How to Embrace Your Freckles

You take care of your skin, stay out of the sun, and avoid UV beds like the plague, yet you’re still covered in freckles. Not to be confused with potentially harmful moles, freckles (also called Ephelides) are primarily genetic, most visible on lighter skins. In the past, we’ve seen some unsuccessful attempts to cover up these hereditary spots, but it’s a new era in makeup, so let’s embrace the skin we’re in! See three ways to make the most out of your beautiful freckles.

1. Play Them Up

Freckles are actually trending in fashion. Designers Jeremy Scott and DSquared2 drew faux freckles on models for the effect of natural, sun-kissed skin on the spring 2012 runway. Use a milk-chocolate-toned lip pencil to lightly fill in freckles across your cheeks and nose. For a beauty mark à la Marilyn Monroe, draw in a denser, sharper line near the lip. Blend the fake freckles into your skin with a warm peach blush on the apples of the cheeks.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

MAC Lip Pencil in Hodgepodge and Stila Custom Color Blush in Self-Adjusting Coral

2. Avoid the Spackle

Nothing’s worse than thick, visible face makeup—it’s right up there with Sharpie eyebrows and contrasting lip liner. Freckled ladies and fellows can wear a fuller coverage foundation, but choose a velvet-textured formula that lets you layer without caking up—less is more.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

Chanel Perfection Lumière Long-Wearing Flawless Fluid Makeup SPF 10

3. Protect Your Skin

Since freckled complexions are more vulnerable to UV exposure (especially UVB), it’s important to protect your skin daily. Choose a cosmetically elegant formula you’re comfortable with on your face, and don’t forget to apply SPF on your arms, shoulders, and chest.

BEAUTYLISH RECOMMENDS

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Liquid Daily Sunblock SPF 70