If you’ve ever tried to haphazardly cover up a hyperpigmentation, age spots, spider veins, or mild stretch marks on your body with regular makeup, you know that the task is a bit futile. The color likely won’t match and the formula doesn’t always blend or adhere to your skin the same way it does to your face. Not to mention, it’s a quick way to run through an entire bottle of your favorite foundation or concealer.
Enter body makeup, which is specifically formulated for skin from the neck down. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about how body foundation is different from face makeup and why it’s having a moment. Plus, we’re sharing pro tips for effortless application. (Spoiler: a good makeup brush makes a world of difference.)
What Is Body Makeup?
Body makeup is a foundation-like product developed for your chest, legs, arms, hands, and feet. Unlike face makeup, the best body makeup formulations are waterproof (or water-resistant) and grip onto your skin so the makeup won’t smudge, budge, or ruin your outfit. A touch of body makeup means confidently rocking your favorite short shorts or dresses without the worry of self-consciousness creeping in.
Why Is Body Makeup Trending?
If you’re tapped into the beauty scene, you might have noticed that makeup for legs and arms is having a moment. It’s not just body makeup enjoying momentum, though. Body care products are becoming increasingly popular. It makes sense when you think about it. Why should we only tend to a mere fraction of our skin when our body’s largest organ covers us literally from head to toe?
What Is the Point of Body Foundation?
Similar to face foundation, waterproof body makeup conceals imperfections for a more even-looking skin tone and texture. Think of it as a weightless, non-bunching alternative to pantyhose.
Arm and leg makeup is something you could wear every day, but it’s also a good option for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, big date nights, or really whenever the mood strikes. Body foundation quickly create an overall smooth-looking skin tone.
Celebration Body Foundation Illumination
Celebrate Your Body With IT!
Heavenly Luxe Body Foundation Brush #28
IT’s Your Skin-Hugging Body Brush!
Which Body Foundation Is Best for Me?
When seeking the best body foundation, there are three key characteristics you’ll want to consider:
Waterproof Formula: Even if you're not planning to wear body makeup on a beach or pool day, a water-resistant or waterproof body foundation helps the product last all day long.
Shimmer Level: Some body foundations are loaded with lots of glitter or shimmer, while others provide more of a full-coverage matte finish. Others fall somewhere in between. We recommend an illuminating body foundation that’s not loaded with sparkles for a natural look.
Color: Looking for the right body foundation shade? Use your normal foundation shade as a guide. If your face is lighter than your body, choose one shade deeper than your normal foundation. If your face is a deeper shade, choose one shade lighter.
Other Ingredients: In the same way you’d choose a skin-loving formula for your face makeup, it’s wise to choose a body foundation that’s made with ingredients that nourish, soothe, and hydrate.
Our go-to body foundation is Celebration Body Foundation Illumination, which delivers the same skin-perfecting coverage you get from IT Cosmetics’ beloved CC Creams and other face foundations.
It goes on smoothly, is waterproof, transfer-resistant, and creates a beautiful natural finish for 24 hours that conceals:
Hyperpigmentation
Scars
Uneven skin tone
Mild stretch marks
Best of all, just like other IT Cosmetics products, it’s formulated with skin health in mind. Squalane moisturizes and hydrates while hydrolyzed collagen supports elasticity for a youthfully smooth appearance.
How Do You Use Body Foundation?
You don’t need to be a professional makeup artist to perfect your body foundation application. All you need is a superior formula in one hand and a game-changing makeup brush in the other.
Step One: Exfoliate (if you want)
If you have a few extra minutes, a gentle exfoliation of your skin in the shower with a body scrub, loofah, or washcloth is recommended. Next, pat dry. Celebration Body Foundation Illumination has a moisturizer built-in, so there’s no need to apply a moisturizer.
Step Two: Dispense Product Onto Brush
Apply a quarter-size amount of Celebration Body Foundation Illumination to the center of the Heavenly Luxe Body Foundation Brush #28. This large, dense, ultra-plush brush pairs perfectly with body foundation for a streak-free, perfectly blended finish. The ergonomic handle also makes application easier, even in hard-to-reach areas.
Step Three: Apply to Skin
Apply the foundation in long, even strokes on larger spots like arms and legs. For smaller areas, use small, circular motions with the top part of the brush. One coat is ideal for the lightest coverage, but apply a second or third if you prefer a full coverage approach. Wait about 30 seconds between each application.
Step Four: Let It Dry
Wait about 10 minutes before dressing so your body foundation can dry completely. Once it’s set, it’ll last for up to 24 hours.
Heading somewhere on vacay? Forget your emails, but don't forget these important travel skincare and makeup tips. And check out our favorite summer beauty trends while you’re at it.
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Celebration Body Foundation Illumination
Celebrate Your Body With IT!
Heavenly Luxe Body Foundation Brush #28
IT’s Your Skin-Hugging Body Brush!
