You can create this effect with either powder or wet glitter, says Hughes, but she strongly suggests the latter: "Loose, powder glitters are harder to control and aren't as sticky, so you can easily end up applying too much, or with lots of fallout." For this look, she used Lemonhead Spacepaste in Dirty Penny, $22. Another good liquid option:
Urban Decay Heavy Metal Glitter Eyeliner, $20.
As far as the color goes, the choice is up to you, though warmer shades (like the one used here) will look more subdued and less dramatic than bright rainbow colors, such as pink or blue. Using your fingertip, scatter the glitter where freckles typically crop up, then flick off any excess with a clean spoolie. Since applying any kind of powder afterwards will tamp down the glittery shine (and you def don't want that), Hughes recommends finishing the look with cream blush or bronzer.
Image courtesy Katie Jane Hughes
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Create Freckles With Self-Tanner
The warmer undertones in a self-tanner make this technique especially flattering for those with a medium or olive complexion, says Hughes. If you're feeling confident in your fake freckle skills and want a more long-lasting option, use a traditional self-tanner, though Hughes prefers temporary, wash-off formulas... just in case. She used the Tarte Maracuja Rainforest Glow Instant Waterproof Body Perfector, $39 for this look.
Image courtesy Katie Jane Hughes
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Build Them Up Gradually
After prepping your complexion, dip the tip of a clean spoolie into a drop or two of the self-tanner. (Insider tip: Squirting some onto the back of your hand and dipping into that --rather than squeezing it straight out of the bottle -- will ensure you don't end up with too much tanner on the brush.) Dot the product across your face; as with the other methods, the more inconsistent and randomly placed the dots are, the more realistic they'll look. Blot (don't rub) with a damp BeautyBlender, then repeat with the spoolie and self-tanner until you reach your desired amount of fake freckles.
Image courtesy Katie Jane Hughes
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Try Freckle Makeup
I mean, is there anything the beauty industry hasn't come up with? Freck, $22, touts itself as the original freckle cosmetic; the buildable, liquid pigment washes off with the rest of your makeup, and comes with a fine-tipped brush applicator. "Using this one product is the easiest way to create fake freckles," says Hughes. "It looks superreal, but since the color is a bit darker, it would look even more natural on someone who wants to enhance or play up existing, natural freckles."
Image courtesy Katie Jane Hughes
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Dot and Repeat
The M.O. for this product couldn't be easier: Simply dot it directly onto skin. For the most realistic effect, Hughes suggests applying in clusters of three to five dots across your nose and cheeks. If the color is too opaque for your liking, blot with your fingertip, and keep in mind that as it dries the freckles start to look more realistic, notes Hughes. While the formula is long-wearing, a loose dusting of translucent powder can help set your new spots in place.
