A fresh new season beckons: here’s how to shake off the last of winter and get your skin, body and hair ready for the bright, sunshiny days
1. Glowing skin
If months of hot baths and chunky knits have left you looking like a cave creature – ashy or pasty and scaly-skinned (yikes!) – start with a deep-nourishing body treatment that will undo some of the damage.
Vitamin-infused oils have a knack for zapping dry spots as well as treating stretch marks and uneven skin tone. For instant softness and glow, mix a little bronzing lotion into a good moisturiser and apply liberally to your face and body.
TRY: Caribbean Tan Shimmer Cream, The Body Shop Honey Bronze Shimmering Dry Oil, Australian Gold Self-Tanning Lotion
2. Pretty nails
Dark, vampish nail enamels are a perennial winter trend, but the bottles of remover you go through to get them off can dry out your nails and cuticles. Switch to an acetone-free remover and add a daily cuticle treatment (discipline is key!).
That done, bright, fruity shades are one of the easiest ways to haul your mani this side of spring. Think tangerine and coral or, if you prefer a more understated look, pale pinks and sheer, pearly whites.
TRY: Stylfile S-File Nail File, Mavala Cuticle Cream, Sinful Colors Professional in Go Go Girl
3. Sleek hair
It is a truth universally acknowledged, that as the temperature rises, so the frizz sets in. Try to shampoo less often (the natural oils that build up are good frizz fighters). If your hair feels oily, use a dry shampoo between washes.
Unless your hair is very fine, use a deep conditioner every time you wash and leave it in for at least five minutes. Rather than towel-drying, press your hair dry with a super-absorbant microfibre towel (this makes a big difference). A light oil (like Moroccan argan) or serum gives a sleek finish.
TRY: Dark and Lovely Amla Legend Rejuvenating Hair Mask, Dr. Miracles Anti-breakage Strengthening Cream, Dr. Miracle’s Curl Care Rehydrating Shampoo, Elvive Triple Resist Reinforcing Masque, Lee Stafford Argan Oil Nourishing Miracle Oil
4. Smooth legs
If you’ve been hiding your fuzz under opaque tights all winter long, gone are the days! They can take some getting used to, but epilators (electrical devices that remove hair from the roots) leave skin smoother for longer. If you’re trying one for the first time, do so a few days before you plan to bare your pins (to allow your skin to calm). Start with good firming product too; well toned skin makes flirtier hemlines less daunting.
TRY: Philips Satinelle Epilator
5. Happy feet
Yip, it’s sandal season, which means it’s time to pay some attention to your heels. Remove rough skin with a pumice or foot file. Once smooth, apply a thick layer of purpose-made rich moisturising treatment. Pull on a pair of socks and put your feet up for a few hours. If you can keep the socks on overnight, even better.
As for your toes, nothing pretties up feet faster then a bold splash of colour (it needn’t match your mani, by the way, but do avoid an obvious clash).
TRY: Oh So Heavenly Peppermint & Shea Foot Butter, Scholl Velvet Smooth Electronic Foot File
IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com
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