GirlsGuideTo | How To Look Hot on the Beach

The number one tip to look hot anywhere is exuding confidence. But sometimes we need a little extra boost to feel our hottest. Whether you’re already a beach bunny or plan on hitting the sand during vacation, here are 8 tips to look and feel your best even when you’re half-dressed.

Play Up Your Perks
Start by emphasizing your positive assets. Love your cleavage? Then make sure you’re showing off your ladies in a perfectly supportive bikini top. By focusing on enhancing the positives instead of minimizing your insecurities you’re already committing to a confident state of mind.

Less is More
Makeup and summertime heat just don’t mix, especially when it comes to spending the entire day at the beach. So, forget the full face of makeup and stick to the basics. Sunscreen (duh!), waterproof mascara, and lip balm (with SPF too) will keep you looking beautiful and protected. If you must have extra coverage, then add a tinted moisturizer or BB cream for an even looking complexion.

Protect Your Tresses
Whether you’re diving in a pool or playing in the ocean, the chlorine or salt water can damage your hair. Try keeping a spray bottle filled with water and a small amount of leave-in-conditioner handy. Wet your hair before you get in the water and you’ll prevent some of the damage. Also, don’t forget SPF for your scalp and hair. Use a no-rub sunscreen spray to apply right at your roots, or an SPF spray made specifically for hair, such as Shiseido’s brand.

Go With the Flow
When it comes to your hair, it’s best not to fight its natural style during the summer. Embrace beachy waves by letting your hair air dry and scrunching the curls slightly with your hands. If that look is a little too messy for you, then try a stylish side braid.

Get Shiny Stems
With exercise and a healthy diet it is possible to minimize the appearance of cellulite, but a quick fix before hitting the beach is to try a body shimmer. A lotion with a hint of shimmer will hide imperfections and make your legs appear slimmer. Try Victoria’s Secret Tan Enhancing Shimmer Lotion.

Get a Good Scrub
One of the biggest mistakes you can make before baring skin at the beach is not exfoliating beforehand. You’ve worked hard to look hot in that two-piece so make sure you don’t ruin it with dry, flaky skin. Pick up a deliciously scented scrub from the store or make your own by mixing brown sugar and olive oil, then scrub away. You’ll reveal shiny, soft skin and if you decide to self-tan, the product will apply easier.

Slather Up
After getting a good scrub in, it’s time to slather up with a body lotion. Choose a soothing lotion, such as Aveeno’s to keep skin soft and supple all day.

Battle Bloat
Get your body beach-ready by avoiding processed foods, carbs, salt, soda, and gum before hitting the sand. While these foods are already not that great for your diet, you’ll especially notice the bloat-inducing effects they have on the body when you’re in your teeniest bikini. Don’t make any drastic changes to your diet, but make sure to keep some hydrating snacks handy, like watermelon.

How do you get beach-ready? Share your advice in the comments below!