We’ve always been fans of freckles – whether representative of summer and sun-kissed complexions, or a year-round presence on our skin that makes us who we are. But when Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, made sure her freckles still shone through on her wedding day, it seemed that everyone went a bit nuts for freckles – and that natural, glowing make-up look.
Achieving enough coverage to balance out unevenness and disguise imperfections, while keeping the finish sheer enough to show off freckles can be a tough balance to get right. First, be sure you prep your skin well with a toner, moisturiser and sheer or illuminating primer (nothing too mattifying or pigmented). Then follow with a lightweight foundation.
To get the right balance of coverage, Meghan’s make-up artist for her wedding day, Daniel Martin, likes to use ‘water-based foundation because it absorbs well into your skin without becoming oily over time’. So with this in mind, here’s our pick of the top foundations that will give coverage without masking those gorgeous freckles.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue SPF 30
The ultimate glowing finish, this foundation gives sheer-to-medium, illuminating coverage that allows freckles to shine through. Its hydrating properties give your skin a natural glow while imparting the benefits of both a BB and a CC cream.
Benefit Hello Happy Soft Blur Foundation
Benefit’s latest foundation promises to blur imperfections without masking your natural complexion. It offers medium coverage but feels weightless, and has flexible shades to suit a wide variety of skin tones.
Becca Aqua Luminous Perfecting Foundation
All about the glow, this foundation imparts featherweight coverage that blurs imperfections and leaves your complexion radiant. Its no-make-up finish features adaptable pigments that blend to your skin tone perfectly.
Bobbi Brown Liquid Skin Foundation SPF 15
This water-based formula gives your-skin-but-better coverage, masking imperfections while still giving a natural skin finish. The dewy formula is lightweight yet buildable, so it’s easy to add more coverage where you need it.
Bareminerals Bareskin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation
A serum and foundation in one, this formula smooths your skin for a perfect canvas while the pigments even out redness and pores to make your skin look flawless. Just be sure to shake the bottle really well to fully mix the formula.
