What does body foundation do – and how do you use it? Different from face foundation, this make-up covers up everything from scars to veins – Margot Robbie and Paris Jackson even used it to hide tattoos

May 15 , 2024

Paris Jackson turned up seemingly tatt-free at the Grammys in February – thanks to a miraculous body foundation job. Photo: FilmMagic

‘Make-up’ might call to mind lipstick, blush and eyeshadow, but its transformative power isn’t just limited to the face – there are body foundations, setting powders and sprays, too

So what are the best body foundations to try? Check out Dior’s Backstage Face and Body Foundation, or other offerings from Estée Lauder, Fenty Beauty and Mac

When we think of make-up, we typically envision lipstick, blush or eyeshadow – products designed for the face. Yet, make-up’s transformative power needn’t stop there. Witness body foundation, designed to even out tan lines or conceal scars, birthmarks and pigmentation issues, not only for special events but even as part of daily routines.

In celebrity culture, body make-up is almost a given. Take, for instance, model and actress Paris Jackson, whose collection of over 80 tattoos vanished beneath the body foundation applied by make-up artist Tyson Fountaine for her arrival at the 2024 Grammys. Similarly, Margot Robbie’s “SKWAD” ink, a memento from her time on the Suicide Squad set, discreetly disappeared from her barefoot scenes in Barbie.

So how should you go about incorporating it into your own routine? Here’s everything you need to know.

What’s the difference between body foundation vs face foundation?

Both facial and body make-up aim to enhance appearance, but their formulations and application methods differ. “Facial make-up is lightweight, allowing the skin to breathe, providing coverage and resisting facial expressions,” celebrity make-up artist Carolina Pizarro says. Additionally, it’s formulated for the face’s delicate and sensitive skin, which is often more exposed to the environment.

Body make-up, designed for durability and substantial coverage, caters to larger areas and thicker, less sensitive skin. “It covers everything from veins to scars and withstands rubbing off on clothes, which is crucial for the dynamic movements of your body,” Pizarro adds. This is why using body make-up on the face is not recommended, as it can cause breakouts or an unnatural look. Similarly, facial make-up on the body offers poor coverage and durability, often requiring reapplications and risking transfer to your clothes.

How to apply body foundation

Proper skin prep is the secret sauce to an enduring body make-up application. “The first step is to cleanse, exfoliate and moisturise your canvas to whisk away any grime and dead skin cells and ensure a silky-smooth base,” Pizarro suggests. “Make sure to give that moisturiser some time to sink in fully before you dive into the make-up – we want it to cling to your skin, not slip-slide away.”

Whether you’re a liquid and cream aficionado, or a powder and spray enthusiast, picking the proper body foundation is your ticket to blendable, buildable bliss. Do you have a larger area to cover? Reach for a body blender or a big stippling brush to get that even, airbrushed look. And if you’re in the lighter-coverage camp, a fluffy brush or a direct spritz will do the trick for setting things just right.

When it’s go time, remember that less is more. “Start with a small amount of product and build your way up to avoid caking; then sweep and blend for a seamless transition, especially around tricky edges,” Pizarro says.

And here’s a pro tip for bendy spots like elbows and knees: go easy on the product and blend. These areas are all about being subtle to keep your finish smooth and crack-free.