Monday 4 August 2014

Three Steps to Lovely Legs

In my last post, I promised to write about the products I used on my legs when getting ready for the wedding I went to in Santorini. So, here goes!

Like most girls, I have my insecurities when it comes to the way I look. One of my biggest bugbears is the little collection of thread veins that started to appear on my legs sometime around my early twenties. Thread veins are a fairly common issue. They're not harmful, but they're not pretty either and for that reason they can be upsetting. They are usually genetic (thanks Mum!) and while there are certain treatments you can have to get rid of them, these are typically quite expensive and what I have tried so far unfortunately hasn't worked for me. Now, a lot of people tell me that the veins are "not that noticeable", but I notice them. Silly or not, the fact is that they affect my confidence from time to time.

So I've learned to get pretty good at hiding them. This is my three-step "makeup routine" for my legs, which I use for nights out, special occasions, or basically any time they're going to be on display and I want them to look their best.

Cocoa Brown Fake Tan, Veil Cover Cream, Soap ang Glory Glow Lotion




Products from left to right: Cocoa Brown fake tan, Veil Cover Cream, Soap and Glory Glow Lotion

1. Fake tan

The darker my skin, the less obvious the veins look, even without doing anything else. So it's no surprise that fake tan and I have formed a strong friendship over the years. I've tried quite a few different brands, but my current favourite is Cocoa Brown. It's easy to apply, lasts a good few days and gives you a really natural-looking tan at a fraction of the price of many other brands. You still get that delightful biscuity smell while it's developing, but I have yet to find a tanning product that's truly free from that. I reckon for a nice bronzed glow it's worth it!

Veil Cover Cream



2. Leg makeup

Finding Veil Cover Cream has made the biggest difference to my legs. More importantly, it has made the biggest difference to my confidence when it comes to showing them off. It's a specialist makeup which can be used as foundation or concealer on the face or body and is designed to cover pretty much anything, including tattoos and birth marks. You don't necessarily have to go this heavy duty - products such as Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs are supposed to help disguise minor imperfections. However, I personally feel more comfortable slapping on industrial strength coverage.

I've had the individual Veil Cover Creams before, but this time I ordered the medium to dark kit. I'd definitely recommend going for one of the kits if you wanted to try this out for the first time, as you get everything you need in one reasonably priced package. The green cream can be used as a base, and helps to really disguise any blemishes when you put the flesh-coloured creams over the top. Of these, you get a selection, plus a white one, so that you can find your ideal shade. You also get a setting powder that keeps the makeup water and smudge proof, as well as a cleanser and toner for removal.

Below is the "before" picture. This is me with a tan - natural this time rather than courtesy of Cocoa Brown, as I have just got back from a week in Mallorca. You can see that the little veins around my calves and ankles are still visible, although I can assure you, if I wasn't tanned they would be considerably more obvious than this.

Before Veil Cover Cream
Now look what happens when I apply the Veil Cover Cream.

Veil Cover Cream




Can you see the difference? Not only does it conceal the thread veins, it makes the skin on my legs look much smoother and more even too. Every time I put this stuff on and see what it does, I want to wear it every single day. I don't, though, because its downside is that it's quite messy and time-consuming to apply. Also, although the setting powder does a good job of keeping it from rubbing off all over the place, removing it is a nightmare. You think you've washed it all off, step out of the shower and dry yourself, look at your once pristine white towel... and realise there was quite a lot left after all. Kind of annoying.

However, I absolutely love what it does for my legs and it's great having the option to use it when I want to.

3. Gilding the lily

The final step is something I decided to do recently, after seeing Cheryl Cole with an amazing sheen to her legs on the Graham Norton show a few weeks ago. I loved the effect, and decided to look for a product that would do something similar. I found Soap and Glory's Glow Lotion. Dab a little of it along the front of your shins, and you get a nice, subtle sheen. This is what it looks like when it catches the light.

Soap and Glory Glow Lotion
Nothing to do with disguising thread veins, but I like the way it looks! Being a Soap and Glory product, it smells rather lovely too.

So there you have it - my three step leg makeup routine. I hope it was useful for anyone who ever feels less than confident about getting their legs out!

Does anyone else have any tips for beautifying legs?

Kate x
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41 comments

  1. I have thread veins as well (genetic from my mum also) and I was wondering if fake tan helped to cover them! Thanks for answering that question for me. I love the way you have applied the S&G glow lotion, I have it as well, but usually just put it all over my legs like moisturizer, I'm going to try and do it like how you do, it looks so nice!

    The Velvet Black // UK Style, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog

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    1. It's a nice product isn't it? Very subtle, but when it catches the light it's lovely. Thread veins suck but at least we have options to hide them! Really glad if I was helpful. x

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  2. Brilliant post, really useful for the summer months when we all want glowing and tanned legs :) Thanks for sharing Kate!

    Have a lovely week.

    Camille xo.

    www.cococami.blogspot.co.uk

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    1. You too Camille, glad you liked the post! x

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  3. Wow, that leg makeup works amazing. I will have to check out if they have it here. Great post.

    Fabulous 30s

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    1. Thanks Ana, you can order it online, and I'm pretty sure they ship worldwide. x

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  4. loved it
    http://exitwonds.blogspot.com/

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  5. Such a great result thanks so much for sharing your tips, definitely going to get that cover cream!

    Much love xxx
    CHRISTINANISTA.COM

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    Replies
    1. You're welcome! It's a great product. x

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  6. This is such an innovative idea for a post, I really love all the advice and suggestions you've made :)
    The Veil Cover Cream is totally fabulous, and Soap and Glory's Glow Lotion adds such a beautiful sheen that's subtle yet impactful. Without trying to sound weird, you've got lovely pins Kate and I'm definitely going to try and follow some of your guidelines, I'm not a massive fan of my legs but you've achieved such lovely results I'm definitely feeling inspired! xo

    Sophie | soinspo

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    1. Thank you Sophie! I was never a massive fan of mine either, especially blemished as they are. It's funny but we don't often think to put these sorts of products on our legs, even though we apply makeup to our faces as a matter of course! x

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  7. Thank you for sharing these tips! I tend to overlook my legs a lot (aside from slapping on some moisturiser) and I always regret it when I catch a glimpse of my pale, bruised legs in a dress. This post has given me some great ideas :).

    Jade Rebecca x

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  8. Loved the tips to get the celeb like legs. Thank you for sharing them :-)
    http://naturelbellefemme.blogspot.com

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  9. Wow, that's amazing! Leg makeup is something I should look into. Hmmm...
    www.ChicAndAlluring.com

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  10. Amazing tips!! Sexy legs are really attractive and "useful" especially when you like wearing skirts and shorts!

    new travel photo diary up my blog!
    ROUGH & TOUGH☯ | I`m on Bloglovin!

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    Replies
    1. Yes, it's a shame to feel you want to keep them covered all the time! x

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  11. This is honestly one of the best posts on leg makeup I have ever read! I am absolutely buying the glow lotion. Just a quick question - is there a mid-way between the elaborate veil cream and the much less effective Sally Hansen? I am looking for something to cover a few sun spots on an everyday basis.

    Love Priya

    MyFashionFixes

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    1. Aw thanks so much Priya! If there is such a product I have yet to find it. That's exactly what I would like too - something quick and easy to use that provides a decent amount of coverage. As great as the veil cream is in terms of results, it's not ideal when you need to rush out of the door! The search continues... x

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  12. Great post!
    actually I was just looking for a good product for a fake tan for the legs!
    it really makes your legs look great and shimmery!

    also, you have a lovely blog!
    I would like to invite you to my blog! and be so happy if we support each other (gfc, bloglovin..)!
    let me know when you do so! :))

    you are more than invited;)

    http://lilusvoyage.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much! Glad you found it helpful. I will definitely check out your blog. x

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  13. My first visit to your blog and what a great and informative post, I don't think I've seen any other beauty bloggers cover the topic of leg makeup. The difference between the before and after photos is really noticeable! The Veil Cover Cream sounds lovely, too bad that it's so hard to wash off! All the things that us girls put ourselves through to look good, huh? ;) The Soap and Glory lotion adds such a beautiful sheen to your skin! Cheryl Cole is an absolute beauty, so I'm not surprised that you were inspired by her ;) Great, great post!

    Paula
    My beauty and lifestyle blog

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    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Paula! Yes, the veil cover cream is very impressive... and yes, we do go to some extraordinary lengths! I haven't seen the topic covered either, which is why I really wanted to post about it. It took me a long time to find a solution for the thread veins and I know that plenty of girls suffer with them. x

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  14. Oh wow that leg make up is amazing, I'm really conscious of some of the veins in my legs so never show them off. Does it rub off on things at all?

    Gems x
    Fashion, Well Done

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    1. Hi Gems, in my experience it stays put really well if you apply the setting powder properly. I've worn it with white dresses and sat on upholstered chairs and it's been fine. I definitely think the setting powder is a must, and giving yourself enough time to apply it and let it settle into your skin just as you would with foundation. x

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  15. definitely keep this in my mind once when I'll need it! lovely post!

    If you would like to follow each other, just let me know!

    keep in touch,

    fashion-babel.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I'll definitely check out your blog. x

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  16. It's my first time here and i'm obsessed!
    amazing blog!!
    Keep in touch xoxo

    ReplyDelete

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