Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (2024)

Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (1)

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Skin imperfections like stretch marks, dark spots, and body acne don’t discriminate. The reality is that our face isn’t the only place where our skin can use some smoothing out, and thanks to leg makeup, we’re able to achieve flawless-looking skin all over. You might be surprised to learn that face makeup can be applied to your entire body, including those luscious legs of yours. But if your legs have a lot of blemishes to cover, it’s better to put your favorite compact down and invest in leg makeup that's dedicated to full-body coverage.

The Best Leg Makeup Products

    There are numerous products on the market that will claim to give your legs a glistening glow, but we sifted through them all to find only the very best leg makeup products for your coverage needs. Each item was vetted for its application method, finish, coverage level, shades available, price, and average star rating to ensure they’re all worth owning.

    We also spoke to celebrity makeup artists Jamie Greenberg and Jamie Dorman to teach us how to properly apply leg makeup like a pro. They shared their vital tips for the best streak-free and even finish possible (and their favorite leg makeup product), so find the one that's best for you and learn how to apply it below.

    Ready for smooth, flawless-looking legs? Here are the most impressive leg makeup products worth owning.

    1

    Best Overall

    Leg and Body Makeup

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (8)

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (9)Smudge and transfer-resistant
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (10)All-day hydration
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (11)SPF 25
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (12)Formulated without phthalates
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (13)Won't 100% coverup tattoos

    Key Specs

    • Rating: 4-star average from nearly 8,630 Amazon reviews
    • Dermatologist-tested: No
    • Fragrance-free: Yes
    • Colors available: 12
    • Non-comedogenic: No

    Lightweight, buildable, and blendable with the hands or a brush, this Dermablend leg makeup is the clear winner for your body makeup routine. Not only does it boast an impressive average star rating on Amazon, but we love that it’s available in 12 shades, so you can find a match that best suits your skin tone. Most importantly, it’s the only leg makeup on our list that contains broad-spectrum SPF 25, so you get some sun protection with your makeup too.

    One Florida-based reviewer was thrilled that it conceals her varicose veins, allowing her to wear shorts again. She also used it during a vacation in Colorado and found when she dusted on a light layer of setting powder, it helped lock in her leg makeup. Another Amazon reviewer with a large back scar relies on this product to help camouflage their skin discoloration with ease.

    Other Amazon reviewers praise its staying power without powder — “Even after a shower this stuff will stay on your skin unless you use a makeup remover. I had pretty low expectations because my veins are very large and dark but I was blown away by the results,” adds another 5-star review.

    More: Bikini Line Products to Treat Ingrown Hairs and Razor Bumps

    2

    Touch-Free Application

    Airbrush Legs

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (14)

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (15)

    Now 38% Off

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (16)Mess-free
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (17)Brighteners skin with palmaria extract
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (18)Aerosol can

    Key Specs

    • Rating: 4.3-star average from nearly 850 Amazon reviews
    • Dermatologist-tested: No
    • Fragrance-free: No
    • Colors available: 6
    • Non-comedogenic: No

    For a no-touch application that goes on smoothly and evenly, Amazon reviewers love Sally Hansen's iconic Airbrush Legs spray. Just shake the bottle, spritz the nozzle, and watch it evenly apply leg makeup over your entire body.

    One self-proclaimed makeup-challanged Amazon reviewer has used this leg makeup for years because they can achieve an airbrushed look on a budget. According to their review, it’s the only product they can rely on to evenly apply color all over their skin. Just remember that this isn’t a gradual self-tanning leg makeup product — reviewers say you'll get medium coverage off the bat, and can easily up build to fuller coverage as necessary.

    Another Amazon reviewer gave this product a 5-star rating because they’ve been using it for years, but cautions that the leg makeup is harder to remove. They say it comes off on towels and bed sheets if they don’t thoroughly scrub it away during their shower.

    (Our tip: Before you hop in the shower, use makeup wipes on your legs to help remove the leg makeup.)

    It's also available in several shades, from Fairest Glow to Deep Glow, and it can even be layered to achieve your ideal color while concealing any imperfections.

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    3

    Adds Glow and Moisture

    Sublime Glow Daily Moisturizer

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (19)

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (20)Ultra-hydrating formula
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (21)Gradual touch of color
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (22)Non-splotchy
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (23)Low stock

    Key Specs

    • Rating: 4.5-star average from more than 3,640 Amazon reviews
    • Dermatologist-tested: No
    • Fragrance-free: No
    • Colors available: 6
    • Non-comedogenic: No

    This skin tone enhancer from L’Oréal Paris hydrates as it tints. It gives the perfect amount of color to disguise any discolorations in your skin, while skin-softening ingredients like almond oil, mango butter, and vitamin E knock out any dryness. And since it is infused with micropearls, Sublime Glow also brightens dull skin and leaves behind a stunning luminous finish to your legs.

    Amazon reviewers agree that this leg makeup provides light coverage, and warms up their complexion in the most natural way possible. It’s so fantastic that one reviewer has been purchasing this item for years. To quote their five-star review: “I love this one and I have it on auto-delivery because I use it every week. The scent is pretty nice going on, but it has a light smell after it’s done processing, which easily washes off in the shower and does not transfer to clothes.”

    Other reviewers note it dries quickly, so you can pop on your white linen outfit within a few minutes. Plus, thousands of reviewers find it fades gently over a few days before they want to reapply a fresh coat of leg makeup.

    4

    Safe for Face

    Hollywood Gleam Body Radiance

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (24)

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (25)Smells like vanilla
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (26)Blurs discolorations and small varicose veins
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (27)Sells out fast

    Key Specs

    • Rating: 4.5-star average from more than 3,640 Amazon reviews
    • Dermatologist-tested: No
    • Fragrance-free: No
    • Colors available: 6
    • Non-comedogenic: Yes

    Melanie Mills' answer to leg makeup can be used on your entire body and face to up your glam factor. Reviewers say it provides a beautiful radiance and sheen like your favorite Hollywood star in addition to covering any discoloration.

    It acts as an all-over glow enhancer and is formulated with nourishing ingredients like jojoba oil and glycerin that are also safe to use on your face. It also gives skin a velvet feel with a shimmering look and is perfect for a special occasion.

    Sure, you can achieve buildable coverage, but what reviewers love most is that they can mix shades to customize a unique color. Notably, the lighter shades don’t look ashy on darker skin tones and deeper colors look warm and natural on lighter skin tones.

    “The bronze gold is my personal favorite, it just gives my skin the glow it needs from head to toe. I highly recommend this product to anyone who wants sexy skin in an instant,” says one 5-star review.

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    5

    Sheer + Radiant Coverage

    Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (28)

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (29)Extensive shade options
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (30)8-hour wear
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (31)Won't coverup tattoos

    Key Specs

    • Rating: 4.5-star average from more than 3,640 Amazon reviews
    • Dermatologist-tested: Yes
    • Fragrance-free: No
    • Colors available: 30
    • Non-comedogenic: No

    Greenberg is obsessed with this MAC foundation. This wonderful little bottle holds a sheer, buildable finish with just a touch of radiance to make you look dewy (not greasy) from head to toe.

    Reviewers love that this pick also comes in a whopping 30 shades to choose from, so you’ll always be able to pick out your match for your skin tone instantly! “I usually have a very hard time color matching but I have to say this I am in love with this foundation. It sets beautifully on the skin, not too much transfer after applying, and it dries nicely,” says one 5-star review.

    Going poolside? No worries, because this foundation is waterproof and lasts up to 8 hours without smudging, fading, or streaking. Its formula also doesn’t cause acne, and it’s even great for sensitive skin types to enjoy. “I have problematic skin that is prone to breakouts, so I have a lot of imperfections I want to hide. I still love this foundation because I prefer a light, natural foundation that perfects the skin and evens the tone,” adds another reviewer.

    6

    Buildable Coverage

    Body Coverage Perfector

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (32)

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (33)Transfer-resistant, sweat-resistant, and waterproof
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (34)Full coverage
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (35)Long drying time

    Dorman and reviewers are in love with this buildable option, and we think you'll adore it, too. While it does take 10 minutes per layer to dry, he says it's worth sparing the extra time for how good its buildable medium coverage is — think your skin, but better. It offers a soft sheen and can hide just about anything you want to cover: Varicose veins, bruises, scars, age spots, and even tattoos!

    The biggest tip reviewers agree on is that your skin must be dry of all oils and lotions — adhering to this guidance will ensure your leg makeup stays on for days. “This stuff is amazing. Not only does it cover the scars, it looks natural,” says one 51-year-old Amazon reviewer.

    Also, it's the only leg makeup featured on our list that comes with a brush, so you don't have to drench your hands in body foundation. If you're comfortable using your hands to apply Westmore Beauty's leg makeup or already have a makeup brush you can't stop using then you can order just the leg makeup directly through Amazon.

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    7

    Best Shade Range

    BACKSTAGE Face & Body Foundation

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (36)

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (37)Natural, medium finish
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (38)Works for all skin types
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (39)Pricey

    Key Specs

    • Rating: 4.4-star average from nearly 3,770 Sephora reviews
    • Dermatologist-tested: No, but tested by Dior makeup artists
    • Fragrance-free: Yes
    • Colors available: 40
    • Non-comedogenic: Yes

    When it comes to shade range, this classic leg makeup can't be beaten. Its light-to-full buildable coverage comes in a whopping 40 shades to choose from, so selecting the right color for your skin tone is easier than ever.

    “As I was applying this foundation when it arrived, my boyfriend’s jaw hit the floor, his exact words were ‘it’s your skin in a bottle’ and I could have cried. It is so lightweight and had a beautiful finish,” says one 5-star Sephora review.

    But that's not the only reason why this body-face foundation hybrid is one of our beauty editor's favorites. It's waterproof and sweat-resistant, and its formula doesn't streak or fade for hours on end. But, most importantly, you can own something Dior for less than $50 — does it get any better than that?

    8

    Best Body Makeup Brush

    Real Techniques Face + Body Blender

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (40)

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (41)Easy to clean
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (42)100% cruelty-free and vegan materials
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (43)Too large for the face

    Key Specs

    • Rating: 4.6-star average from more than 560 Amazon reviews
    • Bristles: 100% synthetic
    • Most compatible: Liquid, cream, and powder products

    If you'd rather opt for the feel of a plush and effective brush, then say hello to your new beauty BFF. The Face + Body Blender has soft yet dense domed bristles that blend and buff for even coverage no matter where you're using it.

    Amazon reviewers say it covers a large area thanks to its size, and it can be used to apply leg makeup or even tanning lotion without the mess.

    One reviewer rotates among mist, mouse, gel, and lotion self-tanners, and says their at-home self-tanning game is legit so much better since using this leg makeup brush. To quote their 5-star review, “It gave the most beautiful blend ever and the tan looks more natural and made such a huge difference. I’ll never go back to mitt only application ever again!” They add it’s especially great for detail work and crevices like around the ears, along the neck, jawline, wrists, knees, and elbows.

    Also, there’s a practical reason why this brush is so adorably compact: The brand decided to create a handleless body brush for a more controlled blending experience. “I should have bought this brush a long time ago. It’s comfortable to hold and easy to blend,” adds another 5-star review.

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    9

    Best Setting Powder

    Loose Setting Powder

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (44)

    Pros
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (45)Non-comedogenic
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (46)Vegan formula
    Cons
    • Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (47)Low stock outside of Amazon

    Key Specs

    • Rating: 4.4-star average from more than 10,570 Amazon reviews
    • Dermatologist-tested: Yes
    • Fragrance-free: Yes
    • Colors available: 3
    • Non-comedogenic: Yes

    As with your face, a setting powder can do wonders for your leg makeup (think oil control, a no-budge hold, and tacking on a few more hours to the longevity of your makeup). For results that truly last during a long day of strutting, grab this iconic setting powder from Dermablend.

    And don't let its ghostly white shade fool you: Amazon reviewers say this setting powder blends perfectly transparent on skin, no matter your skin tone. Several reviewers with deeper complexions note it helps keep their oily skin matte and they don’t experience flashbacks whenever they use this leg makeup.

    “I already knew that Dermablend was high-quality makeup, but didn't really expect the powder to be as good as it is,” says one reviewer with a deep skin tone. “I can safely say this is the best translucent powder I've used and will continue to use from this point forward.”

    Here's the most impressive part: This setting powder makes your makeup look freshly applied for a full 16 hours. To quote one 5-star review, “It effectively reduces shine all day, does not settle into creases, or melt away. It is almost like putting on a translucent mask. I have gotten multiple compliments on my skin since I started using it.”

    How to Apply Leg Makeup

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (48)

    Applying makeup to your face is one thing, but leg makeup is a whole other makeup skill to master. And trust us, when applying leg makeup products, you don't want to do a messy job. So we spoke to Greenberg and Dorman to teach us how to properly apply leg makeup like a pro. They shared a few vital tips for the best streak-free and even finish possible.

    Step 1: Get Those Legs Clean

    Before you apply anything, both makeup artists agree that clean, shaven legs are the ideal canvas for any leg makeup product you decide to use.

    “It’s important to make sure you shave or exfoliate your legs if you’re applying leg/body makeup,” says Greenberg. “The less texture you have on your legs, the better the makeup will look as it’s best when applied to a smooth surface.”

    Remember, the smoother the skin, the better your results will be. “Any slick surface will cause the makeup to rub off regardless of how the makeup product dries down,” says Dorman.

    Step 2: Find the Right Applicator

    In order to create a streak-free and even finish on your legs, Greenberg says application is key to make your gams look as best as possible. “There are two ways I like to apply foundation on the legs,” she says.

    1. “The first method is messy — just take a big buffing brush and slowly apply it all over the legs. You can also just use your hands and blend with the brush.” We recommend using a brush that's made for body makeup — like our beauty editor's pick, the ANISA Beauty Pinnacle Body Brush — if you'd rather keep your hands clean.
    2. The second method is opting for a spray-on formula, like the Younique TOUCH Spray Foundation, which creates a seamless finish with absolute ease. “It’s so easy to apply on legs as it’s an aerosol spray foundation with a fine mist that provides an airbrushed look that’s full-coverage and flawless,” Greenberg says.

    As with any new beauty product, make sure you try patch-testing it on a small area of your skin to make sure the product is right for you.

    Step 3: Figure Out How Much Coverage You Want

    Are you a full-coverage person, or do you like having just a touch of complexion products on? Keeping coverage in mind is essential for creating the look you’d like to achieve.

    If you just want a sheer, dewy finish, then a light-to-medium coverage product is definitely for you, whereas people who want an opaque finish should grab medium-to-full coverage body makeup. If you’re not sure, then a buildable coverage product should be in your future.

    Step 4: Always Make Sure It Dries Completely

    When choosing leg makeup, you want to make sure the product completely dries. “This often makes for a flat and matte appearance, which is what you want,” Dorman says. To make the skin look more dimensional, Dorman suggests trying to find a product that contains a slight shimmer or sheen.

    Step 5: Make Sure It Holds Up!

    Let's be real — when we put makeup on our legs, we want it to last long. On top of patch-testing (which, as we said, is extremely important), read the labels to make sure you're picking the right product for you, which means taking the following under consideration: coverage, finish (radiant or matte), how long the label says it lasts, and how it holds up against sweat and water. Thankfully, most formulas on the market are sweat- and waterproof and have buildable coverage for customizable results.

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (49)

    Nicole Saunders

    Beauty Editor

    Nicole Saunders is the beauty editor at Best Products with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing lifestyle content. She specializes in breaking down complicated topics, like high-frequency wands and microcurrent devices, into easy-to-understand guides. Saunders takes great pride in heavily researching and testing featured beauty products, — such as hairdryers and foundations — on our site, and spotlights her all-time seasonal favorites in her quarterly column Best New Beauty. And she tests quite literally thousands of launches for our Best New Beauty Awards package. You can follow her on Instagram to stay in the loop on her product testing adventues.

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (50)

    Jennifer Hussein

    Beauty Editor

    Jennifer is the former beauty editor for BestProducts.com, where she’s testing out everything from the latest lip gloss to the craziest skincare trend sweeping the online beauty-verse. Her work has been featured in Allure, Byrdie, HelloGiggles, and more. When she’s not swatching eyeshadow all over her arms, you can find the NYC-based editor scouring for hours on end for vintage finds, eating pad thai, and hanging out with her cat, Chunks.

    Our Favorite Leg Makeup Product Offers Sun Protection, Too (2024)

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