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To begin applying body makeup to your legs, start by preparing the skin: exfoliate, shave, cleanse, and moisturize for a smooth base.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockWhile many are familiar with using concealers and foundation to hide facial imperfections, few think about extending makeup to other areas, such as the legs. With over 20% of Americans dealing with varicose veins and countless others hiding scars or freckles, body makeup offers a solution to confidently reveal your skin.
Instead of resorting to long pants year-round, consider body makeup—a denser alternative to facial foundation designed for areas like arms, stomach, back, and legs. Unlike traditional face makeup, body makeup caters to both men and women, effectively concealing veins, scars, bruises, cuts, and even tattoos.
Discover the detailed steps for applying body makeup to your legs on the upcoming pages.
5: Prime the Surface
Preparing your legs for body makeup starts with skin prep. Unlike facial makeup, where moisturizer precedes foundation, leg makeup requires a more thorough routine. Exfoliation, shaving, cleansing, and moisturizing are crucial for achieving a flawless base. (Men may opt out of shaving.)
To effectively conceal raised imperfections like scars or veins, applying a gel or cream primer post-moisturizer can smooth the skin and enhance coverage.
While the process mirrors facial makeup application, body makeup demands specialized brushes and tools. Explore more about these essential tools in the next section.
4: Have the Necessary Tools
Applying body makeup to your legs requires the correct tools, much like facial makeup. Avoid using your fingers, as they can introduce oils and alter the makeup's texture, making blending more difficult.
Opt for a latex sponge to blend the makeup seamlessly into your skin, ensuring a natural match with your skin tone. A collection of quality brushes is also essential for precise concealer application. Use smaller brushes for minor blemishes to target specific areas, while larger brushes are ideal for covering extensive scars. Conclude the process with a powder puff to set everything with translucent powder.
Always clean your tools thoroughly after each use to avoid bacterial buildup, which can lead to acne and skin irritation.
Veins contain valves that facilitate blood flow to the heart. In individuals with varicose veins, these valves often fail, causing blood to pool and veins to enlarge. Known triggers include pregnancy and prolonged standing, though the exact cause of valve malfunction often remains unclear.
3: Apply Makeup
Facial skin is significantly thinner compared to the skin on your legs, which is why body makeup is formulated to be thicker than face makeup. For optimal coverage and flawless-looking legs, choosing the right product is essential. While some brands offer multipurpose makeup for both body and face, these may not provide the same level of coverage needed for legs as a dedicated body makeup would.
Once your skin is prepped and primed, it's time to apply the makeup. Most body makeup comes in a cream form, similar to facial foundation. Alternatively, some brands offer airbrush body makeup, which can be sprayed on for even application.
If the cream or spray doesn’t deliver the desired coverage, follow up with a concealer applied using a brush. Match the brush size and concealer amount to the area you’re covering. Focus the concealer on the imperfection and blend outward for a seamless finish.
2: Finish with Powder
After applying body makeup, lock it in place with a layer of loose powder.
iStockphoto/ThinkstockSimilar to facial makeup, finishing with powder is essential for setting body makeup. While it may feel unusual to powder your legs, it ensures your efforts in concealing imperfections last longer. Powder also helps blend the makeup seamlessly with your skin tone. Choose a powder shade that matches your foundation and skin tone. If your arms are tanned, a slightly darker powder on your legs can work, but avoid going darker than your arm tone.
Beyond setting your makeup, powder also safeguards your clothing by preventing smudging and potential stains on your pants or skirt. More details on this are coming up.
1: Leave Time to Dry
Allow the makeup to fully dry before dressing to avoid staining your clothes and ensure it adheres properly to your legs. Dressing prematurely could undo your efforts, particularly if you’ve used concealer to cover prominent scars or veins.
For a more lasting solution than body makeup, explore over-the-counter creams designed to minimize scar visibility. Alternatively, laser scar removal offers a surgical option for those seeking more dramatic results.
