Wow, we are certainly having a heatwave at the moment. It's been beautiful. And it's strange to think that we are only half way through April. Months after hibernating under those chunky knits, thick jeans and tan boots it's time to get ready for the bare leg season. Now I must admit, I am not a great lover of the sun and if I am being completely honest I have always been incredibly envious of women with lovely legs. As they walk by with their super smooth, long tanned legs paired with oh so cute shorts or skirts and I am in trying to hide my shorter, pasty white legs are trying in jeans or tights for as long as can stand in the heat. So it's time to get my legs summer ready and make them smooth, soft and tanned thanks to a selection of great products on the market.
So, here’s my guide for gorgeous summer legs:
Step 1 // The Brush Off
Instantly perk up skin with The Mio Body Brush from Mio Skincare. A brush that has been developed to stimulate and revitalise, perfect for the start of getting your legs summer ready. This brush features natural boar bristles and massage nodules to sweep across the surface layer of skin with an exfoliating action, activating cellular renewal and circulation to help reduce the appearance of ‘orange-peel’ for a firmer, smoother feeling texture. Use this body brush on dry [not wet] skin to exfoliate the legs and remove dead cells. Simply start at the ankles and brush upwards in soft, circular motions.
Step 2 // Hair Removal
Next year, if you’ve got a bit of spare money promise yourself you’re going to have a course of laser hair removal from the Pulse Light Clinic. Laser hair removal works by targeting the hair follicle with laser light, this energy damages and goes on to destroy the hair follicle, thus stopping the follicle from producing further hairs. The laser delivers an intense beam of light, which is absorbed by the hair follicle whilst the surrounding tissue remains unaffected. There are so many reason to get those hairs zapped that's for sure. No more ingrown hairs, super smooth skin, less irritation and the best part? Not having to shave or wax again. You would want to find out more information, watch this quick video and then get yourself on their online booking system, the first consultation is free so there's no excuses.
Step 3 // Exfoliation
Once you have super smooth legs, it's time to exfoliate. So get rid of your dead skin, protect yourself against ingrown hairs and give your legs that radiant look with a good scrub. One of the best and cheapest ways to do this is with a pair of exfoliating gloves, which is probably one of the best inventions ever and you can pick up a pair for less than a £1. However, if you're feeling like a more
indulgent scrub there are so many different ones that you can pick up and one of my favourites is Soap and Glory's The Scrub of Your Life. I love body scrubs and this one has a scent that combines fresh bergamot and mandarin, rose, jasmine, peach, strawberry, oak moss, amber and woody notes. I am a massive fan of this gorgeous scrub. Best scrub ever leaves skin so refreshed after each use and you only need a small amount and has a lovely smell.
Step 4 // Moisturise
And now that we have super smooth legs it's time to get them hydrated with a good moisturiser. As there's nothing more frustrating that applying fake down to dry skin, so always make sure that you moisturise after every shower. It's the best time to keep those pin hydrated as it will trap more moisture. I am a big fan of body butters, like this Almond Milk & Honey Soothing Body Butter from the Body Shop. If you get the chance to try the body butter, try it. It’s AMAZING!! The name itself describes how it is, it really is like butter. The smell of this cream is absolutely amazing. It will leave your skin feels smoother, softer and fresher. I normally use it after I have a shower so it absorbs better but anytime should be fine. Unlike other moisturisers out there this one is not heavy at all and is really light and delicate on skin.
Step 5 // Work on Your Tan
A really good fake tan is a great way to feel more confident about baring those legs that haven't seen the sun all winter long. Before you tan make sure that you apply a layer of moisturiser to your ankles and knees you don’t get any excess fake tan clinging to these areas. As alwways the best way to apply fake tan is with a tanning mitt and these will provide an easy, even and streak free application. You can either mix your fake tan with body lotion for a subtle grow, or wear alone for a tanned, radiant glow. Don’t apply to much to your feet and literally brush the mitt over your ankles so that they get some colour but not too much. My favourite is St.Tropez Self Tan Express Bronze Mousse. It's perfect if you want a long lasting fake tan without having to to wait around for hours whilst it develops, then this one is for you. Leave it on for one hour for a light sun-kissed glow, two hours, for a medium tan and three hours for a deeper bronze. Another option for those who like the natural look is to apply a gradual tan. You don’t need to use a mitt for these and they contain moisturiser so you can skip that step as well. This Cocoa Butter Formula Natural Bronze is amazing. The scent of this one, a classic cocoa butter fragrance, is strong but there are no hints of that traditional fake tan smell. A thick, white lotion, it moisturises skin well but also sinks in quickly so there’s no hanging around waiting to get dressed. It’s easy to use thanks to the pump dispenser, and we noticed the tan developing after two applications – it was a natural golden brown that got darker with every use. At this price, it’s hard to fault too.
Step 6 // Cover Up
You might remember to apply sunscreen to your arms and face, but take extra care to reach the back of the legs. This is an area that is often overlooked and under applied. For more accurate coverage use a cream rather than a spray, I am obsessed with this Garnier Ambre Solaire one. The perfect balance of moisturising care and protection with advanced UVA and UVB photo-stable filters. This non sticky, non greasy formula is quick and easy-to-use, and instantly absorbed by the skin and leaves no white marks
exfoliation is such an important pre-summer skincare routine for me!
ReplyDeleteI've only ever had laser removal on my face and it changed my life. would 100% recommend every step you've mentioned above!
ReplyDeleteGreat article hun!