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YouTube has an endless amount of repeat tutorials on how to make fake freckles with makeup. So in my video, I just decided to briefly discuss the methods I think work the best and which ones might be better depending on your situation.
Are you putting on faux freckles to go to a convention? You’ll probably want to use alcohol activated paints over water-based paints. Likewise, if you’re having a neutral, easy photoshoot indoors, then the eyeshadow or pencil method might be the most accessible for you (because chances are, you already have the supplies).
Here’s a more in-depth analysis of my 5 Ways To Freckle video! Oh, and there are links to where you can buy the products I mention.
Method 1: Eye/Lip Liner
The first method is the easiest and probably the go-to for anyone who isn’t actively using makeup or cosplay. All you need to do is take a brown eye or lip liner and poke dots on ya face. I actually like to gently twist the pencil to get prominent marks. You can do this with varying pressures, but generally, this option is going to make the most unrealistic looking freckles.
However, this is a great option if you are cosplaying a cartoon character such as Eliza Thornberry, Chucky Doll, or really any anime character because their freckles are obviously drawings so this method will actually look more accurate with these characters.
Method 2: Eyeshadow
This is another one that is used quite often. I think this is a great option if you are cosplaying a character who has faint freckles such as Rapunzel. Just take a dark-colored brown eyeshadow and a fine-tipped brush and gently dot freckles all over your face. This is also an easy clean up if you don’t like the way your freckles are coming out. The downside to this method is that the eyeshadow won’t be very prominent, which is important for the sake of showing up in photos.
Method 4: Eyebrow Gel
Eyebrow gel is another easy method, but I think it’s a better one if you are going out to a convention where you will need your freckles to stay on for hours on end. Get a gel brow wand that has a spoolie tip and use it to dot freckles on your face. I used Maybelline Brow Drama in Blonde. The brush on this automatically gives me diverse-looking freckles for that more genuine look. This would be a great option for someone like Merida who’s freckles are quite fierce.
Method 4: The Stipple Sponge
Your last option is to use a stipple sponge. I learned this from Glam and Gore who has a whole video on this method so I won’t dive too deep into it.
But pretty much you can take a stipple sponge and some kind of paint, whether it be cream-based paints, alcohol or water-activated paints. Gently wet the stipple sponge, dip it in your paints, practice a few times of your hand, and then gently pat your face to create realistic looking freckles.
This is probably my favorite option because I think it gives the best illusion. I actually used this for my Chuckie cosplay (event though Method 1 would give a more accurate cartoon representation).
RELATED: DIY Chuckie Finster Cosplay
And obviously, the 5th method was a joke 😉
The general rule of thumb when creating faux freckles is to set your face with a primer and your foundation of choice before choosing your method. After using any one of these tactics to create your freckles, I also suggest going over the dots with a damp beauty blender or one with a small amount of residual foundation on it to create a more natural appearance.
Also be sure to use powder or some kind of setting spray if you need these freckles to last throughout your day, whether you are doing a photoshoot or you are going to a convention.
If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. If you want to know more about my Mary Jane cosplay, check out the link below.
