What better way to beat the heat than to crash by the beach? But if you’re not ready to head out, the right products can go a long way towards getting your body bikiniready. Here’s the prep required to make stepping into a swimsuit as easy as sipping a mojito.
What better way to beat the heat than to crash by the beach? But if you’re not ready to head out, the right products can go a long way towards getting your body bikiniready. Here’s the prep required to make stepping into a swimsuit as easy as sipping a mojito.
Skin Detox
Hands up if you’re battling a bloated tummy, puffy ankles, ingrown hairs, uneven skin tone and/or all of the above? Squeeze in five minutes of dry bodybrushing each day before your morning shower to kick these common concerns. “The main benefit is the stimulation of the lymphatic system – the body’s detox system,” says skin and nutrition expert, Fiona Tuck. “It’s great for fluid retention and also aids digestion.” Start at your feet and, using short strokes, work towards the heart. If you’d prefer to detox horizontally, try an epsom salt bath. Packed with magnesium and sulfates, it helps ward off anxiety and inflammation, and improves muscle function and skin tissue. Plus, it’s seriously relaxing.
Smooth Operator
Exfoliating is essential prep for hair removal. Scrubbing off any dead skin frees ingrown hairs and creates an even canvas so your razor or wax strip can do its job, obstacle free. Sun exposure can bring on sensitivity and make the skin more reactive to shaving, so slather on sunscreen before heading outside.
1. Fresh Cocoa Body Exfoliant, $65
2. Scrub-a-dub: An extra yummy treat with crushed cocoa. Laura Mercier Body & Bath Ambre Vanille, $79
3. De-fuzzing: Move your bobble head razor in all directions. Its in-built comb makes hair much easier to mow over. Gillette Venus Swirl, $22.90
4. The epilator lasts two to three weeks for regrowth as it removes hair from the root. This one has gentle tweezing discs and can be used wet and dry.. Philips Satin Perfect Epilator, $219
GET NICKED
“If you get a shaving nick, apply a little pressure to stop the bleeding,” Fiona says. Or ice it. Hold the ice to the cut for a few seconds. Once it has stopped bleeding, smooth on a layer of Vaseline which helps to block the blood flow. Vaseline Original Skin Protectant, $3.85
Nourish
Haven’t paid your legs a downward glance since your last beach holiday? Lucky for you, getting a dried-out bod back to prime hydration can be done in one week. “The best time to moisturise is when your skin is still slightly damp after showering,” Fiona explains. “You’re actually going to seal in a significant amount of extra moisture.” Moisturising once a day is enough, but if those scales are hard to shake, check the ingredients of your body wash. Using something soap-free with a mild pH level, like Avene Cold Cream Ultra- Rich Cleansing Gel, $30.50, will keep the outer layer of your skin calm.
Slip into some velvet: Meet the most luxurious and intensely hydrating butters around.
1. The Body Shop British Rose Instant Glow Body Butter, $32.90
2. L’Occitane Almond Velvet Balm 200ml, $94
Contour
Next up, it’s time to find toning agents that’ll work their magic on those not-as-firm bits. Fiona recommends looking for peptide-based ingredients as they mimic and stimulate collagen production, creating that feeling of firmness. Green coffee extract is another favourite. Apply your products with firm, circular motions to bring more nutrients to the area you wish to treat, encouraging it to regenerate faster. Will this get rid of dimples? Not exactly. Cellulite is best addressed via diet and exercise before anything else. “Adding essential fatty acids to your diet is crucial for preventing and treating cellulite,” Fiona suggests.
Airbrush
Self-conscious about stretch marks or acne scars? While there are professional treatments like skin needling (also known as dermal rolling) available that can improve the appearance of these forms of scarring, we’re loving the instant benefits of bronzing makeup and fake tan formulations. If you have an hour to get ready, apply an express tanning mousse, then wash it off before hitting the sand. This will give your body a natural glow that’ll develop gradually throughout the day. But what if you have more like 10 minutes before you need to slip into a two-piece? Massage in a BB cream to mask any imperfections.
Skin perfectors: These guys aren’t completely waterproof, but they’ll keep you looking oh-so on point while kicking back on a deck chair.
1. NARS Monoï Body Glow, $85
2. Benefit Hoola Zero Tanlines All Over Body Bronzer, $53
3. St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse, $49.80
Skin looking dull and lifeless? Go for a day spa session. Our pick? Damai Spa’s Lemon Sugar Body Polish, $180 for 60 minutes, which will exfoliate and hydrate your skin and leave it looking healthy and radiant.
Instant pick-me-ups
Sweep them on pre-bikini shopping spree, of course. Channel fun summer vibes with a spritz of something fruity and floral.
1. Issey Miyake L’Eau d’Issey EDT Pour l’Ete (100ml), $107
2. Jo Malone Nashi Blossom (100ml), $210
Reach for balmy bronze and nude makeup tones to help perfect your poolside party look. A warm-toned lip is a day-to-night must-have.
1. NARS Sheer Lipstick in Liguria, $38
2. KATE Brown Shaes Eyes in BR-7, $27
