How to Have Shiny, Glowing Legs (Girls)

Co-authored by Diana Yerkes

Last Updated: April 12, 2022 References

It's easy to turn your dull, dry skin into shiny, glowing legs. The first step is making sure you exfoliate all the dead skin cells from your legs. Once you've exfoliated your legs, you can get a closer, smoother shave. After shaving, moisturize immediately. For extra shine, you can add a shimmering powder or body oil.^{[1]
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Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Exfoliating Your Legs

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Exfoliate your legs before you shave. The secret to a close shave and shiny, glowing legs is exfoliating before you shave. Exfoliation will remove dead skin cells that could otherwise clog up your razor. A razor clogged with dead skin cells will prevent you from getting a close shave.^{[2]
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EXPERT TIP

Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional
Diana Yerkes is a Skincare Professional and the Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa in New York City, New York. With over 15 years of experience, Diana helps others with their skin care needs by incorporating natural and high-performing products and treatments into their routines while providing nutrition insights and educating clients on better skin care habits. Diana is a member of the Associated Skin Care Professionals (ASCP) and holds certifications from the Wellness for Cancer and Look Good Feel Better programs. She received her esthetics education from the Aveda Institute, the International Dermal Institute, and the Biologique Research Academy.

Diana Yerkes
Skincare Professional

Try visiting a skincare professional to learn about the best exfoliants for you. Diana Yerkes, Lead Esthetician at Rescue Spa NYC, says: "If you're not sure what kind of exfoliation to use, visit an esthetician for a treatment. That way, you can figure out what your skin type is and where your problem zones and skin concerns are. Then, your esthetician can advise you the proper way to exfoliate, whether that's with a product or a more physical exfoliation like a scrub."
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Try dry brushing. Use a firm, natural-bristle brush. Begin by brushing the outside of your knee. Brush upwards, applying enough pressure to stimulate circulation. Continue by brushing the inside of the thigh. Then brush the calf, beginning at the foot and brushing toward the groin. Finish by brushing your buttocks from the middle out toward your hip.^{[3]
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- While you want to apply pressure, you should not press so hard that it hurts.
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Use exfoliating gloves in the shower. Exfoliating gloves are a great, chemical-free way to exfoliate your legs. You can use them while you are in the shower, and don't need any special products. Simply get into a warm shower, allow your skin to hydrate in the steam and water for at least two minutes, and rub your legs with the gloves.^{[4]
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Avoid sand, salt or coffee based exfoliants. Physical exfoliants that use salt, coffee grinds, sand, or other harsh ingredients leave tiny cuts on your skin. This is undesirable before a shave, as shaving already puts your delicate skin at risk for nicks and cuts.^{[5]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Shaving Your Legs

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Use a fresh razor blade. It is important to replace your razors regularly. Old razors can accumulate hair, dead skin cells, and leftover shaving cream. This can introduce bacteria to your skin, potentially causing an infection if you cut or nick your skin. Old razors also become duller with use.^{[6]
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Cleveland Clinic
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2
Shave near the end of your shower. You will get a closer, smoother shave if your skin is softened by warm water. You should aim for a minimum of ten minutes in a warm bath or shower. Once you've been in for at least that amount of time, you can begin shaving.^{[7]
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Cleveland Clinic
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3
Avoid extremely hot water. If you bathe or shower in really hot water, your skin will get too soft. This can make your legs more prone to nicks and cuts. If you like a really hot shower, be sure to turn the temperature down before shaving. Aim for warm, but not hot water.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
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4
Use a moisturizing shaving cream or gel. You should never shave your legs dry, or shave your legs using bar soap. Bar soap does not create enough lubrication for the razor to slide easily over the surface of your skin, and this can create cuts and nicks. Instead, opt for a moisturizing shave cream or gel.^{[9]
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- If you're in a hurry, you can try using hair conditioner instead of shaving cream or gel.
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Shave in the direction of hair growth. Your first pass on each leg should be downward, in the direction that your hair grows. Once you shave in the direction of hair growth, you can do an additional pass in an upward direction. If you have sensitive skin you should avoid shaving upward altogether, as it increases your odds getting nicks, cuts, and skin irritation.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Adding Moisture and Shine

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Moisturize immediately after shaving. After shaving, gently pat your skin dry. Then apply a moisturizing, alcohol-free lotion. This will help you avoid irritating your freshly shaved skin, as well as those small razor burn bumps that sometimes appear. ^{[11]
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- Try moisturizing with 100% pure shea butter for natural, alcohol-free moisture.
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Try some self-tanner. Choose a self-tanner that matches your current skin tone. If you have fair skin, choose a light to medium formula. If your skin is darker or has olive tones, go for a dark formula. A mousse or lotion-based tanner will give you more control in the application process.^{[12]
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- After you exfoliate, shave, dry off and moisturize, apply the self tanner one teaspoon at a time.
- Start at your ankles, and smooth the self-tanner into your skin using small circular motions.
- Allow the tanner to dry for twice as long as the directions suggest, and avoid showering for at least six hours after application.
- Keep in mind that if you are using a gradual formula it might take two to four applications before you reach your desired shade.
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Add shine with body oil. Oils are a gateway to glowing, shiny legs. If you want to go the natural route, try applying a natural organic oil to your legs after exfoliating and shaving. It will add moisture and shine. If you want more shimmer, opt for a shimmering body oil, which can be purchased online or at the makeup counter of your favorite department store.^{[13]
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- Try rubbing one teaspoon of coconut oil into your skin for glowing, shiny legs.
- Almond oil is rich in vitamins A and E. Apply a small amount with a cotton ball and allow it to soak into your legs.
- Baby oil, which is typically 98% mineral oil, can add moisture and shine to your legs.
- Argan oil is packed with antioxidants, fatty acids, and linoleic acid. Try rubbing one teaspoon of argan oil into your legs after shaving.
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Try a light dusting of shimmer powder. If you have dark skin, a good moisturizer is often all you need to get your legs glowing. On fairer skin tones, you can add some glow with a good shimmer powder or mineral powder. Just take a large makeup brush and apply lightly to the front of your legs. You can find shimmer and mineral powder at the makeup counter in department stores, or at places like Target.^{[14]
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Community Q&A

Question

What are some creams for smooth, glowing skin?

Community Answer

Coconut Oil is number one! You should be able to get it at your local grocery store. It is not cheap (around 7$), however it's worth it.
Question

What should I do if my hair is too thick due to shaving?

Community Answer

You could try lasering your leg hair. Or don't worry about body image. Ultimately your personality is the best thing about you.
Question

How do I avoid prickliness after shaving?

I like sushi

Top Answerer

Try using a shaving cream when you shave to avoid getting bumps and to help you get a smoother, nicer shave.