I used to have freckles when I was younger—you know, the soft, scattered kind around my nose that developed in the summer months. Back then, I wished them away; now, I'd do anything to get them back. There's just something undeniably cute about freckles. They make makeup look fresher, skin look youthful, and the whole face feel a little more effortless. So when faux freckles started creeping back into beauty routines (thank you, Hailey Bieber), I jumped right in. If a freckle pen could bring mine back, I was game.
What's surprised me is how much the trend has evolved. Early freckle pens were fun but rarely believable. Now, the formulas are genuinely impressive—sheer, skin-like stains that diffuse the second you tap them in, and multi-shade products that mimic the natural variation of real freckles. And then there are the glitter freckle tattoos Taylor Swift revived, proving the feature can be subtle or full-on whimsical depending on your mood.
At this point, I've tested every version: the soft everyday pens that could pass as real, the long-wear formulas that don't budge, the temporary tattoos, and the bolder, more playful finishes. Below, the freckle pens I actually reach for—whether I'm in the mood for the lightest scattering of dots or a fully freckled moment.
Faux Freckle, Who?!
These are the freckle pens I trust on an everyday basis when I want to convince the world I was born with them. I can whip them out quickly, apply them in under 30 seconds, and still get that "maybe these are real" effect.
This is the freckle stamp heard around the world—and I can attest, it certainly deserves that recognition. It's basically the cheat code for super quick, super natural results.
Back in 2017, Freck was born, sparking the fake freckle craze. The ultra-realistic results are available in two varying shades.
The Multi-Hyphenate
For a trend like freckles, it's understandable why you might not want to spend $30 on a dedicated product. That said, I've found some of my brow pens do a wonderful job, as the formulations both have that ink-like stain that diffuses to look like a natural shadow. A two-for-one deal, huh?
Want the freshest no-makeup-makeup look ever? Pop this faux freckle pen and fluffy brow gel duo in your cart.
This super-thin, three-brush pen creates the most realistic-looking eyebrow strokes. I also find that it works just as well as a stamp to create freckles on my cheeks and nose.
Tatted Up
Hear me out: freckle tattoos are shockingly good. While you can always go the semi-permanent makeup route and get them really tattooed into your skin for a few years—it's not as scary as it sounds!—you can also try out the temporary formulas. These last for days, and the glitter versions—à la Taylor Swift—are a fun upgrade for nights out or even concerts.
FYI, these are the very same freckles that Taylor Swift wore to the Chiefs game. If you want to look just as cute for a fun event, I highly recommend this long-lasting, whimsical temporary tattoo.
Don't necessarily want to go the glitter route? Opt for this brown version instead.
Beauty Marks, Marked
Alas, don't neglect the beauty marks. These babies have graced the faces of some of the most iconic women, and a little emphasis on one creates a whole lot of glamour. I'll deepen a lighter mole near my lip with a more precise pen when I want to zhuzh up my look.
The dotted tip on this two-pack set makes for the perfect faux mole.
The marker-like design of this freckle pen makes it super quick and easy to use. Simply darken a beauty mark, or create a brand new one.
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