Raise your hand if you have varicose veins, scars and or age spots? Who doesn’t at our age? We have earned them. The onset of Spring and Summer means, sandals, swimsuits, skirts or even shorts. Whether you’re looking to cover things like hyperpigmentation, scars, tattoos, or just want an uneven skin tone the right body foundation can provide full coverage and create a smooth flawless finish. Let’s take a look at The Best Body Makeup for Women Over 50.
If you have been reading this blog long you know I can be a bit of an over researcher. Why do you need a special product for your legs and arms? Most body makeup formulas provide more moisture than facial foundations. Look for one with multiple shades so you can find just the right tint. You want a transfer-proof formula with at least medium coverage. Do you want a matte finish or something with a bit of luminosity and glimmer? For best results use a setting powder that you can apply with a brush. Consider the shade range if you have a tough to match complexion.
Are you hoping to enjoy the sun and the pool? You might want a blend that has not only transfer resistance, but water resistance and sweat-resistance as well. If you want a little glow look for luminizing ingredients. Products with an spf are also important.
I not only have varicose veins, and age spots, I have third degree burn scars on my right leg. Our of laziness in the past I have just dealt with it. This year I thought I have got to find a good concealer for my legs so I look more respectable in summer clothes.
HOW TO APPLY BODY MAKEUP
For a flawless finish apply in a downward motion. If you need a little extra coverage, add another layer, building up coverage in problem areas. Apply the product carefully to affected areas. We have a tendency to focus only on the areas that need covering but it’s important to apply evenly. For best results dust powder over the applied area to keep the makeup in place and prevent transfer to your clothes. You might find this video from Jane Iredale How to Cover Spider Veins on Legs, or Youtube-How to Cover Veins and Imperfections helpful.
For more information and the editors’ favorites, you might want to read the articles below:
Allure-Best Body Makeup to Cover Almost Anything
Stylecraze Best Leg Makeup Products to Cover Imperfections
People Magazine-Eight Best Body Makeup Products of 2023
In Style Amazon’s Best Selling Body Makeup
Stylecraze Best Leg Makeup Products
If you are looking for a body concealer that suits all skin types and will cover blemishes, bruises, tattoos, stretch marks, birthmarks or uneven skin tone give one of the below a try. I have found both the Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs , and the Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup to be effective. The Dermablend has more of a matte finish, so if you want a little glow or shimmer, you might want to use a powder with luminosity or another product. The Sally Hansen Spray is more difficult to apply in my opinion, but very reasonable. I have ordered the Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector (heavily advertised on Instagram) with great reviews, but did not receive in time for this post. I will update you on that one. The Fenty Beauty is a lighter formula but much loved for it’s luminosity. If your imperfections are minor you might give this one a shot. The Dior is highly rated but pricey and the Blk/Opl is price friendly, very highly rated but suited for darker skin types or tanned skin. The Vita Liberata has light reflecting properties, and is very well respected. Estee Lauder’s Double Wear Maximum Coverage has a matte finish and is waterproof.
SHOP BODY MAKEUP PRODUCTS
I will be anxious to hear if you have tried any of the above products and the pros and cons. We all have different needs and preferences. As always thank you for reading The Best Body Makeup for Women Over 50. You might enjoy my other makeup related post which you can find right here.
Thanks for this post Cindy. Perfect timing too, as I will be wearing a short dress to a wedding this weekend. I usually keep Sally Hanson spray on hand, but it is good to have other options now!
Hi Jackie
Thank god for leg makeup!!
One thing for sure, is exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate before using any of these products for the best even “look” and if not using these products but just a little lotion with some “sun kisses” component also benefits from a good round of exfoliation before use.
Hi Nancy
Good Point! I know you have to with any faux sun products and some of these suggest it as well.
As my legs and ankles are looking more like road maps these days I decided to try a body coverage product for the first time last week. I used the Westmore beauty product and it covers fairly well and leaves kind of a sun kissed look, like a camouflage self tanner with a hint of glow. I have light skin and auburn hair and used the color Natural Radiance for reference. Following the application instructions exactly I have found that it does not transfer to clothing or bedding. I tried wearing it the first time with a white denim skort and absolutely no transfer. The color lasts about three days with showering. The only downside is one cannot use any products with oil for sunscreen/moisturizer over the Westmore product so I bought an oil free moisturizer/sunscreen from Aveeno to apply over my legs and it works well. Thank you for the other product suggestions, I will be trying some of them in the future to compare.
Hi Ginger
I just received my Westmore am very anxious to try!!
Cindy,
I will definitely try one of these. I was always worried they would rub off and then I’d have uneven coloring. Some of your readers’ experience gives me confidence to try one.
As far as “double standards” I do all my makeup, hair, and nails for me. My husband (RIP) would have said to do what made me feel good.
Thanks for the information.
Karen B.
Cindy, what a great topic ! I haven’t used the ones you featured but i normally use Scott Barnes body bling for my legs and Bondi bronzer for my chest and shoulders . Body makeup has come great lengths and some brands will even cover tattoos, I still haven’t found a brand that is 100% transfer free.
Hi Liana
I think you are right…I will report on the Westmore on Sunday!
I have tried Westmore twice for special occasions and loved the way it covered every imperfection on my arms and legs. They looked awesome and I felt very confident. Downside, I found that it transferred to white fabric, bed sheets and towels. It does wash off easily in the shower when you are ready.
Hi Michelle
Did you try a powder with the Westmore?
I have used Dermablend brand on my leg veins for many years with great success. Ultra now carries their line and you can mix and match the colors to get your best match. I also use the product on the sun spots on the backs of my hands and then spray with a makeup setting spray to set the color.
Hi Nanette
I got mine at Ulta. I need to grab a darker color to blend with what I have…it is always such a challenge to find the right colors!!
I have been using the Sally Hansen Air brush leg cream for many years and I think it’s excellent. I apply it very quickly as it dries quickly. I have scars and veins on both my legs and lots of ugly spider veins on my ankles and feet. Ugh. This cream really does a nice job of camouflaging them. I have never had it rub off, and i have to use soap and washcloth to remove it. I have been using it for over 5 years and I have been very happy with it.
Hi Kelly
I want to try the Sally Hansen but no one seems to have it around here. I have no idea what color so I can’t order it!
How timely. My 5 year old granddaughter and I were in her backyard on a hot day last week. I was wearing shorts that hit my knee when standing, but I was sitting. She stared at my thigh and asked, “Grandma, what is that tattoo?” NOT a tattoo , of course.
After I gave an explanation,, she went on to peer into my mouth and asked, “What is that black hole in your tooth?”When I told her that it was not a hole, but it was where the dentist filled my cavity years ago. She looked at me and said, “Grandma, you need to take better care of your teeth.”
She is a hoot, and all I can do is laugh!
Hi Susan
That sounds like something Summer would say! Out of the mouths of babes!!
Am seventy-five and I have been using Dermablend Professional D loose setting powder and Dermablend cover cream for almost year now to cover spots, veins and whatever else nature has thrown at me. I am so pale you almost don’t see me coming so I had to look at many different over creams, jells, etc. to find a good match. So far, the Dermablend works best for me. And unless I shower it stays on about 15 or so hours even in this deep South Texas humidity. I ordered it from Amazon because at that time, I could not find a better, quicker and returnable source. I also now have thinning hair. Well, of course. I use a little powder, also available on-line, on my scalp from Joan Rivers BEAUTY. Yes, that Joan Rivers. It’s called Great Hair Day Fill-In Powder with Procapil. It’s a matte transfer-proof powder. It comes in a compact with a small mirror and nice brush you use to apply the powder. It comes in many colors and is easy to use.
My legs have pretty bad varicose veins which are very obvious on my fair skin. The best thing I have found to mitigate the discoloration is self tanners – there are some very good, fast-acting ones out there now. But, mostly, I just wear maxi skirts!
I swear by Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Spray. As I am pale and don’t tan, I use the lightest shade which gives me a nice look. It covers up various small scars and imperfections. It does not rub off at all; in fact, I have to scrub it off with a facecloth in the shower. I apply it standing in the bathtub so I can clean up any overspray easily.
Hi Cynthia
I have got to try it…great suggestion about applying it…brilliant!
Boy, do I ever need it! My age spots on my legs are competing with each other to see which one gets bigger and uglier. I wish they would unite so it would look like I had a tan on my legs. In any case, I did try body makeup on them once, but it didn’t work because it was hot and it came off on a restaurant’s chair. Not to worry, I ran out of there. Have a great week, Cindy.
Cindy I have used the Dermablend brand along with the setting powder and found it completely unsatisfactory. I have had it rub off any time you cross your legs, especially if you have on capri length pants and your exposed leg touches the fabric. I have ordered the Westmore brand from Amazon and have had great results.
Hi Mary Ann
Great to hear! I am anxious to see how it works for me!!
Cindy – I have never tried any of it. I was worried it would make my legs a completely different color than the rest of me and I have really bad varicose veins on one leg that I didn’t think anything would cover. Maybe I should reconsider…
Hi Gray
There are so many options now. Go in and test them! I do not have access to all of them because we don’t have any department stores here. We do have Sephora, Ulta etc. It takes some trial and error but I bet you can find one you like!
My first response to this is to instantly recoil in horror. My second response is to say I’ll try one or two once my husband agrees to do the same. My third and final response is a polite no thank you! Why do women subject themselves to this impossible double standard??
Hi Bette
I think some readers are interested in these products and some are not. I personally never tried one until this year. Since nylons went out the window years ago, some of us are interested in looking the best we can bare legged. Many of us don’t need or want these products. I applaud anyone that doesn’t. I just try to offer options for everyone and this happens to be a product that I have had many requests to cover.
Good Morning and thank you for the article! OMG, I love to wear dresses and shorts when the weather is warm, however my legs have gotten increasingly worse with scars and spots and varicose veins. I just ordered the Fenty Beauty with great hopes.
In the past I have relied on a daily mix of self tanner with lotion and pro aging oil and long walks in the sun for presentable legs. This year onward to leg makeup.
Cheers to sunny days and feeling pretty in the skin we are now in!
Hi Dianne
As I said I have one horribly scarred leg that I have dealt with all my life and now I have the other leg with varicose veins! These products have come a long way!!