Midweight SEO Copywriter and has always had a passion for beauty and skin care (rich moisturisers are her obsession). What started as a love for The Body Shop and their famed Born Lippy lip balms (in ‘Watermelon’ of course!), she is now more interested in finding products with proven effectiveness instead of broken promises. A loud and proud VIEVE fan, Rina owns nearly every item of the range and recommends the brand to anyone who will listen... When she’s not intently reading ingredient lists, you can find her either immersed in multiple true crime podcasts or a fantasy romance novel, with an *extra* hot cappuccino in hand.
