Whether you’re happy to run around in a bikini or prefer to cover up in a stylish kaftan, there’s no reason why you can’t take care of your appearance and enjoy the beach!
Here are six handy tips to ensure you’re always beach-ready beautiful…
1. Scrub down
Regularly giving your body a good scrub will dramatically improve the look and feel of your skin, removing dry and bumpy skin and prepping it for the sun (once you’ve applied sunscreen, of course!). There are many great exfoliators, but they have to smell glorious too. One of our all-time favourites is Estée Lauder Body Performance Exfoliating Body Polish, R325 for 250ml, which just melts into the skin, leaving your body silky soft.
2. Heavenly moisture
Moisturised skin looks smoother and feels younger, whether it’s on your face, your feet or your bottom! So once you’ve shed the dead, dry flakes, lock the moisture in with a rich, nourishing cream such as Vaseline’s Cocoa Butter Smoothing Body Butter, R50 for 200ml.
3. Firm focus
Are anti-cellulite and body firming creams really worthwhile? The massaging action makes all the difference, helping to stimulate circulation and improve the feel and tone of your skin. The new focus of firmers is to strengthen and support the skin, so that fatty deposits show less. Elemis Body Sculpting Lipo-Refining Serum, R790 for 200ml, is designed to support delicate, less than firm skin, from your neck to your toes.
4. Smooth sailing
Even die-hard shavers are tempted by waxes and lasers – just because they’re easier and, let’s face it, sexier. A moment of pain and then nothing for weeks. You should only laser tan-free skin, so it’s best to do it before you head to the beach. Try Laser Erase using the LightSheer Diode Laser for reputable laser hair removal – call 012 667 2019 or email [email protected]. For an easy at-home option try Mandy’s Soft Feel Wax Kit, R66 from Clicks
5. Happy feet
Dry, cracked heels are a no-go zone! To prevent, buff heels and callouses with Shobalmi Callous & Corn Reliever, R155, soak feet in warm water then pat dry and moisturise with a super-thick softening balm such as Badger Foot Balm, R55 for 21g. The tea tree oil, rosemary and peppermint will refresh your feet and instantly soften them
6. Safe speedy tan
Tanning accelerators are great plus they’re a good antioxidant to aid skin with an inner defence from the sun and they help reduce redness and sun sensitivity. One of the more effective is CytoTan, R240 for 60 capsules, which contains carotenoid-type antioxidants to prime your skin and boost its natural UV protection. After about four weeks of use, the skin looks naturally tanned and sun-kissed without the damaging effects of the sun’s rays.
