As someone who has had freckles, applying makeup was always a challenge. For a long time, I struggled to find products that didn’t cover my natural freckles but didn’t leave them looking patchy and uneven. Foundation always seemed to smear my freckles into oblivion, leaving my face an unrecognizable blank canvas.

Concealer was either too heavy-handed, rubbing my freckles out of existence, or too lightly applied, resulting in a blotchy, polka-dotted appearance that drew more attention to my imperfections than hiding them. I had almost accepted that makeup and freckles simply did not mix. That was until I discovered a few tricks and techniques that allowed me to enhance my freckles instead of erasing them.
In this post, I’ll share my best makeup tips on how to do makeup with freckles to beautifully show off your natural freckles instead of hiding them.
Necessary Items
Having the right products on hand before jumping into the makeup techniques. Here are a few must-haves for any freckle-friendly makeup routine:
- Lightweight Foundation or BB Cream: Look for something with sheer coverage that will even out your skin tone without completely covering your freckles.
- Concealer: Choose a formula and shade that matches your skin tone and can be easily blended to cover any blemishes or dark spots.
- Blush or Bronzer: A natural flush of color on the cheeks will help your freckles stand out even more.
- Brow Pencil or Powder: Enhancing your eyebrows will bring balance to your face and draw attention away from imperfections.
- Setting Spray: Make sure your makeup stays in place and doesn’t smudge or smear throughout the day.
10 Steps on How to Do Makeup With Freckles
Step 1: Preparing Your Skin
Before applying any makeup, it’s essential to prep your skin correctly. Start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser and moisturizing with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. This will create a smooth base for your makeup and keep it from settling into dry patches or pores.

Step 2: Apply Foundation or BB Cream
When it comes to freckles, less is more. Choose a lightweight foundation or BB cream that provides sheer coverage and won’t completely cover your freckles. Use a damp beauty sponge or your fingers to apply the product, blending it outwards from the center of your face.
Step 3: Spot Concealing
If you have any blemishes or dark spots that you want to cover, use a small amount of concealer and lightly tap it onto the affected areas with your finger. Be careful not to apply too much product, as this can cause your freckles to look exaggerated or patchy.
Step 4: Set Your Base
To ensure your makeup stays in place and doesn’t smudge, lightly dust a setting powder all over your face. This will also help to control any excess shine. Use a fluffy brush and gently press the powder onto your skin rather than rubbing it in.
Step 5: Enhance Your Eyebrows
Freckles tend to draw attention to the center of your face, so it’s important to balance that out by enhancing your eyebrows. Use a brow pencil or powder to fill sparse areas and shape your brows into a natural arch.
Step 6: Add Some Color
To give your face some dimension, use a blush or bronzer to add color to your cheeks. Opt for shades that complement your skin tone and blend them lightly onto the apples of your cheeks using a fluffy brush.
Step 7: Highlight Your High Points
Using a highlighter on the high points of your face, such as the tops of your cheekbones, brow bone, and cupid’s bow, will add a natural glow to your already radiant freckled skin. Choose a highlighter with a subtle shimmer to avoid looking too shiny or glittery.

Step 8: Define Your Eyes
When it comes to eye makeup, keep it simple and let your freckles do the talking. A light wash of neutral eyeshadow and a coat of mascara will enhance your natural beauty without overpowering it. If you want to add a pop of color, opt for colored eyeliner on your lower lash line.
Step 9: Set Your Makeup
Use a setting spray to lock everything in place to ensure your makeup lasts all day. This will also help to blend all the products and create a more natural-looking finish. Hold the spray about arm’s length away from your face and mist it all over.
Step 10: Embrace Your Freckles
The most crucial step in doing makeup with freckles is to embrace them. Don’t try to cover or hide them, as they are a beautiful and unique feature that makes you who you are. Let your freckles shine through, and be proud of them.
Applying makeup with freckles doesn’t have to be a daunting task. You can enhance your natural beauty with the right products and techniques without covering up your freckles. Remember to keep it light and embrace your unique features – including those beautiful freckles! Now go out there and rock that freckled face with confidence!
8 Additional Tips for Enhancing Freckles
1. Exfoliate Regularly
Exercising your skin regularly will help keep your freckles looking bright and even. Use a gentle scrub or chemical exfoliant to remove dead skin cells covering your freckles. This will also help your makeup to apply more smoothly.
2. Use a Tinted Moisturizer
Opt for a tinted moisturizer if you want a lighter coverage than foundation or BB cream. This will provide sheer coverage while still allowing your freckles to show through. Mix some foundation or concealer with your moisturizer for a custom-tinted effect.

3. Embrace the Dewy Look
Freckles tend to give off a natural glow, so don’t be afraid to embrace that by using products with a dewy finish. This will enhance the radiance of your freckles and give your skin a healthy and youthful appearance.
4. Use Cream Products
Cream products like blush and highlighter are perfect for freckled skin as they blend seamlessly into the skin and create a natural-looking finish. Just be sure to set them with a light dusting of powder to prevent any smudging or creasing.
5. Play with Different Colors
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and shades on your eyes, lips, and cheeks. Freckles can be a blank canvas for makeup, so have fun playing with different colors and see which ones complement your unique freckled features.
6. Protect Your Skin
Sun exposure can cause freckles to darken or multiply, so protecting your skin with sunscreen is essential. Look for a lightweight, non-greasy formula that won’t clog your pores or make your freckles look greasy.
7. Opt for Sheer Lip Colors
Like foundation, choose sheer lip colors that allow your natural lip color and freckles to show through. This will create a more natural and balanced look, rather than having bold lips competing with your freckles.
8. Don’t Be Afraid to Go Makeup-Free
Lastly, don’t be afraid to go makeup-free and let your freckles shine through. Embracing your natural beauty is the most crucial step in enhancing your freckles, so give your skin a break and let your freckles breathe. You may be surprised at how beautiful your natural complexion is! So don’t always feel pressured to wear makeup – sometimes less truly is more when highlighting your unique features. Remember these tips and have fun exploring different makeup looks with your freckles.
8 Things to Avoid When Doing Makeup with Freckles
1. Heavy Foundation
Avoid using a heavy foundation that covers up your freckles completely. This can create an unnatural and cakey appearance, making it evident that you are trying to hide your freckles.

2. Too Much Contouring
While contouring can enhance your facial features, too much of it can make your freckles look muddy and distorted. Stick to a subtle contour, or use bronzer to add dimension to your face.
3. Using Matte Products
Matte makeup products can make your skin look flat and dull, which can also take away from the natural radiance of your freckles. Opt for dewy or satin finishes instead.
4. Overdrawing Your Brows
Filling in your eyebrows is essential, but be careful not to overdo it and make them look too dark or fake. Stick to a shade that matches your natural hair color and lightly fill any sparse areas.
5. Harsh Eyeliner
Avoid using harsh black eyeliner, which can create a harsh contrast against your freckles and make your eyes look smaller. Opt for softer brown or colored eyeliners instead.
6. Skipping Moisturizer
Moisturizing is crucial for any makeup look, especially for those with freckles. Dry skin can make your freckles appear darker and more pronounced, so moisturize before applying makeup.
7. Using Powder Foundation
Similar to heavy foundation, powder foundation can also cover up your freckles and make your skin look too matte. Stick to liquid or cream foundations for a more natural finish.
8. Trying to Match Your Foundation Exactly
Instead of trying to find a foundation shade that perfectly matches your freckled skin, opt for a shade that matches your neck or chest. This will create a seamless transition from your face to your body and avoid mismatched shades. So don’t be afraid to embrace your freckles and find the perfect makeup routine that lets them shine through! Remember, makeup should enhance and celebrate your natural beauty, not hide it.
Frequently Asked Questions About Freckles and Makeup
Can I Cover Up My Freckles Completely With Makeup?
While it is possible to cover up freckles with heavy makeup, it’s not recommended. Embracing your unique features, including your freckles, can help boost confidence and self-love. Instead of covering them up, use lighter products like tinted moisturizer or sheer foundation.
Will Makeup Make My Freckles Darker?
Makeup won’t make your freckles darker, but certain factors, such as sun exposure and harsh makeup products, can contribute. It’s essential to protect your skin with sunscreen and use gentle and hydrating makeup products to prevent any darkening of freckles.

Can I Still Wear Bold Makeup Looks With Freckles?
Absolutely! Your freckles can be an exciting and unique canvas for bold makeup looks. Experiment with different colors and techniques to see what complements your freckled skin the best. Remember, there are no rules for makeup – have fun and be creative!
Conclusion
In conclusion, having freckles doesn’t mean you must avoid makeup. Embrace your unique features and use them to enhance your beauty. Remember to start with a good skincare routine and choose products that work well with your freckles. Feel free to experiment with different techniques, such as layering makeup or using a light hand when applying foundation.
And always keep in mind that less is more when it comes to freckle-friendly makeup looks. With these tips on how to do makeup with freckles in mind, you can confidently rock any look and show off your one-of-a-kind beauty. So next time you’re tempted to cover up those gorgeous freckles, stop and remember that they make you stand out in all the right ways.
About the Author
Jane Hubbard is a passionate beauty expert with a wealth of experience in makeup, hair, and overall beauty techniques. After years of working as a hairdresser specialist, she followed her entrepreneurial spirit and started her own consultancy business.
Jane has always been driven by her desire to help others feel confident in their own skin, and she does this by sharing her knowledge, experiences, and practical beauty tips. Through her consultancy, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique beauty, offering tailored guidance that boosts both self-esteem and personal style.
Professional Focus
- Specializes in makeup, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Provides personalized beauty advice, tips, and techniques to help individuals feel confident in their appearance.
- Dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends and developments.
- Passionate about creating a comfortable and empowering experience for every client.
Education History
- University of Craft and Design – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Woodworking and Furniture Design
- Woodworking Apprenticeships – Extensive hands-on training with skilled craftsmen to refine carpentry and furniture making techniques
- Online Courses & Masterclasses – Continued education in advanced woodworking techniques, design principles, and specialized tools
Expertise:
- Makeup artistry, hairstyling, and beauty consulting.
- Personalized beauty techniques to enhance confidence and self-expression.
- Educating clients on how to maintain their beauty routines at home.