My Secret to Getting Summer Ready Legs

Summer is well and truly underway, meaning the need for smooth, soft legs is even more pressing than normal. Hair removal is a pain, shaving especially can result in shaving rash, which is the opposite of what you need just when you want be wearing shorts and skirts. I find shaving the easiest and fastest form of hair removal and I have finally developed my own fool-proof routine for super smooth legs.

Exfoliate

This is crucial. Start by either soaking your legs in a warm bath or in a hot shower (I find the bath gives the best results) Try and use a moisturising bath soak too! I like using an exfoliating mitt with a gentle body wash. Moving against the direction of hair growth, upwards on the leg in circular motions, to make sure each follicle is open. This ensures the hair is exposed so the razor can pass over the area without cutting the skin, or causing the dreaded razor burn.

The Right Razor

I have said it before but I have ridiculously sensitive skin. Every razor I used would make my skin incredibly sore, until I changed my tactics. I started using a men's razor. Stick with me, I promise it is worth it, because they are designed for the face and have 5 blades, you get a closer shave without the irritation. I have found Gillette's fusion razor the best for me. It has made shaving bearable and hasn't upset my skin, which is a miracle in itself!

Hydration

This will change your life. Baby oil. I'm not joking. I started using baby oil on my legs before I shave, I work it into the skin and put my shaving foam on top. It is super hydrating and locks in moisture, so it protects my skin from getting too dry and sore, and as a bonus it leaves your skin feeling super soft and smooth!

After the baby oil I use a shaving foam. I find they are the best for getting a close shave without irritating the skin. I am using this Gillette Foam for sensitive skin. It isn't the most amazing product ever but it does its job and does it well.
Another note on hydration, make sure you use a thick body butter/lotion between  each shave and after, it just maintains your skin's hydration. I am loving Soap and Glory's 'The Righteous Butter' !! It is super thick and luxurious but absorbs into the skin quickly.

Rinse 

This might be a strange one, but it really works! I find rinsing my legs in cold water helps to calm down the skin and reduce the risk of soreness, or razor rash. This is because the cold water soothes the skin and reduces any irritation caused by shaving. 

Hopefully these tips can help you if you are struggling with hair removal this summer! Do you have any tips for getting super smooth, summer-ready legs? I would love to know !

Love, Olivia x

An Old Favourite: Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Review

Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish was probably the first proper skincare product I ever bought, I think I would have been about 14, and I have loved it ever since I first started using it. It is one of those fail-safe cleansers that seems to work for all skin types. It is super gentle on the skin, with a cream-like consistency. It removes makeup easily and cleans the skin leaving it soft, smooth and hydrated.

The cleanser comes with a muslin cloth and the idea is that it applies straight onto dry skin, or makeup. This was a little odd at first but it soon became second nature, it also turned removing my makeup into an easy step instead of a chore which involved lots of cotton pads and eye makeup remover.

You then work it into your skin and if you are taking off makeup it creates a brilliant 'panda face', which is the classic combination of cleanser and eye makeup smeared around your eyes, always very useful if you are going to a Halloween Party!

You then run the muslin cloth under a hot tap, I always use warm water as my skin is very sensitive, and use the cloth to wipe off the makeup. I then go back and do a second cleanse to make sure my skin is properly clean! The muslin works as an exfoliator, removing the makeup and any dry skin, as well as reducing the risk of water being splashed everywhere- it is a much easier way of removing the cleanser from your face.

I have very dry skin and it really helped to keep my skin hydrated and happy. It also seems to help prevent spots, but if one does appear, whereas before I would always be left with redness and scarring  this cleanser has really improved the clarity of my skin.

The packaging is also fabulous! You can get it in a tube, like the one pictured or in a bottle that features a very handy pump delivering the perfect amount of product each time. Either one you choose, it is simple and easy to use and looks beautiful in your skincare cabinet !

If you are looking for an all round fantastic cleanser I would definitely give this ago!

Love Olivia x

The Perfect Foundation for Summer

The other day I popped into Superdrug in the search of a new foundation for summer. After trawling the aisles and getting distracted by the new L'oreal nudes eye shadow palettes and Rita Ora's new nail polish collection for  Maybelline, I finally found myself picking up The Bourjois City Radiance Foundation.


Although I always seem to love Bourjois products this one was new to me so I was intruiged to see if it would be as good as their Healthy Mix foundation, that is a favorite of mine. It did not disappoint, it is a very good foundation. It's super lightweight on the skin whilst still giving a medium coverage. I love products that provide half decent coverage but feel like you aren't wearing anything. I'm loving using it in warmer weather because it is so light, I find there is nothing worse than heavy makeup on your skin when it's really hot.

Another thing that makes it awesome especially for summer ? It has SPF 30 so if you are like me and worry about sun protection this makes your life a little easier!

The texture is more like a tinted moisturiser and is incredibly easy to work into the skin with just fingers. I like to start using my fingers to work it into the skin, then blend over with a buffing brush for a flawless finish. It is a great 5-minute foundation because it is so easy to blend.

As I have dry skin I always look for more hydrating formulas, and this definitely fits the bill. But if you have more oily skin it works perfectly too, leaving the perfect finish. Not too matte and not too dewy and because of its lighter texture it doesn't sit on the skin either.

Despite being very hydrating on the skin it lasts really well. Staying power can be a problem with other hydrating formulas, meaning this is a great option for those of us with dry skin as well as those with more oily/combination complexions as it lasts on the skin really well.

If you are looking for another foundation I would definately recomend giving this one a go!

Love Olivia x