The ultimate guide to freckled skin

Most girls with freckles know that, after a day at the beach, freckles will darken and multiply—even with sun protection. If you've overdone it outdoors and your beauty spots are darker than you'd like, Dr. Shamban suggests trying natural lightening agents such as buttermilk and pure licorice-root extract to subdue your spots without making them disappear entirely. Other solutions include creams rich with vitamin C, like this multipurpose product. SHOP NOW: Shiseido’s White Lucent Brightening Protective Cream SPF 15, $55

If your complexion is clear, then skip heavy foundations that can look cake-y on skin. Instead opt for a tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone without hiding your freckles, says Robyn Corsio, makeup artist at Sally Hershberger in Los Angeles. You'll radiate, she says. SHOP NOW: Mark's Get-a-Tint tinted moisturizer lotion SPF 15, $12

For women with fairer skin, avoid blush that’s too pink, which may mask freckles. Instead, try a muted mocha hue that offers a hint of color. SHOP NOW: Aerin Multi Color for Lips & Cheeks in Natural, $42

Because many bronzers have copper or brown undertones similar in hue to freckles, it's best to avoid heavier liquid bronzers and use the sheerest option, says Corsio. This formula is extremely light and gives warmth to the skin while letting your natural beauty shine through.SHOP NOW: Laura Mercier Shimmer Bloc Luminizing Palette in Peach Mosaic, $38

If you want to show off your freckles while adding a pop of color, choose a blush that's at the opposite side of the color spectrum from your skin tone. This blush-and-highlighter hybrid is a perfect choice for those women with warm olive complexions.SHOP NOW: Almay Wake Up blush and highlighter compact in Rose, $10

To get glowing, look for makeup that reflects light rather than absorbs it. Colorescience makeup artist Michael McCarthy recommends mineral cosmetics, which are light-reflective and provide excellent coverage. As an alternative to foundation, try a light primer like this one, which has a subtle yellow tint that banishes redness without masking your freckles.SHOP NOW: Colorescience Skin-Brightening Face Primer SPF 20, $45

If you need more coverage than a tinted moisturizer or primer provides, then match your foundation with the color of your skin between the freckles, or on the underside of your neck, says Corsio. Again, look for something that reflects light like this product, which is available in eight shades. SHOP NOW: Neutrogena Mineral Sheers loose powder foundation, $12