Hi! This is the right time to bring your mini-skirts out of the closet, but wait! Are your legs ready to be seen in them? If you want to shake a shapely leg, you better get them in shape first.

If a regular pedicure (and this goes for both men and women) can work wonders for your feet, then a good oil massage, which you can give yourself at home or at the parlour, does the same for your legs. Irrespective of whether you wax, shave, or use a hair-removing cream, you must remember to massage your legs clean after you finish. Use creams which have SPF 15 to 20. You should also ensure that you are regular with waxing your legs.

As I keep repeating, you must exercise because the more you do so, the more toned your legs will look. You should aim at feeling and looking good, fit and confident. A word of caution may be in order, though. Too much sun isn't good for your legs.

There's nothing like brisk walking to get your legs toned, besides, of course, revving up your system. So, you needn't invest in a health club membership to keep yourself in shape. You can, in fact, get all the exercise you need for your legs at home. You can use a stepper at home or, better still, climb up and down the steps in your home.

Walk on your toes as it strengthens your calf muscles. And while brushing your teeth every night and morning, stand on your toes you'll see the result in firmer calves. Well, that's definitely worth the effort. Swimming is an excellent idea, too, as it is a total body workout, especially for your legs. You can even try skipping for around half-an-hour.

Stretch, Stretch & You'll Succeed

Q: I am an 18-year-old girl and I have everything going for me, except for my height. I am just 4 feet 6 inches, which is very depressing. What should I do to increase my height. If I take hormonal injections, will it harm me?

-- Urvashi,

Vadodra

Dear Urvashi: I advise you not to use hormonal injections. There's always a chance that you may suffer from adverse side-effects. Instead, start doing aerobics and stretching exercises, but don't do weights.

Shed Weight Without Tears

Q: I am a 15-year-old girl and I'm putting on weight like anything. What should I do to control my weight?

-- G. Nisha,

Bangalore

Dear Nisha: It is quite surprising that you are gaining weight so rapidly. I think you should see a doctor just in case you have a thyroid problem or some form of hormonal imbalance. It's always helps to be careful. A balanced diet and regular exercise could also do you a world of good.

Doll Up For Your D-Day

Q: I am a 23-year-old woman getting married this month. Could you suggest a suitable make-up for my wedding day? What hairstyle I should opt for. I have straight, silky and thin hair. Do you think steps will suit me?

-- Mallika,

Pune

Dear Mallika: I think the make-up for your wedding day should be as bright as possible. Use water-proof make-up as it is very hot these days. Your dress shouldn't be too heavy.

As far as your hairstyle goes, steps are difficult to maintain. So, leave them the way they are. Shade your nose and cheeks to give a slimmer look to your face. All the best for a long married life.

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