DIY beauty trends can be tempting, but sometimes, they go horribly wrong. Just ask Australian TikToker and former Big Brother star, Tilly Whitfield, who found herself in a world of regret after attempting to tattoo fake freckles on her face. What started as an innocent attempt to embrace a viral trend quickly turned into a painful, expensive ordeal.
Tilly, who boasts over 180,000 followers on TikTok, decided to jump on the freckle tattoo trend using a sewing needle and some brown tattoo ink she’d purchased online. The idea? Temporary, sun-kissed freckles that would fade after six months. The reality? Angry, red burns across her cheeks that sent her down a $10,700 rabbit hole of treatments and recovery.
@tillywhitfeld #lasertattooremoval #freckles #freckletattoo ♬ Material Girl – Madonna
In a candid video, Tilly shared her traumatic experience and her efforts to reverse the damage. “I tried so many things to get rid of the scars,” she said. “In the end, a Q-switch laser worked best for me, along with lightening cream—yes, it was actually anal bleach—and lots of jojoba oil to heal my skin.”
While Tilly eventually managed to restore her complexion, her journey wasn’t without its challenges. From battling scarring to enduring criticism online, she’s been through it all. “The main response has been that I’m stupid,” she admitted, “and honestly, I agree.”
The comments on her video were a mix of concern and tough love. One person wrote, “I’m a cosmetic tattooist, and you need to have this procedure done by a professional. It makes a world of difference.” Tilly couldn’t agree more, replying, “AGREED.”
Despite the backlash, Tilly chose to share her story as a cautionary tale. She’s received countless messages from others who’ve experienced similar issues, and she hopes her ordeal will save others from making the same mistake.
So, what’s the lesson here? If you’re thinking about hopping on a beauty trend, especially one involving needles and ink, leave it to the professionals—or better yet, maybe skip it altogether. DIY freckle tattoos might seem like a fun idea, but as Tilly’s story proves, they can leave you with more than just regrets.
Would you ever try a risky beauty trend like this? Share your thoughts—and this article—with your friends!
