Freckles are hyperpigmented spots on the skin. Some people have them on their noses and cheeks, while others have them covered up to their toes. This is a hereditary trait, so you either have them or you don't. If your skin is predisposed to freckles, sun exposure may help them appear. If you don't have them, you can try a make-up (even permanent) to get these delicious spots.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: The Natural Way
Step 1. Understand the causes of freckles
These spots are a hereditary trait caused by an uneven distribution of skin pigments. A freckle is formed due to an abnormal concentration of melanin in one place on the skin.
- Almost all natural freckles are small and are not a cause for concern. They tend to be more evident on the areas most exposed to sunlight such as the face; this is probably the kind of "flecks" you would like to have. Also know that they can be of different colors: brown, black, yellow or red.
- Sometimes freckles form after a sunburn. They are larger and more irregular than natural ones. The latter, after exposure to the sun, tend to lighten, while those resulting from sunburn are permanent.
Step 2. Determine if you are genetically predisposed
If there are no individuals with freckles in your genetic line, know that you will not be able to have these spots naturally. The people most likely to develop them have fair complexions and red hair, even if they are not unique to them. People with black hair are less likely to have freckles, although it is always possible. People with fair skin and hair can also have freckles.
To understand if this genetic trait is present in your family, observe your relatives. Siblings, parents, grandparents, everyone who shares your direct lineage must be taken into consideration, but be aware that collateral relatives also share some of your DNA
Step 3. Spend some time in the sun
Freckles occur due to exposure to UV rays. If you have natural freckles, a little sunlight may make them more noticeable. However, try to be cautious, you don't have to overdo it so as not to burn yourself. Always protect yourself with a sunscreen with a protection factor of 20 or 30, this allows you a healthy tan and at the same time avoids burns.
- When UV rays touch the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) it thickens slightly, increasing the production of pigment. The result of this reaction is an increased visibility of the freckles.
- If you'd rather not go out in the sun, consider getting a UV lamp at a tanning salon. Follow the staff's instructions regarding exposure time, as too much UV radiation can cause skin cancer.
Step 4. Set yourself a tanning limit
Too much exposure to ultraviolet rays increases the risk of skin cancer. Even though UV rays seem to be your best friend for getting freckles, they have a number of serious side effects. For this reason, it is highly recommended to limit the time of exposure to the sun without protective clothing.
Method 2 of 4: With the Make Up
Step 1. Choose a shade of brown that has the same undertone as your skin
For example, if your skin has a cool color with a yellowish undertone, choose a light brown. If it has a warm color and a rosy undertone, a hint of fuller brown with burgundy undertones is the best choice.
- Burnt brown is a universal choice for every skin tone, in any case.
- If you are not sure what will look more natural on you, look at the color of your eyebrows and compare it with that of your make-up. The light shade should be two tones darker, and the darker shade should be another tone darker.
Step 2. Draw small freckles on the skin using the lighter colored pencil
Place the dots evenly around the saddle of the nose and on the cheekbones. Stop before you overdo it! Too many freckles aren't natural.
- Make irregular dots in shape and position. They should be as big as the tip of a pin, but some need to be smaller than others, asymmetrical and with irregular edges.
- Do not try to do a symmetrical work between the right and left side of the face.
Step 3. Fill in some spaces between the freckles with the darker pencil
Add a few more colorful freckles here and there. Natural freckles are hardly a single color and become darker with age.
- Check yourself in the mirror to make sure you don't overlap the dots.
- These dark freckles must be fewer in number than the first lighter ones.
Step 4. Lighten freckles with cotton
If you need to lighten the color for a more natural look, pat the area gently with your fingertips or a cotton ball, being careful. You can also use a clean smudge and rub it gently on the area.
Step 5. Apply a fixing spray or face powder
Both are optional, but they will make your makeup last longer and at the same time make your skin appear much smoother and healthier.
Method 3 of 4: With a Tanned Look
Step 1. Apply a light coat of bronzer on your nose and cheeks
Use a large make-up brush to brush some dirt over the bridge of the nose and the tip of the cheeks along the cheekbone. The bronzer provides the skin with a slightly darker base for making fake freckles. Since real freckles are caused by sun exposure, it makes sense to have lightly tanned skin underneath the freckles.
- There is no need to put clay all over your face. This way the skin would have a too dark shade, looking unnatural.
- Use a matte bronzer instead of a shimmer for a more natural look.
Step 2. Choose an eyebrow pencil
As a general rule, opt for a lighter two tone eyebrow pencil than you would use for your brows. Eyebrow pencils are drier than many eye pencils and don't give too dark a result, and that's exactly what you need for the look you want to achieve.
Step 3. Draw some dots scattered across the nose and cheeks
Use the pencil to create light dots on the bridge of the nose and the top of the cheeks, where you applied the bronzer.
- Freckles should be thicker around the tip of the nose and under the eyes. Make them thin out as you move away from these areas.
- Make freckles small, but not quite the same size. They must differ slightly from each other in size, they must not be symmetrical or follow a regular pattern or design
Step 4. Fill in the blanks
Take a step back and check in the mirror what the freckles look like. Add more dots where they seem to be missing. The goal is to make them look as natural as possible. If necessary, dab the freckles with your fingertips or cotton to lighten the color slightly.
Step 5. Apply a thin layer of foundation if you like
If you want to get very noticeable freckles, don't use foundation. If the pencil you used was too dark, or if you want more subtle freckles, though, run a thin layer of powder foundation over it.
Don't use a liquid one as it will make your newly drawn freckles disappear or smudge
Method 4 of 4: With a Cosmetic Tattoo
Step 1. Understand what a cosmetic tattoo is
It is a tattoo that is made with an electric needle that quickly deposits pigment under the dermis layer. Cosmetic tattooing is also known as "permanent makeup". It is a popular procedure for lip contouring, for thickening eyebrows and for replacing eyeliner, but in recent years it has also become very popular for creating "false" freckles.
- A hollow, vibrating needle penetrates the surface layer of the skin and deposits droplets of pigment.
- Although it is possible, know that removing a tattoo is very complicated and that your skin will never be the same again.
Step 2. Consult with several professionals who perform this type of cosmetic tattoo
To reduce the risk of side effects, such as infections, you need to be sure that the tattoo artist you are targeting is a trained professional who knows what they are doing.
- Check the credentials of each tattoo artist you contact. Make sure it has received adequate preparation and is in compliance with all sanitary regulations.
- Ask a plastic surgeon or a former client for advice. Talk to those who have already undergone this type of treatment and ask them if they can show you some before and after photographs.
Step 3. Evaluate with the tattoo artist what kind of look you want
He may give you some tips to maximize the final effect, but remember that you must have a say, because it is you who will wear the tattoo on your face. If possible, bring some photos to figure out which solution is best for you.
- The tattoo artist will help you figure out which shade of freckles is best suited to your complexion.
- He should also discuss the exact location of the dots with you.
Step 4. Get the tattoo
When the time has come, make an appointment at your chosen studio to have your freckles drawn. Before the procedure, the tattoo artist will mark the area with a sterile surgical marker. He will apply numbing gel to numb the area. During the tattoo know that you will experience some stinging pain.
Make sure the tattoo artist is wearing sterile gloves and that all equipment is sterilized
Step 5. Take care of the tattoo
To reduce swelling you should apply cold packs and antibiotic ointment to minimize the risk of infection as well. Follow all the instructions that the tattoo artist gave you so that freckles heal well and quickly.
- Know that in the first few moments, the freckles will be very dark. However, there is no reason to be alarmed, the color will fade within three weeks.
- If the area looks oddly swollen, sore, or red in the first few days, there is some chance of an infection or allergic reaction.
