Spring is on the horizon and it's time to amp up your body care. This is the perfect time to get that skin glistening and smooth before you shed the sweaters and start embracing warmer weather clothing. And if you've been scrimping on your body care, make sure one area you don't skip is a firming body lotion - this is the time they come into their own.
Use a tightening body oil now and you'll be as tight and taut as can be by spring.
Trust me, I've been using them for years and won't be without them. Call me a firming body lotion stan, if you like, because I am. I usually use one on my three hard to tone areas; my upper thighs, my arms and my bust area, because these are the areas I personally find hardest to tone through exercise.
- The Amazon steal: Nivea Q10 Firming Lotion, £9.89 (save 10%) / $16.65
- The one for arms: PRAI Beauty Ageless Upper Arm Creme, £24.99 / $30
- The serum to firm boobs: Eveline Cosmetics Egyptian Miracle Intensive Firming Bust Oil, £17.99
- The leg serum that conceals imperfections: Margaret Dabbs London Concealing & Firming Leg Serum, £29.12 / $50
- The bottom firming body oil: Frank Body Booty Drops £15 / $19.95
- The best firming oil: Neal's Yard Remedies Detox Toning Oil, £25 / $25
But there's firming lotions for the whole body, targeting the bum or designed to reduce the tum. Anything that promises to firm and tone my skin, I'm into it - I'm a seasoned user of a firming body lotion, and hate to say it but they are worth the spend. Even when I exercise regularly, I still rely on one to give the finishing touches to my skin, reaching the bits I can't. They're not miracle workers, but they do have some sort of wizardry that works.
From retinol-infused body creams to those with collagen, you'll see the best results if you use a skin firming cream daily, even better if you apply morning and evening. Many plump the skin, making it look younger (especially good around the knees, notoriously hard to tone up, and the upper arms) and others smooth, tone and give the skin a glow - not to mention targeting stretch marks and cellulite.
© Carla ChallisThey might not rid your body of them completely but I've found they make them less obvious and in turn, me personally more body-confident, especially post=partum and after hitting 40.
Because sometimes, no matter how many squats or sit-ups you do, your skin just won't firm - put that down to your age, your diet, your skin type or just because that's how life goes sometimes!
There’s a firming cream for any area of concern. There are creams to perk up your boobs, lotions to sculpt your arms, tummy-tightening oils and body care to firm from head to toe. These so-called ‘wonder’ products take time to work - one-night wonders they're not - but with daily use, you’ll see a difference. Just like you do with skincare.
How I chose the best firming body lotions
- Tried and tested: I and the HELLO! team have tested some of the products mentioned, and I'll always call out with a first-person account if we have tried it.
- Reviews: They all claim to be the best at firming, toning, etc, but are they? I've read detailed reviews online of the products we haven't been able to test in real life to bring the ones that users claim work, and work well.
- Price: The edit includes a range of prices. Sometimes, the ones with the best reviews are the most affordable...
- Availability: All of the products in the edit were in stock at the time of publishing.
Best firming body lotions to shop
1/16
NIVEA Q10 Firming Body Cream
- Size: 300ml
- Nivea's Body Cream is formulated with coenzyme Q10 to firm, lift and tone the skin.
- Massage into dry skin on problem areas including the legs, bottom and stomach.
Editor's note: "This is a big seller at Amazon and Boots, and a great price for a big tub of firming body lotion from one of the leading beauty brands. Shoppers say its a really rich cream, with a 'tingling' sensation - and that skin is firmer with continued use."
2/16
PRAI Beauty Ageless Upper Arm Creme
- Size: 110ml
- The upper arms are notoriously hard to firm up, even with exercise, and PRAI Beauty's firming cream targets that area of the body, with caffeine, silicone and PRAI extract.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"I've been using this arm firming cream for months after seeing the before and after pictures. Not only does the cream firm my upper arms, but it plumps and generally makes it look younger.
"It helped me to feel super confident showing my arms on a recent summer holiday." - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor
3/16
Eveline Cosmetics Egyptian Miracle Intensive Firming Body & Bust Oil
- Size: 150ml
- When your bust needs a bit of a lift, and a bra isn’t cutting it, this firming oil is designed to perk up your bust and smoothen crepey skin. You can also apply to the rest of the body.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"It's hard to believe thisl actually works but it does! I've used it on and off for years, and notice my bust area is less crepey and the skin on my bust that bit tighter - especially noticed this after breastfeeding! The spritz dispenser is much easier than a bottle too, as less waste." - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor.
4/16
Murad Retinal Resculpt Body Treatment
© Murad- Size: 148ml
- This targeted body cream, brimming with skin-firming and strengthening actives that help to enhance elasticity, counteract sagging and strengthen skin.
Editor's note: "This targeted cream is described by the brand as 'a workout in a jar'. Using the powers of retinal, one of the most effective forms of vitamin A, to support collagen, the brand claims skin will look visibly lifted in four-eight weeks. You can use it all over the body, from arms to stomach and thighs."
5/16
Margaret Dabbs London Concealing & Firming Leg Serum
© Margaret Dabbs- Size: From 200ml
- Described as a CC cream for your legs, this leg serum is designed to help conceal imperfections and tone skin. Perfectly pigmented for buildable coverage.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"I wasn't entirely sure about using this product at first, I packed it for a weekend away as I planned to wear shorts that night and I was a little worried about my legs being out. But then I tried this, and seriously, wow. This product evens out skin tone and leaves your legs looking so luminous, and one might even say airbrushed! What's more, I also noticed that my skin looked firmer. and lifted. Ideal for daily use or special occasions, it can be worn alone, or over faux tan. I wish it smelt a little more spa-like but you can't have it all can you?" - Leanne Bayley, Best Quality Designer Handbag Director of Lifestyle & Commerce
6/16
Aveeno Skin Renewal Firming Lotion
- Size: 300ml
- Aveeno's Firming Lotion gently exfoliates to resurface skin, designed to leave it looking firmer and more even-looking.
- Enriched with prebiotic oat, that nourishes the skin, and naturally derived PHA that exfoliates and renews. Use morning and night on dry skin.
Editor's note: "This is a purse-friendly firming lotion from one of Jennifer Aniston's favourite bodycare brands. Comes in a pleasingly big bottle (300ml) with pump applicator, and if the reviews are anything to go by, it's worth the spend - some shoppers say it "transforms" the skin while others say it feels "luxurious".
7/16
Strivectin Crepe Control Tightening Body Cream
- Size: 200ml
- Strivectin's body lotion is formulated to tone, tighten and brighten, targeting areas of concern like the arms and above the knees - areas notoriously difficult for tightening. One for those wanting to target those difficult areas.
Editor's note: "One look at before and after pictures of shoppers after using this body cream, and we've added it to basket. One shopper said it had done "wonders" for her upper arms and thighs, and having used Strivectin products before, I can believe it really does do what it says on the tin."
8/16
Clarins Body Firming Extra-Firming Cream
- Size: 150ml
- Promises to smooth and tighten skin across the whole body using organic petasites extract, known for its reshaping and firming properties.
- Use daily, in the morning and/or evening and apply to dry skin.
Editor's note: "Clarins' extra-firming body lotion is legendary among those in the know, praised for actually working! Reviewers call it the "best firming body lotion ever" and also applaud its hydrating properties too."
9/16
Medix 5.5 Retinol Cream with Ferulic Acid Anti-sagging Treatment
- Size: 444ml
- Anti-sagging treatment
- Infused with Ferulic Acid, Shea Butter, Vitamin E, & Green Tea, which all work together to firm skin
- Massage into skin morning and evening
Editor's note: "This treatment sounds super ingredient led, and I've not come across another body treatment with Ferulic Acid. Not only is this designed to firm skin, it's meant to help with sagging, crepey skin, fine lines, wrinkles and the overall appearance of skin - nice. Also, I adore the minimal packaging and pump action bottle."
10/16
Legology Anti-Cellulite Oil
© Leogology- Size: 100ml
- Anti-cellulite treatment
- A blend of detoxifying, stimulating aromatherapy oils juniper berry, Siberian fir, eucalyptus, rosemary and lemon peel.
- Designed to contour the legs
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"I've used this on and off since January, and it really does contour the legs, helping to reduce cellulite and generally just makes my legs look (and to be fair, feel) better! Smells gorgeous, like a spa. A little goes a long way, too."- Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor
11/16
Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Firming Butter
- Size: 315ml
- Slather this delicious smelling body butter all over for smoother, more toned skin. It’s packed with skin-firming ingredients like Collagen and Elastin, designed to be used on your arms, legs, stomach and bust.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
“I absolutely love this body butter" wrote one reviewer. "It leaves my skin silky soft and is also doing a brilliant job with firming it.” I've tried this on and off over the years and do often go back to it for the smell alone - it's gorgeous! It's also a really great moisturiser to have on hand, as it's super hydrating." - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor
12/16
Silkdermis B Flat Belly Firming Cream
- Improves tummy texture
- Reduces the appearance of cellulite
- Apply to the stomach and navel
Editor's note: "This luxurious, non-greasy cream combines four key ingredients to firm, tone and tighten the stomach. It's also been shown to improve the appearance of stretch marks."
13/16
Neal's Yard Remedies Detox Toning Oil
- Size: 100ml
- Delivery: Free delivery on orders over £55
- Returns: Not specified
- Lemon, black pepper and frankincense make this one deliciously scented oil. Regular use is said to help eliminate toxins and help improve skin tone.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"I've been using on and off for a month on my thighs and I have to say, I don't necessarily notice it when using it, but as soon as I've stopped, a few days later I notice the skin isn't quite as taught. It's beautifully hydrating too, so worth slathering on regardless." - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor
14/16
Beauty Pie Youthbomb Body 360° Repair Concentrate
- Size: 200ml
- Delivery: £3.36 for standard delivery
- Returns: Within 14 days after purchase
- This powerhouse Retinol body lotion is designed to firm, brighten, smooth, renew and add elasticity to the body. Recommended use is 2-3 times a week in the evening.
Editor's note: "A Beauty Pie member called this an "absolutely incredible" product that "worked instantly." Worth a try if you ask me!"
15/16
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum cream
- Size: From 75ml
- Dubbed a miracle cream by its fans, this cult product includes a bum-tightening blend of ingredients, but it’s the added guarana that steals the show; this native Amazonian plant contains one of the most potent forms of caffeine, known to help stimulate circulation to keep skin super smooth and beautifully toned.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"I bought this purely for its amazing smell. I literally can't get enough. It's strong enough that I actually put it on my neck and the insides of my wrists and it acts as a perfume! The cream is great too - I use it in the summer mainly when more of my skin is on display and I can definitely notice a difference - it helps make my skin smoother and more firm. Love everything about this product!" - Kath Robinson, Special Projects Editor
16/16
U Beauty Sculpt Arm Compound
- Size: 120ml
- If wobbly arms are your nemesis, this ground-breaking body treatment has been created to target sagging skin on the arms (yes, bingo wings) – it really IS like an arm workout, using ingredients that promote the skin communication that is traditionally sparked into action during a workout.
- As if that wasn’t enough, this concentrate reduced fluid retention, promotes collagen and nourishes the skin’s appearance. Think toned arms without a dumbbell in sight
Editor's note: "A sceptical fan was shocked to find the product worked. "I am truly astounded that this product has noticeably reduced crepiness of my upper arms," they wrote. It's pricey, but if it works, it's worth every penny."
How to do your own lymphatic drainage massage at home
Applying them is the first step, but if you want to elevate how you apply your firming body solutions, take note of lymphatic drainage massage; it's a way to make them work even harder, encouraging blood flow and detox to your body using massage techniques. Take advice from Detox by Rebecca, who created a handy how-to video on lymphatic drainage massage at home for Poosh
Body firming tools
Amp up your application also with a body firming tool. They're great for stimulating the lymphatic system for natural detoxification, boosting blood circulation, and can help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Use before you apply, they help to prep skin to absorb your firming body lotions even better, or some can be used to help push the product for better absorption. Use alongside your products and you'll be taught and toned in no time.
Don't believe me? Gwyneth Paltrow swears by dry body brushing before bathing or showering, just FYI.
