The Best Cover-Ups That Will Take You from Sun Up to Sun Down

Summer means shorts, dresses, and skirts. And for me, it also means suddenly becoming very aware of the scars, veins, and bruises on my legs. I’m not trying to achieve plastic-perfect legs, but sometimes I just want a little extra confidence.

So, I went looking for the best makeup to cover scars on my legs. I wanted something that wouldn’t melt off in the heat or rub off on my car seat. I tried a bunch, from heavy-duty creams to light, shimmery sprays, to find what actually works from morning coffee to a late dinner out.

 

 

Full-Coverage Foundations & Creams

When you need serious, reliable coverage that will not budge, these are the ones I’d turn to. They’re designed to mask everything from tattoos to surgical scars without looking like a mask.

 

 

Dermablend Leg and Body Makeup

This stuff costs $40, and it’s a powerhouse for a reason. I found the coverage to be incredibly buildable. You can apply a thin layer for evening out skin tone or really pack it on to completely hide a dark scar or tattoo.

What I really liked is that it feels so lightweight and doesn’t dry out my skin. Once I set it with their powder, it genuinely did not move all day. It’s transfer-resistant, so I didn’t worry about it getting all over my clothes.

The Downside: You really do need to use a setting powder to get that 16-hour, transfer-proof wear they promise. It’s an extra step and cost.

 

 

Westmore Beauty Body Coverage Perfector

At $49, this one is a bit of a splurge, but it gives your skin such a beautiful, radiant finish. It’s not matte or flat at all. It instantly covered up a few sun spots and a cluster of spider veins I have on my ankle.

It feels like nothing on the skin, which I love. And it lasted through a surprisingly sweaty day without getting streaky or weird. It claims to last for days, and while I washed it off, I believe it. It’s tough.

The Downside: The price is higher than many other options on the market.

 

 

RiparCover Foundation Cream

This one is also $49 and was apparently developed by surgeons, which makes total sense. The coverage is no joke. It’s a thicker cream, but it blends out to a really nice, velvety finish that hides literally everything.

I was most impressed by how waterproof it is. It didn’t budge or streak at all, making it perfect if you’re going to be near a pool or just live somewhere humid. A little goes a very long way.

The Downside: Finding your perfect shade online can be a challenge since it’s a professional-grade product.

 

 

Dermaflage Topical Scar Filler Starter Kit

For $45, this product is completely different from the others. It’s not a makeup; it’s a silicone filler designed for indented or textured scars, like from surgery or acne. It creates a smooth, skin-like surface over the scar.

It’s kind of wild to use, but it works. You mix the silicone and apply it, and it forms a second skin that truly makes the scar disappear. It’s waterproof and lasts all day. This is what the pros in Hollywood use.

The Downside: It’s really only meant for small, targeted scars, not for covering large areas with discoloration.

 

 

Forencos Tattoo Waterproof Scar Concealer

This one is a great deal at just $17. It’s a thick, creamy concealer that offers really solid coverage for scars, birthmarks, and even tattoos if you build it up. It blends into the skin really smoothly without looking cakey.

I found that it stayed put really well, even on a warm day. It claims to be sweat-proof, and it definitely held up. It gives that “my skin but better” look once you set it.

The Downside: The shade range is extremely limited, so finding a match could be tough.

 

 

Easy Sprays & Shimmers

If you don’t need intense camouflage and just want something quick to even things out or add a nice glow, these sprays and luminizers are perfect. They’re fast, easy, and give a more natural finish.

 

 

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs

You can grab this classic for around $15. There’s a reason it’s been around forever. It’s like pantyhose in a can, but way better. It gives your legs an even, airbrushed look that blurs minor imperfections and veins.

I love how fast it is to apply. You just spray it on and blend quickly with your hands. It’s water-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about a little splash, and it gives a really nice, healthy glow.

The Downside: You have to let it dry completely, or it can definitely transfer onto your clothes or furniture.

 

 

Best Bronze Leg Makeup Spray

Priced at $39, this spray is another great option for quick, flawless coverage. It did an amazing job covering up some bruises and veins on my legs, and it dried super fast. I wasn’t worried about it staining anything.

It’s fully waterproof and they say it lasts up to two days, which is pretty incredible. It was easy to cover a large area like my entire lower leg in just a few seconds, and the finish looked natural.

The Downside: The shade selection is pretty small, which is a bummer.

 

 

Fenty Beauty Body Lava

This body luminizer is $42. It’s not a concealer, but it’s perfect for when you just want to distract from minor things like stretch marks or faint scars. The shimmer is gorgeous and makes your skin look so radiant and healthy.

I like using this for an evening out. It gives my legs a beautiful glow that catches the light and blurs imperfections without feeling like I’m wearing heavy makeup. Plus, it’s super moisturizing.

The Downside: It can feel a bit sticky on the skin, and it takes some effort with soap and water to remove all the shimmer.

At the end of the day, finding the right leg makeup is all about what you need it for. For seriously hiding scars, a cream foundation like Dermablend is your best bet. For a quick, everyday glow, something like the Sally Hansen spray is perfect.

It’s just nice to have options. Having a product that helps you feel confident enough to wear that new dress or pair of shorts is always a win in my book.