No time for a full-body tan? Take a cue from Eva Longoria's makeup artist, Elan Bongiorno, who sprayed the star's legs with Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs (walgreens.com; $14) for the MTV Europe Music Awards. Add a touch of NARS Body Illuminator (narscosmetics.com; $45) to highlight toned muscles.
"Depilatory creams dissolve hair below the surface, so skin feels smoother than it does after shaving," says N.Y.C. dermatologist Debra Jaliman. The best part: You don't have to touch the mess anymore. Veet's newest formula comes with a handy spatula to wick off the foam, reducing the ick factor.
Veet Supreme Essence spray-on hair-removal cream, $10; drugstore.com
You probably know to avoid salt and sugar before a big night out. But what about preservatives and artificial sweeteners? "Those substances make you retain water, which can cause legs to bloat," says nutritionist Dr. Jeffrey Morrison. Natural diuretics found in green tea, cucumbers, celery, and dandelion greens will "help flush out your system," he explains.
The year's hottest skin-care gadget - the oscillating brush - is meant for your face, but it also works wonders on legs. "It polishes the skin and allows moisturizer to penetrate better," says Jaliman. (We like Olay's new version.) Another option: Indulge in a weekly scrub.
Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleaning System, $30; drugstore.com
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Body Intensive exfoliating treatment, $65; katesomerville.com
"Yoga and Pilates are amazing for your legs," says Mandy Ingber, Jennifer Aniston's trainer. To amp it up, try this: eight deep, slow squats, then eight quicker, "pulsed" ones. Do three sets three times a week for 21 days and you'll be ready for miniskirt season.
If you have thick ankles, steer clear of straps and other busy designs. Instead, opt for a streamlined silhouette in a hue that matches your natural coloring - but don't grab just any old pair of camel pumps. "You have to choose the right nude for your skin tone," says shoe designer Edmundo Castillo. If you have dark skin, for example, you may want to try a more caramel or cocoa shade.
The knee is a key defining point on the leg, so you want to draw people's eyes there, says stylist Nicole Chavez. If you're not comfortable with a hemline quite as high as Rachel Bilson's, don't worry; a universally flattering skirt length is one that falls just an inch and a half above the top of the kneecap, Chavez says.
Sorry, there's no cure-all for that unsightly cellulite. But products with caffeine, which tightens skin by dehydrating fat cells, can reduce the problem temporarily, says Jaliman. Try Bliss' Fat Girl Slim (sephora.com, $36). Just remember: You have to use it every day for results.
Using tiny needles to minimize pain, sclerotherapy is "the gold standard for treating spider veins," says N.Y.C. phlebologist Luis Navarro. The cost: about $500 per treatment (three to four needed).
The simplest way to make your legs look better? Moisturize twice a day: In the A.M. while skin is still damp from the shower, and before you go to bed at night. New York dermatologist Fredric Brandt recommends choosing a formula with retinol (such as Vaseline) to build collagen and increase elasticity.
Vaseline Renewal Age-Redefining body lotion, $8; riteaid.com.
Spray On a Fast Tan
No time for a full-body tan? Take a cue from Eva Longoria's makeup artist, Elan Bongiorno, who sprayed the star's legs with Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs (walgreens.com; $14) for the MTV Europe Music Awards. Add a touch of NARS Body Illuminator (narscosmetics.com; $45) to highlight toned muscles.
Erase Stubble
"Depilatory creams dissolve hair below the surface, so skin feels smoother than it does after shaving," says N.Y.C. dermatologist Debra Jaliman. The best part: You don't have to touch the mess anymore. Veet's newest formula comes with a handy spatula to wick off the foam, reducing the ick factor.
Veet Supreme Essence spray-on hair-removal cream, $10; drugstore.com
Feel Flushed
You probably know to avoid salt and sugar before a big night out. But what about preservatives and artificial sweeteners? "Those substances make you retain water, which can cause legs to bloat," says nutritionist Dr. Jeffrey Morrison. Natural diuretics found in green tea, cucumbers, celery, and dandelion greens will "help flush out your system," he explains.
Give 'em the Brush
The year's hottest skin-care gadget - the oscillating brush - is meant for your face, but it also works wonders on legs. "It polishes the skin and allows moisturizer to penetrate better," says Jaliman. (We like Olay's new version.) Another option: Indulge in a weekly scrub.
Olay Professional Pro-X Advanced Cleaning System, $30; drugstore.com
Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Body Intensive exfoliating treatment, $65; katesomerville.com
Get to Know Squat
"Yoga and Pilates are amazing for your legs," says Mandy Ingber, Jennifer Aniston's trainer. To amp it up, try this: eight deep, slow squats, then eight quicker, "pulsed" ones. Do three sets three times a week for 21 days and you'll be ready for miniskirt season.
Stay Neutral
If you have thick ankles, steer clear of straps and other busy designs. Instead, opt for a streamlined silhouette in a hue that matches your natural coloring - but don't grab just any old pair of camel pumps. "You have to choose the right nude for your skin tone," says shoe designer Edmundo Castillo. If you have dark skin, for example, you may want to try a more caramel or cocoa shade.
Hike It Up
The knee is a key defining point on the leg, so you want to draw people's eyes there, says stylist Nicole Chavez. If you're not comfortable with a hemline quite as high as Rachel Bilson's, don't worry; a universally flattering skirt length is one that falls just an inch and a half above the top of the kneecap, Chavez says.
Diminish Dimpling
Sorry, there's no cure-all for that unsightly cellulite. But products with caffeine, which tightens skin by dehydrating fat cells, can reduce the problem temporarily, says Jaliman. Try Bliss' Fat Girl Slim (sephora.com, $36). Just remember: You have to use it every day for results.
Shrink Veins
Using tiny needles to minimize pain, sclerotherapy is "the gold standard for treating spider veins," says N.Y.C. phlebologist Luis Navarro. The cost: about $500 per treatment (three to four needed).
Be a Softie
The simplest way to make your legs look better? Moisturize twice a day: In the A.M. while skin is still damp from the shower, and before you go to bed at night. New York dermatologist Fredric Brandt recommends choosing a formula with retinol (such as Vaseline) to build collagen and increase elasticity.
Vaseline Renewal Age-Redefining body lotion, $8; riteaid.com.
