Beauty Tips To Enhance And Care For Your Freckles

Freckles come in all shapes and sizes. From a light dusting to a beauty spot to a body with zero freckle-free real estate, no two markings are the same. And what do we always say about individuality? EMBRACE IT, particularly when it means you’ll look cute, refreshed and effortlessly sexy in the process. More often than not, beauty trends are lending themselves toward sheer skin tints over full-coverage foundations in a bid to even out our skin tone without camouflaging our skin’s natural markings. But if you love a strong feline cat eye or a bold red lip, leave your freckles on display to tie everything off in one effortlessly-beautiful bow.

Oh, what’s that? You weren’t born with any freckles? Don’t fret, just draw them on. In fact, keep scrolling to find every tip to help you live your best freckle-faced life.

#1 Slather on the SPF or else!

Yes, that’s a threat! Sunscreen application should be a no-brainer, no matter whether you’re freckle-free or covered in them.

Just remember, pigmentation is triggered by sun exposure, which means the melanin in your skin that accumulates will (eventually) surface.

So, the lesson? Remain diligent, protect yourself from the sun and help those cute clusters stay cute. The alternative? Those pretty little spots are at risk of morphing into more serious spots in the future!

Apply an SPF50+, reapply and just when you think you’re done, reapply some some more. Good, now you’ve got your base covered.

bh loves: AIRYDAY Clear As Day SPF50+ Dreamscreen ($49.95, AIRYDAY), La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ ($35.95, Adore Beauty), Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid ($16.99, Chemist Warehouse)

#2 Consider a hair change-up

Specifically, red. After all, red hair is synonymous with freckles. Take Emma Stone (a natural blonde) who has accentuated her cute smattering of freckles in all the right ways. In good company with Julianne Moore and Sadie Sink, we suggest giving an auburn mane a try for yourself.

#3 Swap your foundation for something lighter

Heavy make-up and freckles aren’t exactly a perfect match. So don’t let your foundation interfere with your skin’s texture. The best way to do so? A sheer BB cream, skin tint or tinted moisturiser, of course. Not only will these sheer, skin-like formulations leave a natural-looking finish that ensure your freckles aren’t masked, they will also hydrate parched skin in the process.

Remember, freckles are features to highlight, not hide.

For the times when you need something heavier, remember to avoid matching your foundation shade to your freckles. Do and you’ll end up with a shade that’s too dark for your face. When you pick your shade, use the lighter skin in between your beauty marks to guide you.

we love: Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Foundation SPF 18, Yves Saint Laurent Le Teint Touche Éclat, Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2 in 1 Foundation + Serum

GET BLUSHED

There’s no need to be shy when picking your cheek colour – freckles look extra fresh under a wash of bright pink or coral. Simply sweep your cheekbones with one of these hues to add a little pop of colour to add contrast. Anything too brown or warm might make your spots appear muddy.

we love: Bobbi Brown Blush, Stila Custom Colour Blush, Yves Saint Laurent Blush Volupté in Light 05, Lancôme Blush Subtil

BRONZER IS NEVER OFF-LIMITS

Think bronzer is a no-go zone? Think again. So long as you keep things sheer, a little sun-kissed colour will really complement your speckles, which are naturally more prominent post-sun anyway. Get it right with a light cream or gel bronzer, which will keep your skin visible through the glow.

bh tip: Avoid products that are too glittery, as these will only overpower, and take the attention away from your speckles.

we love: Too Faced Pink Leopard Blushing Bronzer, Physicians Formula Bronze Booster Glow-Boosting Sun Stones, Estée Lauder Bronze Goddess Luminous Liquid Bronzer

FAUX IT!

Don’t have freckles, or want to add more? Easy, just draw them on! Create the illusion of freckles using a soft eyebrow or eye pencil. For a natural look, choose a colour that is close to the colour of your natural freckles; whether it be dark blonde, red or brown. If you want to get really technical, alternate between two subtly different shades to create the most realistic-looking spots. Lightly dot the pencil onto your skin, focusing particularly on areas where the sun hits your face: along your cheekbones, under your eyes and across your nose. Once you’ve applied your faux spots, dab evenly with a blush brush to blend and set in place.

we love: Innoxa Eyebrow Pencil, Ulta3 Eyebrow Pencil, Designer Brands Brow Pencil, M.A.C Maleficent Penultimate Eye Liner, Bobbi Brown Brow Pencil, Almay Eyeliner

KNOW WHICH TRENDS TO SKIP

There are a handful of beauty trends that aren’t right for everyone, and contouring is one of them. As a cosmetic-heavy technique, those trying to flaunt their spots won’t want to get on this bandwagon. Instead, try strobing, which naturally pops and sculpts the face by highlighting the cheek and brow bones. This’ll give you enough dimension without dulling your freckles.