Body firming creams are nothing new, but how many of us use one? I for one am a seasoned user of one, and see a difference from tummy firming creams and bottom lifting lotions. Think of using them like a souped-up body moisturiser, packed with skin firming and toning ingredients.
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.
They 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 after pregnancy 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 bodycare 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: From £5 to shy of £100, 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
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 notes: "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."
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."
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".
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.
Editor's notes: "I've yet to try this arm firming cream but the before and after pictures are worth looking at - they've made me order it, pronto! Not only does the cream seem to firm, but it plumps and generally makes the skin look younger. All good in my opinion!"
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."
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
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!"
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
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, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor.
Bloom & Blossom Lovely Jubbly Bust Firming Gel
- Size: 50ml
- When your bust needs a bit of a lift, and a bra isn’t cutting it, this firming lotion is designed to perk up your bust and smoothen crepey skin. You can also apply to the neck and decolletage.
HELLO! Tried & Tested
"It's hard to believe this thick, clear gel 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 pump dispenser is much easier than a bottle too, as less waste." - Carla Challis, Commerce Partnerships Editor.
Body Proud The Hot Seat Sculpting Booty Cream
- Size: 120ml
- Delivery: Free delivery available on orders over £35
- Returns: Within 28 days
- New to Body Proud is The Hot Seat, a bottom sculpting cream infused with caffeine and Elestan to plump the skin.
Editor's notes: "I love a firming body lotion that gives a bit of heat when you apply it and Body Proud's new bottom sculpting cream does that - talk about feel the burn! Formulated with caffeine and Elestan, its said to tone, smooth and plump the skin."
U Beauty Sculpt Arm Compound
- Size: 120ml
- Delivery: Free shipping on orders over £25
- Returns: Within 30 days of purchase
- If wobbly arms are your nemesis, this groundbreaking 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."
ELEMIS Targeted Toning Body Moisturiser
- Size: 200ml
- Delivery: Free delivery on orders over £20
- Returns: Free within 28 days of purchase
- This toning body moisturiser helps to reduce the appearance of dimpling and promotes firmer, smoother looking skin - perfect for party season. What we love too is the texture - it melts from a rich cream to a delicious oil when rubbed onto skin.
Editor's note: "The scent, the silky finish and the hydrating powers are just some of the things reviewers love about this - as well as improving 'crepey' skin."
SBC Skincare Hydra-Collagen Moisturising Gel
- Size: 100ml
- Delivery: Free delivery with Amazon Prime
- Returns: Free within 28 days of purchase
- Infused with hydra-collagen, this moisturiser firms and plumps the skin
Editor's notes: "This gel-formula speaks to me on a hot, balmy day as I can imagine it would feel super cooling, especially if refrigerated before use. An anti-ageing formula, this is designed to not only firm skin, but anti-age it too."
