The Gloss Report: 5 body brushes reviewed

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Body brush reviews

The recent BBC show The Truth About Looking Good tauted body brushing as the best way to get rid of cellulite  after testing multiple treatments - so which brush should you use? We've tried and tested some of the most popular brushes on the market to give our verdict.

Not sure how to use one? The recommended application technique is to brush before you hop into the bath or shower; start from your feet and work your way up your body in gentle circular motions, brushing all over to stimulate circulation, smooth skin and, according to the experts, help to banish cellulite. Read our guide on how to body brush and the benefits  for a total low down on what to expect from the latest addition to your body care routine.

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Elemis Detox Skin Brush, £21

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Feedback: “Designed as a natural way to increase circulation, eliminate dead skin cells, and helps the body's natural detoxification process, this nifty body brush from Elemis sounded like a dream to me! I'm a complete beginner when it comes to body brushing, with this being my first foray into this particular beauty ritual. My legs are particularly dry at the moment due a combination of winter weather and my dreaded eczema that wreaks havoc at this time of year! So I was excited to give this a go and see if it could help give my legs more of a smoother appearance.

I have been using this every morning for a week now and I have definitely noticed a difference in the texture of my skin. It's a lot smoother and I also found my body cream sunk into the skin a lot easier after using this too. The natural bristles do not irritate the skin, instead being firm enough to give a real thorough exfoliation. I think I need to continue to test this for a couple more weeks to report back on the claim that it can reduce cellulite, but overall I think this is a definite must-have in a pamper routine for some seriously smooth legs."

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The Mio Body Brush, £14.50

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Feedback: “As far as bathtime extras go, I was definitely impressed by this one. Recommended to be used on either dry or wet skin (I liked to mix it up between the two), it gave my skin a much-appreciated early morning pick-me-up thanks to its exfoliating (but not overly prickly) boar bristles and clear instructions on proper top to toe technique.

My skin was left looking smoother and softer as a result and I definitely felt a difference to its overall tone and appearance too."

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Aromatherapy Associates Body Brush, £23

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Feedback: “Admittedly, body brushing is something I’d never thought was necessary to include in my skincare routine but I’m pleased to say, this Aromatherapy Associates Body Brush has swayed me.

The first thing I noticed about this brush is that it comes with an easy-to-use strap, meaning you’re able to get a firm grip and apply even pressure. I was slightly nervous about how its natural cactus sisal bristles would feel against my skin, and while they were slightly harsh at first, the feeling becomes refreshingly energising over time.

As well as buffing away dead skin cells, this nifty brush also helps to even your skin tone, breaks down cellulite and enhances lymphatic drainage; a multi-purpose winner and overlooked beauty hero."

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The Organic Pharmacy Skin Brush, £7.95

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Feedback: “On first use this skin brush seemed like it might have been more apt for cleaning shoes- it was a fairly rough sensation that my delicate, marshmallow-esque skin wasn’t quite used to. A minute in though, I got used to the ‘scuffing’ feeling and it actually became quite satisfying and invigorating. The motion of brushing your dry skin can’t fail to be energising, mainly because you’re practically doing a workout to reach awkward spots such as elbows and ankles and my skin was definitely softer post use without any of the sandy or sticky residue that body scrubs can sometimes leave behind. The only downside was that my skin was redder too, although this calmed down after an hour or so. Perhaps not a bathing ritual to practice before a big event or night out, but as part of a Sunday beauty session it’ll get your circulation going nicely and result in smoothing skin in the long run. Given that it should last a good while, it’s well priced too, and the long handle makes it suitable for pretty much one and all.”

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Urban Veda Ayurvedic Dry Body Brush, £17.50

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"This sturdy brush looks more like it would be for a horse than for a human but after sweeping it over our body for five minutes we can confirm it's far too precious to be taken to the stables! Vegan and sustainably produced, this walnut wood and cactus sisal fibre body brush has firm bristles for a truly invigorating brush that leaves the skin feeling warmed and circulation boosted."