An influencer found herself at the center of a social media storm after painting ‘freckles’ with semi-permanent henna on her face.
Elle James, 25, from the United Kingdom, has amassed 125,000 followers on Instagram by sharing video makeup tips and tutorials.
But her latest video, showing the ‘fake freckles’ trend, has sparked debate, with people saying her extreme version of the trend mocks people with facial pigmentation issues.
in a videoUploaded to her @ellejamesmakeup account on May 2, the content creator showed her the step-by-step method to achieve natural-looking freckles.
The trend, which has been gaining popularity over the past year, involves using self-tanner or natural henna dye to paint a series of “freckle” spots on the T-zone of the face. The idea is that the spots will eventually fade and take on a more subtle, natural appearance.
But Elle’s extreme version of the trend was compared to vitiligo and other skin pigmentation conditions.
Elle James, 25, from the UK, is a makeup artist with 125,000 followers on Instagram, but it’s her latest contribution to the ‘fake freckles’ trend that’s really got the internet talking.
Elle captioned the video: ‘What do we think?’ PS: I have a lot of freckles naturally, but not as dark as this one.’
In the clip, the influencer can be seen sporting faded henna freckles, before demonstrating how she “tops off” the look with fresh dye.
Take out a tube of dark brown henna and begin drawing groups of dots on the bridge of your nose, cheeks, eyelids, forehead, and chin.
After she’s satisfied with the final application, Elle lets the dye sit for five minutes.
Then wipe off excess product with a damp cotton pad, leaving visible spots that will fade in the following days for a more natural look.
Despite their enthusiasm, more than 4,900 comments came in, many of which criticized the method and the concept behind it, while others were offended, feeling that the trend trivializes natural freckles and the experiences of those who have them.
One person wrote: “This looks like a bad condition,” while another said: “This doesn’t look like pretty freckles.” It seems the need for the help of a dermatologist. Where does this trend come from? Real freckles don’t look like that.
A third wrote: “This is an insult to everyone who actually has facial pigmentation issues.” For them it is not a trend.
‘Not to mention whether this young lady is willing to take on the growing possibility of SKIN CANCER, which is actually a reality for real freckles. VERY SAD.’
Elle takes out a tube of dark brown henna and begins drawing groups of dots on the bridge of her nose, cheeks, eyelids, forehead, and chin.
After she’s satisfied with the final application, Elle lets the dye sit for five minutes, before wiping away excess product with a damp cotton pad.
Visible spots are left behind and fade over the next few days for a more natural look.
Despite their enthusiasm, more than 4,900 comments came in, many of which criticized the method and the concept behind it.
One bewildered person commented: ‘I will never understand why people do this. I’ve spent my entire life covering up mine!’
Another advised the influencer: ‘Why? It seems unrealistic and ridiculous… you don’t need this! Have confidence in yourself.’
One account, which appeared to be an aesthetics company, suggested: “I think less would give a more natural result.”
It comes after a new test analyzes your genetic makeup to tell you exactly which traits you inherited from each parent.
Family history site Ancestry has launched a kit that can show which parent influenced certain physical and behavioral characteristics, including whether you’re an introvert or extrovert, or who your freckles came from.