How to prep your body for big summer reveal
The slow start to the season has given us longer to hide our sins under layers, making the transition to body-baring bikinis even more daunting than usual.
More than half of women (59%) have avoided wearing a bikini in front of people because they didn’t feel confident enough, according to a body survey by Bio-Oil. And one in five women admitted that they worry about their body every day.
Whether your catalyst is a vacation or daring summer dress, start prepping your figure now for the ’big reveal’.
Wobbly stomachs are one of women’s biggest bugbears when it comes to bikini season.
“It’s not just about exercise — you are what you eat,” says Fiona Hunter, nutritionist for Simple.
“Cut out sugar, booze and carbs and start taking a probiotic supplement two weeks before your holiday to help boost levels of friendly bacteria in your digestive system, which can help reduce the dreaded bikini bloating.”
Abs of steel won’t happen overnight, but a faux golden glow can work slimming wonders. Look for a tanning lotion with toning and firming properties to give your belly a boost.
TRY: Famous Dave’s Tan and Tone Lotion, €29 approx (www.famousdave.co.uk); or L’Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Firming Body Lotion Tan Optimiser, €5.99 (Boots).
Forget being glued to weather forecasts. You’re never going to be inspired to let the sun see your legs if they’re camouflaged in a layer of fuzz and dead skin.
“Take the time to exfoliate to keep skin looking rejuvenated and radiant,” advises Nathalie Eleni, Venus & Braun beauty therapist. “Exfoliate daily by using a gentle scrub, massaging the skin in circular motions to remove dead skin cells and leave you with the perfect base for tanning.”
A smooth base will make buffing your limbs into shape easier, with a firming potion to tighten. Wow with contouring trickery using a subtle stroke of shimmer or highlighter down the front of your shins.
TRY: USculpt Bum Legs & Tum, €46 (Boots); or Dr Ceuticals Leg Tone & Shimmer, €15.99 (Boots).
Bingo wings, be gone. Nobody wants to experience the dreaded flapping effect waving to someone on the beach. Pick up baked beans cans or shopping bags and get your arms moving.
Celebrity trainer Efua Baker says: “Upper arm definition gets worse from your mid-30s as your body starts to lose muscle mass at the same time as your skin loses elasticity.
“To ensure shape and definition, you have to work your arm muscles regularly.”
Aim for arms like Michelle Obama with toning potions to smooth skin and diminish back of the arm bumps.
TRY: Soap & Glory The Firminator Targeted Arm Firming & Toning Formula, €16 (Boots); or Dr Hauschka Rosemary Leg and Arm Toner, €24.95 (www.drhauschka.ie).
Even skinny minnies aren’t immune to cellulite. The orange peel effect is often hereditary and 95% of women have some type of cellulite on their body, but as our bottoms are fleshiest the effect is heightened.
De-dimple a bumpy bum with daily body brushing and massage to increase fat dispersion. It’s also important to get active before you hit the beach: “Get moving and you’ll find the cellulite potions you invest in work better,” advises dermatologist Dr Ariel Haus.
“Following exercise, your metabolism and blood circulation are stimulated and products you apply will be better absorbed, helping to activate the cellulite-fighting ingredients.”
TRY: Bliss Fat Girl Slim Lean Machine, €126 (Debenhams); or Shiseido Advanced Body Creator Super Slimming Reducer, €60 (Brown Thomas).
Ignore the potions that promise an increased bra size in weeks. Treasure the chest you’ve got and treat it in the same way as your face.
“The skin on your decolletage is very similar to the skin around your eyes,” says Tanya Mackay, Mama Mio co-founder. “It’s thin and delicate with very low levels of inherent strength and elasticity, so get into the habit of treating this area in the same way you use an eye cream every day to keep skin youthful.”
Try using a bust cream daily to keep your cleavage perky and lifted. Getting into the routine of moisturising will help avoid decolletage creasing that can worsen with age.
TRY: This Works Perfect Body Collection with Perfect Cleavage Firming Lotion, €49 (Boots); or Mamo Mio Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer, €35.
*(www.mammamia.ie).
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