The hack
Creating fake freckles with brow dye.
The test
A friend told me she was teased at school for her freckles and to this day covers them up with foundation. If only she’d been a teen now – freckles are a much-loved trend thanks to TikTok, with users adding faux freckles if they don’t have them naturally.
There is a plethora of methods to create them, such as using a specific faux freckle pen or eyebrow pencil to create that dappled effect. But a method I discovered online uses brow tint to create freckles that last longer.
First, pick a good brow tint in a shade that’s close to your natural freckle shade or brow colour, and do a patch test. My new favourite is Bae Brow: it’s the longest-lasting at-home brow dye I’ve used. Then dot the freckles where you’d like them; I did this using the flat end of a cocktail stick. Be careful not to make them too symmetrical and to vary the size so that they look natural, then wait for them to set.
I enjoyed the effect as a bit of a change, and mine lasted three to four days. But what I loved more is the act of reclaiming freckles and celebrating a variety of complexions as beautiful.
The verdict
If you fancy a temporary change, go forth and freckle. And for those who have them naturally – and have struggled – I hope you can embrace them in a way you should always have been allowed to.