Freckles and foundation

[WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes]

I generally only wear eye make up and lipstick, but do sometimes think that I would like a daily wear something for my skin. The problem is I have a lot of freckles over my cheekbones (more freckle than skin) and anything light coverage seems to just make my face look dirty because of them.

I have in the past worn foundation with good coverage for special occasions, but for day to day I want to look natural but even out the skin tone (I have quite a lot of variation in skin tone as well as the freckles). I don't mind the freckles showing through, but don't want them looking a dirty grey. Oh and I'm 47 with some crows feet.

Does anyone have any miracle products that might work? I live a long way from anywhere with decent make-up counters (Boots, Superdrug, Clinique, Clarins, Benefit locally) but I do get to House of Fraser occasionally. I hate trying stuff on in Boots etc, very hard to get a good feel for what suits from the smudgy testers and bad lighting.

Do you mean it makes a difference compared to not using a brush at all (eg sponge, fingers) or that these brushes are superior to other brushes Carpaccio? I use a brush, no idea what make it is, but it won't have been expensive.

Update - finally got to House of Fraser at the weekend and have come away with Laura Mercier tinted moisturiser and loose translucent powder. I had been umming and aahhing over all my other various samples and the consultant put this on for me and I just went "wow", it was the best by far. Immaculate skin tone plus freckles still showing. Thank you all for your suggestions.