Spring has officially sprung and the sweltering summer days are just a stone’s throw away. Don’t get caught unprepared – get body beautiful before the bikini season hits so you can spring into summer in style. All it takes is a few simple additions to your beauty regimen…

Make like a snake

You’re not going to get anywhere in your plight to summer prepping with all that dead skin weighing you down! So the first thing you need to do is get your hands on some hard working body exfoliants. They’ll help slough away any winter weary skin, stimulate your circulation, and leave you with a beautifully smooth bod – essential when it comes to bronzing up later down the track. Exfoliating your body at least once a week also minimises ingrown hairs, giving you better hair removal results. Try: endota spa Mimosa and Ginseng Body Polish, and Garnier Body Tonic Sugar Scrub.

Bronze that bod

We know we go on and on about the sins of sitting out in the sun, but that’s because it really is that bad for your skin. But that’s not to say you can’t fake a great tan – in fact, we totally encourage you to get your faux glow on in the lead up to summer. It’ll make you feel instantly healthier and slimmer to boot (we’re not sure why exactly, but it just does!). Nowadays there’s a fake tan formula to suit any preference – be it a mousse, lotion, spray or gradual tanning cream – so don’t be afraid to try a few variations to see what works best for you. Try: Le Tan Fast Tan Instant Foaming Mousse, St Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray, and Dove Summer Glow Body Lotion.

Say sayonara to cellulite

We’re all guilty of cutting down (or totally giving up on) our healthy eating and exercise regimens come the rainy season (mulled wine and cheese plates in front of a DVD is so much more alluring). But when the sun starts to shine and the bikini beckons you may wish you’d spent a few more hours at the gym than curled up on the couch! Luckily, there are a host of firming, toning and cellulite-busting products out there to help get you looking your best for summer. Massage them into your skin using firm, circular motions to increase circulation and aid lymphatic drainage. Try: NIVEA Body Firming Body Lotion Q10PLUS, and Organic Essence Firming Body Lotion.

Get complexion perfection

Sitting in artificially heated rooms throughout the winter months can take its toll on your skin, leaving it looking dull, sallow and a little less hydrated. But then comes summer, bringing afternoon oil slicks and complexion congestion in its wake – so what’s a girl to do if she wants to flaunt a fresh-looking face? To start, it’s important to keep up a regular skincare regimen that cleanses, exfoliates (to eliminate dead cells and brighten your skin) and nourishes (to keep both dehydration and over-production of oil at bay). It’s also a good idea to switch to lighter, oil-free formulas in summer and apply a deep cleansing mask every week or so to clear your pores of excess sweat, oil and dirt. Try: Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Gentle Daily Cleanser, and Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub, and Simple Deep Cleansing Facial Mask.

 

What do you most need to do to get body beautiful for summer?