Mara's Beauty Tip O' the Day

Super-Indulgent Leg Treat

For those of my lovely readership who shave their legs, this is a luxuriously self-pampering way to go.  I came up with it while living in the high mountain desert, preparing for a modeling competition.  It's still a favorite indulgence - especially when I'm looking for a non-caloric way to indulge.

  Ingredients and tools:

    Lancome Exfoliant Fraichelle Invigorating Body Scrub
    Gillette Venus Razor
    Bath Pouf
    Olay Age-Defying Body Wash
    Fluffy or favorite towel
    Clinique Moisture Surge face gel (get the large size)
    Washcloth or small hand towel
    Aveda Hand Relief hand lotion

Begin with damp legs.  Lather Lancome Exfoliant Fraichelle Invigorating Body Scrub onto the legs.  Yes, it is a scrub with little granules, which is indeed counterintuitive for shaving.  I was skeptical at first, too, but the girl at the counter insisted that it produced the closest, smoothest shave ever.  She did not lie.  I am now her fellow proselytizer.  This stuff is amazing.  Plus, it smells awesome.

Once you have a good lather, shave as you normally would.  I recommend the Gillette Venus Razor because it's made to hug the curves of a leg like a race car hugs the road.  There is a world of difference between that and any disposable ever made.  (Personal experience has my legs cringing at the very thought.)  Note: If you choose a different razor, make sure it has a swivel head, multiple blades, and is not the kind with built-in shave cream, as that will get in the way of your Fraichelle lather and leave you with a goopy mess to clog and foul your blades.

When you have finished shaving, use your scrubby bath pouf to wash with the Olay Age-Defying Body Wash.  This is where you can take a complete shower if you like - not before (showering or bathing beforehand will cause your skin to absorb water so that your shave will result in longer stubble).  I prefer the Age-Defying body wash, as moisture is desired in this step, but the ones with moisture "ribbons" tend to be too oily for my skin, even when simply used in the shower without all this other stuff.  I suggest starting with Age-Defying (it's never too early to defy aging), then varying to whatever suits your skin and climate best.  (Don't bother with the Daily Exfoliating kind because you've already exfoliated thoroughly.)

After rinsing your body wash, gently towel dry.  Slather on the Clinique Moisture Surge.  (This is the truly "indulgent" part of the process, using a department store facial product on the legs!  Aveda used to make a similar gel product that was less expensive per ounce, but I can no longer find it.)  Be generous but not sloppy.  Take ten minutes of "me time" while it sinks in.  At the end of ten minutes, if necessary, blot excess gel with a damp washcloth or small hand towel.

Smooth on the Aveda Hand Relief, being sure to include feet and toes.  Be sparing, and rub it in.  This is a firm, solid lotion that you can think of as a top coat or sealant, if you like.

Your legs should now be smoother and softer than a baby's bottom.  They should stay that way for longer than usual, too.  (As an option, you might want to trade the Hand Relief for Bliss Get Out of Hair lotion to discourage regrowth.  Get Out of Hair isn't as thick or moisture-y, and it only works if you use it regularly, but I should think it would help maintain your beautiful results.)

This process, when I can afford it, always makes me feel refreshed, relaxed, and energized.

Enjoy, my darlings!