How to get the perfect pins

Ten tricks to get luscious legs in a flash.

16:46 07 July 2009

Skimpy shorts, summer dresses and sassy skirts are all part of a recipe for summer fun. However not all women are quite so happy to bare their pins. A new survey claims that 50% of British women are unhappy with their legs.

But whether its puffy ankles, cellulite or flabby thighs that is the reason for your hang-up, there are a few simple tricks to achieving enviable luscious legs in no time:  

1. Fake it
   Using fake tan will not only give you an overall confidence boost, as many celebs know it can hide orange peel skin and make legs look instantly slimmer. Remember to exfoliate well first to avoid tell-tale blotches and to prolong your tan.
   
2. Tone up
   While exercise is also important, try using a toning moisturiser cream which can take away any signs of cellulite leaving your skin firmer and thighs smoother.
   
3. A close shave
   Although waxing does have its merits, hurting like hell is obviously not one of them, using a good razor is the cheapest, quickest and not to mention painless way to defuzz your pins. For the best result, shave downwards in the direction of hair growth then upwards. Use a flannel or exfoliating cloth daily to avoid ingrown hairs.
   
4. Wear heels
   Not only is this an instant way to add extra height to your body, it also elongates the legs and makes them look slimmer. But avoid ankle straps if you have short legs as these visually cut the leg at the ankle making them look shorter.
5. Raise it up
   Most women don't have legs like Cheryl Cole or Elle Macpherson however this doesn't mean you should hide them away. While it may be tempting to keep them covered under calf-length skirts, these end at the widest part of the leg making them look stumpy. Instead be brave and raise hemlines an inch or two above the knee for a feminine look which gives the illusion of longer slimmer legs without putting too much on show.
   
6. Keep it natural
   For legs that look as if they go on forever, wear neutral coloured shoes similar to your natural skin tone. Golds, coppers, tans or pearls will do the trick.
   
7. Brush away cellulite
   Give your body a helping hand by body brushing to help boost circulation and cleanse it.
   
8. Sack the salt
   A common cause of puffy ankles is fluid retention which can be the result of too much salt in your diet. Avoid crisps, ham, ready meals and Chinese food which are all high in sodium.
   
9. Eat oily fish
   There are many health benefits of eating oily fish such as mackerel and salmon and helping your pins is just another reason to make it part of your diet. They're crammed with omega-3 fats which help shift the fat while retaining the muscle tone and healthy skin.
   
10. Oats it's simple
    Packed with soluble fibre, oats can help the appearance of flabby legs, helping to boost digestion encouraging the body to remove excess fluid. Try porridge in the morning or an oat-based cereal such as Oatibix.