Spot On

The rise of faux freckles reflects a broader shift towards inclusivity and self-acceptance in beauty standards.

- JOSEPH LOW

When I was younger, my mother often told me that any spot or blemish on my face was unacceptable, as it would be the first thing people saw. And you'd think that only daughters get the beauty talk.

In many Asian cultures, including my own Filipino upbringing, freckles are also considered a blight on the complexion, as beauty standards favour clear, bright and flawless skin. Take South Koreans' obsession with skincare, where routines often involve seven or more steps to achieve the nowfamous "glass skin" effect. This fixation on flawless, translucent skin has even appeared on the runway, most notably at the Maison Margiela Spring/Summer 2024 couture show via make-up maven Pat McGrath.

However, today's beauty standards are evolving. Freckles, once concealed or even considered flaws, have become a symbol of natural beauty and individuality. This shift reflects a broader movement towards inclusivity and authenticity, where uniqueness is celebrated.

It's perhaps ironic then that faux freckles have surged in popularity, appearing on social media platforms like Instagram and Tik Tok and featuring in trends such as "strawberry girl make-up". The hashtag "#strawberrygirl" has garnered more than 7.7 million views on TikTok. Freckles are intentionally drawn on the face as part of a playful, youthful aesthetic, paired with vibrant blush across the cheeks and a similar shade on the lips.

Celebrity Hailey Bieber helped popularise this look, even sharing a step-bystep guide on how to achieve it. Other celebrities, including K-pop star Blackpink's Jennie, have also embraced the trend.

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