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In those rare times when the sun decides to get its act together and actually shine, our legs are out quicker than you can say 'haven't used a razor since March'. Yup, it's officially time to start prepping those pins for no tights and that new Ganni gingham summer dress you've had your eye on.
The inspiration? Gwyneth Paltrow's sun-kissed limbs in 'The Talented Mr Ripley' and Halle Berry stepping out of the sea with legs smoother than James Bond's cheesy lines. As make-up artist Lauren Parsons put it backstage at Lacoste's SS20 show, 'It's all about fresh healthy skin, like after a summer camp.'
From the best body scrubs and lotions, to how to get your leg shimmer on, check out our pick of the best body products to ensure your legs are super smooth and summer ready. Because patchy knees are not cute.
This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan - £38
Give pale, lockdown limbs a hit of faux sun the safe way with This Works' gradual tan serum with a blend Vitamin C and E to even out skin tone. Apply every couple of days to slowly build up a natural looking tan.
Mama Mio Lucky Legs Cooling Gel - £20
Relieve puffiness and pain in tired legs during pregnancy or just after a long flight with Mama Mio's cooling gel. Formulated with menthol crystals and aloe vera, let the cooling effect soothe stressed legs.
Take your face massage to the next level with this genius body roller designed to promote regeneration, detoxification and tension relief. Roll around the backs of your legs to mimic the fast-tapping, pinching and knuckling techniques of Sarah Chapman's legendary Skinesis massage. In short, expect smoother, more toned pins. Huzzah!
Legology Sun Lite Tinted Leg Cream - £38
Getting your legs out for one night only? Leave the fake tan to the more committed and treat legs to Legology's wash-off tinted cream instead. Formulated to even out skin tone and add a sun-kissed glow, you can wave bruises and broken capillaries goodbye.
One Ocean Beauty Bioactive Body Sculpting Marine Cream - £89
Not only does this innovative body cream arrive in completely recyclable packaging, but it's also formulated with active marine ingredients designed to increase cellular energy release and firm, tone and shape your body.
Margaret Dabbs Black Leg Masque - £45
A face mask for your legs? Yup, it's a thing. If heat-swollen ankles and heavy legs are the bane of your life, this charcoal mask is a god send.
Venus Snap Razor - £9.99
We know it's not glamorous, but when you're in between waxes, sometimes a cheeky shave is necessary. Pop this tiny compact razor in your bag - the handy pod ensures no hands get harmed on roaming razors.
Mrs White's Legs Eleven - £15
Included in this leg soothing and smoothing formula (amongst 10 other moisturising ingredients) is a cooling shot of organic vodka which feels amazing as it evaporates. Use all over legs and on feet as well to reduce swelling when the commute home gets too hot.
Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion - £22.50
Following in the steps of their crazy effective body scrub (it's an editor's fave), Ameliorate's body lotion contains Alpha Hydroxy Therapy to help shed dry skin whilst moisturising. It's unscented which is less fun if you're a fan of a summer scent, but damn does it work.
Body brushing is an easy yet effective way to rejuvenate and exfoliate dry and bumpy skin whilst stimulating circulation to detoxify and firm. So, all of the good things.
Clarins Extra-Firming Body Lotion - £42
Containing firming plant extracts to help restore your skin's youthful density and elasticity. This moisturising, refreshing body lotion instantly smoothes away lines, leaving skin soft and dimple-free.
Charlotte Tilbury Supermodel Body - £45
Containing the interesting sounding FermiProtect- a wild shitake mushroom extract that protects the collagen fibres in the skin - use the cooling metal roller to draw the light-catching lotion down the centre of your legs and contour them into looking slimmer. It's a thing, trust.
George Driver was the former Senior Beauty Editor - Digital at ELLE UK.
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