Love Your Legs, Thighs, and Butt

Love Your Legs

Fake a bake. Sunless tanner, artfully applied, can create the illusion of slimmer stems, says Cindy Barshop, owner of Completely Bare spas. Apply tanner over your entire legs and let it dry thoroughly. Then blend a darker shade (choosing from the same brand is best) on those areas you want to minimize -- the grooves under the butt cheeks and below each calf. Stick to creams and lotions; they're easier to apply with precision. Make a mistake? Rub baking soda over streaks and watch them disappear.

Go darker. Darker-toned legs naturally conceal imperfections like bruises, broken capillaries, and spider veins. Senior makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics Patrick Eichler perfects models' legs backstage with MAC Sundressing ($18 at maccosmetics.com), a subtly shimmery, tinted mousse that comes in four sunny hues. For best results, go darker than you think you should. As with flesh-toned stockings, a darker shade disappears into the skin, but a lighter hue will create an odd, ghostlike effect.