*The new Duchess of Sussex has managed to make a splash in a number of ways, from her fashion sense to her choice in religious sermon at the royal wedding. Although 64% of brides in 2017 felt immense pressure to have the perfect wedding, it’s arguable that none were quite so graceful under stress than Meghan Markle. Now that the “I dos” have been said, the former actress has inadvertently launched an interesting new trend simply by embracing her own beauty features.
For years, Meghan Markle has been outspoken about loving her facial beauty marks — an adorable sprinkling of freckles — and has expressed disappointment when magazines and other outlets would make the decision to Photoshop them out. At her wedding, Markle displayed her natural spots proudly, and the world took notice. So much, in fact, that some tattoo artists are crediting the Duchess with the uptick in clients who want permanent freckles tattooed on their faces.
For the last few years, faux freckles have gained popularity on social media. Those not naturally blessed with freckles could achieve them with makeup or with the prick of a needle from a skilled tattoo artist. But since the royal wedding, cosmetic tattoo artist Gabrielle Rainbow says that requests for freckle tattoos have seen a significant spike.
Although 47% of Millennials said they had at least one tattoo in 2015, it’s important to note that Rainbow’s freckle tattoos aren’t actually lifelong. They can last about three years and can be redone if and when the color starts to fade. They actually look like bee stings when they’re first done, says Rainbow, but the swelling will soon go down and the color will start to darken during the first few months. But even though they’re semi-permanent, Rainbow recommends that those looking to adorn their face with faux freckles do some careful thinking before they go ahead with it.
Rainbow explained to Insider: “I think cosmetic tattooing or permanent makeup is really on the rise, and obviously with any trend, you will have people who will want to take advantage of that… Because this is your face, it’s important that you do your research and find artists who aren’t afraid to show their portfolio and healed work. Even if this is ‘semipermanent,’ there are risks, such as technicians who will go too deep or not use the proper inks.”
Of course, if you want results that will last just a night, you can always try to recreate the look using regular makeup alone. Some artists recommend a brow pen or felt-tip eyeliner, while others use eyebrow powder for best results.
It might seem odd that someone who’s now part of the British Royal Family could inspire something as edgy as a tattoo trend… but then again, Markle’s path has always been an unconventional one. And we love her all the more for it.
