This time of year is all about renewal.
Spring brings about the first blooms after a long, cold winter. Days grow longer, and the weather warms up. And those aren’t the only things remerging after the last few months.
Our bodies have been bundled up under big, bulky sweaters and cozy sweatpants, but pretty soon we’re going to have to show the world our legs, arms and feet. It’s totally doable; think of it like spring cleaning but for your body.
These are some of my favorite products I’m using to welcome spring with soft, hydrated and healthy arms, legs, feet and more.
Beauty by Earth Dry Brushing Body Brush
Dry brushing all over your body increases blood flow, which stimulates collagen production. This will help strengthen your skin and boost elasticity, so it’s great for lifting and toning. Plus, it feels invigorating and will help wake up your winter skin. Before showering, slather on body oil (I like Aura Cacia Sweet Almond Oil) and (gently) use your dry brush in an upward motion, starting at your legs and working your way up and in, always toward your heart. Move up to your midsection and arms.
Mario Badescu AHA Botanical Body Wash
I love a good chemical exfoliator like alpha hydroxy acids for yielding glowing facial skin, but these ingredients can work wonders for our bodies, too. After a long winter, reach for this body wash enriched with fresh fruit extracts, such as papaya and grapefruit, to break down the bonds between dead skin cells to leave skin feeling soft and smooth. Ginseng extract rejuvenates skin, and oat protein soothes any sensitivity or irritation. And don’t fear those tank tops — this body wash also can help curb body breakouts.
Arm & Hammer Heels & Feet Moisturizing Scrub
Those heels deserve some extra love, and this is a genius product I cannot live without. An all-in-one pedicure replacement, it’s made with alpha hydroxy acids to break down and gently exfoliate that rough skin. Coconut oil provides much-needed deep hydration. This product also comes with a no-touch massaging brush that allows for a quick, easy and mess-free application.
I prefer to apply it before bed, working the massage brush into the skin for about 30 seconds. Then, slather with a layer of Vaseline, an occlusive, to keep those good ingredients in so they can get to work. Slip on socks and wake up with softer, more hydrated feet.
Flamingo Deep Nourishing Cream
Hydration is not just for winter, as our skin craves moisture year-round. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to apply body lotion after every shower, but when you start to do it, you’ll notice how much better your skin looks and feels. I’ve become obsessed with this $10 Target body cream that’s quickly becoming a cult favorite.
Here’s what makes it so good: squalane, a super hydrator; white willow bark, a gentle, naturally derived version of the chemical exfoliant salicylic acid; and shea butter, the ultimate skin barrier reinforcer. It has a deliciously decadent whipped texture but doesn’t feel too heavy or greasy to use in warmer weather. I’m not sure how or why, but it leaves your skin looking so glowy. Plus, it smells absolutely amazing with the freshest, cleanest, barely there fragrance. (For those of you who hate post-shower moisturizing, this also comes in a mist form that absorbs instantly.)
Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs
I love a good fake tan, but sometimes you need a little something to get you through in between. I’ve tried body makeup that’s made to provide an extra glow, such as Fenty Beauty Body Lava, or ones that come in an array of shades, such as KKW Beauty Body Makeup. I’ve also tried highly pigmented body makeup like Dermablend, which is known for its ability to camouflage tattoos.
If you have any special concerns, definitely go with one of those aforementioned options. However, if you’re looking for a basic, no-frills body makeup that also provides a little shimmer, this is the OG for a reason. It’s the most bang for your buck, and you can spray it on without any mess. I spray a little on my legs and buff it in with a big, fat, fluffy brush like e.l.f. Cosmetics Precision Powder Brush.
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT