Miniskirts are out in full force on the red carpet this season: Cameron Diaz showed off her mile-high legs at the "Bad Teacher" premiere; both a tanned Leighton Meester and a fair-skinned Emma Stone wore minidresses at the MTV Movie Awards; and Jennifer Aniston bared her enviably toned gams in a black leather mini at the London premiere of "Horrible Bosses." What does this mean, ladies? A. You don't have to be a spring chicken to wear a mini. And, B. It's time for a spot-check: Are your legs miniskirt-ready?
Really, wearing a mini is all about the confidence. Even if you don't have legs "up to there," you need to at least feel like your legs look phenomenal. I'll confess, mine are not quite there yet (they're all pasty and dimply). So, it's a good thing I now know a quick fix -- or six.
To nail down a "sexy legs" routine that works fast, I consulted the experts behind some of the sexiest bodies in the world. From must-do exercises to the best shower, makeup, and fashion tips, follow their advice and you'll be ready to slip on that mini within a week. Yes, a week.
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Step 1: Lunge
No, not for the remote (unless you're rewinding a workout DVD)! As much as we try to get away from this exercise, it really works on the legs. BeachBody Slim in 6 creator Debbie Siebers recommends "the curtsy lunge," which you can watch her demonstrate here:
1. Warm up with a Warrior 2 yoga pose, holding for 5 deep breaths.
2. Start in a wide stance, with feet a little more than hip distance apart.
3. Step back with one leg and sink deep into a lunge, keeping your knee directly over your foot at a 90-degree angle. If your arms are down, your fingers should be able to touch your front ankle when you sink into the lunge.
4. Step back into the wide stance and repeat on the other side.
5. Do 15 reps, holding the last one and pulsing up and down 4 to 5 times (you should really feel the burn).
6. Follow with squats if you're feeling brave.
Next: Lift
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Step 2: Lift
Leandro Carvahlo, creator of the Brazilian Butt Lift and trainer to stars like Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, recommends what he calls the "On the Beach Leg Lift":
1. Lie on your side, propped up on one forearm and hip, like you would if you were chilling on the beach.
2. Place your left hand in front of you for support and extend your straight legs together on the floor, in line with your torso.
3. Lift both legs up and hover them slightly off the floor. Squeeze your inner thighs and butt cheeks together. (And suck that tummy in!)
4. With both legs still off the floor, slowly lift and lower your top leg up and down, creating as wide a gap as you can between your legs while squeezing your left butt cheek.
5. Lower your legs down and repeat 5 to 20 times on each side.
Next: Smooth
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Step 3: Smooth
Bumps, nicks, and scrapes don't bode well for a mini. If your legs aren't in need of a shave, apply an exfoliating body scrub all over and rinse off. If you do need to shave, skip the scrub (shaving automatically exfoliates your skin) and let your legs absorb the moisture in your shower for at least 5 minutes before you pick up that razor. Avoid unsightly marks by applying a shaving cream or moisturizing body wash and using a razor specially formulated for women, like the Venus Proskin Moisturerich Razor, $10.99. (Psst. For nitty-gritty, step-by-step instructions on getting the best shave ever, click here.)
Next: Tan
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Step 4: Tan
Makeup artist Linda Hay, one of Heidi Klum's go-to experts, says a good, natural-looking tan will streamline your legs and mask imperfections (like cellulite). To achieve this, use a spray-on self tanner such as Mystic Tan Build Sunless Tanning Spray, $38. For a less permanent effect, rub on a body bronzer, like DuWop Revolotion, $28, and let it dry.
Next: Sculpt
Miniskirts are out in full force on the red carpet this season: Cameron Diaz showed off her mile-high legs at the "Bad Teacher" premiere; both a tanned Leighton Meester and a fair-skinned Emma Stone wore minidresses at the MTV Movie Awards; and Jennifer Aniston bared her enviably toned gams in a black leather mini at the London premiere of "Horrible Bosses." What does this mean, ladies? A. You don't have to be a spring chicken to wear a mini. And, B. It's time for a spot-check: Are your legs miniskirt-ready?
Really, wearing a mini is all about the confidence. Even if you don't have legs "up to there," you need to at least feel like your legs look phenomenal. I'll confess, mine are not quite there yet (they're all pasty and dimply). So, it's a good thing I now know a quick fix -- or six.
To nail down a "sexy legs" routine that works fast, I consulted the experts behind some of the sexiest bodies in the world. From must-do exercises to the best shower, makeup, and fashion tips, follow their advice and you'll be ready to slip on that mini within a week. Yes, a week.
