Spring’s here and it’s time to tone those
pins to perfection. Try our expert’s tips
Defuzz & fake tan
Bronzalicious tanning clinic founder
Melanie Corlins advises a lower-leg makeover after winter.
Wax: “Before spring hits, book into your
local salon for a leg wax,” says Corlins. “Start exfoliating a few days before
to remove dry skin – this will help make the experience more comfortable and
also prevent any skin from being removed. If skin is super-dry, opt for an
exfoliator that has AHAs (alpha hydroxyl acids) in it.”
Tan: One of the best quick fixes for making
your legs look much better is fake tan. “it helps conceal cellulite, makes
spider veins fade, and legs look slimmer and more toned. If you’re after a
flawless finish and no fuss, let the professionals do it for you by way of a
spray tan,” suggests Corlins. “The spray is light and fine and tends not to
grabs those telltale areas like ankles and toes. Perfect Legs by St Tropez
($22.95) is a good do-it-yourself leg tanner for home.”
Jump rope
Trainer Heidi Lindahl says there’s nothing
like jumping rope to sculpt calves, “A very efficient and cost-effective way of
strengthening and toning the calf muscles is by adding a skipping routine to
your exercise sessions. The calf muscles will be challenged jump after jump
while your heart gets a great workout, too!”
Beginner: Skip as fast as possible for 30
seconds (or 50 counts) and then halve the pace for another 30 seconds. Stretch
out the calves briefly before repeating two or more times, gradually adding
more sets (or more jumps/time per set) over time.
Advanced: Skip rope with both feet for 30
seconds, continue on the left leg only for 15 seconds, then swap to the right
leg for 15 seconds. Finish by alternating every two skips using a single leg
only – i.e., two skips on left leg, two skips on right, two skips on left and
so on. Rest one minute then repeat two or more times.
Dress to impress
Stylist Aidrie Makim of Styled by Joolz
says lovely lower legs are a matter of choosing the right clothing styles. Here
are her top tips.
Less is more: Dresses, skirts or shorts
with embroidery, frills or cuffs will add extra bulk to your lower body.
Generally, wearing something tailored in a darker color that finishes on the
knee is the most flattering style.
Watch your hemline: Skip any hemline that
stops either above the knee or mid-calf – go for either just below the knee or
ankle length. These are the two narrowest parts of your legs, and so that’s
where you want to direct attention.
Shoe matters: If you have thicker calves,
avoid ballet flats and boots that finish at mid-calf. Go for chunkier heeled
shoes, such as the peep-toe wedge.
