Easy and Cheeky Fake Freckles

Easy and Cheeky Fake Freckles Get this sought-after sunkissed look. by LILY TUBMAN illustration by DANNY KAHN

This summer, the focus is on freckles, but not all of us are naturally speckled. Protect your skin from sun damage and get this fresh-faced look as fast as you can say freckle. Here are four easy ways to create a spatter of faux freckles that scream summertime!

1The last thing you want are smudged freckles after a hot summer day. To make your freckles foolproof, use a semi-permanent tanning product. You’ll need a clean mascara wand and your go-to self tanner. Start by spraying tanner onto a flat surface and dip your wand into the liquid. Roll the wand across your nose, cheeks, and forehead and finish off by blotting your skin with a damp beauty sponge to make your freckles super subtle. 2 Applying freckles every morning might be time consuming — so you can opt for henna paste, which won’t wash away after just one wear. To apply henna freckles, remove the needle from the bottle, gently squeeze the henna onto your face in small dots, and wait at least an hour before removing the spots. The darker your skin tone, the longer you’ll want to leave the paste on. Henna freckles last up to two weeks with proper care and are safe for any skin type!

3For those daunted by DIY freckles, a product made for the job might be the safest bet. Check out Freck OG, a small tube with a fine brush that creates realistic and buildable freckles. Keep dotting the product directly onto your skin, and make sure not to forget your forehead and chin. Freck OG can be found online or in stores at freckbeauty.com or Urban Outfitters for $22.

4If you want that sunkissed vibe without emptying your wallet, use a brown eyeliner or eye shadow you already own with a small angled brush. Dot the product over your cheeks and nose to create clusters with a variety of sizes. Add a spritz of setting spray or light dusting of translucent powder to keep your freckles from fading. No matter what method you use to achieve this fresh summertime makeup look, a freckled face always reminds us of days spent in the sunshine, reclining by the pool. Here’s to a summer of protected skin that still looks sunkissed!