I performed something a little on the frightening side at the weekend. No, I didn’t decide to walk naked down the corridor of our home, scaring (or should that be scarring) the pimples off my teenagers’ faces.
Close.
I actually looked at my legs after I got out of the shower. Really looked at them. For three or more months, they’ve received nothing more than a cursory wipe of the towel before quickly being ensconced in a pair of jeans or tights. Out of sight out of mind.
Not any more. Spring is here.
So, I forced myself to look.
And I can tell you on good authority, they did not look like Ms Aniston’s.
They looked more like those you might find on an albino yeti. Only not as attractive.
Truth be known, I only have myself to blame. I am a natural-born hibernator. During the winter months I have no drive to get out of bed in the dark at 5.30am and pound the pavements and I tend to see leg hair removal as optional.
So discovering on the weekend, that my “pins” were a long way from being fit for public viewing, I took action. Swift action. Shut the bathroom door quickly (but silently) action.
And I mustered together my favourite de-fuzz and leg preening products. Think my legs are still in shock.
If you need to shock your pins into spring-readiness. Then read on for how to do it.
1. Remove the unwanted hair. I’m a reformed bikini line waxer, now a huge fan of laser hair removal (mostly because it suits my lazy time poor approach to grooming), but for legs and underarms, I go for the quick shave approach.
TriShave 3in1 Shave Crème For Women $8.50, left, is a supermarket buy that not only makes shaving easy but also helps prevents nasty post-shave rashes thanks to tea-tree and rose oils. It’s soap-free too. My Gillette Venus Spa Breeze razor $13.59, right, has been a fave for more than 12 months because the built-in gel bars make for a super smooth glide.
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2. Give yourself a good scrub. Just like your face should get a regular scrubbing off of the dead skin cells, so should your legs. Particularly if you’re a serial spray tanner through the spring and summer months. Exfoliating 24 hours beforehand will give you a longer-lasting tan.
Sodashi Organic Green Tea Salt Therapy Exfoliant $66, left, contains Himalayan crystal salts which work to detox and exfoliate and don’t know about you but I need a little post-winter detox. Burt’s Bees Honey & Shea Sugar Scrub $29.95, right, is one tub of almond, honey and shea delishness. Sorry to tease – it’s not available in David Jones until October 15 – but it’s too good not to rate a mention here.
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3. Re-hydrate every night with a good moisturiser. Before bed, I like to give my legs (and the rest of my body) and dose of moisturiser. Something that’s not too heavy but just right for slipping between the sheets in.
4. Slather on an SPF moisturiser during the day. If I’m going to the beach (which happens a lot when you live a 10 minute walk from one), I’ll reach for a heavy duty sunscreen but for everyday, incidental sun exposure, I choose to stay sunsafe with a moisturiser with an SPF.
5. Get thee to a spray tanner or try at home yourself. You’ve probably guessed by now that I’m more the “pay someone to do the difficult jobs” kind of girl. And that’s definitely the case with fake tans. I go to a fantastic spray tanner who uses just the right shade for me – something that doesn’t look ridiculous on my pale skin but manages to take the edge of the white iridescent glow. I am a big fan of a gradual tanner though. Can’t really stuff that one up. And if I’m in a real hurry and my legs (or arms for that matter) need colour fast, I’ll whip out a spray-on bronzer.
Do you have a spring action plan in place for your legs or do yours look like Jen Aniston’s already? It’s ok, I’ll still like you 😉
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*The products I’ve included above are either new favourites in my bathroom cabinet or old timers which I turn to every spring. For more information on my disclosure policy, click here.
This week is Spring Clean week on Styling You. Every day there will be a post aimed at helping you get ready for the new season. Hope you enjoy.
Comments 43
Me natural red head, some frekles and white to ther point of blue skin. My faves Schick Quattro for Women, Nutrimetics Micro Dermabrasion for the face and the body and St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse. I am a special occassion tanning gal during the winter however through out summer apply every one to two weeks, get nothing but compliments especially as the tan makes my blue eyes pop. I have been to spray tanners but believe my job is just a good or better than some I have experienced and better on the hip poket.
Author
Simone, that’s great advice for other Styling You readers with similar colouring – thank-you!
Oh dear, I’m no good with lotions. Have found an epilator machine thinggy great, my neighbour gave it to me as she found it too painful. But it’s fine!
Serious weight training has made a big difference to my legs, however, they will always been of the sturdy Scottish variety, and the cellulite has been there for approx 30 years so quite used to it now. Love the beach and always wear a stretchy sarong so as not to scare people.
Author
ooh, I can’t do epilators and I need to re-start my lunges and squats!
Love the tips Nikki! Now, time to get Jen’s legs. *sigh*
Author
*sigh* – pity can’t buy them at the shops!
After a bad leg waxing job a few months ago, I developed folliculitis. I’ve tried everything and although they’re slightly less disgusting, I still had unsightly red sores on my shins and calves. What to do? Fake tan anyway? Have been plucking while poor legs heal.
Author
Oh, Bronnie, that’s just awful. I sometimes get that on my arms (not from waxing 😉 ). It got so bad a couple of years ago, went to a dermatologist. The danger in doing the fake tan could be aggravating it while trying to get better. I’d only do if trying a test patch first.
I use Natures Organics Sorbolene which I buy from Woolworths for under $10. Just lather up and apply cream for a smooth finish.
Author
Great tip, Tracy – love anything I can pick up while doing the groceries!
I’m the same as you Nikki and haven’t really been looking after my legs either. My legs need a really good scrub! Thanks for sharing the tips on the products.
Author
Think we’ll all be scrubbing this weekend!
Spray tans are so easy to stuff up that i’d rather pay a professional. My beautician actually gives me a really dark tan (I am translucent naturally) and it really suits me (or rather did with my old hair).
However I only get a spray tan for occasions.
I don’t tan naturally, I just go red and back to white. It really sucks. Also I react easily to hair removal, both waxing and shaving, makes me want to avoid it more, lol.
Author
I too am a special occasion spray tanner. I do go off-white over summer from incidental sun (and using sunscreen) but not a brown bunny by any stretch of the imagination! Just want comes from a beach lifestyle.
And re hair removal, can really recommend laser. I was exactly like you. Not any more.
Hi Nikki, Love the Burt’s Bees sugar scrub, do you know if there is anywhere on Sunny Coast you can buy this jar of love?
Author
It’s a David Jones exclusive out October. Terry White stocks Burts Bees so may have after exclusive period. Perhaps ask them when in store next?
I’m still recovering from flu and am not ready for anyone to see my legs yet. I have a (dumb) question though. Is laser hair removal painful? I see lots of adverts for it but am a wimp at the best of times. So I’d love to know your thoughts on it. PS I’ve added fake tan to my shopping list
Author
I’ve been getting my bikini line lasered and pain is nothing like waxing. Would imagine legs would hurt least of all. X
I get laser on my legs…….last time I fell asleep whilst it was happening!its not painful But i do find bikini painful. but tolerable, over in 4 mins painful!
I just did the same on Sunday! My problem is I’m a pale, freckly skinned red head so am looking particularly albino at the moment. And as much as I love fake tan (used to ballroom dance so am used to being orange), I’m allergic to so many!
Author
I haven’t had experience on fake tans and allergies but wondering if you’re tried Jane Iredale’s Fantasia. Also a new one I haven’t tried as yet is Summer by http://www.beautydepartment.com.au/ – it’s apparently made from natural and organic ingredients. Not that natural and organic necessarily means allergy free.
Perhaps a Styling You reader can help here?
I can’t stand yeti legs so I still shave all winter, even if it’s only me that sees them 😛 I’ve also started using the Garnier Body Summer lotion (even blogged about it, it’s such a fantastic product!). No more milky-white legs at my house 😀 But sadly no, my legs still have a long way to go to look like Jen Aniston’s 😉
Author
I’m very impressed at your discipline! And love the sound of that product – will check out your blog. Thanks for sharing.
I have tried NIVEA Sun Light Feel Every Day Sun Lotion and it feels really great. I really felt comfortable and my skin really blemishes. Its terrific. I am very happy about your listing. I wanna also try TriShave 3in1 Shave Crème For Women.
Author
Glad you like it too and I’ve been using TriShave for about four years now. Very happy with it. If I have trouble getting the women’s one, I’ve found the men’s tea tree version works just as well.
Oh mine already look like Jen’s. NOT!
Author
Hahah, welcome to the club!
That Burts Bee’s scrub IS THE BESTEST!
I am also a slave for the lotion. The Nivea light feel one is terrific. I also use one of those razors in the shower that have the soap built it. I also need to do one gazillion leg lifts before shorts hit my pins, which is never going to happen xx
PS Brown fat looks better than white fat, Pass the fake tan
Author
We will fake tan it together on Maroochydore beach in two weeks!
Hi Nikki. Out of the Nivea and the Vaseline, which one would you recommend as the best formula to wear during the day, in summer, on chest, arms, shoulders, back? I’m a pale redhead and I don’t need any more freckles, BUT stinky, sticky sun screen on my body makes me sad 🙂 Thanks!
Author
Eva, given your skin coloring, I’d go the Nivea for the 30+
I’m a hibernator too. Very yeti-ish I’m sorry to say. I think I’ll be getting out the Nads and locking myself in the bathroom for a good hour! I usually have olive skin, but right now my legs are a lighter shade of pale. I’m not one for spray tan, but might give the Palmer’s Natural Bronze a go.
Author
Your legs will love the Palmers bronzer – nice even gradual coverage. (Yetis unite!)
The Yeti Club might want to revoke my seasonal membership! Hair free today – hooray! Thanks for the kick into action Nikki 🙂
Author
At least we’re all doing it together!
HI Nikki, great post. I just wondered if you had ever come across a good self-tan product that is good for sensitive skin? I find that almost all of the tans I use irritate my legs so much I end up scratching my legs to death! Not a good look! tks Dx
Author
Go for a gradual tanning product like Palmer’s or Jane Iredale Tantasia, Dawn.
Hi Nikki, Fantastic list (as always!). Quick question on the bronzer; I am thinking of using one on the weekend for an event, as I don’t have the time/inclination to spray tan for it. Am very worried that it will rub off/sweat off easily. Whats been your experience?
Thanks!
Author
No, it won’t rub or sweat off. You need to be in a shower for it to do so. That’s my experience even in sweaty height of Queensland summer.
Thank Nikki! You’ve saved me a spray tan 🙂
OMG I realized a week earlier than you what was actually happening ‘down there’ and have had the Le Tan out already!
Author
Go Selina! I was putting the inevitable off as long as possible 😉