Six steps to perfect pins
Want silky legs for when it’s time to ditch the tights? Better start now!
ETIQUETTE decrees that the end of the Easter break marks the point at which it’s unacceptable to still be pulling on those trusty black tights.
Be warned, the feast falls early this year, so with just days to go until you have to bare your legs, try these six steps. . .
1. PREPARE TO BARE
LOWER humidity in winter reduces moisture in our skin. ‘Skin here may seem more dry than the rest of your body because circulation is weaker in our lower limbs,’ says dermatologist Dr Michael Prager.
Use an exfoliator — like Superdrug Vitamin E Exfoliating Body Scrub (€3.99) — to stimulate circulation. Apply Sanctuary Spa’s Two Day Moisture Shower Oil (€7.99, sanctuary.com) in the shower, rinse off, then apply body moisturiser.
If this seems like too much work, try Wrangler’s new moisturising jeans. The denim is sprayed with an olive extract which, i t’s claimed, nourishes dry legs for the first 15 wears (€110, asos.com). After four washes the moisturising effect is lost but you can replace it with a special spray.
2. REMOVE WINTER FUZZ
NOW’S the time to remove any winter leg hair by waxing or epilating. The new Braun Silk-epil 7 Wet & Dry (€99, stockists nationwide) can be used in the bath. The warm water relaxes the skin, opens pores and r eleases endorphins — the body’s natural pain-relievers.
For a more permanent solution, at-home laser hair removal kits are now an affordable option — we like the Remington I-Light Pro (€265) and the Philips Lumea SC2001/01 (€350).
3. FAKE A GOLDEN GLOW
A GOLDEN tan makes legs look slimmer, and there’s a new generation of self-tans that don’t streak. Start the season with a subtle honey-like glow before going darker in July and August. Try St Tropez’ new Self Tan Sensitive Bronzing Body Lotion (€33.55, debenhams.ie).
4. TACKLE CELLULITE
STUDIES say 90 per cent of us have cellulite. Celebrity personal trainer Dalton Wong says: ‘Try body brushing to i mprove lymphatic drainage, drinking two litres of water each day, ditching refined carbs, eating antioxidantrich berries, and exercising regularly to promote blood flow.’
Alternatively, go for the lazy option: an Epsom salt bath (€1.50, pharmacies nationwide).
‘The salts are full of magnesium which reduces cellulite,’ says Wong. ‘Pour two cupfuls into a hot bath and soak for 20 minutes, three times a week.’
5. GET IN SHAPE
‘TWO weeks of toning can make all the difference to your pins,’ says Dalton.
He recommends doing this legfirming formula every day for a fortnight, building up to repeat the routine three times.
Lay on your side with legs straight and one foot stacked on top of the other. Raise your top leg a few centimetres, then lower. Do this 15 times on each leg to tone your outer thighs.
From the same position, move your top thigh forward at a right angle and rest your foot on the floor.
Keeping your lower leg straight, raise it a few inches and then lower slowly. Repeat 15 times per side.
Lunges are the tried- andtrusted move for perfect legs, but do them from all angles.
Start by standing tall, feet hipwidth apart, holding in your stomach. Step your right leg forward with your knee over your ankle and lower your thigh until it is parallel to the floor.
Lift up and step backwards, keeping your front shin perpendicular to the floor. Return to a standing position and repeat 15 times per leg.
Now lunge to the right, pushing your bottom back behind you. Bring your feet back together and step to the left. Repeat 15 times.
6. OR TRY MAKE-UP!
MAC’s Face and Body Foundation (€31, maccosmetics.co.uk) comes in 13 shades and gives naturallooking coverage. It blends easily and the water-resistant formula won’t slide off.
If you’re bothered by blue veins or bruises, cover them with a yellow-based concealer — Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Concealer in Honey (€25, Brown Thomas) works well. Sally Hansen’s new Airbrush Legs Lotion (€16.95, nationwide) also leaves legs smooth and supple.