When a hashtag crosses over 41.5 million views on TikTok, the legitimate landscape for trendsetting in beauty, you know it’s here to make some noise. We’re talking about #bodymakeup, a trend that has everyone hooked to it, especially ever since Kim Kardashian announced the launch of her beauty line’s body foundation. Across her Barbie Tour looks, Margot Robbie also sported body makeup to go with her pretty outfits. However, body makeup isn’t a trend of today — minimal to maximal variations of body makeup have been traditionally implemented in fields of cinema, art and theatre to achieve a certain look/fit into the visual aspect of a character.
Today, body makeup is becoming more mainstream than ever before; body shimmers, glow-enhancing body oils, self-tanning oils, lotions and mousses and body foundation are widely available to deck up your arms and legs as well. On days when you decide to slip into your LBD or a sparkling bodycon, which entails a considerable amount of skin show, body makeup can play a catalyst in elevating your head-to-toe look. Having said that, there’s no denying that body makeup can be supremely messy besides seeming like a tedious task. Transfer of product on your clothes is a no-go. Ahead, we list some useful tips and hacks to wear body makeup like experts.
1. Put on your dress first
The premier and most simple way to minimise body foundation transfer is to wear your dress or outfit first, and apply makeup later, on areas that are exposed.
2. Use body makeup, specifically
You may think that the foundation you use on your face would work just as well on your arms and legs, however, makeup artists don’t approve of that. Using body foundations, specially made for the body, is one way to fail-proof the body makeup application, for it is formulated to set and dry quicker than usual foundations. Cop a huge buffing brush or body brush that is contoured to reach all the curves and corners of your arms, legs and wherever else you wish to apply the product. Stick to one motion of movement; either move the brush from top to bottom, or upwards for a stroke-free, uniform application.
3. Contour, if you seek definition
If you want to cheat your way to sculpted and chiselled calves, arms and midriff, trust a cream bronzer or contour stick to do the job. However, make sure to run a colour check — the shade you use for your face may or may not work for your body. It’s important to note that applying and blending the contour strategically is key.
4. Go big on setting
You simply can’t skip setting the body foundation or any other cream product that you apply. This is not just to prevent transfer but also to promote the longevity of the body makeup. Use a trusted setting powder and dust it liberally and copiously on areas where you’ve applied any product. Alternatively, if you’ve opted for a glowy look, go big on setting sprays to lock in the look. Before you head out, dab a finger and make sure there’s no product transfer whatsoever.
5. Shimmer your way
Body shimmers are everywhere — they make for a simple yet impactful way to boost the glamour quotient of your look. If you’re not well-versed with loose shimmer application, you can opt for shimmer-infused body oils and body butters that deliver a softer version of the blinding glow, sans the effort. On the other hand, if OTT body makeup is your thing, make sure to apply a tacky base for the loose shimmer to stick to, and stay in place.
6. Don’t miss skin prep
Prepping the skin of your body is just as important as prepping that of your face, should you plan on wearing body makeup. Going in with body foundation directly can lead to streaky, uneven application, and could result in a textured look. To avoid that, exfoliate your skin with a body scrub, apply loads of body lotion or body butter and then go in with any form of body makeup.
