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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