Emily Ratajkowski’s Freckles Look Almost Filtered

Are they AI-faux or real-faux?

Emily Ratajkowski
(Image credit: Getty Images)

In a world positively brimming with AI face filters, you can quickly get any beauty look you want. Lip filler? Easy. Skinny brows? You don't even have to ask! And while social media platforms have worked to make sure these filters are labeled, it’s sometimes hard to tell. Emily Ratajkowski's latest selfie offers the perfect example. While I know the model's freckles aren't entirely real, are they physically there in real life?

On Wednesday, January 10, the 32-year-old posted a selfie to her Instagram story. In the snap, it appears she's lying down somewhere cozy, partially covered with a blanket. Her face, on the other hand, is covered in something entirely different: A whole constellation of cute brown freckles that reach across her cheeks and nose, up her forehead and down below her nose.

Emily Ratajkowski

(Image credit: @emrata on Instagram)

While the Instagram post doesn't say a filter was applied, I have a sneaking suspicion the marks aren't entirely real, or even created with makeup. (Although it is also worth noting that makeup artists are so talented their work can pass as filter.) On the same day the selfie was posted, Ratajkowski was actually spotted in real life, out and about in New York City with no freckles to be found.

Does it really matter how the freckles came to be? Not necessarily, although the My Body author—with her thick brows, long lashes, and peachy-nude lips—does look extremely cute. I'm only interested because I love a beauty tip: In real life, online, anywhere. I want those freckles for myself.

Sophia Vilensky
Freelance Writer

Sophia Vilensky is a Freelance Beauty Writer at Marie Claire with a beauty, wellness, and entertainment journalism portfolio that includes contributions to Byrdie, Bravo, Teen Vogue, and Us Weekly. Growing up in a family of beauticians—and through her own personal studies—she developed an in-depth understanding of aesthetics, cosmetic product formulation, and beauty treatment development and has also held roles as a senior copywriter, content strategist, and proofreader for top beauty and wellness brands. Even so, you'd be hard pressed to find her with her hair and makeup actually done. Sophia is based in Minneapolis and is a 2019 graduate of the University of Minnesota, where she majored in English and minored in cinema studies. During her time at the university, she was the Arts & Entertainment Editor for the Minnesota Daily, earning the 2019 Editor of the Year award for her work. She connected deeply with the Twin Cities arts scene, collaborating with leading beauty professionals, designers, and artists. Graduating Summa Cum Laude, her thesis—a close-reading of Vanderpump Rules—was featured on NPR. When not immersed in writing or testing new products, Sophia enjoys watching reality TV, reading, and exploring the newest woo-woo wellness trends. Keep up with her on Instagram @sophiavilensky.