Body coverage listicle

WOMENS INSIDER - 2026

I Tried 7 Different Body Makeups. Only 1 Actually worked.

The first time I wore body makeup was to a friend's wedding. I used it on my arms to cover some scarring. It transferred all over the groomsman's jacket. I was mortified. I still am.

Since then, I've spent a stupid amount of money trying to find one that actually works. I tried all of the brands you’ve already heard of and finally a body coverage perfector everyone’s talking about.

Six failures. One winner. This was the difference:

By Karen Turner

Last Updated March 28. 2026

Note: Read this BEFORE you spend money on body makeup

1. It’s designed specifically for your body

Every body makeup I'd tried uses the same formula designed for your face, just put in a bigger bottle.

Face makeup is made for skin that barely touches anything. Your body is constantly touching clothes, furniture, people.

The one that worked best was formulated specifically for body skin. And honestly, it made everything else make sense, they were never going to work.

👉 See what's actually different

2. It covers what you actually need it to

Usually my spider veins and dark patches would still show through after two layers.

With this, I covered everything in a single layer. Smooth, even, like a real life airbrush filter. I wore a sleeveless dress to a BBQ last weekend and a friend asked if I'd been on holiday.

👉 Find your shade

3. Real transfer resistant

6 of the 7 brands I tried left marks on my car seats, my sheets and my clothes.

Then someone explained why. The problem with that face makeup formula is it sits on your skin like coloured cling film. Anything touches it, the colour transfers.

Smdge uses their Direct Bond formula. It works more like moisturiser that's soaked in, once it's absorbed, nothing sits on top to rub off.

👉 Try it risk-free

Body coverage you forget you're wearing

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I was skeptical too. But with free shipping and a 30-day guarantee, there's nothing to lose.

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4. Quick & mess free application

Exfoliating, waiting for my skin to dry, buffing with a towel, then waiting another 20 minutes before I could get dressed. Most of the time I'd just give up and reach for the stockings or long sleeves.

Smdge's body coverage perfector rubbed on like moisturiser and waited a few minutes. Honestly, I think this is what celebrities have been using. No wonder their skin always looks like it has a filter on it.

👉 See how it works

"It soaks in and you genuinely can't feel it. No sticky residue, no heavy layer, nothing. Spider veins, sun damage, you genuinely can't see them."
— Gemma R., 38

5. 7 Natural looking shades

Most shade ranges give you "light" or "medium." I'd check in bathroom lighting, think it looked fine, then step outside and want to cry.

It matched straight away. Not orange, not ashy. Just my skin, evened out.

👉 Find your match

Rated 4.8/5 based on 2,500+ reviews

Hear from women who made the switch

They were dealing with the same struggles

"My legs looked almost airbrushed, like a filter but in real life. My friend asked if I'd had a spray tan. I've got spider veins and sun damage on both legs and you genuinely can't see them. The finish is natural, not cakey or shimmery. So this is what celebrities have been using. I get it now."

Sarah R. - verified buyer

"I'll be honest, I was really sceptical. I've tried a few body makeups and they all ended up on my car seats, my sheets, basically everything except my legs. I only gave this a go because a friend wouldn't stop going on about it. It actually doesn't transfer. Like, genuinely. I'm shocked."

Jessica T. - verified buyer

"I'm in my late 50s with scars, veins, and freckles from a life well lived. They virtually disappeared. My daughter said 'mum, your legs look lovely.' I even feel a little healthier with a spark in my step. I've received so many compliments. This has changed everything."

Kirsty H. - verified buyer