5 Steps To Airbrushed Looking Legs (Because the Mini Skirt Trend Is Here To Stay)

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From Sydney Sweeney to Megan Thee Stallion, Nicole Kidman and Paloma Elsesser, celebrities have shown us the mini skirt is back. And with that, so are our legs.

If you’re game for the trend, and even sourced your perfect skirt, only to realise you haven’t moisturised your legs since the last summer, we’re here to help. Outlined below are five steps for limbs so sparkling it would be a crime to deny everyone at the bar, club, office Christmas party and family brunch with the in-laws the sight of them.

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Exfoliate

Necessaire, The Body Exfoliator will give you polished pins — Image credit: Mecca

Nothing kills your Y2K party princess vibe like ingrown hairs or sweat-induced pimples from your diligent F45 attendance. Solution? Get yourself an exfoliant that means business. Nécessaire’s The Body Exfoliant ($45) is so powerful it only needs to be used once or twice a week — wave goodbye to shaving rash and hello to smooth, supple Sydney Sweeney thighs.

Bronze

Orro & Co Hero Glow Bundle, ($91) — Image credit: Orro + Co

The Orro & Co tanning range is inspired by hot Italian summers — and the natural bronze they imbue. What if you could capture that seasonal glow all year round? Whether you are headed to Positano or braving out the winter in Australia, you can build a believable bronze with the range’s “Hero Glow Bundle” ($91) with rich, buttery Oro and Co have a range of gradual tanners and their avocado oil and shea butter-rich Capri Body Butter and their hyaluronic acid-based Amalfi Tanning Drops (which can be used for face and body).

Top Up

Got no time for a gradual tanner? Just realised your actual tan is patchy? Just don’t want to commit? The Isle of Paradise, Disco Tan Instant Wash-Off Body Bronzer ($31) is the product for you. With coconut, chia and avocado oils, this lotion makes for sleek, fresh from the pool legs. Importantly, while it washes off, it doesn’t rub off — on your clothes, your seat or new friends you’ve met at the disco. The formula lasts for a full 24-hours and washes off with warm soapy water.

Highlight and Contour

Summer Fridays, "Poolside" Body Oil — Image credit: Mecca

Not all of us want to be tan! Simple hydration is the most important step when taking care of your legs. Think about how your face always looks better once you’ve slapped some moisturiser on it! Summer Fridays’ limited edition Pool Time Glowing Body Oil ($51) delivers moisture, plus magic with a subtle, shimmering gold-pearl finish, and macadamia, jojoba, apricot kernel and sunflower oils work to condition and plump your sinfully soft and glowing gams.

Patrick Ta, Major Glow All-Over Glow Balm and Pat McGrath, Skintillating Diamond Body Shimmer

Airbrushed Legs: Patrick Ta, Major Glow Body Balm and Pat McGrath, Bridgerton, Skintillating Body Shimmer — Patrick Ta, Major Glow All-Over Body Balm ($81) and Pat McGrath, Bridgerton Skintillating Diamond Body Shimmer, ($94)

Just as with nails and cheeks you can have glazed donut legs to match your trending, Y2K mini skirt. It just takes the right products and some strategic layering. Once you are bronzed and oiled to your liking, add a glossy balm to your shins. We love Patrick Ta, Major Glow All-Over Glow Balm ($81), a moisturising face and body gloss rich in oils packed with micro-fine pearls. If you want to go full backstage MUA, “set” with a sprinkling of diamond dust, like the Pat McGrath, Bridgerton Skintilliating Diamond Body Shimmer, ($94). Layering both products along the centre of the shin will make for an elongated, gleaming leg look. Just ensure you keep things concentrated to avoid going full Tin-Man.

Conceal and Correct (Yes, Body Makeup Is a Thing)

Vita Liberata, Body Blur — Image credit: Vita Liberata

If you have scars, bruises or even… regrettable tatts that are distracting from your miniskirt moment have no fear. For subtle blurring and glow Vita Liberata, a UK-based tanning range founded by a pale Irish lass, Alyson Hogg, who identified a gap in the market for natural-looking, scentless tans way back in 2007.

Vita Liberata is best known for the Body Blur, Instant HD Skin Finish ($59). It’s a hydrating lotion that acts like a pair of silk stockings — it’s body makeup that hides veins, bruises, scars and bumps while highlighting your best features (MUA tip: highlighting your shins makes your legs look longer). One reviewer says this product gives her “Barbie doll legs” — consider it photoshop in a bottle.

Dermablend Quick Fix Foundation Stick — Image credit: Dermablend

But what about the upper thigh tatt you never thought would see the light of day? Never fear. Professional makeup artists have been covering tattoos for years with pro-products and Dermablend, Quick Fix Body Makeup Full Coverage Foundation Stick, ($52) is a pro-MUA favourite. Indeed, in 2018 makeup artist Ana Marie Rizzieri told Allure that she uses this body makeup to cover tattoos on the Victoria’s Secret runway. If it’s good enough for the Angels, it’s good enough for us.

Protect

Airbrushed legs: Naked Sundays Golden Glow, Body Sunscreen SPF50, ($45) — Naked Sundays Golden Glow, Body Sunscreen SPF50, ($45) Image Credit: Naked Sundays

Want glowing legs and sun protection? Naked Sundays has you covered (literally) with Naked Sundays Golden Glow, Body Sunscreen SPF50, ($45). Apply liberally to limbs and décolleté with their handy buffing brush and benefit from goddess-level glow, sun protection and green tea and Vitamin B.