On the Spot

Once masked or hidden, freckles are emerging anew. Megan Nolan lets hers shine through.

When I was about seven or so—still barely aware of having an appearance—a friend brought to school a fashion magazine she had stolen from her mother and, pointing to the models, patiently explained that this was the way to look. Later that day, alone in the bathroom, I scrutinized myself. My face was okay, I decided; as soon as the freckles faded away, I could even give this modeling thing a shot. I remain endeared by the thought of that moon-faced, potbellied kid giving herself the once-over and concluding that the smattering of freckles was all that stood between her and a career on the runways.

Ironically, 25 years later, my freckles are about the only physical trait I do share with models. Chloe Oh says that in high school she tried to get rid of hers but now cherishes them. (Makeup artist Diane Kendal, who did Oh’s makeup last September at Rabanne, sometimes adds faux freckles for those not blessed with naturals.) Adwoa Aboah has made hers a calling card, and Kylie Jenner’s makeup-free selfies show an enviable array. Olivia Rodrigo says she adds them all the time.