Look Good at the Beach

You've been looking forward to hitting the beach through all of the chilly, rainy winter months. Looking chic and sunkissed while you're lounging, however, takes a little bit of work. Shake off those winter blahs and perk up your look for beach weather. You'll feel great, and you may even get a little bit of attention, when you look good at the beach.

Steps

  1. Start with a good shave, waxing or hair removal cream. Remember that grooming that you've neglected over the winter? Remove that growth from your legs, armpits and bikini area before you do anything else.
  2. Get gorgeous skin. You know that some sunbathing will give you back your summer glow, but you don't want to make your seasonal beach debut looking pasty.
    • Zap any acne or blemishes with a salicylic acid cream. Don't forget to treat your back and other hard-to-reach areas.
    • Treat yourself to a salon spray tan or apply a good self-tanning treatment at home to tide you over until the sun's rays take effect.
    • Exfoliate your skin and moisturize it to get rid of winter dryness before you apply a tanning treatment. Your skin will be healthier, and your tan won't look streaky and spotty.
    • Use a moisturizer with retinol to attack fine lines and to fight the aging effects caused by UV rays.
    • Drink a lot of water and take a daily multivitamin. Staying hydrated and nourished will keep your skin looking its best.
  3. Go for a manicure and a pedicure before you head for the beach. You'll need flawless feet and gorgeous hands to go with that new bathing suit that you want to rock. Choose an eye-catching polish in coral or turquoise to put yourself in a summer frame of mind. Just remember: If you are swimming in chlorine, the polish will wear off.
  4. Choose natural-looking makeup. Play up your long lashes with waterproof mascara or even eyelash dye. Choose a tinted lip balm that's at least SPF 15, and trade thick foundation for a tinted moisturizer with sun protection.
  5. Create an effortlessly chic hairstyle.
    • Invest in a high-quality haircut to get rid of split ends. Talk to your stylist about the best ways to eliminate frizz, and consider getting some sun-kissed highlights to give your hair a healthy glow.
    • Loosely curl your hair so that it tumbles over your shoulders. Also, invest in a cute hair clip or headband if you want to keep your hair back and out of your face.
    • Try going natural! Whether your hair is bone straight or afro-curly, letting out your natural texture gives you the perfect, down-to-earth beach look. If you think your hair is too straight, spray some salt water (or simply jump into the ocean) to get some beach waves. If you think your hair is too curly, you can use moose to keep your curls in control or braid part (or all) of your hair.
    • Wash all of the salt out of your hair when your beach day is done. Choose a moisturizing shampoo and a deep conditioner to keep your hair lustrous.
  6. Spend some money on an amazing bathing suit. If you're insecure about how you look, choose a suit that cinches in your tummy, tames your large bust or tones down your thighs.
    • Choose a color that looks great with your complexion and hair color. Bright colors work for basically all complexions, especially tanned or dark skin, but even a simple black bikini can be pulled off with the right confidence. You can also pick a strong pattern to distract from figure flaws.
    • If you want to cover up your stomach, try a "tank-ini" (a bikini with a top that reaches around your belly button) instead of a one-piece. If you want to cover your thighs, get a long sash-like skirt that you can tie around your waist. They're summery and still cover you up!
    • Remember that rocking a bathing suit is a confidence game. Hold your head up, walk with good posture and put some swing in your hips as you stroll along in the sand.
    • You don't have to wear a bikini. One pieces are just as sexy, and if you feel more confident with a modest swimsuit, go for it. Don't take too much pressure to wear a bikini. It isn't required. Do what is right for you.
  7. Assemble your accessories. These can include a beach bag, a cute swimsuit cover, some killer sunglasses, a comfy beach towel, gorgeous flip-flops and a tent or umbrella for some shade.
    • Don't hesitate to enjoy some sports while you're trying to look fabulous. Bring a volleyball or a Frisbee so that you can have some fun in the sun.
    • Keep jewelry minimal. A thin gold chain can add some shimmer without creating any visual clutter.
    • You also need to be entertained while you sunbathe, so bring along a good book or some tunes. Pack some nutritious snacks and water bottles as well.
  8. Strike a sexy pose. Don't throw your chest out or do the obvious "bend and snap." Instead, while lazing on the beach, tanning or reading a book, prop yourself on your elbows and watch the ocean. When you chat with a friend, occasionally brush your hair from your face. Or casually bend your knee, which will instantly give you a toned look.
  9. Never forget sunscreen. All of your effort to look fabulous will be wasted if your skin is burned and peeling.
    • Very pale skin that burns easily should get sunscreen that's SPF 30 or higher (don't worry, you will still tan).
    • Darker or very dark skin are fine with regular SPF 15 sunscreen, but very dark skin tones should avoid getting titanium-based sunscreen because it can show up white/ashy on your skin after being in the water.

Tips

  • Looking good is about feeling confident and happy in your own skin. Do your best with your natural assets and let your amazing personality outshine your insecurities.
  • Be careful if you use a tanning sun lotion because it might leave tan streaks and that's not a good look!
  • Keep exercising all winter to maintain your beach figure. For a last-minute spruce-up, try a body wrap or some cellulite cream.
  • For added skin enhancement, choose a sunblock with shimmer.
  • If you are unhappy with your stomach try a rash guard. Rash guards look very nice and make you appear athletic.
  • Never wear sunglasses while tanning it could leave marks. Also, never forget that sunscreen!

Warnings

  • Be careful when you're sunbathing during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). Wear a sunscreen that's at least SPF 15 even if you're trying to tan.
  • Take off your sunglasses when you're sunbathing so that you don't get a tan line on your face.

Things You'll Need

  • Shave, wax or hair removal cream
  • Salicylic acid cream for acne
  • Spray tan or self-tanner
  • Exfoliating cleanser
  • Moisturizer with retinol
  • Multivitamin
  • Manicure and pedicure
  • Waterproof mascara or eyelash dye
  • Tinted lip balm and moisturizer with SPF 15 protection
  • Good haircut
  • Moisturizing shampoo and conditioner
  • Great bathing suit
  • Beach bag essentials including swimsuit cover, sunglasses, beach towel, flip-flops and a tent or umbrella
  • Book and tunes for entertainment
  • Frisbee or volleyball for beach sports
  • Minimal jewelry
  • Sunscreen (SPF 15 or greater)

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Sources and Citations

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