Top 10 beach cheats

Bridget Kelly

If your summer holiday is coming up, you might be a little bit worried about baring that winter-white skin in a skimpy swimsuit.

But there’s no need to go undercover. Boost your beach confidence with these easy beach cheats that will have you stepping out in style:

1. Use props.
Just because you’re wearing less clothing, doesn’t mean you can’t be well put together - in fact, all the more reason to accessorise. Some funky flip-flops, stylish sunglasses, a striking sun hat and a great bag will dress up any swimsuit and steal some of the focus from your body.

2. Fake it.
The colour of your skin works similarly to clothing - the lighter, the worse, when it comes to flattering your figure. Give yourself a base tan without exposing your skin to harmful rays with a fake tan. Thanks to improved technology, these products provide a more natural looking tan than many of their predecessors. Remember, however, that they don’t generally provide sun protection so use a factor suitable for your natural skin colour.

3. Cover up in style.
Bin that oversized T-shirt or baggy shirt from summers past for a more flattering style. If you want to hide your legs, choose a long sarong - stick to the dark solids for ultimate flattery. Or pick a suit with a matching skirt for built-in upper thigh coverage. Tie a button down shirt at the waist to hide a tummy that sticks out more than you’d like.

4. Tone it down.
Streamline arms, legs and abs by toning and tightening your muscles with some resistance training. Start lifting weights at least twice a week for each major muscle group (that means arms, legs, abs, back, chest and butt). You can do this in a gym with circuit training or at home with free weights – tins of beans or filled water bottles make great replacements for dumbbells. If you’re a beginner, look for videos and books to help you get started.

5. Be comfortable in your own skin.
If you’re going to be showing more of you, make sure your skin looks its best by staying well hydrated. Those eight glasses a day do double duty by keeping your metabolism in gear and your skin clear and healthy.

6. Pump up your self-esteem.
Aerobic exercise is one of the best ways to improve your body image and boost your overall self-esteem. All it takes is 30 minutes or more of brisk walking, five to six times per week. You’ll feel better overall and the extra calories you burn will help you lose weight before you leave for your destination.

7. Suit yourself, strategically.
While a cover-up and accessories are helpful, the swimsuit itself is your major weapon when it comes to flattering your shape! If you’re not comfy baring your belly, choose one with a Lycra-Spandex blend to flatten it. A tankini top will hide a tummy, as well. Need to make legs look longer? Select a swimsuit with higher-cut legs. To emphasise your waist, choose a suit with an underwire. Bottom line: Look for a suit that plays up your best features and minimises the ones you feel less confident about.

8. Highlight your head.
Have you had the same hairstyle for a while? This could be the perfect time to try something new, like highlights, which always look great in the summer. Ask your stylist which cuts and colours would look best with your colouring and the shape of your face and decide together how you can draw more eyes to your face.

9. Pay attention to details.
A manicure, painted toenails and nicely shaped eyebrows can make a huge difference in your confidence about your appearance. Be meticulous about the finer points of beauty and you’ll have less to be self-conscious about.

10. Ready your mind.
If the mere mention of the beach calls to mind images of Baywatch babes, remind yourself that in the real world, the majority of us don’t look anything like that – more women wear a size 14 than a size 10. So feel confident that you look your very best!