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Byrdie / Sabrina Jiang
Whether you’re looking to conceal a bug bite or bruise or simply want to make your skin glimmer and glow, body makeup has you covered (literally). “It’s the perfect way to cover up any type of imperfections,” says Nydia Figueroa, a celebrity makeup artist, who adds that it’s also a great choice for hiding tattoos.
Byrdie Tested & Approved
Our best overall pick is Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, which offers superior coverage, and has a creamy, easily blendable natural finish. For an affordable pick that’s also water- and transfer-resistant, we suggest Black Opal TOTAL COVERAGE Face + Body Concealer.
To apply body makeup, Figueroa suggests gradually building up coverage with layers, first stippling a small amount over the skin with a wedge sponge. If you need a little extra coverage, add another layer, this time tapping it in with a flat foundation or concealer brush, Nydia says.
After consulting experts for their top picks, we spent hours in The Lab testing body makeup. Our product testers had a range of skin tones, textures, and concerns, and evaluated each product on its level of coverage, shade-matching capabilities, finish, feel, water resistance, and transfer (if any).
Ahead, find the results of our tests plus picks for the best body makeup for flawless coverage.
Best Overall
Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation
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Sephora
Amazing coverage
No transfer
Water resistant
Silky skin-fee
Nothing
This product earned perfect ratings in each category, making it stand out from other body makeup options. In particular, our testers noted its amazing coverage, “with no creases or smudges.” They were also impressed with how well it stayed in place, with no transfer and superior water resistance. We love its indulgent feel that sinks into skin gorgeously.
Shade Range: 40 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.6 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
What Our Testers Say
“So SMOOTH! Extremely light. I felt naked, but with makeup on. I honestly loved it.” —Leslie Kelly, Product Tester
Best Budget
BLK/OPL TOTAL COVERAGE Face + Body Concealer
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Amazon
Excellent coverage
No transfer
Water resistant
Affordable
Contains PEGs
Sponge applicator might be hard to dispense
This formula is ultra-pigmented, and our tester remarked that it covered everything thoroughly. She also noted that it was lightweight, leaving a matte finish that felt slightly detectable on her skin. When it came to blending, she found it easy enough, though she added that using a wet sponge helped to ease application. Overall, our tester was a fan, especially considering the product’s affordable price point.
Shade Range: 7 | Finish: Matte | Size: 0.5 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
What Our Testers Say
“Its ultra-pigmented formula covered everything.” —Daniela Galvez, Product Tester
Best Coverage
Estée Lauder Double Wear Maximum Cover Camouflage Foundation For Face and Body SPF 15
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Ulta
Excellent coverage
No transfer
Water-resistant
Long-wear formula
Limited shade range
Slight sticky skin-feel
This product is pretty impressive when it comes to coverage that stays put (read: no transfer and very water resistant). Our testers noted that its thick consistency was easy to blend and felt cushiony on the skin. It would have scored higher, but some of our testers felt that the shades were limited, and they couldn’t find an exact match.
Shade Range: 11 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.11 ounces | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
What Our Testers Say
“The product is on the thicker side, so it's best to apply with a dense brush.” —Daniela Galvez, Product Tester
Best Portable
Dermablend Quick Fix Body Foundation Stick
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Amazon
Long lasting formula
Travel-friendly
Hard to blend
Another top pick from Dermablend, this foundation stick earned rave reviews for its long-wear formula that stays put. Our testers noted that the formula was ultra-pigmented, making it an excellent choice for covering up tattoos. We love the creamy texture, and although some testers noted that blending was a little tricky, overall they felt that its lightweight feel made it worthwhile. This is an especially great option if you’re looking for something portable.
Shade Range: 10 | Finish: Natural | Size: 0.42 | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Best Lightweight
MAC Studio Radiance Face and Body Radiant Sheer Foundation
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Ulta
Breathable coverage
Silky skin-feel
Makes skin glow
Slight transfer
Got greasy when exposed to water
If you’re looking for a radiant glow without shimmer, this product glides on sheer to create a natural veil. Our testers noted that it felt more like a tint than a more opaque body makeup product, so it probably works best for those who want lighter coverage. Those who are looking to cover tattoos, scars, or bruises would be better suited with a heavier, more pigmented pick.
Shade Range: 30 | Finish: Natural | Size: 1.7 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Best for Dark Skin Tones
Fashion Fair Crème to Powder Skin Foundation
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Excellent coverage
Soft finish
Water resistant
Some transfer
This creme to powder product goes on silky-smooth, leaving you with a second-skin finish. Our testers raved about the buildable coverage, although they did say the red undertones made the product a bit more detectable than desired. They also wished the compact were larger and that it had a larger applicator or sponge for greater surface contact.
Shade Range: 14 | Finish: Natural | Size: Size 0.46 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
What Our Testers Say
“Very pleased with the water resistance. Water beaded up on the product as I suspected it would, and did not run in the least.” —Nikki Berryman, Product Tester
Best Splurge
Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminizer
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Sephora
Shimmer blurs imperfections
No transfer
Water resistant
Coverage could be better
This cult favorite provides dewy, glistening coverage, thanks to light-diffusing micro-pearls that impart a high-shine finish. Our testers loved how it maintained its luminosity even when wet, noting that it’s perfect for poolside lounging. Because of its shimmer, it doesn’t offer full coverage, but we think it’s a splurge-worthy feel-good product to elevate your body care routine, especially for special occasions.
Shade Range: 4 | Finish: High-shine | Size: 3 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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Jessica Juliao
Best Feel
Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup Foundation
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Amazon
Creamy texture blends easily
Minimal transfer
Water resistant
Coverage dissipated after blending
The coverage of Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup Foundation is full-on (a little goes a long way, and it’s best to apply it with a makeup sponge), lasting up to 16 hours. Our testers noted how well the product stayed put and observed that transfer only occurred with rough rubbing.
Shade Range: 12 | Finish: Natural | Size: 3.4 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: No
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What Our Testers Say
“It feels really nice. I can run my hands across my arm with ease. It is not greasy, heavy, sticky, or chalky.” —Essey Wilson, Product Tester
Best Shimmer
Lux Unfiltered N°10 Blurring Body Glow
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Lightweight feel
Water-resistant
No transfer
Shimmer effect may be too intense
With a subtle hint of bronze, this ultra-lightweight product adds instant shimmer and sheen from head to toe, giving just enough coverage to blur imperfections and refract light. Note that because this product is a glimmer, it comes in only one shade and isn’t suitable for covering tattoos, birthmarks, or bruises. But if you’re looking for a radiant glow that feels incredible and softens imperfections, our testers think it’s worth an investment.
Shade Range: N/A | Finish: Shimmer | Size: 6.8 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes
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Final Verdict
Our best overall pick is Dior Backstage Face & Body Foundation, which offers creamy pigmented coverage that blends easily and doesn’t budge. Our testers gave it perfect scores across the board. For a more affordable pick, consider Black Opal TOTAL COVERAGE Face + Body Concealer, an affordable formula that is water- and transfer-resistant and provides excellent coverage.
Meet the Expert
Nydia Figueroa is a beauty expert and professional makeup artist in the New York/New Jersey area, and the owner of Faces By Nydia Makeup Studio. Her work has appeared frequently in editorial shoots as well as major fashion shows. She’s a member of VaultBeauty, an app that helps connect makeup artists with clients.
How We Researched and Tested
To compile this list, our team of editors and contributors spent hours testing the best products on the market in this category, evaluating their key features—like ingredients, shade range, or design—in addition to reviews from customers and makeup artists. Our team also incorporated their own experiences testing products in their own lives. We then used these insights from our research and testing to assign a star rating from one to five (five being the best; one being the worst) to certain products on the list.
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Other Options We Tested
Tarte Shape Tape Waterproof Body Makeup
Although the Tarte Shape Tape Waterproof Body Makeup provided excellent coverage and was able to camouflage marks well, our testers noted that it took a long time to dry and transferred easily. In the end, they felt that it was too impractical and would require an additional setting product for them to feel comfortable wearing it out. They also noted that the limited shades made it hard to find an exact match for all skin tones.
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
The TINGE Tint Hydrating Body Tint
The TINGE Tint Hydrating Body Tint provided very good coverage, although our testers noted that they needed to apply a couple of layers to cover tattoos fully. It fell short when it came to transferring and water resistance. Our testers noted that it took a long time to dry and transferred to clothing easily. When exposed to water, the transfer became even worse.
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Byrdie / Tamara Staples
Winky Lux Shimmer Up Face & Body Shimmer Stick
TikTok went nuts for this brand’s concealer, but our testers found the coverage of the Winky Lux Shimmer Up Face & Body Shimmer Stick to be a bit substandard. It transferred easily, and our testers noted that blending it presented some challenges.
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Byrdie / Jessica Juliao
What to Look for in a Body Makeup
Water-Resistant or Waterproof
Even if you won't be sporting the body makeup during a beach or pool day, Figueroa advises looking for these criteria to ensure the product’s staying power.
Shimmer Level
Most body makeups have some shimmer in them, but just how much can vary greatly. So think about whether you want a “J-Lo just back from the beach”-esque glow, or something more subtle and natural.
Shade
While you do have more wiggle room when it comes to finding the perfect match of body makeup than you do for your face, you still want to find a hue that’s pretty close to your natural skin tone to make sure it blends in well. Top tip: If it’s a bit too dark, try sheering it out with some plain body moisturizer.
What Is Byrdie Verified?
Did you notice the Byrdie Verified seal of approval at the top of this story? This seal means that our team has researched and tested every product on this list using a unique methodology that’s designed to focus on what our readers really want to know—and to deliver insights that you can’t find anywhere else. Occasionally, beauty brands and PR agencies will send us samples for coverage consideration, but our thoughts and opinions are fully our own. If you visit links within our content, we may receive commissions from your purchases, but we never receive any compensation or consideration for the content of our recommendations. In short, the Byrdie Verified seal stands for product recommendations you can trust.
Why Trust Byrdie
Jill Di Donato is a Senior Commerce Editor for Byrdie and has over a decade of experience as a beauty editor. She’s contributed to some of the best beauty and lifestyle magazines out there. Jill routinely uses body makeup to conceal tattoos and has personally tested many products included in this roundup.