Be it Meghan Markle’s natural spots, which inspired make-up artists to come up with fake freckles or Selena Gomez’ faux freckles in her single Fetish that got people talking about her spots scattered across her cheeks and nose and also started a debate on social media, sporting freckles is one of the latest beauty fads. In fact, the former actress and Duchess of Sussex, Megan Markle, once confessed that she hates it when editors airbrush out her freckles from her photos, because she loves them.
Several models on social media have turned this fad into a mainstream beauty trend —while some go a notch higher and opt for colourful and glitter spots, many like to keep it natural with light brown freckles. To make faux freckles, you can either use a liquid eyebrow pen, or a brown kajal and meticulously create the beauty spot. However, you need to know the best way to do them so that the outcome is Instagram worthy!
Kolkata-based make-up artist and creative head of make-up at Studio 83 Family Salon in Viman Nagar, Sne Aribam Sharma, says that she admires diverse natural beauty. “I remember when I first started learning make-up, my mentors told me that freckles were beauty spots, so we never conceal them. Now the trend’s popularity has actually made people with real freckles happy,” says Sharma who owns Pixie MakeUp & Hair Studio in Kolkata.
Quite happy to try the trend herself, Pune-based make-up artist and owner and artistic director of Sherie’s Beauty Salon and Institute, and a well-known blogger, Aleena Mackar, says that this trend is also about sending out a message: ‘Being flawed is fabulous’. “Freckles add a unique touch to your natural beauty,” says Mackar who blogs at thestylechair.com (Instagram: @thestylechair).
Make-up artists and beauty bloggers say that fake freckles tend to create an impression that you haven’t applied any foundation or concealer on your face, making you look natural. While some find them attractive, others think they are cute. Anything that becomes a trend on Instagram, is soon replicated by all. However, there are many who wonder whether faux freckles suit everyone and all skin tones. Clearing the confusion, Sharma says that everyone can try the look irrespective of their complexion. She explains, “Whatever your complexion is, choose the product 4-5 shades darker in brown (cool undertone). You can choose products like foundation, concealer, brow pencil, brow gel, eye shadows, eye pencils, brow pomade or even a lip pencil. The size of the faux freckles should vary from the smallest dot to the average size of a mole.”
Mackar, who agrees with Sharma, adds that faux freckles are for all and tons of tutorials are available online to learn and try. “It’s very important to go for different sizes of spots when going in for a freckled look. Generally, a band of an inch or two stretching from the bridge of the nose to the cheeks is where the main concentration of freckles needs to be,” she suggests.
These artificial beauty spots aren’t too difficult to create. All you need is the right product and a good balance between your skin tone and the colour and size of the freckles you create. Mackar says, “A brown gel liner with a fine tip brush is the best way to go about creating this look. Variate the size of the freckles for a more natural look. To make it more natural, use some translucent powder after drawing the spots. This will give the freckles an extremely flushed look.”
Talking about using the right tools and techniques, Sharma says that if you’re using pencils, make sure you sharpen them. “Brow pencils are usually very thin so it’s perfect for quick results. I usually use two sizes of paint brushes, and dab my fingers over them to lighten and at the same time use them like a stamp, making more freckles. So dab your ring finger randomly over the face (bridge of the nose, apple of your cheeks and fade it out towards the cheek bones). To finally decide if it’s looking as natural as possible, check it on your phone camera, make changes if necessary,” she advises.
When asked if there’s anything one needs to be wary of while trying this trend, Sharma, who has created the look for herself and her clients, says that there are no dos and don’ts. “I’ve even used a liquid lipstick for freckles. Just choose the right shade of brown with a cool undertone,” she adds.
