A guide to great legs
12 October 2007, 07:41
By Andrea Pomerantz Lustig
Instant makeovers! What the pros know
Add glimmer. It's why runway models look so sleek. Build up subtle colour with Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion (R22.99).
In a pinch, try hair shine serum. "It glosses up legs without leaving residue," says makeup pro Julie Clevering.
Wear your pants long. Ones that almost graze the floor elongate legs. Go for heels. High heels are leg-lengthening. Stilettos? Check! If you have a fear of heights, go for neutral peep-toes with a kitten heel - a skin-tone shoe makes you look longer.
Flaw fixers what to do about?
Spider veins: Laser treatment will get rid of those annoying little purple lines. But be warned: laser treatments run at about R1 000 for 15 minutes, and you may need two to five sessions.
Contact The Laser Clinic (021 433 2444), Light Touch (011 646 7371) or Durban Cosmetic Laser Centre (031 312 3934) for information. If that doesn't work, you can always hide veins with concealer (get the long-wearing kind).
Cankles: "Some women are born with calves that merge into their ankles, but often swelling makes them look worse," says dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi. To prevent ankle bloat, avoid salty foods and sitting at your desk for long periods. Also, stay away from shoes with ankle straps, which call attention to that area. Flash some toe cleavage instead to shift the focus away from ankles.
Tips from defuzz pros
A leg model, a Gillette pro and an Olympic swimmer share their secret for getting beyond smooth.
For silkiness with zero irritation: "Dip your razor in a cup of cold water right before shaving to reduce bumps and redness," says top leg model Krista Kennedy.
To score a longer-lasting shave: Don't do it at the end of a long shower. "Your skin swells, so you won't get a close shave," says Gillette spokesperson, Kara Salzillo. One more gaffe to avoid: shaving with bar soap. "It clogs up your razor," warns Kara.
To avoid nicks: Don't rush! "Girls who shave fast get cuts," says Maritza Correia, 25, a swimming pro. "I raise my legs and bend my knees so they're easier to reach, then I flex my feet to do my ankles."
How to handle saddlebags
When you're applying self-tanner, blend a second coat on your inner and outer thighs after the first one's dried. Subtly darkening these areas will make them appear slimmer. We love Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Shimmering Glow (R260). And stay away from clingy shorts; a crisp pair of Bermudas will look great.
New great-for-legs stuff
We test the latest ways to get rid of stubble, improve cellulite and make your legs feel generally fabulous.
Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Shimmering Glow R260
Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion R22,99
Nivea Body Good-bye Cellulite R89,99
L'Oral Perfect Slim Pro-Massage R169,99
BabyLiss Miniliss Compact Double Head Depilator R499,99
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intensive Moisturising Body Treatment R175
Philips Ladyshave R169
Payot Cooling Relaxing Light Legs Gel R310
RoC Retinol Anti-Cellulite Moisturising Slimming Care R295
Instant makeovers! What the pros know
Add glimmer. It's why runway models look so sleek. Build up subtle colour with Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion (R22.99).
In a pinch, try hair shine serum. "It glosses up legs without leaving residue," says makeup pro Julie Clevering.
Wear your pants long. Ones that almost graze the floor elongate legs. Go for heels. High heels are leg-lengthening. Stilettos? Check! If you have a fear of heights, go for neutral peep-toes with a kitten heel - a skin-tone shoe makes you look longer.
Flaw fixers what to do about?
Spider veins: Laser treatment will get rid of those annoying little purple lines. But be warned: laser treatments run at about R1 000 for 15 minutes, and you may need two to five sessions.
Contact The Laser Clinic (021 433 2444), Light Touch (011 646 7371) or Durban Cosmetic Laser Centre (031 312 3934) for information. If that doesn't work, you can always hide veins with concealer (get the long-wearing kind).
Cankles: "Some women are born with calves that merge into their ankles, but often swelling makes them look worse," says dermatologist Elizabeth Tanzi. To prevent ankle bloat, avoid salty foods and sitting at your desk for long periods. Also, stay away from shoes with ankle straps, which call attention to that area. Flash some toe cleavage instead to shift the focus away from ankles.
Tips from defuzz pros
A leg model, a Gillette pro and an Olympic swimmer share their secret for getting beyond smooth.
For silkiness with zero irritation: "Dip your razor in a cup of cold water right before shaving to reduce bumps and redness," says top leg model Krista Kennedy.
To score a longer-lasting shave: Don't do it at the end of a long shower. "Your skin swells, so you won't get a close shave," says Gillette spokesperson, Kara Salzillo. One more gaffe to avoid: shaving with bar soap. "It clogs up your razor," warns Kara.
To avoid nicks: Don't rush! "Girls who shave fast get cuts," says Maritza Correia, 25, a swimming pro. "I raise my legs and bend my knees so they're easier to reach, then I flex my feet to do my ankles."
How to handle saddlebags
When you're applying self-tanner, blend a second coat on your inner and outer thighs after the first one's dried. Subtly darkening these areas will make them appear slimmer. We love Dior Bronze Self-Tanner Shimmering Glow (R260). And stay away from clingy shorts; a crisp pair of Bermudas will look great.
New great-for-legs stuff
We test the latest ways to get rid of stubble, improve cellulite and make your legs feel generally fabulous.
Pretoria
