These Freckle Pens Look So Natural, They’ll Fool Anyone
One of our favorite beauty hacks of late is using the best freckle pens (and their tone-mimicking pigments) to fake real spots and add a dash of playfulness to any look. By definition, natural freckles are well-defined brown spots that show up in sun-exposed areas of skin, most commonly on the face, arms, chest, and neck. Genetics play a key role in whether your skin is predisposed to developing them, but freckles can also be a sign of sun damage, which is why you shouldn’t sunbathe outside to achieve the look.
Since not everyone naturally has freckles (and isn’t willing to undergo UV damage), give the fake freckle trend a try with these easy-to-use, smudge-proof pens that our editors (and a few professional makeup artists, and celebs like Billie Eilish, Hailey Bieber, and Taylor Swift) swear by for natural-looking beauty marks. Below, read about our go-to faux freckle pens, plus MUA tips on how to apply them for the longest-lasting, most natural-looking freckle makeup.
Our Top Freckle Pens
Frequently Asked Questions
Best Overall: Freck OG Freckle Pen
Why it’s worth it: Freck’s OG Freckle Pen started the entire TikTok faux freckle craze during 2020, and after all these years, our editors and makeup artists like Natalie Dresher (who is based in New York City) still swear by this subtle tint to draw constellations of believable faux freckles. The ultra-fine applicator creates smaller, less pigmented freckles than your average pen, lending a more realistic look. If you have a deeper skin tone, reach for the darker, espresso-hued Freck Noir for a more prominent look.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
“I don’t have a ton of freckles—just a single one on the tip of my nose that several dermatologists have offered to laser off. (Um, I’m good.) But I’ve always wanted a smattering of freckles across the bridge of my nose. The Freck OG has a learning curve—the brush is precise, but it bends if you press it too hard—and after a few tries, I learned that I got a softer, more natural effect if I used my fingers to ‘press’ my freckles into skin before they set.”—Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
- Available shades: 2 (Freck OG, Freck Noir)
Best for Beginners: Tarte Faux Freckle Stamp
Why it’s worth it: Not sure where to start your freckles? Try a freckle stamp, which dispenses a cluster of freckle-like spots with one press for a more natural look. The Tarte Faux Freckle Stamp in particular is an Allure editor fave, thanks to five slender points that create teensy dots with its buildable brown tint. Simply push the top so the points dip into the pigment, dot onto your skin, and repeat. As with all freckle pens, you can lightly blot with your finger for a more diffused look. “I love this freckle stamp because it’s so easy to use and beginner-friendly,” says Dresher.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
“I’ve been known to go overboard with faux freckles (not that I care!), but Tarte’s freckle pen hits the right balance and doesn’t look too bold, lending a more natural look when it comes to the individual freckles. However, because the pigment is on the subtle side, I have to refill the applicator pretty frequently. I don’t mind, because a multi-point freckle pen is pretty genius and saves some time!”—Sarah Han, commerce editor
Best Long-Wearing: Fazit Glitter Freckle Makeup Patches
Why it’s worth it: Like a temporary tattoo, but make it freckles. Fazit’s Glitter Freckle Makeup Patches are as easy as press, pat, and peel. Instead of dotting on faux freckles by hand, these water-activated patches reveal a scatter of realistic spots that last up to 72 hours—or wash away sooner with a cleansing oil or balm. Choose from subtly natural specks to more playful options like gold and silver accents, or even strawberries for when you’re feeling festive. They blend seamlessly over bare skin or makeup, so they complement every look from natural to full glam. If you need more convincing, Taylor Swift is a fan of the gold freckles and has been spotted wearing them while cheering on now-fiancé Travis Kelce.
“I will always stand by my Tarte for ‘traditional’ faux freckles, if you want something with a WOW factor, it’s gotta be these Fazit freckle patches. Sure, they’re not for everyday office looks, but anytime I have something fun planned (a sports game, friend’s birthday, etc.), I can’t wait to whip these out compliment-attracting patches out. For the most part, they’re just as easy to apply as the temporary tattoos you’d slap on during your childhood years—you’ll need to press down with both hands, given how long the entire tattoo is. Oh, and your nose freckles might not look perfect because of the contours, but that’s not a bother because the look as a whole is more important and just chef’s kiss.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Best Multipurpose: Sacheu Long Wear Brow & Freckle Tint Stay-N
Sacheu
Long Wear Brow & Freckle Tint Stay-N
Why it’s worth it: Get full, feathered brows and believable freckles with one product, the Sacheu Long Wear Brow & Freckle Tint Stay-N. The dual-ended pen features a precise tip for tapping on freckles, plus a tinted brush to shape and set your brows in place. Similar to the viral Peel Off Lip Liner Stay-N, the formula is smudge-proof, sweat-resistant, and built to last all day, whether you use it on brow hairs or skin. For the most natural-looking freckles, lightly tap them out with your fingertips while the formula’s still wet—they’ll blend in so seamlessly, you’ll swear they’re real.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I apply a freckle pen?
Before applying a freckle pen or stamp, New York City-based makeup artist Kasey Spickard notes that most of your makeup (if you’re wearing any) should already be done in order for your design to look more prominent and have a layer of base makeup to cling onto. “You’re going to want to have your entire complexion done and finish with the freckle pen,” he says.
Once you’re ready to apply, Dresher says to dot the freckle pen along half the area you’d like to freckle—not the entirety!—and then “stamp” the freshly-dotted freckles with your finger. This allows you to disperse the pigment around the area to create a blended, natural-looking appearance, “since natural freckles differ in darkness, shape, and distance between them,” she says.
How can I make my faux freckles last longer?
For budge-proof faux freckles, both Dresher and Spickard swear by two items: setting powder and setting spray, both of which you apply after creating your freckled look. If you want pro-level hold, Spickard recommends combining your freckle product with Inglot’s Duraline, a transparent eyeliner sealant, before applying. “Tap the freckle pen into some Duraline and then apply; this will lock in the freckles and keep them on the face for an extremely long amount of time,” he says.
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