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Not to be dramatic, but discovering body makeup this summer has kind of changed my life… or, at the very least, saved me a couple of hours and probably $500 in what I would have otherwise spent on professional spray tans. A few summers ago, I developed a spray tan habit my bank account simply couldn’t support. By the beginning of this summer, a relapse felt imminent until, in a rare act of financial benevolence, TikTok put body concealer on my radar.
Body makeup is exactly what it sounds like: long-wearing, transfer-resistant concealers and foundations designed to cover more surface area than their facial counterparts, including the legs, chest, arms, and anywhere else you’d like a little extra coverage. Unlike sunless self-tanners, however, these imperfection-blurring formulas wash right off at the end of the day and are generally much easier to apply. And while adding some color is certainly an off-label use, bronzing isn’t necessarily the primary goal. The best body makeup can blur the appearance of veins, bruises, redness, cellulite, scars, and uneven skin tone in minutes.
In fact, that’s precisely why I’ve always loved a good spray tan. Beyond making me look slightly less translucent, a fresh faux glow can subtly camouflage veins, bruises, cellulite, and flushing (I often get anxiety-induced rashes on my neck and chest, and having a veil of pigment over those areas makes me feel less self-conscious about it).
Unfortunately, I don’t always have four hours to marinate in a self-tanning formula while it develops, crossing my fingers that I won’t emerge with a streaky, tangerine-hued finish. I also don’t particularly enjoy smelling like a musty, burnt biscuit for the next few days. That distinctive yet elusive self-tanner scent is largely due to dihydroxyacetone (DHA), the active ingredient that reacts with the skin to produce a temporary pigment.
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Body makeup gives me much of the same instant-blurring effect, minus the development time, lingering scent, and the risk of an accidental Oompa Loompa situation. Best of all, if I mess it up or decide I’ve gone a little too heavy-handed, I can wash it off and start over, which isn’t the case with sunless tanners.
It’s safe to say that body makeup has single-handedly become my favorite beauty discovery of the summer—and I’ll be keeping it in my rotation long after the season ends. That said, not all formulas are created equal. Some body concealers offer a sheer wash of color for a natural, tinted-moisturizer-like effect, while others deliver enough coverage to camouflage everything from bruises and veins to tattoos and birthmarks. Some are waterproof and sweat-resistant (meaning they’re far less likely to stain your sheets or, perhaps more importantly, your favorite slip dress), while others are a bit less... forgiving when faced with heat, humidity, and everyday friction.
Over the last few months, I’ve tried more than a dozen body makeup formulas, putting them to the test through sweaty summer days, nights out, and plenty of white clothing to see which ones actually stay put (RIP to my favorite white T-shirt). I judged each formula based on coverage, blendability, finish, transfer resistance, longevity, and, of course, whether it actually looked like skin rather than a layer of foundation painted onto my limbs. From barely-there skin tints to full-coverage formulas that can make a tattoo magically disappear, these are the best body makeup products I’ve tried.
Amazon
$49
Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector Waterproof Leg & Body Makeup
I first tried Westmore Beauty’s TikTok-viral Body Perfector during somewhat of an emergency. About an hour before an event, I decided to change my look from a maxi to a mini dress—and my nails, aside from being very pale, were also covered in bruises from a recent hike that took many unexpected turns. I figured it was now or never to try the cult-favorite formula, and I can confidently say it lives up to the hype. The waterproof formula doesn’t budge until you absolutely want it to, and it leaves a second-skin, luminous finish. It comes in an impressive number of shades and doesn't look overly warm nor too neutral.
Vita Liberata’s body blur delivers serious staying power with a subtle sheen that looks second-skin—but with a slightly shimmery veil. The luminating body makeup blends into the skin like a dream without streaking or pilling when layered. It’s creamy (slightly thicker than Westmore Beauty’s) but still sheers out as it's worked into the skin. The pigmented formula is also designed to reflect the light for a youthful, sunkissed glow. It’s available in three shades.
One of the original body makeup formulas on the market, Sally Hansen’s affordable Airbrush Legs Body Makeup (especially the spray-on version) is a solid bang-for-your-buck option. It’s very easy to apply (especially to hard-to-reach areas) and delivers even color. Compared to the other pricier formulas I've tried, this one transferred just a bit onto white bedsheets, but I still consider it a standout choice if you're in a pinch, don’t have a brush, or are only wearing it for a few hours for an event. It’s available in six shades.
In the tube, this lightweight, hydrating body cream looks extra sparkly—but once it’s applied to the skin, it gives a lit-from-within wash of color, blurring the appearance of discoloration, freckles, and veins without fully opaque coverage. Not only does it smell good, but it also dries down within minutes to a velvet-matte finish that stays put and is transfer-proof all day long. Think of the Mia formula as more of a tinted, bronzing moisturizer than a full coverage foundation.
Tinge Waterproof and Transfer Resistant Body Makeup
Available in 12 shades, this ultra-pigmented body makeup is the one to go to for some serious coverage. From darker veins to tattoos, a little bit goes a long way with this body concealer. Still, despite its buildable-to-full coverage, the formula feels remarkably weightless on the skin—and doesn't emphasize dry patches, texture, or transfer onto your furniture, sheets, and clothing. Thanks to its superb blendability, this foundation takes a bit longer to dry (about ten minutes).
Infused with a blend of skin-loving ingredients, including vitamin C and squalane, this nourishing body tint delivers a dreamy golden-hour glow within minutes. Compared to the other matte or luminous finishes, this formula is the most sparkle-forward, recreating the effect of the sun on the skin. The illuminating formula gives the skin buildable color while blurring the appearance of cellulite, discoloration, and redness. It’s available in one universally flattering hue and an unscented version.
Formulated for high coverage that conceals stretch marks, scars, and varicose veins, this hydrating, skincare-powered body makeup is ready to go—no exfoliation or prep required. The one-shade formula is enriched with vitamin C for brightening and texture, hyaluronic acid to hydrate, and shea butter to soften, so it perfects the skin instantly while delivering long-term benefits.
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