Stem season is here, and no, not just the floral kind: It’s high time to get your legs out of hiding and into the light. With a winter like we’ve had, you’ll probably need to prep them for their prime-time debut. “With dry skin that’s made worse by cold and winter, you need to pay special attention to what you do both pre-shave and post-shave,” says Genevieve Bochanty, director of brand management at The Art of Shaving. To that end, these products will help kick your legs into high gear this season, so you can show off the smoothest, shiniest stems around.
Crepe Erase Exfoliating Body Polish
If you want the smoothest look, exfoliate before you shave, advises Bochanty. This body polisher is made up of rice bran wax granules and lactic acids that gently target those sagging, crepey areas on your legs (we’re looking at you, knees!). Use it regularly, and you’ll recover that bouncy, tighter skin you had and lost in winter 2018.
The Art of Shaving Unscented Pre-Shave Oil
If you want to prevent nicks in those thin skin areas (ankles anyone?), then Bochanty suggests rubbing in a few drops of this oil before you lather up. The olive and castor oil blend promotes better razor glide, helping the blades slide easily over skin without a cut.
eos Evolution of Smooth Shave Cream Sensitive
The secret to staying smoother longer is a good lather that moisturizes hairs so they’re easier to cut. Soften strands first with warm water and apply an ample amount of cream to legs right before you reach for the razor. This product is extra-gentle and fragrance free with soothing cucumber seed oil, wild oat extracts, and lavender butter.
Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment With Coconut Milk and Pure Almond Oil
Fresh blades ensure a more comfortable and closer shave. Besides being wide and easy to use, this one is surrounded by nourishing lather laced with coconut milk and almond oil to prevent cuts and burns with each stroke.
Korres Olive Oil and Olive Blossom Body Balsam
The final touch? Applying plenty of moisturizer after you pat your skin dry. This rich cream is made in Greece and uses olive leaf extract and extra virgin olive oil to deeply hydrate post-shave skin, soften dry spots like knees, and give skin a gorgeous glow.
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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