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13 firming body lotions that are like a bootcamp for your bod - and yes, they actually work

Swap your squats and sit-ups for slathering on these best firming body lotions

Best firming body lotions
Carla Challis
Commerce Partnerships Editor
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A firming body lotion might not be in your daily beauty routine, but it should be. A firming body lotion not only firms the skin, clue is the name, but smooths it, tones it and plumps it - yep, even if the skin on your body can fall to wrinkles or fine lines as well as the common known body annoyances like cellulite and stretch marks.

Of course, we should all be proud of our bodies. They're amazing, beautiful reminders of just how incredible the human body is. I for one have plenty of marks and blemishes caused by age, pregnancy and hormonal shifts, and I use a firming body lotion for confidence. Because sometimes, no matter how many arm rollouts or squats I do, I just can't seem to firm some areas of my body's skin.

Best firming body lotions at a glance

  1. The affordable wonder: Nivea Q10 Firming Lotion, £10.99 at Boots / $10 at Amazon
  2. The one for arms: PRAI Beauty Ageless Upper Arm Creme, £19.20 at Amazon / $40.50 at Amazon
  3. The one for boobs: Bloom & Blossom Bust Firming Gel, £32 at LOOKFANTASTIC / $41.99 at Amazon
  4. The one that smells incredible: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream, from £21 at LOOKFANTASTIC / $45.60 at Amazon
  5. The one with Retinol: Paula's Choice Retinol Body Treatment, £33 at Amazon / $27.55 at Amazon

Using a firming body lwe sometimes otion doesn’t mean you’re not proud of your body. Think of a firming lotion for the body as that extra bit of help that can push our body confidence to the next level. Not just for firming, they can make your skin feel deliciously hydrated, rejuvenated and smooth. And with summer on the horizon, I definitely want that.

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.

I for one rely on them heavily to add the icing to any firming exercises I’ve done. And post-partum, I was literally bathing in them to lessen stretch marks and cellulite, and pregnancy stretched skin. Some of them I’ve continued to use ever since, and swear by them for making a difference.

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.

Shop my favourite firming body lotions

  1. 1/13

    Nivea Firming Body Lotion

    Nivea Q10 Firming Lotion

    Nivea Q10 Plus Firming Body Cream

    Size: 300ml

    Delivery: Free delivery available

    Returns: Free returns 

    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."

  2. 2/13

    Clarins Firming Body Lotion

    Clarins Body Firming Lotion

    Clarins Body Firming Extra-Firming Cream

    Size: 150ml

    Delivery: Free delivery on orders over £20​​​​

    Returns: Free returns within 28 days

    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."

  3. 3/13

    Aveeno Firming Body Lotion

    Aveeno Firming Body Lotion

    Aveeno Skin Renewal Firming Lotion

    Size: 300ml

    Delivery: Free delivery with Amazon Prime

    Returns: Free returns within 30 days

    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".

  4. 4/13

    PRAI Beauty Firming Body Lotion

    Prai Upper Arm Creme

    PRAI Beauty Ageless Upper Arm Creme

    Size: 110ml

    Delivery: Free delivery with Amazon Prime

    Returns: Free within 28 days of purchase

    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!"

  5. 5/13

    Strivectin Firming Body Lotion

    Strivectin Crepe Control Body Cream

    Strivectin Crepe Control Body Lotion

    Size: 200ml

    Delivery: From £1.99

    Returns: Free within 30 days of purchase

    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."

  6. 6/13

    Neal's Yard Remedies Firming Lotion

    Neal's Yard Remedies Toning Oil

    Neal's Yard Remedies 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.

    Editor's note: "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," HELLO! Tried & Tested by Carla Challis, HELLO!'s Shopping Partnerships Editor.

  7. 7/13

    Beauty Pie Firming Lotion

    BeautyPie Youthbomb Concentrate

    Beauty Pie Youthbomb 360 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!"

  8. 8/13

    Palmer's Firming Body Lotion

    Palmers Firming Butter

    Palmer's Cocoa Butter Firming Butter

    Size: 315ml

    Delivery: From £1.99

    Returns: Within 30 days of purchase

    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. 

    Editor's note: “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." - HELLO! Tried & Tested, Carla Challis

  9. 9/13

    Sol de Janeiro Firming Body Lotion

    Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

    Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream

    Size: From 75ml

    Delivery: Free delivery on orders over £25

    Returns: Within 30 days of purchase

    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.

    Editor's notes: "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!" - HELLO! Tried & Tested by Kath Robinson, HELLO! Senior Lifestyle Editor.

  10. 10/13

    Bloom & Blossom Firming Body Lotion

    Bloom and Blossom Bust Gel

    Bloom & Blossom Bust Firming Gel

    Size: 50ml

    Delivery: Free delivery on orders over £25

    Returns: Free returns within 30 days of purchase

    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.

    Editor's note: "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." - HELLO! Tried & Tested by Carla Challis, Shopping Partnerships Editor.

  11. 11/13

    ESPA Firming Body Lotion

    ESPA firming body butter

    ESPA Regenerating Smooth & Firm Body Butter

    Size: 180ml

    Delivery: Free delivery on orders over £25

    Returns: Free returns within 30 days of purchase

    Sometimes you just need a rich, luxurious body butter to sort your skin, and ESPAs is about as thick and creamy as they come. Hydrating Larch and Pumpkin Seed Extract help smooth while Rosehip, Argan Oil and Vitamin E moisturise and nourish. 

    Editor's notes: "One fan who has been using the product for years said it had made a "huge difference" to her skin."

  12. 12/13

    U Beauty Firming Body Lotion

    U Beauty Arm Sculpt

    U Beauty The 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."

  13. 13/13

    ELEMIS Firming Body Lotion

    ELEMIS toning body moisturiser

    ELEMIS 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."

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