It's inevitable—unless you've declared the maxi skirt your summer uniform, you're going to have to show some leg. But don't let the current state of your scaly, winter-dulled limbs deter you from rocking a great pair of shorts or a flouncy mini. A little prep work and you'll be ready to flash your gams with grace, even in the light of day (and without the need for time consuming self-tanner). Here's how to prepare your legs for summer.
Start in the Shower—Exfoliate a few times a week to help slough away dry, flaky skin and use moisturizing body washes and shave products to give your skin an extra hit of hydration.
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Kate Somerville Exfolikate Body—Get your scrub on with this triple-duty exfoliator: Beside mini-scrubbing beads, it also contains steam-activated fruit enzymes from papaya and pumpkin that dissolve dead skin cells, glycolic and lactic acids to help polish, and caffeine (the best cellulite-busting ingredient) to help tone and tighten skin.
$65, available at Kate Somerville.
$65, available at Kate Somerville.
Dove VisibleCare Softening Creme Body Wash—This drugstore buy uses Dove's own NutriumMoisture formula (mild cleansers and naturally moisturizing lipids) to soften skin and work its magic on dry spots.
$8.29, available at Drugstore.com.
$8.29, available at Drugstore.com.
Skintimate Skin Therapy Shave Gel—Besides loving the Mara Hoffman-designed can (we're suckers for packaging), we're also fans of this gel's conditioning formula with Vitamin E.
$2.99, available at CVS.
$2.99, available at CVS.
Moisturize and Tone—Don't skimp on hydration and, since we can't all have runway perfect legs, it never hurts to apply a leg-specific lotion that's designed to firm up and de-bloat.
Dior spring '11 image courtesy of Dior.
Lierac Sensorielle Multi-Use Oil—Not only does this oil smell amazing (it's scented with gardenia, jasmine, and camellia), it also uses argan, grapeseed, sweet almond, and hazelnut oils to provide long-lasting moisture (up to 24 hours) and won't leave a greasy residue—the oil really does absorb as well as a lotion.
$34, available at Lierac.
$34, available at Lierac.
Liz Earle Energising Hip and Thigh Gel—Using 15 naturally active ingredients—think ginkgo biloba, ivy, caffeine, grapefruit, and horse chestnut—this gel firms, tones, and de-puffs.
$33, available at Liz Earle.
$33, available at Liz Earle.
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Mama Mio Shrink to Fit—If you're serious about diminishing the look of cellulite, then this serious cellulite-zapping lotion is for you.
$56, available at Mama Mio.
$56, available at Mama Mio.
Stella McCartney spring '11 image courtesy of Stella McCartney.
Fake it Till You Make It—Whether you're a self-tanning devotee, a true sun bather, or a fan of the shade, a little temporary color boost is the best way to ease into the skin-baring summer months.
Guerlain Terracotta Jambes de Gazelles—This temporary tint sprays on easily, dries quickly, and washes off with soap and water. The brand promises it won't transfer onto clothing and the formula also contains ingredients that provide a cooling effect and help prolong a natural tan.
$59, available at Nordstrom.
$59, available at Nordstrom.
Michael Kors Leg Shine in Classic or Bronze—This easy to apply stick comes in a sheer shimmer and a color-depositing bronze, but take note: both are infused with the classic Kors scent.
$32, available at Michael Kors.
Super Supermodel Legs with Chili Pepper—Harnessing an anti-oxidant found in hot peppers that increases circulation, this moisturizing lotion gives skin a hint of natural flush and also has a very subtle, light sheen.
$30, available at Sephora.
$30, available at Sephora.