As a Gaelic player who wears shorts for matches, training and therefore has their legs out a lot in the warmer months. I like to make sure my legs are looking their best. Through a lot of different trial and error, here are some tips that I will continue use to keep my legs silky smooth this Summer.
Exfoliation is very important when trying to achieve soft, smooth, bump-free legs. Some exfoliators are just like a body butter with a little salt in them. They wont do much. (Soap and Glory), but those are great for exfoliating other places of your body and sensitive skin. However, when it comes to legs, I love a harsh exfoliator. I want to be able to tell the dead skin has been taken off first try.
(Toxic Trait- Inpatient )
In terms of exfoliators I love the Rituals Karma Body Scrub. We have a small Rituals counter in the Boots that I work in. A colleague of mine and I had a conversation recently about one of the old body scrubs Rituals used to sell. It warmed up when you rubbed in on your skin. He unlocked a memory I completely forgot about. Does anyone remember this product? When I was visiting the Netherlands, I walked past roughly ten different Rituals stores. On my way home, I popped in to see maybe if they still sold it, but no joy. I can't even find it online. It was lovely. You can't beat a Rituals Body Scrub. Can anyone else remember this product or is my colleague and I going insane? (That would be plausible too.)
I am a big Clarins Skincare/ Body care fan if you can’t tell. The other day I tried the exfoliator for the very first time. I have to say, I was impressed. It was not as rough and salty as the Rituals one. However, it was the perfect ratio of moisturiser and exfoliation. It left my legs feeling soft. It was a lot better than expected and I will continue to use this product.
I also quite like to use the AHA Glycolic Toner from REN or The Ordinary on my legs while in the shower. I watched a creator on Tik Tok showing her new hack for getting rid of strawberry skin. Strawberry skin is when your legs have little red looking bumps, a build up of dead skin cells and the appearance of the pores on your legs are enlarged. This is something I would be quite conscious in with my legs as a pale girl. I would use tan to cover it. I don't know if it is an Irish thing, because if I am not wearing tan I will not wear anything with my legs out. Why is this? Its a conversation I always have with my friends. It seems to be an Irish thing, my friends from different countries don't seem to care about it.
In terms of shaving your legs, I would recommend shaving them a few hours after exfoliation. If you exfoliated in the morning, shave in the night. You could do the other way around but I recommend exfoliating first as this will prevent the razor from being overloaded with the dead skin cells. This also will prolong the life of your razor. In a nut shell, exfoliating before shaving gives you a closer shave, making your legs look amazing.
We have all tried shampoo and conditioner to shave our legs. ( If you are a dry shaver, you scare me). As convenient as it is using what we already have in the shower to put on our legs to shave. Get yourself a designated shaving cream , gel or oil will make all the difference. I prefer to shave with a shaving oil as the skin on my legs can be severely dry. If you have dry skin, shaving oils are for you, as the oil provides moisturisation and protection as the oil reduces the risk of friction with the blades. Meaning...silky, smooth bump-free legs. See! You're getting it.
Is the quality of your razor a problem? Are the £4.99 five pack of razors from Home Bargains going to work as well as the £9 Estrid razors? No, they're not. Spending that little more on a razor is detrimental when it comes to the skin health of the area that you are shaving. Cheaper razors are prone to nick the skin, causing cuts, blood, inflammation, the works. We've all thought we were filming a scene from Jaws after shaving our legs at least once will the blood. Investing in a good razor is a must. One with safety blades if you are accident prone like me. They will often help the prevention of those pesky little ingrown hairs.
After some research, by my own experiences and by other beauty content creators. The best razor I personally have used and is coming up it is a lot of people’s first choice is Gillette. It just glides on the skin and I have never *Touch Wood* cut myself with this razor. This razor brand apparently, “Venus female razor blades are designed with a woman’s body in mind. Venus Deluxe Smooth Sensitive Rose Gold women’s razors are perfect for protecting your sensitive skin. The razor blade refills feature 5 blades for a longer-lasting smooth shave and Skin Elixir that releases a perfect dose of protection you can feel.” Which is 100% accurate. This is a perfect razor for teenage girls starting to shave their legs as it is probably one of the most safest razors due to it’s safe technology.
Top Tip- Wash your hair, leave shaving your legs to the very last thing you do. Why? Let your body adapt to the heat. Pores do not open and close like doors as I have talked about in recent blog posts but the warm water softens the skin which makes it easier to shave and looks better when it
After shaving your legs, it's always great to put something moisturising on. As someone who has sensitive skin I have found products with aloe vera in them are the most beneficial for achieving the smoothest skin without any friction. A cooling post shave gel is really good for minimising the appearance of the pores. Anything you like to moisturise your legs use it!
As much as I am a fake tan girl. I love tan nights. If I am not scared if I have went too far the next morning before showering it off then it's not enough. Sorry, but if your mummy tells you the colour is lovely, YOU ARE NOT TAN ENOUGH! I don't make the rules. If my mummy doesn't pull a face at my tan, then I put another layer on until she does. (My Mother would argue that I was put on this Earth to wind her up, I agree.) However, I am obsessed with the Palmers Cocoa Butter Self Tan Moisturiser. OH...MY...GOD! Girls! It is lifechanging. It is a white moisturiser that I lather on my skin after I shower, it is a moisturiser for your skin. It smells incredible. No biscuit smell, smells like Summer. It doesn't go patchy and it is not like the Dove moisturiser that gives that subtle glow. No, this is like a proper fake tan. It is even beautiful on your face. I got it in Home Bargains last week for £4.50. What tan are you getting for £4.50?
To go on a little bit more about the benefits of this self tan moisturiser. It doesn't transfer on to your clothes or bedsheets. So, instead of waiting ten minutes for your tan to dry, standing like a scarecrow, you can go about your day or night. There’s no need to wash off 8 hours later. It almost feels illegal to put fake tan on in the morning. It’s not just me right? This is just a moisturiser so can be used morning, noon and night. I am not sponsored by this product (Palmers I’d love to be, I could be a brand rep the amount I talk about it.)
It you’re not a fake tan wearer, another product you can use on your legs. Any guesses what brand that I am about to suggest? Yes, it’s Palmers. I know shock horror! The Palmers Body Oil is the best body oil on the market. It’s easy to use, it’s affordable and in most shops. I don’t buy it in the likes of Superdrug. (I’m being cautious I don’t say Boots or else I’ll be getting my P45.) Home Bargains and B&M sell it for under a £5. This product will transform your legs. I recommend putting this product on after exfoliating and a couple of hours before putting your tan if wearing any on. Your legs will be baby soft and shine all day. Rituals Gold Shimmery Body Oil looks absolutely incredible when used over tan. It is a product that should be in everyone’s collection. ( This article is also not sponsered by Rituals.) Try it the next time you are going out for day drinks, never mind looking at the cocktail menu, all eyes will be on your legs.
Victoria Secret model who?
So, here is the rundown;
Exfoliate
Moisturise
Shave
Moisturise
Tan
Moisturise
Keep your legs moisturised and they will look their best. Comment down below if you have/ are going to try these top tips to keep your legs looking their best. Until next time…
Much Love,
Amy-Teresa xox
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