Body Makeup

For all the beauty-related things I like to think I’m pretty good at, there’s a handful that I’ve yet to master. I can’t resist popping a good pimple, I often forget to reapply sunscreen, and for the life of me, I cannot figure out how to successfully apply self-tanner. I’ve tried them all—the drops, the mists, the mousses, and the lotions. But no matter the formula or how carefully it is applied, I always end up with streaks and patches that take days to fade away.

While I wait for my self-tanner-applying skills to finally kick in, I’ve found a temporary solution that might just be one of my best beauty hacks (if I do say so myself). I humbly present: body bronzers. Is it makeup for your body? Technically yes, but I like to think of it as lotion with juuuuust a tint. I’ve learned that when I’m showing a little leg (hello, summer) or just not feeling my best, a little body bronzer can go a long way. I prefer ones with a slight sheen to reflect light and create an overall slimmer, celebrity-on-the-red-carpet look. The best part? They’re pretty much fool-proof. Unlike self-tanners, body bronzers immediately deposit pigmentation onto the skin, so you can actually see what you’re doing in the moment. They’re totally build-able and come right off in the shower, meaning no more stained white sheets. Find some of my favorites below.

Airbrush Legs Lotion, Sally Hansen; $9.69

This has been in my arsenal since my middle school bat mitzvah days, and I’ve heard the Kardashians are also fans. In terms of coverage, this stuff is hardcore, but you can dilute it with lotion for a more natural look. It doesn’t give much of a glow, but it’s a staple that has truly stood the test of time.

Airbrush Legs Spray, Sally Hansen; $11.79

I’ve found that this spray gives a bit more of a glow than its above counterpart. It’s very quick drying, so you’ve got to blend it out immediately upon application because once it sets, that shit’s not moving until shower hour.

Body Blur HD Skin Finish*, Vita Liberata; $45

The closest thing I can liken this to is a BB cream for your body. It subtly tans and blurs, leaving behind a smooth, glow-y, natural look behind.

TANtalizer Body Bronzing Luminizer*, Lorac; $21

This body bronzer comes out of the tube a weird copper color, but it blends out into a nice glow. It feels a little tacky after applying perhaps due to the tiny flecks of pearl in the formula (they give your body a subtle sheen). Sticky or not, it gives off an amazing, just-left-the-beach glow that’s hard to replicate.

One Night Only Wash Off Face & Body Lotion*, St. Tropez; $18

This no-commitment bronzing lotion lasts up to 24 hours and stays put (no streaks, no running) even when wet. While it’s a bit difficult to apply (be extra careful around the ankles, knees, elbows, etc.), it hydrates skin and creates a golden, natural-looking tan.

One Night Only Finishing Body Gloss*, St. Tropez; $25

I’ve used this both on its own and over a more matte bronzer, and the results are always top notch. The light-weight gloss gives just a touch of bronze with a lasting glow-y effect. Fair warning though, it’s a gloss not a lotion, meaning it takes a while to dry and might feel a little sticky (but the glow is so good).

Supermodel Body Highlighter*, Charlotte Tilbury; $65

Ugh. So expensive but so damn good. This doesn’t add much of a tan but it leaves behind a slight shimmer that slims and sculpts the body to perfection. The metal applicator rolls across the body and is always fairly cold, which helps to de-puff the limbs as it deposits the product.