Should you wear foundation if you have freckles?

Freckled skin can be treated just like skin that doesn't have freckles when it comes to foundation. If you want your freckles to still be visible through your foundation, choose a lighter coverage formula that won't cover them completely.

What color cancels out freckles?

If you're looking to minimize the appearance of your freckles, it's best to choose a foundation that offers full and/or buildable coverage. Yellow or orange pigments will contrast freckles to help further minimize their appearance if you need an additional boost beyond foundation alone.

How do you hide freckles with foundation?

A strong, full-coverage foundation should drastically reduce the appearance of your freckles. Your foundation should completely match your skin tone. Adding a powder after your foundation will conceal them even further. Provided you care properly for your freckled skin, you may be able to prevent them from getting any darker.

The 17 Best Foundations for Freckles of 2023

If you've been lucky enough to hold on to your freckles into adulthood, you’re probably perpetually on the hunt for a foundation that will offer coverage without fully hiding your angel kisses. After all, one of the main benefits of having freckles is that your skin is versatile; like a beauty chameleon, your skin is able to seamlessly switch from fresh-faced and freckly to a blank canvas, all with the help of the right foundation.

Whatever look you and your freckles are feeling, we have created a list of the best foundations for freckled skin. We tapped experts and even tried a few top-rated options for ourselves to curate this list of freckle-friendly foundations that’ll help you achieve the look you’re after without looking cakey or unrecognizable.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint at Amazon

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Best Budget:

L'Oréal Paris True Match Foundation at Ulta

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Best Drugstore:

e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation at Amazon

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Best Splurge:

Chantecaille Future Skin Gel Foundation at Amazon

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Best Glowy:

Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation at Amazon

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Best Sheer:

Fenty Beauty Blurring Skin Tint at Sephora

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Best Medium Coverage:

Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Aqua Foundation at Sephora

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Best Full Coverage:

KVD Beauty Full-Coverage Serum Foundation at Sephora

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Best for Oily Skin:

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream With SPF 50+ at Amazon

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Best for Dry Skin:

Wander Beauty Liquid Foundation at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

Sephora

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What We Like

Very breathable
Refining
Vegan formula
Infused with diamond power for blurring effect

What We Don't Like

May cause breakouts for some

To even out skin without hiding it, this sheer tint is the perfect combination of light coverage and breathability. Instead of covering skin, Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint blurs it out to give your skin a smoother, soft-focus effect.

Price at time of publish: $26

Coverage: Thin/Sheer | Shade Range: 12; Fair to Deep Dark | Finish: Dewy | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.9

Loral-paris-true-match-super-blendable-liquid-foundation

Target

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What We Like

True-match colors
Oil-free
Applies evenly
Huge shade range

What We Don't Like

Not good for sensitive skin

“For an affordable option I love L’Oreal True Match,” says Monika Blunder, celebrity makeup artist and owner of Monika Blunder Beauty. The foundation comes in a variety of shades and undertones, making it easy to find one that matches skin perfectly. The medium coverage provides some coverage for freckles, but it’s easy to build or sheer out where needed.

Price at time of publish: $18

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 42; Fair to Deep Dark | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

e.l.f. Cosmetics Flawless Satin Foundation

Ulta

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What We Like

Buildable and blendable
Weightless
Enriched with glycerin

What We Don't Like

Not a lot of staying power

For fuller coverage, this super affordable foundation will cover most freckles and give skin a blank-slate look. It also has SPF 15, so it will provide some sun protection (although we still suggest applying sunscreen!).

Price at time of publish: $6

Coverage: Medium-to-Full | Shade Range: 26; Fairest Fair to Richest | Finish: Semi-Matte | Size: 0.68 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Chantecaille Future Skin Oil-Free Gel Foundation

Saks Fifth Avenue

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What We Like

Contains natural botanicals
Helps prevent environmentally caused oxidation
Soothing

What We Don't Like

More light than medium coverage to some

While pricier than other options on this list, the Chantecaille foundation offers a super unique gel texture that hydrates and soothes skin with aloe, chamomile, and arnica. Blunder likes its lightweight texture because it allows freckles to shine through while still providing coverage.

Price at time of publish: $78

Coverage: Medium-to-Full | Shade Range: 15; Fair to Dark | Finish: Flawless | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.8

Sephora

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What We Like

Glides on
Large shade selection
Gives a very natural look

What We Don't Like

Smell is unappealing to some

Is Armani Beauty’s Luminous Silk Foundation Worth the $65?

This silky, liquid foundation makes it a favorite of makeup artists and celebs, and the medium coverage offers a good balance for freckled skin. The radiant glow it leaves behind makes it worth the high cost. When we tested it in The Lab, our Manhattan testing facility, we couldn't stop staring at ourselves in the mirror. We also couldn't help but get our cameras out and take a few bomb selfies. Our skin looked so smooth and flawless, you couldn't tell us we weren't models backstage during NYFW.

Price at time of publish: $71

Coverage: Buildable Medium-to-Full | Shade Range: 40; Fair to Deep | Finish: Luminous | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna Eaze Drop Blurring Skin Tint

Sephora

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What We Like

Covers redness
Creates a glow
Hydrating

What We Don't Like

Might be cakey

For barely-there coverage that still magically transforms skin, you’ll love this skin tint from Fenty. The sheer application sticks around on skin—the long-wear formula is designed to stay put through sweat and humidity, and won’t transfer.

Price at time of publish: $32

Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 25; Light to Deep | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.08 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Sephora

View On Sephora

What We Like

Sweat-resistant
Nourishing mineral-rich formula
Featherweight

What We Don't Like

Looks dull to some

“My favorite foundations tend to be buildable and cream-based. With freckles specifically, I like a formula you can sheer out in areas where you want your freckles to show through, and build up in areas where you want more coverage,” says Blunder. That’s why this Koh Gen Do foundation is one of her recommendations for freckles—the long-wearing formula stays all day, too.

Price at time of publish: $96

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 10; Neutral to Warm | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.01 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

KVD Beauty Good Apple Full-Coverage Transfer-Proof Serum Foundation

Sephora

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What We Like

Wide selection of shades
Maximum coverage
Transfer proof
Non Comedogenic formula

What We Don't Like

Might not work so well with dry skin

This foundation has the incredible ability to cover everything from breakouts to hyperpigmentation without looking too thick or cakey. It uses a high percentage of pigment to provide maximum coverage with a weightless feel and mattifying finish. If you want to cover up your freckles (or anything, for that matter) this is the product to go for.

Price at time of publish: $42

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1.01oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.8

Sephora

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What We Like

Provides broad-spectrum UV protection
Goes beyond color-correcting
Also works as an anti-aging serum

What We Don't Like

Feels heavy to some

Those on Team Byrdie with oily skin rave about the IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream with SPF 50+ because of how well it covers dark spots and blemishes, and the fact that it contains sun protection and skin-loving ingredients. Commerce writer Caitlyn Martyn wore this foundation to an outdoor South Florida wedding, and despite the thick humidity and blazing sun, her makeup stayed intact throughout the entire event—from the sweaty ceremony to hours of dancing.

Price at time of publish: $44

Coverage: Full | Shade Range: 22; Very Fair to Deep | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.08 oz., 0.4 oz.| Cruelty-Free: Yes

Wander Beauty Nude Illusion Liquid Foundation

Amazon

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What We Like

Comes with applicator
Velvet finish
Contains niacinamide to even skin tone

What We Don't Like

Limited shades

If you have dry skin, you know how annoying it can be for foundation to cling to dry patches. But with this foundation from Wander Beauty, you won’t have to worry. How? Key ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and lotus extract helps to lock in moisture and keep skin looking plump and hydrated. The velvety finish is easy to apply for a slight veil color (without covering up your freckles) or can be layered if you’re in the mood for a little extra coverage.

Price at time of publish: $40

Coverage: Medium/Full | Shade Range: 11 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1.01oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.8

Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick

Nordstrom

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What We Like

Free from parabens, fragrance and sulfates
Waterproof
Easy to apply

What We Don't Like

Not everyone likes a stick foundation

Despite being in a solid stick form, this foundation has the fluidity of a liquid formula and works amazingly well on all skin types. A favorite of Sofia Richie Grainge, the Seamless Foundation Stick can be applied sparingly to lightly even out your complexion or can be built up to add more coverage thanks to the fact that it contains double the amount of pigment normally found in foundations. Plus, it's compact and easy to carry around, making it a great option to stow in your handbag for touch-ups throughout the day or night.

Price at time of publish: $49

Coverage: Medium/Full | Shade Range: 32 | Finish: Matte | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Amazon

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What We Like

Over 40 shades
Creamy feel
Good coverage

What We Don't Like

Oily to some

With 42 shades, it’s easy to find the best match to completely cover skin. And despite the stellar coverage, the formula still looks natural. The soft matte finish covers blemishes and freckles alike and looks as good at the end of the day as it does when it’s first applied.

Price at time of publish: $22

Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 42; Very Very Light to Deepest Darkest | Finish: Velvet Matte | Size: 1.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

4.8

NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation

Sephora

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What We Like

Reduces redness
Protects against environmental stressors
Suitable for sensitive skin
Breathable formula

What We Don't Like

Bottle can end up a little messy when traveling

If you have freckles but also suffer from breakouts, this medium-coverage foundation is the perfect fix. Formulated with a high concentration of skincare ingredients like soothing oat, and skin-protecting Japanese lilyturf and cacao peptides, the foundation actually works to ensure your complexion is staying calm while you wear it.

Price at time of publish: $50

Coverage: Medium | Shade Range: 36 | Finish: Matte | Size: 1oz |Cruelty-Free: No

4.2

ColourPop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Tinted Moisturizer

Ulta

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What We Like

Evens skin tone
Contains hyaluronic acid
Leaves skin feeling hydrated

What We Don't Like

May be sticky

Formulated with hyaluronic acid and coconut water to give skin a hydration boost, this tinted moisturizer provides lightweight coverage to let freckles show through while still blurring imperfections you want to hide.

Price at time of publish: $26

Coverage: Lightweight | Shade Range: 20; Fair to Deep Dark | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.45 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Honest Beauty CCC Clean Corrective with Vitamin C Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

Amazon

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What We Like

Mineral-based sunscreen and blue light defense
Skin-perfecting
Dermatologist-tested

What We Don't Like

Can be flaky

For coverage, sun protection, and skincare, turn to this tinted moisturizer, which is a favorite of Blunders. Vitamin C helps even out your natural skin tone while the rest of the formula offers light to medium coverage and a dewy finish.

Price at time of publish: $24

Coverage: Light-to-Medium | Shade Range: 9; Fair to Rich | Finish: Luminous, Dewy | Size: 1.08 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No

Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Medium Coverage Liquid Foundation with Hyaluronic Acid

Sephora

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What We Like

Easy to blend
Contains skin nourishing ingredients
Buildable light to medium finish

What We Don't Like

Might not be enough coverage for some

As the name suggests, this liquid formula foundation has been created with one objective: giving you beautiful skin. Infused with hyaluronic acid and rose complex, this foundation is a go-to for a subtle glow, but it can be built up to create a more medium coverage finish that still looks completely natural.

Price at time of publish: $49

Coverage: Light/Medium | Shade Range: 30 | Finish: Dewy | Size: 1oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Physicians Formula Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer

Amazon

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What We Like

Natural bronze finish
Suitable for sensitive skin
Can be worn alone or under makeup

What We Don't Like

Some may not like the coconut scent

Freckles and a tanned face automatically evoke memories of long summer days spent in the sunshine. Nowadays, you may not be willing to (or even have the time) spend hours sunbathing. This liquid bronzer recreates a natural tan at any time of year and without the risk of sun damage. A tiny pea-sized amount in your moisturizer is all you need since a little bit of this formula goes a long way.

Price at time of publish: $11

Coverage: Light | Shade Range: 1 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.3oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Final Verdict

Keep a few foundations in your makeup bag so you have options, whether you want to show off your freckles or cover them up. For everyday use we recommend the imperfection blurring Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint, but when you want full coverage, turn to IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream to cover freckles and blemishes without worrying about a cakey finish.

Meet the Expert

Monika Blunder is a Los Angeles based makeup artist who has created looks for celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Megan Fox, and Jessica Alba and whose work has appeared in magazines all over the world.
Clare Holden is a makeup artist and beauty journalist with over 15 years of experience.

What to Look For in a Foundation

Formula

“Find a formula that layers well, so you can touch up mid-day if needed,” suggests Blunder, who typically uses cream foundations on her clients. “Cream formulas have the ability to be blended out if it moves or creases," she adds. We love the Juvia's Place I Am Magic Velvety Matte Foundation, a cream formula that comes in 46 unique shades. Foundation sticks are also fantastic options if you're always on the go; these types of formulas are easy to swipe on and stash in your bag without worry of spillage. The Hourglass Vanish Seamless Finish Foundation Stick is our favorite because of how pigmented and blendable it is.

If you often switch back and forth between formulas that let your freckles shine through and those that hide 'em, look for a foundation that will let you build your desired coverage, like the Fenty Beauty Eaze Drop Skin Tint, a sheer (but layerable) formula that lays nicely on the skin.

Your Skin Type

You may love the idea of a certain foundation, but if it isn't the best choice for your skin type, you'll find yourself disappointed with the results. If you're prone to breakouts, choosing a product designed for acne-prone skin is your best bet. (The NARS Light Reflecting Advanced Skincare Foundation is great for this, trust us).

If you have oily skin, look for a formula that will mattify your shiny areas. The IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream, for example, comes in a mattifying formula that keeps greasiness and shine under wraps. If you have dry skin, a formula that's loaded with hydrating ingredients can be helpful in achieving a nice, flake-free base. You can't go wrong with the Colour Pop Pretty Fresh Hyaluronic Acid Tinted Moisturizer here.

Ingredients

We all occasionally get caught in the trap of buying too many skincare products, so choosing a foundation that offers additional benefits like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C can save you from having to purchase those separately. The Honest Beauty Tinted Sunscreen & SPF (which doubles as an SPF) contains vitamin C to help keep your skin tone healthy and bright.

FAQ

Should you wear foundation if you have freckles?

Freckled skin can be treated just like skin that doesn't have freckles when it comes to foundation. If you want your freckles to still be visible through your foundation, choose a lighter coverage formula that won't cover them completely.
What color cancels out freckles?

If you're looking to minimize the appearance of your freckles, it's best to choose a foundation that offers full and/or buildable coverage. Yellow or orange pigments will contrast freckles to help further minimize their appearance if you need an additional boost beyond foundation alone.
How do you hide freckles with foundation?

A strong, full-coverage foundation should drastically reduce the appearance of your freckles. Your foundation should completely match your skin tone. Adding a powder after your foundation will conceal them even further. Provided you care properly for your freckled skin, you may be able to prevent them from getting any darker.

Why Trust Byrdie?

Joline Buscemi is a Byrdie contributor and beauty writer for several publications. After testing more foundations that she can keep track of, she knows what makes for the best application no matter your skin type.

Clare Holden is a makeup artist and beauty journalist with over 15 years of experience. Clare is endlessly passionate about finding the best quality products on the market. Whether it is researching cosmetics ingredients and testing out beauty products or checking the seams and fabrics used in clothing she always ensures that whatever she covers is of the highest quality.

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