A Three-Step Lesson In DIY Beauty

Check out these genius beauty hacks that require minimal effort but give maximum results

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Picture-perfect legs The cameras will be flashing at all the season's parties, and if you're planning to have your legs on show in a LBD or glitter shorts, you'll want them looking their sleek, buffed best.But don't even think about creams and waxes. Braun Silk-epil 9 is a brilliantly simple gadget that makes it super-easy and super-fast to get rid of even the finest and shortest hair that even wax can't reach. With its 40% wider head, it covers a greater area and gets rid of more hair in one stroke. It's cordless and completely waterproof too, so you can de-fuzz in the shower before starting the rest of your beauty routine. And it's not just for hair removal - the Silk-epil 9 also includes an exfoliation brush which micro-vibrates to clear dead cells and visibly improve the appearance and feel of your skin.Impressive, huh? Celeb fans include Jessica Alba and we're pretty sure you'll be one too, with gorgeous, smooth legs in time to slip into something sexy and ring in the New Year.

Keep nails pristine... A quick, purse-friendly way to look instantly polished is to give your nails a manicure. If they're brittle or you just want to give them a boost, coconut oil will do the trick. Simply warm a few teaspoons in a bowl in the microwave and allow it to cool slightly. Dip your nails in the warm coconut oil for around 15 minutes and let them soak up the vitamin E and antioxidants. This pre-mani treatment will moisturise and strengthen your nails so all that's left to do is shape, buff and paint with an ultra-chic hot metallic shade.

Get shiny hair now Want glossier hair but don't want to fork out on an expensive salon treatment? DIY: you'll find everything you need to make a shine-enhancing hair mask in your kitchen. Simply blitz one egg yolk, half a cup of honey, two tablespoons of olive oil and a ripe avocado together in a bowl. Apply this homemade concoction to your hair from root to tip and leave on for at least 20 minutes, then shampoo and condition as normal. It's easy, effective and au natural - trust us, your hair will thank you.