Body Makeup 101- Everything You Need to Know
Some people associate the phrase "body makeup" with oddly painted abs and glitter smeared on every inch of exposed skin. Safe to say, neither association is particularly elegant. So you might be surprised to learn that practically every celebrity on the red carpet wears body makeup—and has for years.
Even though most makeup lovers know what goes into a full-face application, body makeup is still uncharted territory for many. While it can be challenging to master, our guide will help you learn about body makeup and get a flawless application from head to toe.
What Is Body Makeup?
In the simplest terms, body makeup is any cosmetic item that you wear on your arms, legs, chest, or feet—basically anywhere besides your face. Think foundations that give you an even complexion from head to toe or highlighters that make your collarbone or shoulders glow.
The good news is—you don’t necessarily need to buy separate makeup products to use on your body. The ones you use on your face can be quite enough. Here, let us be your guide on how to use face makeup items on the rest of your gorgeous self.
Face Makeup Products You Can Use For Your Body
Make your already beautiful self even more attractive by using your favorite face makeup products for body. Ladies, get ready for a fun ride!
#1 Foundation—Say Goodbye to Pasty Legs, Uneven Pigmentation, and Tan Lines
Oh, the torture of wearing full-sleeved clothes to hide pigmentations and uneven tan lines! The good news is that you will soon be able to put these undesirable problems behind you.
You can conceal imperfections on your limbs with foundation, just as you do on your face. It makes your skin look even and flawless, no matter if you're showing off your legs in a skirt or hiding a skin ailment like a sunburn or pigmentation.
It may sound intimidating, but body foundation is actually very easy to apply. Make sure your skin is properly exfoliated and moisturized before applying makeup. After applying the foundation, blend it into your skin with your hands or with a large brush. Apply generous amounts of setting powder, let it sit for two minutes, then brush the excess off.
#2 Concealer—Target Those Pesky Body Blemishes
A concealer has a much larger role to play than hiding acne and brightening droopy eyes. It can help cover everything from stretch marks to varicose veins to scars to bruises. The birthmark you despise wholeheartedly can disappear with a few quick dabs, or you can erase that regretful tattoo—yes, we’re talking about your ex’s name—you inked in a drunken stupor.
Are you a clumsy klutz who constantly collides with furniture and gets bruises? Apply concealer over it. Got a hickey you want to hide from your parents? A concealer can save the day. A multipurpose product, indeed.
Apply the product with a brush or sponge rather than your fingers to ensure even coverage. Make sure the edges of the product are blended until you cannot tell where the product ends and your skin begins.
#3 Contour—Make Your Collar Area, Arms, Legs, and Tummy Look More Toned
When it comes to toning your body, push-ups, sit-ups, and healthy, low-calorie foods are hard to beat. Contouring, however, can give you the appearance of a slimmer, more toned body instantly—and without putting in so many hours at the gym.
- To tone the arms, apply a line just underneath the biceps and a smaller line on top of the triceps.
- Apply along the sides of the torso for trimmer abs.
- To slim your thighs, apply along the outside.
- Swipe along your calf muscles for toned legs.
DIY Tip: If you don’t have a contour stick handy, your favorite bronzer or a darker shade of concealer will do the trick.
#4 Tinted Moisturizer—Brighten up Dark Patches
Embarrassed by the dark patches on your knees and elbows? Rather than wearing long pants throughout the year, you can choose a tinted moisturizer. They moisturize your skin while providing sheer coverage. Additionally, it conceals minor imperfections and evens out skin tone without weighing down the skin.
Apply the moisturizer directly to the area you wish to cover with your fingertips or a brush. Blend into surrounding skin by feathering outwards. If you need more coverage, wait until it dries before applying additional layers.
Remember, it is important to choose a shade that matches the tone of your skin, or else your joints will look patchy and out of place.
#5 Highlighter—Give Your Neck and Décolletage a Youthful Glow
Don't let your neck reveal your age. Applying a highlighter on strategic high points of your body is the easiest way to illuminate your skin and give it a youthful sheen.
As you would apply a highlighter to your face, apply it to your shoulder blades, collarbone, cleavage, and other high points of your body.
#6 Lipstick—Hide the Scars and Discolored Skin
Although concealers can fade scars and stretch marks, they cannot eliminate them. That's where your trusty lipstick comes in. Even though applying orange or purple lipstick to your skin may seem counterintuitive, it actually works! For instance, using purple lipstick neutralizes yellow undertones and brightens skin, while red lipstick can conceal dark spots and blemishes.
Using the right colored lipstick, swipe three to four times vertically across the area. Use a beauty blender to blend the color and let it dry for a minute. Cover the lipstick color with concealer and blend using a brush until it is completely hidden.
The Bottom Line
Using makeup on your face can enhance your skin, make your cheekbones look higher, and give you a dewy glow where none exists—so why not do the same on your body? This article discusses how to do just that.
Follow the tips above, and you’ll be able to use your face beauty products for body make up like a pro. Don’t forget to share the results with us in the comment section below.
