It’s officially spring! And, fleetingly last week, unofficially summer.
So chances are, ladies, you’ve already had a look at your legs.
Shopping Siren feels your pain.
Our gams have spent a cozy winter ensconced in corduroys, jeans and fleece pajama pants, and we suddenly thrust them naked into the spotlight. Is it any wonder they’re a little pale? A little flabby? A little, um, fuzzy?
Fear not!
I have the solution. Or at least some solution-esque options.
Legs, get ready to meet the world.
* Burt’s Bees Soothingly Sensitive Body Lotion, 12 oz., Axis Natural Foods, $11.75
For up to 24 hours of soft skin. “Dare to be delicate,” Burt’s Bees urges. Oh, Burt, we dare. We dare.
* Earthline loofah, Axis Natural Foods, $1.45
Rough sponge-thing that’s supposed to exfoliate winter-weary skin and leave your legs (and other body parts) radiant. Just in time to shimmy into those dove-gray Capris you loved so much last summer. Remember those? With the belt. And the sandals. Girl, you’re gonna look so goooood.
* “Just Listen to Your Body and Eat” by Lise Bourbeau, Axis Natural Foods, $24.95
Subtitled, “Stop trying to control your weight,” this 224-page paperback shuns diets and focuses instead on love, acceptance and all of the factors (besides hunger) that make people eat. Legs feeling a little flabby? This book might help. If it doesn’t help you lose said flabby feeling, at least it might make you feel better about wearing shorts when you aren’t on Weight Watchers.
* Body Drench Quick Tan Gradual Self Tanner, 8 oz., Sally Beauty Supply, $8.99
For legs that look sun-kissed, even when they’ve been hibernating.
* GiGi hair removal strips for the body, Sally Beauty Supply, $10.99
Not sure how big these strips are (they came in a box the size of a large Band-Aid package), but it doesn’t matter a whole lot. Because, first off, ouch!
Second, really, ouch!
Third, pair with:
* GiGi anesthetic numbing spray, 1.5 oz., $10
Because, honestly, ouch!
* Heel to Toe peppermint sloughing foot lotion, 12 oz., Sally Beauty Supply, $7.99
According to the bottle, this stuff “gently sloughs off rough, dry skin.” Somehow “gently” and “sloughs” don’t seem to be natural buddies.
If a sloughing solution freaks you out, Sally offered an array of Heel to Toe mixtures, including conditioning foot and leg lotion, foot soak and foot repair, for $6.99 and up. Buy two, get a free stiletto-decorated tote bag. Score!
* Girl to Goddess Beauty Essentials by Gillette, Walmart, $11.97
Kit includes a Venus Embrace 5-blade razor, a cartridge, one 2.5-ounce container of shave gel and a mini deodorant, all in a pretty pink and white, bubble-design travel bag. So adorable you’ll almost forget shaving is annoying.
* Ultra Sheer pantyhose, various sizes, Walmart, 98 cents
No one’s legs are perfect. But when you can’t bear to go bare, there’s pantyhose. Huzzah!
Best find: Dr. Bronner’s Magic All-One Organic Fair Trade Shaving Gel, 7 oz., Axis Natural Foods, $7.99
Organic, fair trade, non-animal tested, with non-synthetic ingredients. What’s left? Shaving with honey? No matter! Judging from the name, it’s magic. That’s my kind of shaving gel.
Think twice: George tights, various sizes, Walmart, $5.50
Footless, thigh-high, Capri-style or traditional, in black or tan, patterned or plain. A couple even had lace. These are awesome tights. For winter. Uncover, show off, be proud! Legs are here to stay.
Shopping Siren’s true identity is protected by a pair of stylish, sweater-wearing Doberman pinschers (who like their hairy legs just the way they are) and the Customer Service counter at the Sun Journal. You can reach her at shoppingsiren@sunjournal.com.
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