FASHION + BEAUTY
BEACH-READY LEGS cont .
STEP THREE : MOISTURISE
Dry , scaly legs are never a good look , and the key to them a ) looking lovely and b ) receiving a helping hand in the form of a hint of self tan , is to moisturise . In our opinion , everything that Emma Hardie touches turns to gold ; a leading pioneer in skin rejuvenation , what she doesn ’ t know about anti-ageing isn ’ t worth knowing and now , hallelujah , she ’ s developed the ultimate body moisturiser too : Emma Hardie Natural Lift and Sculpt Body Butter . Fragranced with zingy citrus and softer , floral notes , it ’ s an intense , nourishing treatment that ’ s perfect for hydrating legs that have been left undercover for a while . Thick and really luxurious feeling , it ’ s packed to the rafters with everything tired skin could possibly need including Omega 3 , 6 , and 9 fatty acids , marine actives , vitamin E , shea butter , and even Inca oils from Peru , for that added air of indulgence . ( www . beautybay . com , £ 49 )
STEP FOUR : BLITZ YOUR CELLULITE
If cellulite worries you , worry ye not , nine out of 10 women have some form of it and the chances are it ’ s not half as bad as you think . Damage limitation is always favourable when it comes to the dreaded orange peel , however , and applying a body oil that harnesses the natural power of essential oils after you ’ ve moisturised is a great weapon to have in your leg-prep armoury . Step up : NUXE BODY Huile Minceur Cellulite Infiltree Body-Contouring Oil for Infiltrated Cellulite . Granted , its name could be a tad catchier , but this fine oil has been scientifically and specially formulated to reduce the appearance of cellulite . How ? Everlasting flower , cedar , grapefruit , sesame , macadamia , and hazelnut oils that ’ s how ; all of which are essential oils that stimulate the body to get rid of toxins by penetrating the root cause of cellulite and breaking down fat cells . ( www . feelunique . com , £ 19.95 )
STEP FIVE : SELF-TAN
WHAT ABOUT THE REST OF YOU ?
There ’ s no shame in giving your legs a gentle glow out of a bottle to help them look their best and your self-tan ( as we now call it ; ‘ fake tan ’ smites a little of embarrassment , which no responsible tan – artificial or not – should ), will glide on for a flawless finish if you ’ ve followed steps one to four . By far the best way to apply your self-tan – streak free – is with a tanning mitt ; once your tan is on the mitt , work it over your legs in a circular motion taking care to go lightly on knees and ankles .
If you ’ re not au fait with self-tan , or prefer a more natural look , we ’ d recommend James Read ’ s Gradual Tan – this guy is a self-tan guru and even has ‘ Tan TV ’ how-to videos on his website . His Gradual Tan Day Tan Body is colourless , so it won ’ t stain your bed or clothes ; can be used daily to build up a light colour ; and is infused with aloe vera and hyaluronic acid , leaving skin hydrated and ensuring your tan lasts longer and fades away evenly . ( www . feelunique . com , £ 24 )
In fairness , the lessons in leg beauty we ’ ve already learnt can and should be adapted to suit most other parts of your body before you head off into the sunshine , but don ’ t forget to pay special attention to your face and body overall ; here ’ s how …
Aloe Vera for your skin and face
If you have irritated , dry or damaged skin , it has to be soothed first and essential oils are your best friends here – packed with vitamins , amino acids and antioxidants , they not only help smooth fine lines but also heal any blemishes and irritation at the same time .
“ Aloe Vera is mainly known for its healing properties , as it kills certain bacteria and reduces inflammation . It is also a great antioxidant , which means it protects our skin from free radical damage ,” explains Cassandra Burns , nutritionist at nutricentre . com . “ Tea tree oil is also great as it destroys bacteria as nothing else does – it penetrates the blockage between your skin and glands , clearing clogged pores and drying out stubborn blackheads . Lemon essential oil can help to rejuvenate tiredlooking skin and brighten complexion .”
Try : What Skin Needs Hydrating Facial Serum , www . whatskinneeds . co . uk , £ 17.99 , and Odylique Aloe Vera Body Wash , www . odylique . co . uk , £ 9 .
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