Legs eleven - products for pretty pins

First impressions:
This spray comes in a slim orange box with a white label at the top and the list of ingredients on the side. The 1, 2, 3 instructions, complete with drawings, is very useful for application, as is the QR code to scan for further information should you require it.

What’s it like?
The product itself comes in a see-through bottle with white plastic pump top; the liquid inside is a sunny peachy colour. One pump delivers a fine citrusy spray which absorbs quickly into the skin. The instructions suggest a three-pronged attack - thighs, back of legs, shins - followed by a little bit of rubbing in.

Does it work?
Containing magnesium and essential oils, this draining spray is - the box suggests - recommended for skin affected by water retention, swelling and cellulite. With the latter firmly in place (thank you, ageing), I used this after each swim for several weeks and found that my legs felt lighter afterwards.

Verdict:
At £33 for a bottle, this isn’t the cheapest product we tested but it smells gorgeous, sinks in quickly and leaves legs feeling lighter and well moisturised.

First impressions:
This combined body wash and scrub comes in a tall cream box with a black sticker at the top - lift the sticker to open the box. The product inside is just as stylish: a tall white tube with black snap-shut lid. The information on the back simply says: “for soft and renewed skin”.

What’s it like?
The scrub itself is putty in colour with a good amount of grit – made from sugar, volcanic pearls and olive seeds - to exfoliate the skin. We used it on our legs, bum and tum in the shower and found that it washed off easily despite the thick consistency.

Does it work?
If the aim is clean, soft skin, then yes. At £56 for 150mls, I won’t be using it every day, however, but for scrubbing toxins out of my thighs before a skirt-wearing event, it’s a winner. The refreshing smell is a great morning wake-me-up, too.

Verdict:
Despite being one of the pricier products we tried, the high percentage of natural ingredients, brand kudos, great smell and deep-working ingredients makes this a good product to use before a night on the tiles.

First impressions:
This gel comes in a navy box with the Sothys Paris logo at the top and the ingredients, product description and instructions for use on the back and sides. Open the lid and pull out the product which comes in a see-through plastic tub with a snap shut lit at the bottom. The gel inside is a cheery blue-green.

What’s it like?
The thick gel comes out easily and smells of refreshing menthol, one of the key ingredients along with soothing arnica and stimulating camphor. I used it after a run and loved the immediate cooling effect.

Does it work?
As someone who frequently runs, swims, plays tennis and gets on her bike, crampy calves are commonplace with regular stretching necessary to prevent flair ups. This gel not only cools and calms but makes my legs feel lighter after use.

Verdict:
Whether you’re a runner, a frequent flyer or someone who is on their feet all day, this product will help. Slather it on your thighs to drain fluids and toxins; rub it into lower legs after a long-haul flight or bout of exercise or treat your feet after a day standing.

First impressions:
Both creams come in spa-like aqua blue tubes with flip-open lids. The lotion is slightly tinted, but not alarmingly so, and has a faint biscuit-like scent, similar to other fake tans.

What’s it like?
Apply both daily after cleansing to achieve a healthy glow that builds with every application. You can swap the face or body cream for your regular facial or body moisturiser or add them to your usual skincare routine. The body cream dries quickly, so there’s no waiting before dressing, and the facial cream can be applied under sunscreen.

Does it work?
Both creams have a light tint for immediate results. As the day goes on, the colour builds to give you a sun-kissed glow; use it daily to prevent fading (Kissed by Mii recommends exfoliating a couple of times a week to keep skin smooth and primed, too).

Verdict:
While I‘m not a fan of the smell, this product is easy to apply, doesn’t streak, and doesn’t come off on your bed sheets. It’s an affordable option for building up a base before a holiday or a big night out.

First impressions:
This set pairs a wooden brush with a Targeted Toning Body Moisturiser. Put your hand through the elastic strap at the top to use the brush on easy-to-reach areas; slide the long wooden handle into the gap to reach more awkward body parts. The moisturiser comes in a stunning teal tube with silver twist-off cap.

What’s it like?
Containing Nigari Salt and Jania Rubens, the cream is thick and luxurious, ideal for liberal application prior to brushing. I applied the cream and to my thighs morning and night for a month, massing it in using the brush in a quick upward motion.

Does it work?
Clinical trials done on this product in 2017 – where 60 people were asked to use the product twice day for four weeks – saw some incredible results, with 100% agreeing that their cellulite looked visibly reduced, their skin felt more toned and that dimpling had reduced.

Verdict:
While brushing isn’t the most pleasant of experiences, a quick three minutes is enough to remove dead skin cells and improve circulation. I was delighted with the results after two weeks of twice-daily use and will continue to brush when time allows.

First impressions:
Suction cups can be used anywhere on the body – including the face – and comes in different sizes and colours. We chose a medium version for the thighs and opted for an unashamedly girly hot pink. The cup is made of malleable silicone; it has a nodule at the top for gripping and a larger section underneath with a wide rim.

What’s it like?
Place the cup directly onto pre-oiled skin and push the top to create suction. Hold the nodule and drag the device around the skin in a circular motion. If it feels too tight, release the cup and start again.

Does it work?
I used this in bed one morning and found that - even when combined with oil for slippage – it hurt, with bruises appearing the next day. I then used to it in a bath laced with oils and adopted a lighter touch; this worked much better.

Verdict:
While there’s no complete cure for cellulite (yet), this is a cheap product with some noticeable short-term results. Use it regularly with an oil or balm to immediately improve the appearance of dimpled skin. And you too can Wear the Damn Shorts.