How to Cover Legs with Makeup

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Whether you're trying to hide varicose veins, tattoos, bruises, or pigmentation, there's a body makeup product available that will be able to do it. There are several makeup choices for you to pick from that will give you different amounts of coverage, and they can all be found at your local big box or beauty store. Using makeup to cover your legs is a super easy and quick process that can help you feel confident about your skin.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Spraying Makeup onto Your Legs

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  1. Body makeup that comes in the form of a spray is a popular option because it’s easy to apply and covers up blemishes like scars or varicose veins. Choose an airbrush body foundation in a shade that matches your skin tone for the best results. [1]
    • Unlike a tanning spray, your airbrush foundation should match your exact skin tone and will give you thicker coverage.
  2. Tanning sprays are great if you want to give your legs a natural-looking glow. Pick out a tanning spray that will make your legs look a shade or two darker once it’s applied, giving you a sun-kissed look. [2]
    • The labels on tanning sprays will show you what your skin tone will look like after one application.
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  3. This ensures you get even coverage to avoid splotches. As you move the spray along your leg, keep it the same distance from your skin the entire time so your application is as even as possible. [3]
    • If you're worried about the spray getting on other things, spray your legs outside if it's warm or in your bathroom for easy cleanup.
  4. Spray the front of your legs starting at the top of your leg going all the way down to your feet, and then spray the back of your legs as well. Apply the spray in one even layer, misting your legs in an up and down pattern to be sure you cover all of your skin. [4]
    • Stand in front of a mirror to see the back of your legs better, if you'd like.
  5. Some sprays tell you to spray the mist over your legs and then rub it in to make sure it’s completely even. If your instructions say to do this, use your hands to rub the spray in using circular motions, working it into every part of your legs. [5]
    • Wash your hands after you rub in the spray to help get any excess makeup off of your skin.
    • Spray tanners can stain your skin, so it's especially important to clean your hands right after you're done.
  6. The instructions on your spray will tell you exactly how long it takes to dry, but it’s usually about 5 minutes. After your spray dries, it’s okay to put on pants or whatever clothing you’re wearing. [6]
    • Spray 1-2 more layers of your body makeup or self tanner, if needed.
    • Getting dressed without waiting for the spray to dry could cause it to get on your clothing.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Concealing Spots with a Color Corrector

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  1. Color-correcting creams are great for helping cover up dark bruises or pigmentation. Choose a color-correcting cream in a color like yellow, orange, or red to balance out the blues and purples of any imperfections. [7]
    • For example, a yellow color corrector covers up purple bruises well.
  2. Color-correcting creams or concealers are best when they’re only put on top of the blemish you’re trying to balance out. Squeeze out a tiny amount of the color corrector and put it directly on top of any spots, being careful not to apply it to unblemished skin. [8]
    • If your color corrector comes with a makeup wand for applying it, apply the corrector right on top of the spot using the wand.
  3. Instead of rubbing the color corrector into your skin, use your finger to gently dab it repeatedly until it’s covering up the area you’d like to hide. This will help the color stay in place so that it doesn’t spread too far from the spot. [9]
    • If you’re covering up a large bruise with the color corrector, try using a beauty blender to spread it evenly.
  4. [10] If you don't apply a concealer overtop the color corrector, your leg will just have yellow, red, or orange markings on it that aren't super blended in. Dab a concealer that matches your skin tone right on top of the spots you've color corrected, using a beauty blender or makeup brush to create a smooth, evenly colored surface that matches your skin. [11]
    • It's easiest to use a liquid concealer or liquid body makeup to cover up color correctors.
    • Once your concealer is applied, your spot shouldn't be visible anymore.
  5. If there are just a couple spots that you’d like to cover up on your legs without using a color corrector, pick out a body concealer stick that matches your skin tone. Dab it directly on top of the spot you’d like to cover up, and blend it in with your fingers if needed. [12]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Rubbing Lotions or Makeup into Your Legs

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  1. Liquid body makeup is great for building up a coverage over your legs for any spots you’d like to hide. Choose a shade that matches your skin tone and that’s water-resistant so it’ll last longer. [13]
  2. If you’d rather rub a self tanner into your legs instead of spraying it, pick out a tanning lotion right for your skin. They come in lots of different shades that will give you a tan that’s a shade or two darker than your natural color. [14]
    • Tanning lotions will also help cover up small imperfections on your legs.
  3. Use circular motions to rub the makeup or lotion into your skin, starting at the top of your leg and working your way down to your feet. [15] Pay special attention to the back of your legs and make sure there aren’t any streaks as you rub. [16]
    • For a buffed look, use a large foundation brush to spread liquid makeup into your skin.
    • Start with a small amount to avoid using more than you actually need.
    • Wash your hands with soap and water after you're done to get the extra makeup or lotion off.
  4. Dab a setting powder onto your legs using a loose powder brush. [17] Use a lot of it, powdering it on in thick layers all over your legs. Wait several minutes for the setting powder to work before dusting the top layers off with your makeup brush. [18]
    • If you used tanning lotion, it’s not necessary to use a setting powder.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    Can you use face makeup on your legs?
    Anjuli Yera, MD
    Certified Professional Makeup Artist
    Dr. Anjuli Yera is a Certified Professional Makeup Artist based out of West Palm Beach, FL. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in makeup artistry, airbrush application, and bridal and wedding party makeup. Her work has been featured in St. Louis Bride, STL Today as well as the Miami Times. She has received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, Best of The Knot Award, and Top Pro Status on Thumbtack. Additionally, Anjuli has been invited to KSDK’s, 'Show Me St. Louis,' to cover Makeup Trends of the year. Anjuli is a self-taught professional makeup artist who received further training from the Artistry Makeup Academy.
    Anjuli Yera, MD
    Certified Professional Makeup Artist
    Expert Answer
    Yes! If you want to cover leg imperfections, you can use a face moisturizer or primer without problems.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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    Not Helpful 1 Helpful 4
  • Question
    How can I hide pigmentation on my legs?
    Anjuli Yera, MD
    Certified Professional Makeup Artist
    Dr. Anjuli Yera is a Certified Professional Makeup Artist based out of West Palm Beach, FL. With over 15 years of experience, she specializes in makeup artistry, airbrush application, and bridal and wedding party makeup. Her work has been featured in St. Louis Bride, STL Today as well as the Miami Times. She has received the WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award, Best of The Knot Award, and Top Pro Status on Thumbtack. Additionally, Anjuli has been invited to KSDK’s, 'Show Me St. Louis,' to cover Makeup Trends of the year. Anjuli is a self-taught professional makeup artist who received further training from the Artistry Makeup Academy.
    Anjuli Yera, MD
    Certified Professional Makeup Artist
    Expert Answer
    Start by applying a primer over the imperfection, layering it with a transfer-proof concealer or foundation in your leg color. You'll most likely need to apply 1 to 3 layers in dabbing motion, blending the edgers. Top it off with loose powder to seal the layers.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/fashion/exercise-and-makeup-for-the-exposed-leg.html
      2. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/fashion/exercise-and-makeup-for-the-exposed-leg.html
      3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4nipfDSaxw#t=1m
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4nipfDSaxw#t=51s
      5. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4nipfDSaxw#t=1m24s
      6. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4nipfDSaxw#t=1m9s
      7. ↑ https://www.glamour.com/gallery/best-color-correctors-for-every-skin-tone-issue
      8. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARHRRmfjbXk&t=1m3s
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARHRRmfjbXk&t=2m52s
      1. ↑ Anjuli Yera, MD. Certified Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.
      2. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/makeup-skin-care/a20633391/how-to-use-color-correcting-makeup/
      3. ↑ https://www.elle.com/beauty/g24270292/best-makeup-to-cover-tattoos/?slide=1
      4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvc0DPLWW5I&t=1m55s
      5. ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2012/08/23/fashion/exercise-and-makeup-for-the-exposed-leg.html
      6. ↑ Anjuli Yera, MD. Certified Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.
      7. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvc0DPLWW5I#t=1m16s
      8. ↑ Anjuli Yera, MD. Certified Professional Makeup Artist. Expert Interview. 29 September 2021.
      9. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tvc0DPLWW5I#t=2m30s

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