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As minimalist makeup looks trend season after season, it’s no surprise that rocking a fresh, freckled complexion is currently en vogue. Over the past few years, the natural aesthetic has inspired countless viral tutorials on how to create fake freckles using brow pencils and classic eyeliners. And, a handful of brands have debuted special freckle pens and tints—so you can more easily get the speckled effect even if you aren’t genetically blessed with it or haven’t just returned from a tropical vacation.
“Adding freckles to your complexion creates a sun-kissed finish (minus harmful sun exposure) and a youthfulness to your makeup design,” says Nick Lujan, director of artistry and education for Kevyn Aucoin Beauty. “Applying faux freckles can also help make a full-coverage foundation appear a bit more natural—giving the illusion that you can see freckles through the makeup.” Additionally, the look can be used to camouflage breakouts, Lujan notes.
To make your faux freckles seem as real as possible, Lujan suggests applying them “where you receive the most sun on your features,” like on the upper cheeks and across the bridge of your nose. And as tempting as it may be to get calculated with it, “do not make them evenly spaced or balanced, since you do not want them to look intentionally patterned.”
When using a freckle pen, “be sure your pen is pointy and employ varying pressure and color saturation,” Lujan advises. “By varying your pressure, you are creating different sizes and saturations of color, creating a more authentic appearance.”
Remember, if you plan to go for a full face beat, always apply faux freckles as the final step of your makeup routine. “When using a setting powder, dust off any excess powder so that the freckle color can adhere well without spreading (over-powdering can lead to the color bleeding outward),” Lujan notes.
Ahead, shop the six best freckle pens for your ultimate glow-up—according to Lujan, customer reviews, and our own rigorous testing.
Pros
Offers a natural look- Easy to blend
Cons
- May not be the best option for darker skin tones
Lime Crime’s freckle pen is one I’ve personally tested and that Lujan recommends. Available in Amber and a darker Cocoa color, the formula is blendable and lightly pigmented—creating a natural result that’s super simple to achieve, even for freckle pen novices like me.
Following Lujan’s advice for applying this pen, I used light touches and quickly lifted the brush with each stroke. I also appreciated how the graduated felt tip made it so easy to dot on freckles of varying sizes, adding to the natural vibe.
Having a fair complexion, I found that the subtle finish worked well on me (I used the Cocoa color to match the deep brown hue of my natural freckles). However, those with darker skin tones may prefer a more pigmented option.
Revolve rating: 4.2/5 stars
Pros
- Formula should be lasting
Cons
- Pricey
- Color may appear reddish on skin before blending
Self-described on the brand’s website as “the world’s first freckle cosmetic,” this Internet-famous option is a favorite of celebrities like Emily Ratajokwski, Doja Cat, and Lady Gaga. It comes in hues for light to medium and medium to dark complexions, and per the label, looks best on darker skin when left on longer before blending.
Sephora rating: 3.9/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer says: “Fake freckles have been my new breezy makeup, and this product makes it a cinch! I dot on a few freckles with the applicator, then use my finger to tap them all over and give them a more authentic look. I usually use a combination of the colors they carry. Long-lasting but won’t stain.”
Pros
- Infused with rosewater
- Helps create freckles of all sizes
Cons
- May not be the best option for darker skin tones
Experiment with creating bold or more subdued freckles thanks to Jason Wu’s top-rated formula, which is infused with rosewater to soothe the skin. Reviewers mention the color appears light brown on the skin and works well for light to medium skin tones.
Jason Wu Beauty rating: 4.4/5 stars
A Jason Wu Beauty reviewer says: “I’ve been searching for a freckle product, and I’m so glad I gave this one a shot. It is basically impossible to tell what are my real freckles versus what are fake. I applied them in a moving car (passenger seat), and they still ended up great. I’m so pleased with this product and want to try more from the brand!”
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Pros
- Expert-approved
- Easy to apply
Cons
- Pricey
Although not technically a freckle pen, this brow marker is Lujan’s go-to product for perfecting a glowy aesthetic. “It comes in the perfect shades to emulate freckles and is easy to work with,” Lujan says. For the best results, Lujan suggests creating a cluster of freckles on one side of the face, then, before they set, dabbing them once with a finger and stamping them on the other side of the face. Repeat the process from alternating sides, Lujan adds, for a quick application.
Note: This product also has a spoolie brush and clear formula on the opposite end for locking in your brow look, if you so desire.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars (from Kevyn Aucoin Beauty)
Pros
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Colors may be better suited to cool skin tones
Beauty blogger-loved makeup brand Colourpop also makes a popular freckle pen. Like the Lime Crime option, this one has a graduated felt tip. And according to shoppers, it’s buildable to help you create your preferred effect. Grab it in two colors: Soft Brown or Dark Brown.
Colourpop rating: 4.7/5 stars
A Colourpop reviewer says: “I absolutely love this freckle pen. The marks come out subtle, and you can smudge the freckles with your finger for a softer appearance or darken them with more color.”
Pros
- Affordable
- Has a precise, thin tip
Cons
- Bottle is small
Featuring millions of views on TikTok, this affordable freckle pen from Lottie London is worth keeping on your radar. It has an ultra-thin applicator and is offered in two colors that reviewers say work well for light to deep skin tones.
Lottie London rating: 4.5/5 stars
A Lottie London reviewer says: “The applicator was so precise, making this pen great for decorating the face with delicate freckles. The brown color looks so natural.”
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How can I apply a freckle pen to mask blemishes?
“Applying faux freckles is a great way to turn small blemishes into beauty marks,” Lujan says. “For long-wear application, remove any makeup, oils, or powder from the blemish. (I like using a teeny tiny, pointy cotton bud with water-based makeup remover.) Place the tip of the cotton bud on the blemish and give it a quick twist, using light pressure to avoid removing too much makeup from the surrounding area,” Lujan adds. Finally, dot on your freckle pen and let the formula dry completely before applying a veil of loose powder, Lujan advises.
Meet the Expert
Nick Lujan is the director of artistry and education for Kevyn Aucoin Beauty.
Why Trust ELLE Beauty
Sam Peters is a seasoned commerce writer and editor with over five years of experience covering fashion, beauty, and lifestyle topics. For this roundup, she spoke with a makeup expert about the best freckle pens and how to apply them. The author also tested one of these products and considered a range of top-rated freckle pens on the market, evaluating each on their features offered and customer feedback.
