How I Make Smooth Legs A Part Of My Summer Beauty Routine

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Momma Told Me: I prefer to let my legs hibernate.

I may live in Southern California but this fair skinned girl has a love/hate relationship with Summer. While most modern media would have 'the rest' of the world believing us SoCal girls run around in daisy dukes with bikini tops every month of the year, it's not quite the case. Yes, I live a stone's throw away from the beach, and I love that I can walk down to the pier any afternoon at sunset- but the reality is maintaining Summer legs, year round, is quite a hefty chore. In my head I have endless time to prep for Summer, and I walk around with radiant skin Snow White would be envious of. In reality, I AM paler than Snow White, but my legs are hardly radiant.

So, during a routine Pharmacy/Grocery/Gardening supplies run at my local Walmart Supercenter the other day I was understandable paralyzed by the numerous displays intended to gently nudge patrons like me towards Summer skin. Guilt overcame me, I knew I'd been neglecting one of my best assets and I resolved then and there to take the first steps in my prep for Summer. Among the wall of suncare, tanning oils and suntan lotions, there were also several after sun care products like the sweet smelling Hawaiian Tropic® Lime Coolada After Sun Moisturizer. This, paired with my favorite SPF 50 sunscreen, the perfect sensitive skin razor, and shaving cream were the perfect incentive to hit the bath-tub and pamper myself.

I could hardly make eye contact with my legs as I ran that bath-water. I didn't even recognize the strangers in front of, erm below?, me. Though I shave year round I was now painfully aware of all the spots I'd missed in lazy, and rushed morning touch-ups. Yes, I liked smooth legs, but I also liked having a little extra me time. There was always a compromise between a close, accurate, shave and a few extra moments of silence before my home erupted into a scene of utter chaos.

The answer to this conundrum was turning my prep for Summer into me time that was indulgent and relaxing. Exfoliating my legs with a grape see and peppermint shea infused scrub not only helps calm me from the stress of the day, but helped open my pours and even remove thin layers of dead skin. I know, I know, it doesn't sound sexy, but a great exfoliating regimen can mean more vibrant skin, and longer lasting smooth legs!

Once my pores were invigorated and awake I was ready to shave. It's something I do several times a week, but this time I was committed to taking the time to actually cover the curves and edges of my shapely legs. With such fair skin I tend to be sensitive to excess fragrances and the irritation of close shaves. With the new Hydro Silk® Sensitive Care® razor, by Schick, I enjoyed the extra close shave of 5 blades that sensed my curves and naturally adjusted to the angles of my skin for a more gentle experience. For an extra soothing and indulgent shave I added a rich layer of lathering Skintimate® Skin Therapy Sensitive Skin shave cream, which helped condition my skin as I shaved. Together, the moisture rich and hypoallergenic serum of the Hydro razor and 8 conditioner infused shaving cream left my smooth legs ready to face any Summer occasion.

Normally, around this time of the year I'll sign up for a month of quick-coloring at the local tanning salon. They actually have a special booth designed solely to tan legs and even out skin color quickly. Let's face it, most legs are covered straight through the Winter, but our arms and faces still see a moderate amount of sunlight. I can embrace my pale complexion to a point, but uncovering those legs, no matter how smooth, for the Summer can be an embarrassment. This year I decided to go the natural route, and treat my legs with tanning lotion, and the remainder of my skin with sunscreen, until the bottom half of my body met up with my top half. Having a moisturizing and cooling after sun product, like Hawaiian Tropic's Lime Coolada moisturizer helps to nourish my in-progress skin and soothe my legs during the tanning process.

I never end up looking like a bronzed goddess at the end of Summer- it's just not my style. I have sensitive skin that is beautifully fair, and having smooth, sexy, legs builds my confidence in that. If you're ready to #SummerizeYourLegs then pick up a copy of this month's issue of All You magazine where you can read about how to 'Prep, Shave, and Protect,' while scoring some money saving coupons on Skintimate and Schick shaving products. If you're not quite ready to burst onto the Summer scene and head in store, find shaving, moisturizing, and Summer beauty products online at Walmart.com, where you can also enter to win a Summerize Prize Pack while browsing hot Summer skincare tips. And, if that isn't enough, be sure to RSVP and join me for the Summerize Your Legs Twitter party on June 12th, at 1PM EST for girl talk, Summer beauty tips, and prizes!

What Daughter Says: Summer is here, get those legs ready for fun in the sun with a skin care regimen that promotes healthy and radiant skin.