If the warmer weather snuck up on you and you're less than stoked about baring your bod, listen up. We've created a beauty routine that'll make you look like a sun goddess in time for takeoff. Day 7: Begin the Battle Against Breakouts Don't let eruptions on your back, shoulders, chest, or butt force you to eliminate slinky tops and skimpy bikinis from your warm weather wardrobe. To ward off new spots while dealing with existing ones, start this daily blemish-busting regimen from Los Angeles celebrity dermatologist Howard Murad: First, suds up the offending areas with a body wash that contains pore-unclogging ingredients, like salicylic acid. Let the cleanser sit on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off so your bod can reap all the anti-acne benefits. Post-shower, dry off and then spot-treat your bumps with the same zit-zapper you use on your face (it should contain at least 2 percent salicylic or or 10 percent benzoyl peroxide. Day 6: Go for a Faux Glow If you're ready to show off your sundresses and short shorts, but you’re still winter pale, get bronzed with self-tanner. Here's how to do it like a pro: 1.Scrub you skin. The golden rule of self-tanning is to exfoiliate your entire body first. Skip this crucial step and you risk uneven, blotchy results. Pay extra attention to really dry spots like your elbows and knees. 2.Enhance your base For a subtle glow, start with a gradual self-tanner. "Ingredients in the cream react with the skin's amino acids to produce natural-looking brown pigments," says NYC dermatologist Jeanette Graf. Your tone should peak in three to five days. At that point, start applying the lotion every other day to maintain your gleam. If you want a tanned look this second, try a tinted mousse or a towelette with sunless tanner (which are less streaky than lotions or creams). Both stain your skin a golden hue, and the color lasts about a week. 3.Put on the gloves Before applying any tanner, pull on Latex (if you're not allergic) rubber gloves. "That way, your hands won't soak up the color molecules meant for your body," says spa owner Cindy Barshop. Just make sure your body is not damp or greasy from any residual body-lotion, which can block the self-tanner from absorbing fully. 4.Use broad strokes Spread the product on with uniform swipes in all directions. For knees and elbows, dilute the tanner with the moisturizer. These dry spots absorb more color and can turn darker than the rest of your body. "You don't want to look like you're wearing knee pads," warns Barshop. Also, skip spots where the sun doesn't shine. "A tanned heel or sole is a dead giveaway," says Susie Hatton of Chocolate Sun in Santa Monica, California. Day 5: Score Beach-Bunny Streaks It's easier than ever to streak your own tresses since today's highlighting kits are super simple. But there are a few tips you won't find on the back of the box that will help you get gorgeous results. The key is where you place them. You'd never get ruler-straight, evenly space streaks naturally from the sun, so don't layer them on that way. Also, keep highlights between 1/8 and 1/4-inch thick, and don't overlook the hairline, since those pieces will brighten your face. Day 4: Fuzz-Bust Your Bod A smooth set of stems and underarms and a flawless bikini line are essential for warm weather. Start every shaving session with a hot shower or bath to soften your hair so it’s easier to remove. For silky results, exfoliate with a gentle scrub, then lube up with a moisturizing cream and use a fresh, sharp razor to whisk away the hair. Cut down on irritation by re-lathering an area if you are going over it a second time. When shaving your underarms and bikini area, work in the direction your hair grows to prevent ingrown hairs. If you have chronic bumps, apply a lotion that contains glycolic and salicylic acid twice a day. Day 3: Treat Your Feet Before you splurge on a sexy new pair of sandals, get your feet in show-off shape. Slough your soles with a foot-specific scrub (they're grittier than regular body versions) or use a callus smoother, advises nail expert Jan Arnold, co-founder of CND hand and feet products. Then, apply a minty foot cream to soothe the freshly-exfoliated area. At night, slather on an extra-thick layer of the lotion and pad around in slippers for a few hours or wear a pair of cotton socks overnight. You'll wake up to baby-bottom-soft tootsies. Day 2: Update Your Beauty Loot Don’t stash so much stuff in your bag that it’s too bulky to tote. Be prepared, but pared down with these essentials. -A shimmery bronzer to create a safe, but believable glow. -A lip gloss with an SPF 15 in a bright, juicy berry shade. -A non-greasy sunscreen stick that you can dab on small, easy-to-miss spots like your ears, eyelids, nose, and lips. (This should be in addition to a UVA/UVB blocking body sunscreen.) -A pack of blotting papers that can ditch shine without ruining your makeup. Day 1: Flaunt Your Foxy Self! You’ve officially reached hot—make that scorching—sun status. One last fab tip: Mix a bit of shimmery body lotion in with your sunscreen before slathering it on. It'll minimize the appearance of cellulite and other imperfections. |
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