4 Ways To Get Freckles - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games ForumsArts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and Garden Relationship QuizzesCars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and Style Sports and FitnessComputers and ElectronicsHealthPets and Animals TravelEducation & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and Religion Work WorldFamily LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationships Youth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Skin Care

How to Give Yourself Totally Cute Freckles Safely Download Article Change up your look with an adorable smattering of freckles, whether it’s in your genes or not Co-authored by Bia Rehman and Dev Murphy, MA

Last Updated: November 22, 2025 Fact Checked

Download Article

• Getting Freckles Naturally
|
• Drawing Freckles
|
• Creating a Sun-Kissed Look
|
• Tattooing Freckles
|
• Warnings
|
• Things You'll Need

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Bia Rehman and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Bia Rehman is a Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist based in Austin, Texas. With more than 11 years of experience, she specializes in bridal, special event, and editorial makeup that highlights natural beauty. Bia attended cosmetology school in Houston, TX, and received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from The University of Houston. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 888,128 times.

Some people have a sprinkling of freckles across their nose and cheeks, while others are covered from head to toe. Freckles are hereditary, so you either have them or don't, but that doesn't mean you can't get a freckled look if they're not in your genes. Thanks to makeup and even cosmetic tattooing, anyone can rock freckles. Keep reading to learn how to get freckles whether they're in your genetics or not.

Things You Should Know

• Bring out your freckles naturally by spending time in the sun or tanning. Just be careful not to overdo it since too much UV light isn’t great for your skin.
• If you can’t get freckles naturally, draw them on with makeup! Use eyeliner or an eyebrow pencil to create a lifelike constellation of freckles on your cheeks and nose.
• Get your freckles cosmetically tattooed on your face to ensure they don’t fade.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 4:

Getting Freckles Naturally

Download Article

1. 1 Determine if you might have the right genes. If there are no freckles in your genetic line, you won’t be able to develop natural freckles. The people most likely to develop freckles are those with pale skin, light-colored eyes, and light hair, especially children. Dark-haired folks are less likely to have freckles, though it's possible for anybody to have them.[1]
   • To determine if freckles are in your family line, look at your family. Siblings, parents, grandparents, and others who you are directly descended from are your best sources to consider, but extended family whom you are not directly descended from still share some genetic traits with you.
2. 2 Learn what causes freckles. Freckles are a hereditary trait caused by an uneven distribution of skin pigmentation. A freckle occurs when there is a large concentration of the melanin pigment underneath one spot on your skin.[2]
   • Most natural freckles are small and essentially harmless. They tend to show up on areas exposed to sunlight, like your face, and these are probably the type you're longing for. They also range in color and may be tan, brown, black, yellow, or red.
   • Sometimes freckles form as the result of sunburn. These are larger and often have irregular borders. While regular freckles usually fade after sunlight exposure decreases, sunburn freckles stay put.
   Advertisement
3. 3 Spend a little time in the sun. Freckles are drawn out with exposure to UV light. If you have natural freckles, spending a little time in bright sunlight might bring them out of hiding. Be careful, though: never stay out long enough to get a burn. Wearing sunscreen that's 20 to 30 SPF will still allow your skin to tan while protecting you from getting burned.[3]
   • When UV rays hit the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), it thickens slightly, causing the cells in your body to produce more pigment. As a result, the pigmentation of your freckles darkens, making them visible.
   • If you would rather skip the sunbathing, consider exposing yourself to UV rays at a tanning salon. Follow the salon's recommendations concerning the amount of time to spend tanning, since tanning too much in a salon can lead to cancer.
   • Reader Poll: We asked 975 wikiHow readers if they like to tan, and 74% said yes, I tan outside while wearing sunscreen. [Take Poll]
4. 4 Limit your exposure to UV rays. Tanning can bring out your freckles, but too much exposure to UV rays can be a major risk factor for skin cancer. Even though UV rays can seem like your best friend if you want freckles to form, they can have some very nasty side effects. As such, it is strongly recommended that you limit the amount of time you spend in the sun without sunblock or protective clothing.[4]
   • Avoid midday sun exposure. Between about 1 and 4 p.m. is when the sunlight is most intense.
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 4:

Drawing Freckles with Eyeliner

Download Article

1. 1 Choose 2 brown eyeliner pencils of different hues. Start with a brown shade that complements your skin tone. For instance, if you are cool-skinned and have undertones of yellow, a tan would work better. If you are warm toned and have undertones of red, a richer hue of brown with burgundy undertones might be a better choice. You’ll need a light ash tone and another tone that is one shade or so darker.[5]
   • An ash brown is a safe bet for most skin tones.
   • If you are not sure which eyeliner to choose to look natural, compare the shades to the color of your eyebrows. Make sure the light shade is about 2 shades darker and the darker shade is another shade darker than that.
2. 2 Draw small freckles on your skin with the lighter color. Use the pencil to sprinkle small, uneven dots across the bridge of your nose and tops of your cheeks. Stop before you go overboard, since the freckles won't look as natural if you have too many.[6]
   • Draw different-sized dots, and scatter them unevenly. This will make them seem more natural.
3. 3 Add a second layer of dots using the darker eyeliner. Use the darker shade to draw a few more freckles here and there. People with natural freckles usually have them in more than one tone, since freckles darken with age.[7]
   • Look in the mirror to make sure that none of the dots overlap.
   • Give yourself about half the amount of freckles you drew with the lighter color.
4. 4 Blend the freckles into your skin slightly with a cotton ball. If you need to soften the freckles a bit in order to maintain a natural look, carefully and gently pat the area with your fingertips or a small piece of cotton.[8] You could also use a clean eyeshadow blending brush to lightly buff over each spot.
5. 5 Apply a setting spray or powder. This is completely optional, but a quick sweep of either option will help hold your makeup in place for more time. A setting spray or powder will also make your skin appear glossier and healthier.[9]
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 4:

Creating a Sun-Kissed Look

Download Article

1. 1 Apply bronzer to your nose and cheeks. Use a large makeup brush to sweep a little bronzer along the bridge of your nose and across the top of your cheeks, along the cheekbone. Avoid sweeping bronzer across your entire face. Doing so can make your overall skin tone look unnaturally dark.
   • Bronzer provides your skin with a slightly darker base for applying the fake freckles. Since real freckles are brought about by sun exposure, it makes sense to have slightly tanned skin beneath those freckles.
   • Use a matte bronzer instead of a shimmery one for a more natural appearance.
2. 2 Use an eyebrow pencil to draw a few small, scattered freckles. As a general rule, go for an eyebrow pencil that is 2 shades lighter than one you might use for your actual eyebrows. Make sure that the pencil point is sharp before you start. Use the pencil to create small, light dots across the bridge of your nose and the tops of your cheeks, where you applied the bronzer.
   • Avoid liquid or gel liner: since pencils are a bit drier, the freckles they make won't change color as they dry.
   • Keep the freckles tight around the tops of the nose and directly under your eyes. Spread them out a little more as they go further down.
   • Make the freckles small, but not completely equal in size. Make sure they vary slightly, with some being a little bigger than others, and that they aren’t obviously patterned or symmetrical.
   • Go over any freckles you already have with the pencil to accentuate your natural features.[10]
3. 3 Assess your face in the mirror, and add more freckles as needed. Pause to assess the way your freckles look in the mirror. Take the opportunity to add more dots, where necessary, to fill in any unnatural gaps. If needed, pat the freckles with your fingertips or a small piece of cotton to soften them slightly.
4. 4 Apply a light sweep of foundation, if desired. For dramatic freckles, do not use foundation. If the pencil you used was too dark, however, or you want to make your freckles look more subtle, lightly brush a powder foundation on top.
   • Do not use a liquid foundation since it will cause your faux freckles to smear and rub away.
Advertisement

Method 4 Method 4 of 4:

Getting Cosmetic Freckle Tattooing

Download Article

1. 1 Learn about how cosmetic tattooing works. Cosmetic tattooing is done with an electric needle that rapidly deposits ink pigments into the dermis layer of skin. Cosmetic tattooing is also known as permanent makeup. These procedures are often used to create the appearance of fuller eyebrows, permanent eyeliner, or permanent lipstick, but using it to create freckles has become more popular in recent years.[11]
   • A hollow, vibrating needle will pierce through the top layer of skin and release a droplet of pigment.
   • While cosmetic tattooing is possible to remove, it is very difficult to do so, and your skin may never look the same again.
2. 2 Consult a professional cosmetic tattoo artist. To reduce the risk of negative side effects, like infection, make sure that the professional you hire knows what they're really doing.[12] Speak to the tattoo artist yourself to ensure they implement best practices, and read reviews online to learn about previous clients’ experiences.
   • Check each tattoo artist's credentials. Make sure that they are a properly trained and licensed aesthetician.
   • If possible, go to a tattoo artist recommended by your current doctor or a trusted friend.
3. 3 Tell artist exactly what you want your tattoo to look like. The tattoo artist may have valuable suggestions, but in order to get the look you really want, you need to have an active voice in the matter. If possible, supply a few photographs to determine which freckled look is right for you: it’s important to be on the same page with your tattoo artist prior to beginning the tattooing process.[13]
   • The tattoo artist will help you determine the best hue and shade of color for your freckles.
   • Be sure to also discuss the placement of your freckles.
4. 4 Schedule an appointment and get your tattoo. Once you find a professional who’s a good fit, make an appointment and get your freckles tattooed on. Before the procedure, the technician will sketch out the area that will be tattooed using a sterile surgical pen. Anesthetic gel will then be placed on the area to numb it. During the procedure, you can expect to feel a little stinging sensation.
   • The whole process may take from 30 minutes to an hour, from prep to the end of the procedure.[14]
   • Make sure that the aesthetician uses sterile gloves and sterilized equipment during the procedure.
5. 5 Take care of your tattoo afterward. You may experience swelling at the tattoo site in the days after the procedure. Reduce swelling with a cold compress and apply an antibiotic ointment to minimize the risk of infection. Follow the tattoo artist's instructions about how to take proper care of the area while it heals.[15]
   • Note that immediately after the freckle tattoo is applied, the color will look dark. This is likely not a cause for concern, though. The color will fade to its final shade after about three weeks.
   • If the area seems unusually swollen, painful, or red after the first few days, however, there is some chance that an infection or allergic reaction may have been triggered. Reach out to your tattoo artist and your dermatologist for support.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

• Do not spend much time in the sun without protective clothing or sunblock. Too much exposure to UV rays can cause skin problems, including an increased risk of skin cancer.[16] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

Things You'll Need

Drawing Freckles with Eyeliner

• Brown eyeliner pencils
• Setting spray or powder

Creating a Sun-Kissed Look

• Eyebrow pencil
• Bronzer
• Foundation

You Might Also Like

How toCover Freckles With Makeup How toGet Rid of Freckles How toDraw on Your Eyebrows How toGet a Tan Tattoo How toDarken Your Skin How toApply Makeup for a Natural Look How toLook Less Pale How toGet Dimples Naturally How to Apply an Eyebrow Pencil For Beginners How toDefine Cheekbones How toDo Your Makeup Flawlessly How to Get Darker Eyebrows How toChoose Eyebrow Color How toApply Makeup as a Man Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/freckles.html
2. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/23091-freckles
3. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourself
4. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourself
5. ↑ https://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/176749-runway-dare-do-fake-freckles-at-home/
6. ↑ https://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/176749-runway-dare-do-fake-freckles-at-home/
7. ↑ https://www.thefashionspot.com/beauty/176749-runway-dare-do-fake-freckles-at-home/
8. ↑ Bia Rehman. Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
9. ↑ https://www.maybelline.com/face-makeup/primer/how-to-use-setting-spray

More References (7)

10. ↑ Bia Rehman. Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist. Expert Interview
11. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11004-micropigmentation
12. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/beauty/features/how-safe-permanent-makeup
13. ↑ https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/tattoos-permanent-makeup-fact-sheet
14. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11004-micropigmentation
15. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/11004-micropigmentation
16. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/5240-sun-damage-protecting-yourself

About This Article

Co-authored by: Bia Rehman Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist This article was co-authored by Bia Rehman and by wikiHow staff writer, Dev Murphy, MA. Bia Rehman is a Licensed Esthetician and Makeup Artist based in Austin, Texas. With more than 11 years of experience, she specializes in bridal, special event, and editorial makeup that highlights natural beauty. Bia attended cosmetology school in Houston, TX, and received a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from The University of Houston. This article has been viewed 888,128 times. Warning: Difficult task Co-authors: 25 Updated: November 22, 2025 Views: 888,128 Categories: Skin Care Article SummaryX

To get freckles, first try spending some time in the sun to bring out any natural freckles you might have. If that doesn’t work, pick out an ash brown eyeliner that’s 2 shades darker than your eyebrows. Then, use the pencil to dot small freckles across the bridge of your nose and on the tops of your cheeks. Next, use a slightly darker pencil to add a few more freckles for a more natural look. Once you’ve added enough freckles, use a cotton ball to buff over each spot and soften the edges. For tips on how to create a sun-kissed look by adding bronzer, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages Spanish Italian Russian Chinese German French Portuguese Indonesian Dutch Arabic Thai Korean Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 888,128 times.

Reader Success Stories

• 

  Anonymous

  Jan 22, 2018

  "Applying the moisturizer really helps if you're trying to get a sun kissed look."

More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission.Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Bia Rehman Licensed Esthetician & Makeup Artist Warning: Difficult task Co-authors: 25 Updated: November 22, 2025 Views: 888,128

Anonymous

Jan 22, 2018

"Applying the moisturizer really helps if you're trying to get a sun kissed look."

Linzy Castillo

Feb 7, 2017

"I feel like this article gave great details about getting more freckles. "

Ann Bower

Jan 30, 2017

"What helped was going out in the sun."

Anonymous

Jul 31, 2016

"Really detailed. I loved the how-to." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

Quizzes & Games

What Makeup Should I Wear QuizTake QuizMakeup Quiz: Discover The Perfect Stye For YouTake QuizWhat Is My Skin Undertone QuizTake QuizWhat Is My Makeup Type QuizTake QuizWhat Color Should I Dye My Hair QuizTake QuizWhat Skincare Products Should I Use QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toCover Freckles With MakeupHow toGet Rid of FrecklesHow toDraw on Your EyebrowsHow toGet a Tan Tattoo

Featured Articles

What Is the Fun Scale? The 3 Types of Fun & Their BenefitsWhat Is My Aesthetic QuizHow to Celebrate Xmas: Expert Advice on Enjoying the HolidaysHilarious Clean Jokes That’ll Make Adults & Kids LaughAm I Ready For A Relationship QuizWhy Is He Ignoring Me? 12 Possible Reasons (Plus, What to Do)

Trending Articles

Can We Guess If You're Single or Taken?How toMake OutAm I a Gigachad or Totally Chopped?How Rare Is My Birthday QuizHow Nonchalant Am I Quiz180 Good Comebacks & Savage Roasts to Win Any Argument

Featured Articles

A Complete Style Guide for the Gamine Kibbe Body TypeHow to Tell if You’re in LoveWhich Chaotic Evil Villain Am I QuizWhat Does It Mean If Someone Tries to Kill You in Your Dream?200+ Best Questions to Ask Someone You Like (Texting & IRL)How Beautiful Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

13 Types of Hairlines for Men and Women (And How to Maintain Yours)Which of the 8 Face Shapes Do You Have? Helpful Tips & Style GuidanceMental Illness TestHow toEnjoy the HolidaysHow to Get 250 Grams of Protein Daily: Best Foods, Meal Plans & MoreAm I Girly Quiz

Watch Articles

How toWrap a Round GiftHow toSteam in an OvenHow to Make Plant-Based Meat: 4 Incredible RecipesHow toClean a Silver Necklace4 Easy Ways to Open a Can of SodaHow toPart Your Hair

Trending Articles

Have I Met My Soulmate Yet QuizRandom Fortune GeneratorWhat Should My Name Really Be QuizWhat Are the Gay Male Body Types (And Which Do You Have?)Which Classic Christmas Movie Character Am I?Is Your Personality More 6 or 7?

Quizzes & Games

What Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizWhat Colors Should I Wear? Get a Professional Color Season Analysis HereTake QuizHow Old Do People Think I Look QuizTake QuizWhat Tattoo Matches My Personality QuizTake QuizWhat Eyeliner Type Looks Best on Me QuizTake QuizIf I Had A Baby, What Would It Look Like?Take Quiz

• Categories
• Personal Care and Style
• Skin Care

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --738