Meet the new gen body boosters
Forget a dab of moisturiser and the occasional scrub – 2019’s body care is slick, sophisticated and as scientific as what you’re used to putting on your face…
from the neck up, we’re a nation obsessed with skincare – in fact, we spent £1.15 billion on it in 2017, a figure set to soar to £1.36 billion by 2023*. Our cupboards groan with serums and ampoules, our night-time routine is almost feature-length in duration, and flying hand-luggage only is out of the question. But from the neck down? That’s a different story. A shower, of course, and perhaps a cursory dab of lotion hastily and haphazardly applied. Maybe a scrub if you’re planning on fake-tanning later. But change is afoot, as the Tinseltown trend of giving your body the same TLC as your face works its way to our shores, bringing advanced formulations and smart solutions that you’ll want to invest time and money in. Celebrity dermatologist Dr Harold Lancer agrees: ‘Body complexion is finally coming of age thanks to growing interest, sophisticated formulations and even fashion trends.’ Introducing your new body heroes…
» THE BODY MAKE-UP SHAKE-UP
Dispel any notions of glittering, gloopy body ‘foundation’ that transfers on to everything you sit on and runs in streaks at the slightest mention of rain. The new generation of skin finishers and perfectors are so good, you’d be tempted to use them on your face, too. Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body XL [3], £65, uses caffeine to de-puff and aloe vera to soothe, while imparting a subtle shimmer that lengthens the appearance of limbs. Stubborn scars or bruises to cover? ALLEVEN Instant Perfector [4], £61, is a targeted fullcoverage body concealer, which is as water-resistant and smudge-proof as the original formula used by Beyoncé for last year’s Coachella set. Simply click the pen, brush over any imperfections and let the clever pigment-adapting formula even skin tone for a matte, velvety finish. If you’re
looking to get bronzed fast, Isle of Paradise Disco Tan [1], £14.95, is formulated without parabens or mineral oils, but delivers instant, buildable colour that you can buff to perfection, while Huda Beauty The Modern Body Highlighter [2], £40, comes in three shades and uses savvy pearlescent pigments to create a faux glow in seconds – simply mix with moisturiser or apply neat over key areas.
» THE HYALURONIC HIGH-HITTERS
Hyaluronic acid – or HA – is the darling of the skincare world and a dry limb’s worst nightmare. Naturally found in the skin (though in smaller quantities as we age), its most celebrated super power is keeping skin plump and juicy. And now it’s not just for face serums: The Chemistry Brand Hyaluronic Concentrate [6], £28, contains 99.5% pure HA, alongside red algae and tamarind extract for supremely soft skin without the sticky residue. More of a traditionalist? Avène Cold Cream Body Lotion [8], £19.99, fuses their best-loved facial formula into a lightweight body cream with coconut and sesame oils. Over on fake tan, a hefty dose of HA gives St. Tropez Self Tan Purity Bronzing Water Gel [7], £33, a hydrating, luminous finish that doesn’t cling to dry areas like elbows and knees. Paired with a patented plant-based extract called Pentavitin, it also helps keep skin feeling supple – even after showering. And for those of us prone to skipping moisturiser in favour of hitting the snooze button, Sanctuary Spa Wet Skin Radiance Jelly [5], £10, is specially formulated to be applied directly on to wet skin and houses HA with exfoliating AHA fruit acids to gently exfoliate and boost radiance in one.
» THE SKINCARE SUPERSTARS
Did you know that your back and chest are packed full of sebaceous glands, just like your face? Producing pore-clogging sebum, they can cause spots and dullness across your shoulders, back and décolletage. Tackle them with Nivea Clay Fresh Shower Gel [17], £2.39, which uses mattifying and detoxifying kaolin clay to help purify and freshen the skin. And don’t fret, unlike its face-mask counterpart, it doesn’t need to be left on for 20 minutes. For all-over rejuvenation of scars and irregularities in tone and texture, look to The Chemistry Brand Retin-oil [16], £20, which combines renewing retinol alongside vitamins C and E to promote healing. Need smooth skin fast? REN AHA Smart Renewal Body Serum [13], £35, uses lactic acid to slough off dead skin and probiotics to help repair the skin barrier after all that exfoliation, with xylitol to help retain moisture. Likewise, vitamin C’s brightening powers need not be limited to your complexion. DCL C Scape Lotion [14], £45, employs a powerful hit of vitamin C to make mincemeat out of pigmentation, while fruit acids tackle excessive dryness and bumpy skin. Finished off with vitamin B5 and green tea extract, skin is left bright, clear and uniform. Finally, the big spenders option: 111Skin Cryo Energising Body Serum [15], £90, gives the benefits of extreme cold (lifted, depuffed, firmed skin) without the chill; mimicking cryogenic therapy alongside peptides, it leaves skin luxuriously soft and bouncy.
» TOOLS OF THE TRADE
2018 may have been the year we went wild for jade rolling our face, but this year, it’s time to take those tools from top to toe. Just like facial dermarolling, the tiny 0.5mm needles in the GLOPRO Body Microtip Head [10], £55, are utterly painless, but kick-start your body’s healing process, flooding collagen and elastin to the area as well as making any topical bodycare you apply after much more readily absorbed. Need to work out some knots? Sarah Chapman The Body Lift [11], £32, helps to boost lymphatic drainage and break down water retention and muscle tension when rolled over the legs, arms and derriere, giving a more sculpted appearance, while Nurse Jamie Uplift Body [9], £125, uses sonic vibrations to help temporarily tone skin. If you can’t get enough of a squeakyclean feeling, try the Japanese Exfoliating Towel, £4 [12]. Double-sided and extra long, the terry cloth foams up shower gel while gently exfoliating away dead skin and can easily be used on those hard-to-reach areas. It also helps improve circulation and ingrown hairs, while making lotions and oils sink right in. You’ll never use a flannel again.