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Tuesday, 15-05-2012 11:44

How To Get Sexy Summer Legs

News related: legs

Who Doesn't Want Legs Like J. Lo?

Beach season isn't quite here yet, but leg season is in full bloom. I don't know about you, but my legs are always a little shy to come out of the shadows this time of year. When I shed my pants and opt for shorts, I'm always shocked to see my legs are pale, dry and nowhere ready to be put on display. But here we have rounded up all you need to get your legs looking like J. Lo's for the unofficial start to summer.

Photo: Â© Christopher Polk/Getty Images

Lather Up & Shave

With pants heading to the back of the closet, it's time to take your razor out of hibernation. A great choice is Gillette Venus & Olay Razor (, Walmart.com) that moisturizes like an Olay soap bar while the razor has five blades for a close shave. And to keep your razors lasting longer than ever, try ECO-ARMOUR Shave With Benefits (, eco-armour.com). This shave foam and body wash-in-one keeps razors sharper two to three times longer than their usual lifespan.

Photo: Getty Images

Exfoliate

Dry skin accumulates in the winter months so exfoliation is essential. Our favorite is Dr. Brandt Microdermabrasion (, drbrandtskincare.com). To use, brush dry skin off your legs with a loofah. While showering, apply the exfoliator to the loofah and scrub your body in a circular motion. Rinse with lukewarm water and follow with cold. Apply shower gel to soften skin.

Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Brandt

Moisturize

Exfoliating dries the skin so make sure to moisturize after. We love Herbacin's Leg Lotion, (.99, drugstore.com) that not only moisturizes dry skin, but also improves circulation and sooths stressed, tired legs.

Photo: Courtesy of Herbacin

Eliminate Cellulite

If exercise doesn't eliminate those cellulite marks, opt for a quick cure like Nip + Fab Cellulite Fix Body Sculpting Gel (.95, target.com) that melts into your skin to reduce the appearance of cellulite as well as burn fat cells and improve circulation. Apply on skin in upward strokes two times a day for best results.

Photo: Courtesy of Nip + Fab

Add Color

No matter how toned your legs are, a little tan always makes them look so much more. And if you skimped on your winter workouts, a self-tanner is even more necessary. Hide cellulite, scars and red patchy skin with a lotion like Red Carpet Kolour Body Glow (.95, redcarpetkolour.com) or an at-home spray tan like St. Tropez Perfect Legs Spray (, sttropeztan.com). Both provide a natural color that blends easily. However, keep in mind that most self-tanners do not provide SPF so dab on some sunscreen before you head out the door.

Photo: Courtesy of St. Tropez

Get Rid Of Ashy Knees

Dark skin on your knees, known as ashy knees, is caused by dead skin cells on the skin that accumulate from irregular cleaning or frequent rubbing. To remove, mix 1 tsp each of Vitamin E, lemon juice and glycerin with 4 tbsp of milk. Massage the paste on the dark area and let sit for 15 minutes. Wash off with warm water. To prevent future dark skin, keep your knees moisturized with Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Butter Deep Conditioning Body Lotion (.79, drugstore.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Vaseline

Sculpt With Quick Exercises

Nothing will get you sexy legs quite like a rejuvenated exercise regimen. To get toned calves, stand up straight while holding onto the wall for balance. Position your feet hip-width apart and raise your heels so that you are on your tippy toes. Balance your body weight on the balls of your feet and hold for a minute. Do 3 sets of 15 to 20 reps. To get strong glutes, stand straight and position your feet hip-width apart. Lower your body into a squat, making sure that the hip joint is closer to the ground than the knee joint. Do 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.

Photo: Getty Images