We spend all those winter months not having to worry too much about the state of our legs in skinny jeans and tights; some of us even go rogue and let things just get native (go on, admit it). But, summer is looming and along with that the hotter weather (we’re rooting for you London), and holidays booked; which means whipping out those shorter dresses, sexy skirts and getting your legs out.
But no fear, although they may not have seen the light of day in forever, we have the ultimate guide to prepping your pins for the season that’ll be sure to revive, get glowing, and will have your legs looking absolutely killer in that summer dress…
Scrub, Scrub, Scrub.
The first step to prepping those pins is a good exfoliation, it helps your skin for hair removal and tanning, fake or real, you will want an even colour so you need to get rid of dead or dry skin. This will also help prevent and protect yourself against ingrown hairs and make your skin radiant with a lovely glow. You will never regret a good body scrub, your skin will thank you for it.
Aveda’s new Beautifying Radiance Polish has organic plant oils to soothe and mineral-rich salt crystals to detoxify, as well as exfoliate. Replenish your skin and your senses with its uplifting lavender aroma, and we guarantee you’ll fall in love with this product instantly, as we did.
Hair Removal
Now your skin is ready to be silky smooth, it’s time to get rid of any unwanted hair. If you are running out of time and running low on spending money after all your pre-holiday prep and shopping, one of the easiest and most effective ways to do your own at-home treatments is with Nair Nourish Argan Oil collection. They have a product tailored for every body part and is safe to use on the face, so you know you are using the best products with easy application techniques that are quick and easy.
The Argan Oil in the Nair products soften the hairs and the natural anti-inflammatory ingredients mean your skin is protected, so no nasty reactions. They also contain Orange Blossom which soothes and heals the skin, so you can do this the night before you fly and your skin will be ready for its holiday the next day. No pain, easy to use and results that will last to the end of that week in Ibiza. If you are travelling for longer you can pop one in your case for any emergencies, as the formula will work on short hairs too if you have a quick re-growth. But you never know when that next trip might appear, so you already have your Nair ready in the bathroom to make sure you are ready for any last minute invitation to party on someone’s yacht in the Med!
Moisturise
The key to healthy looking and plump skin is to moisturise! Get glowing and silky-smooth legs so they look good – and feel good too! Plus, this will keep any natural or fake tans looking better and lasting longer.
Apart from the fact it smells like divine summer holidays in a bottle, the Garnier’s New Ultimate Blends Honey Treasures Body Restoring Lotion uses actual honey for its nourishing and smoothing properties, along with Royal Jelly for its restoring properties. This lotion smoothes on like butter, and leaves a well-moisturised, non-sticky residue that has long lasting moisturisation. Say goodbye to dry skin, and say hello to wonderfully soft and hydrated skin!
Work on your tan
We are all for being safe in the sun. So rather than opting for UV skin damage (which is an absolute no-no if you want your body and skin to be healthy) we simply whip out our trusty fake tans when we want a little bronzing up.
Now this is optional, of course. But if you like your legs with a bit of colour here are some products we’ve rather enjoyed using recently. The prior steps you will have taken above will help whichever tan you choose to look flawless and incredible too. Now, which one to choose?
Wash-off Tans
Wash-off tanning products can be a really good way to instantly get a glowing, bronzed finish – and not have to worry about the longevity or how it fades off the skin – as it’ll simply wash off in the shower. These products are our current go-to tans for an instant bronze:
Vita Body Blur
This clever product works just like makeup for your body – with a non-transfer, instantly bronzed and even finish. Take a look at our full review here.
The Body Shop Tinted Leg Mist
This leg mist is so handy if you want a little spritz on the go! Going out after work? This is the one to reach for. This transparent get mist coats your skin to give an instant, natural looking matte tan. No oil, no shimmer, just nice and simple.
Temple Spa Goldentini Body Oil & Glaze
Who DOESN’T love a shimmering body oil? Temple Spa’s extremely lightweight and superbly glittering omega-rich glaze is the perfect option if you want that shimmering sun-kissed skin. You’ll be catching the light, oozing radiance and enhancing any existing tan after you smother this baby on.
Lasting Tans
Hannah tried out the new Sienna X 1 hour High Intensity Express Tan and really got on well with, so desperately needed to rave about it. Now, we’re not talking about the popular training phenomenon – although it basically works the same way. It is fast, and designed to give you instant results. No more waiting 8 hours for tan to develop on the skin – this one works in just one hour. Non-sticky, non-greasy and an even coverage. It lasted well and gave proper results, people noticed I was looking brown (hurrah!), with no messing about. What more could you want?
The perfect product for your tootsies this summer? Take a look here..
Nair Nourish Argan Oil collection is available from Superdrug, Boots, Tesco
*post sponsored by Nair