SUMMER READY LEGS
21/05/2015
Summer ready legs. A phrase that manages to strike the “oh f**k god, my legs look like a pasty, scaly, snakeskin-like mess” feels into me, whilst simultaneously making me laugh out loud – literally LOL – because if we’re being totally real here, I’m not sure I ever feel like my legs/body/face/entire being are “Summer ready”.
I do however have some tips, tricks (which are probably common sense but just roll with me on this one, yeah? Cool, thanks guys…) and products to make your legs more summer ready, anyway. Oh, and by the way, huge disclaimer – when I say “Summer ready legs”, I’m talking getting your skin into tip top condition, not shapes or sizes so screw you Protein World So, after some glowing, radiant, even toned and silky soft skin? Read on…
Let’s start at the very beginning, a very good place to start…. (Jesus christ, you know you need to step away from the computer when you’re quoting the sound of music in a blog post).
Origins Clear Improvement detoxifying charcoal body scrub* (not released yet – sorry! – but will be soon) – I received this gorgeous product when I was invited along to the Origins/John Lewis event a few weeks backs and I have been loving this little pretty ever since. Firstly, the scrub itself is the perfect mixture of being abrasive enough to scrub away those scaly patches (Oh, it’s just me that looks like a Basilisk all year round then? Awkward… p.s #HarryPotterFangirlForever) without taking half of your skin off like some scrubs do. It does contain oils which means that it’s amazing for leaving your skin silky smooth, however if you’re about to fake tan shortly after, you’ll need to make sure any excess oil is washed off. It has a really unusual, slightly masculine peppery scent which I personally really like, but it might not be for everyone. Overall it is a truly gorgeous product and I apologise for being such a cock tease because it isn’t actually released yet, but it will be soon, so keep and eye out on the website!
Moisturise…
Soap and Glory, The Daily Smooth – I am a
very lazy body moisturiser kinda’ girl. I want to be able to slap it on, for it to absorb quickly, wack my clothes on and be out of the door in minutes. My top pick to meet my “lazy
bi*ch girl standards” is Soap and Glory’s The daily smooth body butter. This is perfect as it absorbs well, it leaves your skin silky smooth and really evens out the texture
without making you feel all sticky and uncomfortable. It also has a
very slight shimmer in it meaning that it’s amazing in the summer for making your legs look all toned and honed (without stepping foot in the gym. #winning). Perfect pre
and post tan as it doesn’t irritate the colour and obviously keeps those limbs scaly skin-free, whilst also nourishing the skin and prolonging the colour afterwards.
Tan…
Cocoa Brown Tan, Gentle Bronze – You only have to look around at the unlimited pale skinned beauties to know that a tan definitely
isn’t essential to “looking amazing” but for me… I just prefer to be a little bronzed as my natural skin tone is duller than dishwater –
Sexy Elle, sexy… – in summer after months of being wrapped up in multiple layers. I mentioned in my previous
Spring essentials post that sunbeds and too much sun bathing are not for me, so fake is the way forward (a sentence I never imagined I’d utter…) I also mentioned – i.e
totally fan girled over – the Cocoa Bronze tan Gentle bronze gradual tanner. In a bid to not sound repetitive – and bore you in the process – I’ve linked to that post above but in short; Gentle Bronze is
so quickly absorbed, despite the fact that it’s extremely moisturising. It develops a very natural glow that can be built up daily to produce a stunning, golden bronze, even colour. The photo’s below show my legs before tan – i.e
“Yo Elle, Casper called, he wants his legs back” – and after using Gentle Bronze 3 nights in a row… pretty lovely, right? My next stop is to try their 1 hour tan mousse and the scrub… basically
all the Cocoa Brown tan products in the world please and thank you
π
The Extra Somethin’ Somethin’
Bourjois Delice de poudre gold bronzing powder – Now, I make no bones about the fact that I am an absolute
boring bitch home bird and would
much rather spend my evenings in bed, watching netflix with all the pizza I can muster (which is
a lot FYI, I am pretty much synonymous for being a total pig).
However, on the extremely rare occasions that I
do go out, or have an event which means getting my limbs out –
f**k my life – then I like to add a little
somethin’ somethin’ to my scrub, moisturise, tan routine and I do that in the form of the Bourjois Delice gold bronzing powder. I received this last summer at the Bourjois Summer event and whilst I’m not a fan of using it as a bronzer on my face, it is the
perfect highlight/golden bronze glow to add down the front of the legs, to your dΓ©colletage, arms… basically any high points/places on show to add that bit of a sheeny, sexy glow.
The workout…
An additional extra and not something that I
ever thought would be included on this blog.
Exercise… Now, don’t get me wrong, I am
not a fan of exercise. In fact, I bloody hate it. To the point of actually not doing it
at all until very recently (when I decided that I no longer wanted to be a sloth and
really wanted to look like Tasha Oakley). Over the last couple of months, I have eased myself into some exercise with the help of
Yoga with Adriene – who is ridiculously amazing and makes yoga a
joy – and the odd
Blogilates video – who is also amazing but
actually kicks my arse – and I’ve actually started to enjoy it a little bit. I can’t say I’ve noticed a difference in my legs/body but that’s not why I’ve been doing it. I just feel better in
myself, it’s much more of a mental thing than physical thing… but that’s surely what feeling good in summer is about right?
(No? You think I’m talking bull you say? Well, let’s just humour me on this one anyway shall we…)
So that brings my “summer ready legs” post to an end. I hope this post was useful and you discovered some new products/tips and tricks, and if you never… I hope you appreciated my “Oh f**k crap, I very nearly exposed my crotch” shots anyway. π
I would love to know what your Summer ready products/tips are? What items would you recommend for feeling more confident when it comes to baring those limbs in Summer? I would love to hear your thoughts!
As always, thank you so much for reading. I hope you enjoyed this post!
xx
This was such a great post! I love how detailed it was and the photos are gorgeous too!
I currently use a fake tan by Dove, but that Cocoa Brown one looks great too and I may have to try it!
Mollie,xo /// The Fashion Of Craft
Ah thanks so much lovely, so glad you liked it. I used to use Dove years ago, such a blast from the past π
xx
I love Blogilates it is such a great workout! And cocoa brown tan change my life..maybe a bit dramatic haha. But I wasn't a fan of fake tan until I found this one and Bondi Sands Gradual tanning milk you should try that :)xx
Haha not dramatic at all, tan is definitely life changing π Ooh I've heard so much about Bondi Sands, that'll be my next stop!
xx
The sound of music quote was brilliant, I actual sang it in my head *face palm*. I'm way too lazy to fake tan and don't mind shocking everyone with my 'so pale they're almost invisible' legs, but if there's a special occasion I may make the effort to. Great tips here, intrigued by the Origins body scrub!
Style Sunrise β
π
x
Haha I'm so sorry, I had it in my head all day yesterday too π
xx
Oooh your legs look perfect! I've been using the Dove self tanner and it's great to have a bit of brown. I've been doing Blogilates as well and I did a thigh workout two days ago and I still can't walk properly. She killed me.
hellomissjordan.com xx
Ahh thanks lovely, so glad you liked it π Blogilates is a killer isn't it, but so amazing!
xx
I seriously need to tan these ghostly beasts ready for the next few weeks. Pasty legs are not my friend! Loved this post hun, and that scrub looks gorgeous! xx
Jessie | allthingsbeautiful-x
Haha that's exactly what I was like hun, the scrub is so gorgeous too… highly recommend! π
xx
Oh Elle, I am exactly the same as you when it comes to moisturising! I NEED to try this soap and glory one because all of their scrubs smell so amazing, so I'm so this one does! You've also inspired me to restart yoga with Adriene again. I gave up after 2 days last time (LOL) but I don't have much else to do right now so this might be something great for me xxx
Sam // Samantha Betteridge
It's so nice Sam and smells amaaaazing! I love Adriene, I definitely failed the 30 day challenge but it's great to do every now and then when you can π
xx
WOW the cocoa brown gentle tan looks amazing! Need to try that out!
Josie XOXO
Fashion Mumblr
It's so lovely Josie, highly recommend π
xx
Oh wow looks awesome thanks for sharing
CANDICE | BEAUTY CANDY LOVES
You're welcome π
xx
These all look like great products!
I love working my legs (I spoke about that in my most recent post) and I love blogilates!
Emily
xx
http://emilyattemptslife.blogspot.com/
Ooh I'll have to check it out lovely, sounds fab! π
xx
You have to start doing youtube videos!! Your posts always make me literally laugh out loud.
X Emma | http://www.missemmacharlotte.com
P.S. I'm counting down the days til that Origins scrub is released. Need that in my life!
Ahh thanks so much lovely, I did actually vlog yesterday but I highly doubt it'll ever see the light of day π
xx
The body scrubs looks interesting, wanna try it(: also the CB bronzer. I just tried out the one from kiko..I really like the result after the second time I used it..2days later though. But I would much more prefere a tanned mousse rather than a clear/white one..
All in all a lovely and usefull post:) xx selina
Definitely try it when it's released lovely, so amazing! π
xx
What a great post, love reading it! Origins will have a new charcoal body scrub (OMG I can't wait it sounds amazing). I also love Cocoa Brown and as my first experience with tanning I couldn't have been happier x
Beauty with charm
Ah thanks so much lovely, so glad you liked it. I'm loving the scrub, the moisturiser too is so amazing π
xx
Loved this post! So filled with detail π
I honestly just shave and slap on Palmers hahah x
Katina | http://www.katinalindaa.com
Thanks so much lovely. Haha most of the time I do that too (shhh) but when I'm making an effort π
xx
I've been contemplating adding some colour to my legs because they're SO white it's shocking. I might use your tips this weekend if I am brave enough.
Aisling | aisybee.
Haha oh god mine were sooo pasty before I did this. Have a little pamper lovely π
xx
Such a lovely post elle! Definitely going to check out some of the products that you mentioned! π
G.J – A Personal Style, Beauty & Lifestyle blog.
Ah thanks so much lovely, so glad you liked it π
xx
OH GOD – getting my legs out fills me with dread.
I actually did all the things above here last night, minus the bronzing. My legs needed some attention!
A Forte For Fashion
x
It's so nice to pamper yourself isn't it lovely, mine were MUCH needed π
xx
Great tips for summer legs.
I never tried to put some bronzer on it but it looks great
XO
Check my new post.
The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin
Thanks lovely, I love it for a night out π
xx
This was such a great, informative post! I am going to have to get that body butter! XO -Kim
http://www.thethirtysomethinglife.com
Thanks so much Kim, so glad you liked it π
xx
All these products sound great! I absolutely love Soap and Glory – it's such a wonderful brand! π
Layla xx
http://www.sprinklesofstyle.co.uk
Aren't they great Layla, such a huge S&G fan π
xx
My legs are definitely NOT summer ready, so this post was very helpful! The Origins scrub sounds amazing and believe me you are not the only one with 'Basilisk legs' haha! I like the Rituals sugar body scrubs. They smell amazing and they make my skin sooo soft and smooth!
X Marjolein
http://misscocoblue.blogspot.com
Thanks so much Marjolein, so glad you though so. Haha yes, someone who gets the basilisk legs quote… I love that π
xx
Love the sound of the Origins scrub, I've never used any of their body stuff, and I'm not sure why, as I am a huge fan of their skincare. Need to apply my cocoa brown tomorrow, great stuff xx
I'd never either Karis and I'm exactly the same… I have no idea why! π
xx
I must try this origins scrub when it is released! x
Hannah | Heyitshannaah
You definitely should Hannah, it's so lovely π
xx
I so lazy when it comes to my legs. Honestly, even shaving is a hassle. The only real time I spend of leg-care (new phrase) is when I'm getting a new tattoo.
Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com
Haha I know the feeling lovely, I've made myself do weekly pampering sessions to make sure they're non snakeskin-like π
xx
Hahahaha you crack me up!! That bronzer is seriously amazing!! I need to try it! I have major Casper legs too haha!
<3 Shannon
Upbeat Soles
ο»Ώ
Haha thanks lovely. The bronzer is fab isn't it, love it on the body too π
xx
That scrub looks amazing! I cannot wait for it to be available!
The fake tan actually looks pretty natural!!
Dora NEW POST on Bangs Bang | Bloglovin | Facebook
Thanks lovely, it really is, definitely keep an eye out π
xx
OMG I want that origins scrub I am already obsessed and don't need anymore persuasion haha can't wait until it's out, and you have motivated me to get back to my exercise tomorrow and get my tan on! xxx
It's so amazing lovely, definitely get it π Haha please do, and then send some motivation back my way because it's so easy to slack isn't it!
xx
Love it you've covered everything! Chomping at the bit for that Origins scrub (well not actually, wouldn't taste very nice…) but have heard great things about that gradual tan. Love the honest before and after, the colour looks really even.
xx SΓle
Any Idle Sunday
Haha I'm sure it wouldn't but I totally get what you mean π It's hoenstly the most even tan I've used… love it!
xx
Amazing Blog post !! thanks for sharing
Love your blog π
My first ever lookbook –> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulXUakyMUYs
it would mean so much to me if you left me a comment what you think ?
have a nice day
Jade
new post Jadiee'sLittleBlog
Thanks Jadie π
xx
I absolutely loved this post Elle. And I definitely love that body scrub. I h ave been looking for something like that for awhile I was thinking of getting the exfoliating brush, but I think I may try that out first. Great post Elle.
Kia / House of KTS (formerly known as Pure & Complex)
http://www.houseofkts.com
I highly recommend it Kay, if you get it, please let me know what you think of it π
xx
the bronzing/tanning part really amped up your legs!! awesome! π
Have a great weekend!
Animated Confessions
Isn't it lovely, my fave tan π
xx
Fabulous post!
Made in Mauve // Bloglovin
Thanks lovely π
xx
Great post again… as always ! I am blessed with legs that sort of stay the same whether it's winter or summer-time and whether I use lotions or not haha. Although I bruise my legs constantly so I look like I just got into a fight.
PS- really? you hate exercise? But it's so fun!
XO Naomi in Wonderland
Girl, give me your perfect legs and exercise motivation please?! We just don't get along, exercise and I π
xx
Wow, what a change, this gentle bronze works perfectly on you! Good to hear that, because when I back from my vacations in Turkey I noticed I'm starting to pale, because the weather here, in Poland it's like English weather – it's rainy, so I have to think about procuct like yours! π
http://crafty-zone.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much lovely, it's a nice difference isn't it? So impressed! Ha, we both can relate with the awful weather then, gentle bronze FTW π
xx
I NEED to try cocoa bronze – that tan looks flawless, girl!
Beth x
Bethany Georgina
Thanks lovely, it really is isn't it. Such a fan π
xx
I am sadly way too lazy — but your legs look amazing! xx
Femme with Flair
Ha, thanks Amie π
xx
Your legs loo great, definitely summer-ready! We love to exfoliate as it gives such a nice feeling afterwards :p
Feel free to check out our latest post x
http://looklovewear.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/ootd-pink-coats-and-rubbish-quality.html
Ah thank you lovely, so glad you think so π
xx
You just can't get away from applying even a little bit of fake tan in the summer – it's a must! No one wants pasty white legs!
Mademoiselle-Lala.com
So, so true lovely… I am a pasty mess without it π
xx
Hello!
Great post! I love treating my legs with a great scrub and moisturizer! :)))
R
Thanks Rita π
xx
Forgot to give you my link, hehe!
http://jarofsweeets.weebly.com/
Thank you xx
I'm a huge fan of that soap and glory moisturiser too and you've really made me want to try that tan π I'm such a fake tan novice I usually just go for the garnier tinted moisturiser, but I've got a wedding to go to in a couple of weeks that I really want to be a bit glowy for π
I've been doing some yoga recently too and I absolutely love it – it makes me feel so positive and relaxed.
Love Holly x
http://www.thehollydays4.blogspot.co.uk
Highly recommend this one holly, it's really natural/subtle and applied amazingly, perfect for a first timer π
xx
I really like the look of this tan Elle! I really need to get my pins ready for summer at some point – I've hibernated for too long now!
Oh and hello lil Miss Fitness as well! π
Emma | HarmonyBlaze.Blogspot.co.uk
So helpful! These all sound amazing! I want that moisturizer
Leftbankgirl.blogspot.com
I do love this tan, and it was a bit of a surprise actually! Cant say I look half this elegant applying it though…not envious at all π
Annabel β₯
Mascara & Maltesers
This was me today trying to get ready for my holiday on Friday! I was a bit disappointed in the scrub I was using though so might try the Origins one once it is released! However, great moisturiser choice I have been using that for a few years now and absolutely love it, for the same reasons as you, its quick and does the job!
Ax
http://www.alicerosieallsop.com
Lovely post! I have to say I couldn't take my eyes off your nails. hehe So pretty! π
As you know, I'm also loving the Cocoa Brown Gentle Bronze moisturiser. Such an easy to use and natural product. You achieved a lovely bronze with it. For some reason it just wouldn't show up on my photos. But in person, it looks really nice. xx
Renata | Speaking Beauty UK
Amazing post. I'll follow these steps and hope I have fantastic looking summer legs!
Jenn | Jennifer Jayne