Summer is around the corner which means more skin is on show (eeks!) If, like us, your body hasn’t seen sunlight for the last nine months, then it’s time to get your arms and legs ready for dresses, swimsuits and shorts season.
Most of us are guilty of neglecting the skin on our body for the skin on our face, and then the sun comes out and panic sets in. Fear not, it’s not too late to transform our pasty, dry, crocodile-skin. Whether you want to top up an existing tan, create an instant sun-kissed glow or improve your skin’s texture, these body products will have you wearing your summer wardrobe with body confidence. Here are our top ten picks…
Don’t have enough time to apply and wait for fake tan to develop? This clever, wash-off cream from Legology works instantly to give your legs (and arms) a flawless, bronzed finish. Plus, this formulation means there’s no streaking or colour transferral either – praise be!
We are sold by the name alone!! Sadly, this isn’t a quick fix to turn you into a supermodel, but it does leave your body looking seriously summer ready. This luminous, light-reflective formula creates a ‘slimmer shimmer’. Simply roll the cooling metal tip down the centre of arms, legs and across the chest and massage in. Ideal for tan-phobes and tan-o-holics alike!
Don’t let the simple packaging deceive you. This ultra-hydrating yet lightweight body gel, calms, and refreshes, thanks to its innovative blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid in three molecular sizes. Plus, the cooling menthol gives skin a refresher, perfect for use after a day in the sun. Top Tip: Layer under a rich body cream for extra skin nourishment.
If your skin is prone to razor rashes and burn, this eco-friendly shave butter gives great glide and reduces any redness or shaving bumps. Plus, it lasts approx. 2-3 months, and you can store it in a dinky little netted bag to ensure it doesn’t congeal over time in your shower. It’s also a sustainable solution to decanting multiple bottles before travelling. Win, win.
Try and get into the habit of daily body brushing to improve skin tone and boost oxygen to your skin cells for smoother, softer, more radiant skin. This brush gets to hard-to-reach areas without straining your arms and the natural bristles are made from cactus plants that won’t scratch even the most sensitive of skins. Just a couple of minutes will firm and revive tired bods in no time.
Keep skin glowing way after sunset with this gentle micellar body wash that leaves your skin glowing after every shower. Infused with illuminating pearlescent minerals to boost radiance, lock in hydration, with an energising summery aroma of citrus and orange blossom.
After a day in the sun, this lightweight luminous lotion will give limbs a sexy sheen that enhances you tan from top-to-toe. Plus, the heavenly smell means you can forgo your fragrance which is always a good idea when mosquitos are out in force!
This elasticity-boosting body cream contains cacay oil, said to mimic retinol without causing sun sensitivity, and collagen that plumps skin in all the right places. Fruity and floral, the fragrance will be your go-to scent for summer, too. Its velvety soft texture delivers peak hydration and absorbs quickly whilst leaving a beautiful scent trail in its path.
Reveal your inner sparkle with this multi-tasking body shimmer oil from The Ritual of Karma. Containing tiny shimmering mineral particles, the oil nourishes while leaving a satin finish and illuminating sun-kissed skin. Whilst the in-built tan activator encourages your tan to last longer.
This a hardcore yet gentle exfoliator at a great price point. Designed specifically to target Keratosis Pilaris (the bumpy, rough skin we often get on the back of upper arms). Powered by gentle AHAs, that buffs away dead skin cells to reveal soft and supple skin and allows your body moisturiser to work at its max.
One of the best instant tans we’ve tried in a while, this genius formula covers imperfections, minimises blemishes and reflects light for a photo-ready finish. Plus, there’s four different shades to choose from and it’s DHA-free, meaning there’s no giveaway fake tan smell. What’s not to like?
The products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however, The Handbook may make a small commission on some products purchased through affiliate links.
