Prepping legs for summer

Legs are going to be on show this summer, so start getting them ready now. Plus the best multi-purpose balm and contemplation tea.

As the catwalks have shown us, legs are going to be on show again this summer, extending from shorts and floaty midi-skirts, so if you are dreading that ritual of dismay that takes place every year when socks come off, start prepping legs now. While exercise helps with shape and tone, topicals can work on condition and colour. Promoting bloodflow is key to improvement: work a light massage into your morning routine, applying cream or oil from your feet to your thighs in upwards movements towards your heart. Aim to get skin looking pink and use treatments that make this a joy rather than a chore. Two to try: Tom Ford Neroli Portofino Body Oil A light and uplifting blend of olive and grapeseed oils, this rolls over skin like satin and leaves it hydrated and smooth (£45, selfridges.com). Tata Harper Strengthening Body Lotion Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, this fast-absorbing lotion aims to improve firmness and softness (£68, 020-8740 2085).

THE SCENT Annick Goutal Le Mimosa Limited Edition

Created by Camille Goutal, Annick's daughter, this is a cheery scent with a 1980s vibe. Built around mimosa absolute from Grasse with sweet floral hues and soft green Florentine iris and anise, it has peach at its core, with white musk and a hint of sandalwood in the base. Bright, sunny and warm. Eau de toilette, £54, from Selfridges (0800-123400).

THE NOVELTY de Mamiel Spring Contemplation Tea

The therapist Annee de Mamiel's beauty philosophy is based on the Chinese medicinal principle that life is entwined in a series of seasons and cycles. She treats accordingly, doing facials with seasonal oils, and has now mixed her own seasonal teas. This is an energising blend of orange, goji berry and chrysanthemum to give you a spring lift (£15, demamiel.com ).


I-SPIED Champneys Miracle Balm

I can't resist a multi-purpose balm and this natural one comes with shea butter, beeswax and meadowfoam seed oil. Slick over dry zones from lips to heels (£5, Boots). For more recommendations from Kate Shapland.

THE COMEBACK the beauty bible

The queens of the beauty bible, Sarah Stacey and Jo Fairley, have triumphed again and delivered another must-have beauty tome - this time focusing on ageing. The Anti-ageing Beauty Bible (Kyle Cathie), promises to change the way you look and feel if you are over the age of 35, and alongside the results of impressive product testing, offers excellent advice on how not to fade away with tips from make-up, hair and skin care insiders (£19.99, victoriahealth.com ).


Kate Shapland

Posted in 2011 flawless legs , Annick Goutal Le Mimosa , Anti-ageing Beauty Bible , I-SPIED Champneys Miracle Balm , THE NOVELTY de Mamiel Spring Contemplation Tea