All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Freckle pens have made it possible for anyone who wasn’t born with freckles to sport the natural sun-kissed look. The versatile makeup trend has been around for years, with celebrities like Hailey Bieber incorporating it into both her minimalist and bold looks. Selena Gomez, meantime, donned fake freckles in her music video for 2017 single “Fetish.”

The natural aesthetic has continued to garner a large following on social media with countless beauty influencers on TikTok providing tutorials on how to achieve the most realistic-looking fake freckles. Makeup brands have also dropped tools ranging from freckle pens to stamp applicators so you can ditch using mascara or an eyebrow pen to apply the beauty trend.

Below, Billboard Shopping breaks down how to use a freckle pen including how to create realistic freckles and the best freckle pens to stock up on.

What Is a Good Freckle Pen?

A good freckle pen will have a soft, lightweight tip to help you effortlessly apply fake freckles to your face. You’ll want to make sure the shade is complimentary to your skin tone to create realistic freckles, as the hue could show up too dark or not at all. If you like wearing powder foundation and concealer, the best freckle pens will be buildable, allowing you to layer the formula over your makeup.

How Do You Get Realistic Freckles?

The key to making realistic freckles, according to most TikTok beauty creators, is to take the freckle pen and apply the brush randomly onto your face for the most natural look. Then, use your finger or a beauty blender to lightly blend and spread the formula around your face. Apply another layer to different spots and areas around your face and repeat the process until you get your desired look. Make sure to put freckles in spots that the sun would hit the most and avoid staying in one section or area of your face, as TikToker @peytonliveslife suggests in a tutorial video.

What Are the Best Freckle Pens?

We’ve rounded up some of the best freckle pens that you can buy online, based on our own experience testing them and on top user reviews.

pink lime crime freckle pen

EDITOR’S PICK

Lime Crime Freckle Pen

This freckle pen has been loved by Amazon reviewers for its fine tip and color options, including a bold magenta for anyone looking to add some color to their makeup looks. You can apply it onto your bare skin or over foundation thanks to its buildable formula, and shoppers boast that it “lasts all day even without setting spray.” The ingredients are also 100% vegan and cruelty-free.


black tube freckle pen

TIKTOK PICK

Freck Beauty The Original Freckle Pen

TikTok can’t get enough of Freck Beauty’s freckle pen with @peytonliveslife using the makeup tool within the review. You need to shake it before using, but once applied, it boasts a waterproof and long-lasting formula that’s cruelty-free, gluten-free and oil-free. TikTokers are especially obsessed with how it turns out, praising its ability to provide a realistic look.

“It’s very, very warm, but once you dab it out it looks so, so natural,” TikToker @cakedbybabyk said in a review video about the freckle pen.


white freckle pen

BUILDABLE PICK

ColourPop Freckle Pen

Even after applying a full face of makeup, this freckle pen will still be able to give you a natural look using its staying formula and felt-tip pen. It comes in a soft brown shade recommended for fair to medium skin tones and comes out with “subtle marks,” according to reviewers (of course, you can always make them darker by applying more color). For those with freckles, one reviewer likes using the pen post-makeup routine, saying “these help me enhance them after makeup.”


white and brown spotted freckle pen

BUDGET-FRIENDLY PICK

HandAiyan Freckle Pen (2-Pack)

Amazon’s under $10 freckle pen is ideal for those who want to try out the trend with a quality formula that’s affordable. You’ll receive two pens in either light brown and natural coffee, or chestnut and dark brown. Both come with a soft felt tip for a simple yet comfortable application. In addition to being a best-selling on Amazon, reviewers note that the shades appear soft, which means you don’t need to spread the freckles out with your fingers.


three freckle pens in varying brown shades

FIBER BRUSH PICK

Tarte Freckle Pen

Tarte’s Freckle Pen has a larger shade range, with three options to choose from: light, medium and dark brown to match to your skin tone. What makes it unique from the rest is its flexible fiber brush tip that you can use to splatter across your face or gently tap. The formula is made with vegan ingredients and is waterproof for a more long-lasting look.


white tub with freckle stamp

STAMP PICK

Maykoo Freckle Stamp

If using a brush sounds too advanced for you, consider trying out a freckle stamp like this one by Maykoo. Instead of using a brush to randomly spot your face, you’ll dip the stamp into the tub, making sure the applicator is completely covered. Then, lightly press it onto a section of your face. Blend it and then repeat until you get the look you want.

Amazon reviewers love its easy application and design, praising “how the stamper has different size points on it” and that the result “makes full coverage makeup seem more realistic.”


brown freckle pen tube

SKIN-SOOTHING PICK

Jason Wu The Freckled Boy Freckle Pen

What sets Jason Wu’s freckle pen apart from the rest is how it infuses rosewater into its formula to help soothe skin with every application. It comes in a light brown shade, which is suitable for most skin tones, and has reviewers raving over how it’s “perfect for summer time.”

To apply: “lightly tap the fine point tip wherever you want faux freckles and dab off any excess. Reviewers also say “the pigment is on point [and] blends beautifully with makeup.”


For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best refillable lipsticks, makeup tools for beginners and press-on nails.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Jennifer Lopez is proving Y2K style remains supreme in one of her most recent streetwear outfits, which put the popular Mini Platform Uggs on display. After releasing the movie This Is Me Now: A Love Story to coincide with her latest album release, the “Jenny From the Block” singer took some time to hit the gym before her upcoming tour in a cozy yet chic outfit featuring the Ugg boots, a matching athleisure set and accessorized with a Hermès Birkin bag.

J. Lo is among the celebrities who are part of Ugg fan club, especially for this style, as she’s also been spotted wearing the exact Uggs boots with a pair of overalls while out and about with her husband Ben Affleck.

Jennifer Lopez
Jennifer Lopez is seen on March 07, 2024 in Los Angeles.

In the past, Uggs were considered controversial for their deemed “ugly” style, but the “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” singer has proven that the shoe brand isn’t just relevant, but a fashion must-have.

Social media users have been clamoring to get their hands on their own pair of the Mini Platform Uggs and while many sites are sold out, Billboard Shopping has found a few options to buy platform Uggs online.

Where to Buy Jennifer Lopez's Platform Mini Ugg Boots: Sizing, Stretch

Ugg Mini Platform Boot

The Ugg Mini Platform is ready to elevate your outfits in height and trendiness with its quality suede material and overlock stitch detailing that can pair with jeans or sweatpants. Your feet with be praising the fluffy interior that’s soft and heat-insulating to keep you comfortable during colder days.


Do Platform Uggs Run Big?

Amazon reviewers have noted that the platform Uggs do run big and suggest sizing down for a more snug fit. For those who bought their normal size instead of a smaller fit, reviewers claim you can wear them with thick socks and be comfortable.

Do Platform Uggs Stretch Out?

If the shoes feel a bit snug at first, some reviewers have noted that the Ugg Mini Platforms will expand with time. One verified Amazon reviewer even noted “After doing lots of research, these will stretch out so although they’re tight at first, give it a bit and they will stretch out.” Hey, if it’s good enough for J. Lo, it’s good enough for us.

For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Ugg slipper dupes, platform boots and knee-high boots.

Ariana Grande has a message for fans who are attacking anyone on the internet after listening to the pop star’s new album Eternal Sunshine.

“i just wanted to say anyone that is sending hateful messages to the people in my life based on your interpretation of this album is not supporting me and is absolutely doing the polar opposite of what i would ever encourage (and is also entirely misinterpreting the intention behind the music)… i ask that you please do not. it is not how to support me. it is the opposite,” she wrote in an Instagram Story posted Saturday afternoon (March 9).

“although this album captures a lot of painful moments, it also is woven together with a through line of deep, sincere love,” Grande said. “if you cannot hear that, please listen more closely.”

“thank you! i love you!!!!!!!’ she added in a second slide.

Grande’s introspective new album — exploring relationships and personal growth — comes after her love life dominated headlines in 2023, when Grande separated from Dalton Gomez after two years of marriage and started a new relationship with Wicked co-star Ethan Slater.

Eternal Sunshine arrived on Friday. It’s the singer’s seventh full-length album, and her first since chart-topper Positions, which spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart in 2020.

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On Saturday, Eternal Sunshine set a record as the most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far.

Grande will perform as the musical guest on the Josh Brolin-hosted episode SNL Saturday night.

See Grande’s message on her Instagram Stories.

Ariana Grande is reflecting on her new “We Can’t Be Friends (Wait For Your Love)” music video.

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On Saturday (March 9), the 30-year-old pop superstar took to social media to share a heartfelt message about her loving homage to the 2004 Jim Carrey sci-fi romance that inspired her new album title, Eternal Sunshine.

“Thank you for creating such a safe space, for holding my hand, and for thoughtfully bringing this entire album to life with this one video. Though we will make many more, this video is the album to me,” Grande wrote on Instagram alongside a teaser of the visual, giving a shout-out to co-star Evan Peters and director Christian Breslauer. “A tremendous thank you to the incredible crew who made this what it is.”

Grande followed her note with a long list of the crew members involved in the creation of the video.

Breslauer, who also directed the singer and actress’ “Yes, And?” video, shared his gratitude in the comments section. “Thank you for writing from the heart, leading the way and trusting me with something so precious,” the director wrote.

The midtempo track is the second single from Eternal Sunshine, following the January Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping hit “Yes, And?” In celebration of the album’s release, Grande will perform on Saturday Night Live this weekend as the Josh Brolin-hosted episode’s musical guest.

Eternal Sunshine, which arrived Friday (March 8), is already setting is already setting records. Spotify announced through social media on Saturday that the project is the company’s most-streamed album in a single day in 2024 so far.

Check out Grande’s “We Can’t Be Friends” post on Instagram below.

All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.

Housewives in survival mode. Denise Richards, Nene Leakes, Kym Johnson Herjavec, and Melyssa Ford play a group of friends stranded after a plane crash in Hunting Housewives premiering on Lifetime on Saturday (March 9).

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The women jet out to what they think will be a “spa retreat weekend” until their plane crashes and they end up stranded in the middle of nowhere. According to the film description, the housewives use “their wits and whatever is in their designer bags to try to survive in the rugged wilds. When they realize they are not alone, even frenemies must align to outwit their hunters.”

Read on for ways to stream movies on Lifetime without cable.

How to Stream Hunting Housewives Without Cable

Hunting Housewives premieres on Saturday, March 9 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Lifetime and streaming on the Lifetime App. You can watch Lifetime and other cable channels on streaming platforms like Philo, Sling TV, DirecTV and Frndly TV (use ExpressVPN to stream internationally).

On a budget? Philo is $25/month for 70+ channels, making it one of the most affordable streaming services for live television (and there’s a free trial for a week). Lifetime, LMN, Food Network, ID, BET, A&E, HGTV, MTV, VH1, A&E, TLC, WEtv and other channels are available on Philo.

$25/month after 7-day free trial

get PHILO

You might not be as familiar with Frndly, but it’s another budget-friendly streamer that offers 40+ channels including Lifetime, LMN, A&E, History Channel and Hallmark Channel. Plans start at only $6.99/month after a seven-day free trial.

DirecTV lets you stream Lifetime, HGTV, ID Bravo, Food Network, ESPN, ABC, NBC, Fox, CBS and over 75 other channels for less than for $69.99/month.

$69.99/month

get directv

Shopping for a deal? Sling TV is 50% off for the first month. Streaming plans start at $20-$30 for the first month. To watch Lifetime, you’ll need to subscribe to Sling Blue.

from $20/month $40/month 50% off

get sling tv

Need more ways to stream? You can watch Hunting Housewives and other Lifetime movies with Hulu+ Live TV, or Prime Video to stream on-demand.

Watch the trailer for Hunting Housewives below.

Drake making songs with up-and-coming artists is a story as old as time. The “Drake Effect” is a real thing and has been studied by music scholars across the globe. Usually it works in the artist’s favor, like when he linked up with the Migos on the “Versace (Remix).” The song went crazy on the charts and their careers took off. But then there are times when the song performs well, yet it doesn’t translate to longevity like with BlocBoy JB and “Look Alive.” Now it’s newcomer 4Batz’s turn.

Earlier this week, social media went abuzz when the Canadian superstar teased a remix of 4Batz’s “date @ 8” on his Instagram Story. Then the mysterious R&B singer with an affinity for shiesties posted this video on his X account:

Not gonna lie, this video had me hype. I couldn’t really make out what the song actually sounded like, but they all seemed pretty excited, so I was expecting a certified banger that Flex could drop bombs on. When the Dallas-based singer appeared out of thin air with “act i: stickerz ’99′” back in the fall of 2023 (the first upload of “act i” on YouTube was on Sept. 16, 2023), a Drake collaboration felt like a no-brainer. Some have compared 4Batz to a thugged out Brent Faiyaz or Weeknd. I’ve seen others say he makes R&B music for stick up kids. And I, too, think he makes love songs for the thugs. You know, the ones that also happen to be real lovers. The thugs with big hearts, kind of like Method Man on “All I Need”.

That’s why everyone saw the Drake stimmy coming from a mile away. He is the Certified Lover Boy, after all. Ultimately, though? I was a bit disappointed. Other than some fans on X complaining that the song wasn’t available in the U.S., this didn’t take over my timeline. Usually when Drake remixes a newcomer’s popular song, everything stops for a moment. However, last night most of X was still high on the Boston Celtics and Denver Nuggets game because on Thursday nights, my sports and music worlds collide on social media. The “act ii: date @ 8 (remix)” didn’t stop all of us in our tracks. I actually didn’t even think to listen to it until 12:30am. My timeline usually explodes around midnight when some heat drops. That was a telling sign for me. So once I finally checked it out, I was let down.

The remix as we know it has changed. There was once a time when a remix meant a different beat and new verses. Nowadays, we get a verse tacked on to the original song. The aforementioned Method Man and Mary J. Blige song is actually the remix to the original album version in which MJB doesn’t make a appearance. No one remembers the OG version. The same can be said about Craig Mack’s “Flava In Ya Ear (Remix)” where the beat was the same, but Craig Mack added a new verse to go alongside verses from Biggie, Rampage, LL Cool J, and Busta Rhymes.

This track has some of those features, but they aren’t significant enough to make a big deal about. Drake’s contribution, while good in terms of sound and bars, feels stitched on like bad patchwork. We don’t even get a new verse from 4Batz. This feels like two different songs and is essentially a home game for the Canadian rapper in that it doesn’t challenge him. It’s almost too on the nose. Drake does go into his real yearner bag, though, and delivers a good verse. “A thousand on your f—kin’ hair/Two hunnid on your f—kin’ nails,” he croons, essentially reminding 4Batz that he’s dealing with cats in different tax brackets now. It would’ve been cool if 4Batz added a verse to 40’s breakdown. These two collaborating on, say, “act iv” would’ve hit much harder, hopefully they’ll work together in the near future. I must admit, though, Drake’s addition sounds great on some good speakers, streets just needed 4Batz to go in too. That would’ve knocked this remix out of the park because these two are a match made in Thug Matrimony.

Shouts to the real lovers, the real yearners, the real tricksters, though. I’m calling it now, Thug Love is making a comeback this summer. Somebody get Ja Rule and Bobby Brown on the phone.

The ultimate team-up arrived on Friday (March 8), when BLACKPINK’s Jennie and Brockhampton’s Matt Champion came together to release a brand new collaboration, titled “Slow Motion.”

“If I could stop time for real/ Would make it any easier for me to love you?/ ‘Cause you know I’m shy for you still/ So bad that it kills/ And I can’t help but feel/ Like we’re moving in slow motion,” they sing on the atmospheric track’s chorus.

The new song comes a little over a year after Brockhampton released their final album, The Family, and the subsequent “parting gift”, TM. Champion took on the role of EP to finish TM after the group started the album during a two week trip to Ojai, Calif., in 2021, but never fully completed it.

Jennie, meanwhile, announced in December that she is launching a new label and company called OA. “Hi, this is Jennie. This year was filled with many accomplishments, and I’m so thankful for all the love I’ve received,” the K-pop singer wrote on her Instagram Story. “I’m also about what’s to come, as I start my solo journey in 2024 with a company that I have established called OA. Please show lots of love for my new start with OA and of course BLACKPINK. Thank you.”

In addition to releasing long-awaited solo music in 2023, she also made her acting debut in the HBO drama series The Idol and was named an honorary Member of the Order of the British Empire. 

Listen to “Slow Motion” below.

(WMG) revealed its interest in acquiring the French music company.

Believe shares rose 2.5% to 15.88 euros ($17.38) after WMG announced its interest in the owner of distributor TuneCore, publishing administrator Sentric and such record labels as Naïve and Groove Attack. Last week, Believe announced it had interest from an unnamed party, which caused the share price to exceed the 15 euro ($16.52) per share offer from a consortium led by CEO Denis Ladegaillerie and investment funds EQT and TCV. After the potential suitor was given a name, Believe’s share price rose even more. WMG, which hasn’t made an official offer, said it would pay “at least” 17 euros ($18.60) per share. WMG shares fell 4.4% to $33.93 this week. 

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With Believe trading at 15.88 euros ($17.38), investors don’t appear convinced that WMG will make an offer at 17.00 euros. Not only would WMG need to pass regulatory scrutiny, the Ladegaillerie consortium has a head start and appears to be moving quickly to close the deal. Last week, the consortium said it waived the board’s condition that an independent expert weigh in on its offer’s fairness to shareholders. WMG’s announcement singled out the maneuver, stating that “WMG considers that such a waiver violates a number of rules of French securities regulations which are meant to protect shareholders (including the sellers and their investors) and the Company, and that the validity of such waiver could be challenged.” 

Sphere Entertainment Co. shares rose 10.1% this week to $48.77, adding $127 million to the company’s market capitalization and bringing its year-to-date gain to 43.5%. Three of four live music companies posted gains in an otherwise muted week for music stocks: German promoter CTS Eventim gained 2.2% to 75.10 euros ($82.19), while on Thursday (Mar. 7), Live Nation shares surpassed $100 for the first time since May 2, 2022. The concert giant finished the week up 2.7% to $99.75. 

The 20-company Billboard Global Music Index fell 0.9% to 1,700.37 this week as half the stocks were gainers, nine were losers and one was unchanged. Streaming stocks had an average gain of 4.2% thanks to an 18.4% improvement by music streamer LiveOne. Abu Dhabi-based streaming company Anghami rose 3.2%. The bigger streaming companies lost ground, however. Spotify fell 1.6% to $259.40, a rare stumble for a stock that has gained 38.1% year to date. Deezer shares dropped 0.4% to 2.24 euros ($2.45).

K-pop stocks were down across the board this week. JYP Entertainment, home to Twice and Stray Kids, fell 8.0%. SM Entertainment, home to aespa and Girls’ Generation, dropped 6.5%. HYBE sank 2.3% and YG Entertainment, the company behind BLACKPINK, slipped 1%. The four companies have an average year-to-date loss of 22.7%. HYBE’s 16.7% decline in 2024 is the best of the group. Elsewhere, JYP Entertainment shares have fallen 33.1% and SM Entertainment and YG Entertainment dropped 20.6% and 20.4%, respectively. 

Stocks were mixed globally. In the United States, the Nasdaq composite dropped 1.2% to 16,085.94 and the S&P 500 declined 0.3% to 5,123.69. U.S. stocks reached new records on Thursday following comments by Federal Reserve chief Jerome Powell that indicated the central bank will ease interest rates. “If the economy evolves broadly as expected, it will likely be appropriate to begin dialing back policy restraint at some point this year,” Powell told the House Committee on Financial Services on Wednesday (Mar. 6).

Stocks ended the week on a down note after Friday’s U.S. jobs report offered mixed messages to investors. Total confirmed payroll rose by 275,000 in February, but at the same time, the unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points to 3.9% and wages rose just 0.1% in February — not necessarily welcome indicators, but perhaps signs that the Federal Reserve can move ahead with future rate cuts without fearing the economy will overheat. 

In the United Kingdom, the FTSE 100 fell 0.3% to 7,659.74. South Korea’s KOSPI composite index rose 1.4% to 2,680.35. China’s Shanghai Stock Exchange index improved 0.6% to 3,046.02. 

King Princess appreciates the culture of pop divas.

The “1950” singer (real name Mikaela Straus) was a guest on a recent episode of the Queer the Music podcast, where they opened up about accidentally meeting Christina Aguilera in the studio.

“I love when a pop girl is mean,” Straus said, before explaining that they were working on music with their friend Teo in Mark Ronson’s studio when Xtina accidentally walked in. “She saw us and was like, ‘Oh,’ and she walked out and I was like, ‘Oh my God, that was Christina Aguilera,’” they recalled

Straus and Teo then got up to leave, as it was time for Aguilera’s studio session with Ronson. However, the producer went on to introduce the duo to the “Genie in a Bottle” star. “Mark said, ‘Did you meet Mikaela and Teo?’ And [Aguilera] goes, ‘Yeah, I saw the children.’ That meant a lot to me,” Straus said with a laugh.

On Friday (March 8), Aguilera celebrated International Women’s Day with a powerful message on Instagram. “In 2024, we face challenges we never could have imagined. But in the face of adversity, we must stand stronger and fight harder. I look towards a hopeful future where my daughter’s voice will not just be heard, but truly valued and respected. Let’s continue to uplift and empower the women around us, on International Women’s Day and every day,” she wrote alongside black-and-white photos of herself leaning against a balcony ledge.

Watch King Princess break down the moment with Christina Aguilera below.

@queerthemusic

On this weeks episode, @kingprincess talks about sassy popstars! Find out more of the behind the scenes drama on ‘Queer The Music’ wherever you get your podcasts. LGBTQPlus QueerTheMusic Podcast Music lgbtqhistory

♬ original sound – Queer the Music – Queer the Music

Savannah James presents Tems with the Breakthrough Award at Billboard’s Women In Music 2024.

Savannah James:
Hi, everybody! You know, my mom always instilled a certain level of confidence and self assurance in me. I feel like that energy is just vibrating all around this room as we’ve had the opportunity to hear from these women who are constantly bringing their a game in such beautiful ways like Tems, the 2024 Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough award honoree.

In just a few short years since releasing her first EP “For Broken Ears,” this Nigerian singer/songwriter and record producer has captured the attention of fans all over the world. She earned her first Grammy with the Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 hit “Wait For U.” Personal favorite. Her collaboration with Future & Drake. She was nominated for a Golden Globe, an Oscar and a Grammy for co-writing Rihanna’s “Lift Me Up” for the ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ soundtrack. But beyond the awards and the collaborations with everyone from Justin Bieber to Beyonce, it all comes back to that voice, rich, resignate, undeniable. Pair that with her effortless confidence, style and flow and you’ve got someone who’s gonna be here for a really long time. Congratulations to Tems on being honored with the Billboard Women in Music Breakthrough award.

Watch the full video above!