Olympics 2012: How to … Get a Swimsuit Body

Fri, 3 August 2012 3:26PM

After a week of watching so many super-fit speedo-clad bodies in action, it’s near impossible to ignore the fact that swimsuit season is not far away for the rest of us. Look, if you really want to look your best in a bikini, you can’t ignore the fact that a healthy diet and regular exercise are crucial. After all, it’s hard to hide behind such a tiny amount of lycra. Nevertheless, there are some nifty beauty tricks and techniques to know for when it comes to carrying off a cossie in style…

Image: Who Magazine

Dry Body Brush. It lightly exfoliates skin. Plus, it stimulates the lymph, meaning toxins are moved out of the system. For this reason, concentrate on the more sluggish, heavy areas – say, the butt and thighs. Spend a few minutes before your shower brushing yourself, always working upwards and towards the heart. Keep your strokes light; go too hard and you’ll stimulate the deeper circulatory system, not the lymph. You can buy body brushes from health stores, pharmacies and The Body Shop.

Get Scrubbing. Have a granular exfoliant on hand for those times when you really need to work away at some rough patches or fake tan build-up (just don’t use an oil-based scrub before tanning, as the oil will prevent the tan from adhering to skin). But for long-term exfoliation, consider regularly slathering on a hydroxy acid body cream, like Clarins Renew-Plus Body Serum, $82, from department stores. It’s especially effective at smoothing away kerastosis pilaris, which is that bumpiness you can get on the arms (and is often not-so-affectionately referred to as ‘chicken skin’).

Add Cream. Where exfoliating takes, moisturising puts the TLC back into skin. Whatever you use – be it a bargain-priced Nivea lotion, or a luscious Chanel-perfumed potion – think of it as a night cream for your body and massage it in all over, before slipping into your pyjamas, which will seal it in so it works its skin-softening magic all night.

Wash with Care. Hot water can dry skin out, so keep the temperature tepid. Another good way to protect skin is to massage a body oil all over before showering. Also, if you apply a cream after showering, do so when skin is still slightly damp – this locks in that extra moisture.

De-Fuzz. There are all sorts of hair removal options, and you probably already know which is the one for you. Just keep in mind that lasered legs and bikini lines tend to be the smoothest, cleanest canvas for tans, because there are fewer hair follicles to catch colour. If you shave your legs, try doing so with an oil for the best results; read more about how to make shaving chic here. And shave a day before you intend to fake tan, instead of immediately prior, as this will help avoid any sensitisation.

Go for Bronze. When it comes to looking instantly sleeker, nothing beats fake tan. It also minimises the look of spider veins and bruises. We especially love a pre-tinted mousse. It’s tanning for dummies – one, you can ensure all skin has been covered; two, it spreads evenly and easily. We love the new Model Co Super Tan Instant Self-Tan, $39, Model Co, which delivers a gorgeous deep-golden hue. PS – If you want to make your legs appear extra-sleek, add another coat of self-tanner. It’s the beauty version of the fashion rule about wearing dark shades on your bottom half!

Bring on the Bling. If you’re serious swimmer, you probably won’t want to mess around with body makeup. But if, like us, you prefer to simply drink cocktails poolside, you might want to trick up your tan a little. Try mixing a loose shimmer powder into your body cream (or even your sunscreen) or dabbing on Benefit Bathina, $55, from Myer. If the sun has gone down, try a body oil for a glowing look; Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Deep Radiance Gel Oil, $10.60, from pharmacies, is a beautiful buy. And a good makeup artist trick to know: streak a highlighting cream (such as Nars The Multiple in Copacabana, $64, Mecca Cosmetica) down the middle of calves and thighs to make legs seem a little more defined.

 

What do you think, Primpettes – inspired to get ready for swimsuit season? Or are you in denial?

And what are your tips for summer primping?

Posted by: Katrina Lawrence

Google Profile

• Previous //
• // Next

Comments (7) Print Send to friend Share

Tags: 2012 olympics, beach, beach beauty, bikini line, body oil, chanel, clarins, detox, dry body brushing, exfoliation, fake tan, kerastosis pilaris, nivea, swimming, the body shop