For anyone who finds getting their legs out in summer a bit daunting, a touch of body makeup can be a confidence-booster. Not only does it give an instant just-off-the-plane glow without the faff of fake tan, but it can also help blur imperfections like spider veins, scars and redness. 

I'm pleased to report that one of the market-leading products – and a favourite of Holly Willoughby, no less – is currently on sale at Boots. Vita Liberata’s Body Blur is down from £33 to £24.75, a 25% saving. 

For me, it's a clever beauty fix that does what it says on the tin, with one customer calling it a "miracle cream". The convenience is a big draw: unlike traditional fake tan, which develops over time and stains the skin for days, body makeup washes off with soap and water. That makes it a great option if you’re after a quick fix for bare legs or arms, or want a bit of a confidence boost for an event without the risk of patchiness or streaks.

It's available in three shades: light, medium and dark.

Holly Willoughby is a fan too and once said on the Beauty Full Lives podcast: "Everybody thinks I wear fake tan, but I hate fake tan! But this leg stuff, I really like it. If I'm wearing a skirt on This Morning, sometimes I put a bit on my legs just to even out the tone a little bit."

I found that the formula blends in easily — especially with a mitt, which helps avoid stained palms — and gives an immediate soft-focus effect, making skin look more even. It won't hide everything, but it does make a visible difference. Plus unlike some body makeup, it doesn’t look thick or heavy, and it’s surprisingly forgiving to apply, even for beginners.

Transfer-wise, it performs well for a product that offers visible colour. While you wouldn’t roll around on your best white bed sheets, it holds up well in everyday life. When walking in a cotton dress or sitting cross-legged on the sofa, you might get a slight mark if there’s a lot of rubbing or pressure, but it’s not the kind of product that slides off the moment you get warm or start moving around.

User reviews back this up too. One shopper says: “I’ve been using Body Blur for years and it never fails to make my legs look amazing. It covers little marks and gives just the right amount of colour without looking fake.” Another adds: “I wore this to a summer wedding and my legs looked flawless in photos – it didn’t rub off on my dress either.”

However, one shopper commented: "Although your skin feels great, if you are wanting to hide spider veins it doesn’t quite do that but definitely makes them less visible."