By Angeline Neo

Q: I envy actress Sarah Jessica Parker for her shapely, flawless legs. I've got my exercise routine down pat but what else can I do to make my legs look sexier?

A: Artful preparation, a slick of oil and even some make-up can make good gams look sensational. And it's really just a two-step routine.

Step 1: Exfoliate

This sloughs away dead skin cells that dull skin and give you smooth pins. I like L'Oreal Body Expertise Exfotonic ($20.95, from Watsons) which spreads easily so it makes the buff work much easier.

Scoop a handful of the exfoliant and apply it to dry skin, using a circular massage motion to spread it out. Work it from ankle up to your knees where the lymph nodes are.

This helps to drain toxic fluids that cause water retention as well as boost blood circulation to help the skin glow.

Do this for five minutes, then rinse off.

Step 2: Moisturise

Now that you've exfoliated your legs, you don't want that fresh skin to dry out. Pat legs dry gently with a towel and, while the skin is still moist, slather on some moisturiser.

Alternatively, you can use a body oil or a bronzer which will give legs a nice tanned finish. Again, apply product in one continuous motion (so you don't get streaks) from the feet up to the knees and from thighs down to the knees. This will encourage blood circulation.

Personally, I prefer using baby oil. For less than $5 a bottle, it's cheap and good.

This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times on June 19, 2008.