4 leg grooming mistakes you're making

Do your legs look like Miranda Kerr’s? No? Oh, well you must be doing something wrong then.

Okay, that was harsh. I know that technically you can’t change the length of your legs to look more like Miranda’s – but there are cues that you can take from long-limbed supermodels like Mrs. Bloom to ensure your legs look as luscious and summer-ready, at least.

It’s all to do with maintenance and making sure you’re using the right products at the right times. It’s also to do with making sure you’re using products that provide a quick and easy fix so you’ll actually use them. Come on, soon it’ll be as routine as brushing your teeth. You do brush your teeth, right?

Leg grooming mistake #1: shaving sins

Ever wondered why when you shave your legs they’re a little spiky again the next day? It’s not your hair’s incredible ability to grow overnight, it’s due to the fact that you’re using a blunt razor – and effectively wasting your time. Likewise, people who use body wash as shaving foam probably notice that their legs are plagued by dryness (come on, you know you’ve done it). This is because shaving foam is specifically designed to provide a cushiony barrier that allows your razor to get as close as possible without damaging your skin – and body wash isn’t.

The solution:

A razor with a new, sharp blade will cut hairs closer to the root and mean it’s a longer window until you start to feel ‘prickly’ again – oh, and use body wash to wash your skin and shaving foam when shaving!

TRY: Schick Hydro Silk Razor and Schick Hydro Skin Protect Shave Gel

Leg grooming mistake #2: not dealing with dead skin cells

Just like on our faces, dead skin cells show up on the rest of our bodies, including our legs, too. Failing to exfoliate our pins can lead to unsightly dry patches that cause havoc when it comes time to wear short skirts, or worse still, break out the fake tan. Hello, patches!

The solution:

Tending to your legs in the shower once or twice a week with a nourishing body scrub can mean you’re allowing your skin’s healthy skin cells to shine through, resulting in healthier and more radiant looking pins.

TRY: Elemis Frangipani Monoi Salt Glow Skin Softening Salt Scrub, $82, 07 3132 5051 (this little beauty contains nourishing coconut oil) or Botáni’s Spirulina Salt Scrub (which detoxifies and nourishes your skin as it exfoliates.)

Leg grooming mistake #3: being haphazard with the fake tan

Have you ever looked down towards your toes and realised your fake tan has run south and made a mess of your feet? Likewise, the backs of your legs that were out of view as you applied your faux glow are ridden with streaks and the areas you couldn’t reach are patchy to say the least. The icing on the cake? Your hands have more fake tan on them than your legs do!

The solution:

Invest in a tanning mitt. These velvety gloves are made to slide over your skin smoothly and without much effort. This means any fake tan applied to your body can be moved around quickly and easily to avoid looking streaky and wasting your fake tan.

TRY: St Tropez Applicator Mitt or Bondi Sands Application Mitt for a streak-free, flawless tan.

Leg grooming mistake #4: forgetting about your feet

When we talk about getting our legs out in winter, we often forget about our poor feet. Not only do they have the job of carrying us around all day long, they also tend to get neglected compared to the rest of our bodies. Our toenails also have a tendency to ‘yellow’ if they remain uncared for over time. The worst part is that while it’s true un-manicured feet can be unsightly come summer, the dry skin can also be uncomfortable to put up with.

The solution:

Invest in a good foot groomer that has the ability to rid your feet of dry skin, which makes them look cracked and feel seriously sore. This will not only provide your feet with the comfort they deserve, but ensure that any pair of hot summer sandals look incredible, too.

TRY: Scholl Velvet Smooth Express Pedi Electronic Foot File and essence Studio Nails Pro White Effect.

What are your best tips for having great-looking legs in summer? Which celebrity's legs would you most like to have and why?