Body Makeup Is My Beauty Editor Secret to Even, Flawless Skin
Not to brag, but my skin looks perfect.
For years, after I learned what body makeup was, I thought it was reserved for red carpets and fancy events. But as someone who is chronically clumsy, bruises, scars, and random discoloration are just the norm for me. Then one day, I unearthed a five-year-expired bottle of Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs in my mom's bathroom cabinet and gave it a spray—in all its oxidized glory. It was far from perfect, but it was a revelation for me; there was something there. Since then, both the body makeup category and I have grown up. Today's formulas are nothing like the thick, orange, cakey products of the past. The best ones blur and even tone while still letting skin look like skin.
Body makeup isn't about erasing what's there. For me, it works the same way a great under-eye concealer or brow gel does—it just makes everything feel a little more pulled together. A bruise that hasn't faded or a mosquito bite that refuses to heal? A hint of bronze to even things out and give a little glow.
The modern formulas wash off easily, wear beautifully, and let me choose how much coverage I actually want. Some days, that's nothing. Other days, it's a soft-focus finish on my legs or a little blurring on my shoulders before I put on my sleeveless top. It might sound like an extra step, but it's actually a surprisingly quick and easy solution that's made me feel more confident in a lot of everyday moments. Below, the body makeup categories I actually rely on a weekly basis.
One Hit Wonders
My skin doesn't need full coverage on the daily. These formulas even out tone and smooth the look of my skin without masking it. I use these on my arms, décolletage, legs, stomach, wherever, when I want everything to glow and look smooth as hell. I'm talking nights out, dinner dates, a big meeting—the works. These are the body equivalents of a skin tint.
This is my fail-safe formulation that I reach for first when I want to make my legs look flawless. It's my go-to for events.
I've loved this lotion from the second it came out. It has a gorgeous smell and still lets my skin peek through a bit. It's blurring and luminous—truly a supermodel leg effect.
Heavy-Duty Camouflage
These are the products I reach for when something really needs covering: bruises, scars, my tattoo I regret to this day, etc. Think of these like a concealer: the formulas are opaque, long-wearing, and meant to stay put through heat, movement, and a full day out.
My clumsy self bumps into things way too often, and when there are a few bruises on my legs I want instantly concealed, Westmore Beauty does the job.
This baby is the concealing body makeup to reach for when you don't want to see a trace of anything you're trying to cover—I'm talking tattoos, scars, and bright discoloration instantly disappears.
Bronzed Legs Only
This category exists in my collection for one reason: making my legs look like they've seen the sun (without the damage, of course). As much as I love self-tanner, it can be a commitment; it may smell; sometimes it doesn't fade all that nicely; and in most cases, I just don't have the time. This body makeup adds warmth and color that reads super natural and washes easily off the skin at night. They also smell lovely.
Want bronzed, glowing, just-back-from-Ibiza legs? Pick Dolce Glow's Mia up for instant radiance.
This is my must-have for days when I forgot to self-tan, when I'm heading to vacation, or when it's time to break out my shorts and skirts as the weather warms after a long, pale winter. One quick application, and it looks like I just got a spray tan.
Spray-On Skin
Think of these like the OG, Sally Hansen—and yes, she still exists in a better formulation!—they can be applied in a matter of seconds and are ideal for large areas like the legs. They're super lightweight and the fastest way to fake a finished look.
This isn't that oxidized, orange formula I talked about earlier. The Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs of today is the quickest, easiest solution for smooth, even legs.
A recent discovery of mine, the aptly named Stocking Spray from Starskin gives legs an immediate blurred effect.
Blend Like Butter
The difference between body makeup looking believable and, well, not can oftentimes be the tool. I use a dense buffing brush with enough real estate to blend makeup quickly into large areas of my body.
I have yet to find a better body makeup brush than Westmore Beauty's. It's giant for a quick blend in, and the dense head diffuses the body makeup beautifully.
Want a cheaper option with a million five-star reviews? Opt for this body kabuki that's available via Amazon Prime.
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