How to be a beach beauty this summer

Uh oh! You’ve just noticed there are only three weeks to go to your summer holiday and you’ve suddenly remembered all those New Year’s resolutions you made.

Uh oh! You’ve just noticed there are only three weeks to go to your summer holiday and you’ve suddenly remembered all those New Year’s resolutions you made. You know the ones where you were going to go to the gym twice a week, drink two litres of water a day and drop a dress size by June? Well, don’t panic. There’s still time to turn things around. Make use of the latest products designed to get you looking hot in time for when the temperature rises.

Dropping a dress size It’s difficult, but not impossible in three weeks. Reducing portion size and eliminating unhealthy snacks are simple measures, provided you have the willpower. Cutting down on carbohydrates can make a dramatic difference to your figure, particularly around the abdomen as it reduces bloating. If all else fails, choose some figure control underwear and swimwear.

Big Spender: Miraclesuit Caliente Shaping Swimsuit Smaller Budget: Figleaves Swimwear Tuscany Spot Tummy Control Swimsuit

Toning / fitness Go for a swim or hit the gym in your lunch break and you’ll get the added benefit of not having time to get tempted by the cakes in your local coffee shop. Brush your skin daily before your shower, as this will help to remove dead skin cells. Afterwards apply a firming moisturising cream.

Big Spender: Tracie Martyn Resculpting Body Serum Smaller Budget: Jergens Skin Firming Body Moisturiser

Tanning tips Self-tanning products are the way to go. We are all familiar with the dangers of too much exposure to sun’s UV rays, and sunbeds are no better. Preparation is essential. Get your skin in top condition prior to using self-tanners, with a good exfoliating product. Don’t forget to apply sun cream to protect you from the sun, as most self-tanning products do not contain any UV protection. Use a body shimmer lotion for instant glamour for your skin.

Big Spender: Bronze Goddess Shimmering Body Oil by Estee Lauder More for Less: Olay Glow Perfectors Multi Radiance Glowing Skin Moisturiser

Feet They’ve hardly seen the light of day for months and suddenly they need to be ready to be on show. Feet always need some extra attention at this time of year. Get rid of any dry skin with a foot file, apply a generous layer of moisturising cream, then put on a pair of socks before bed and you’ll hardly recognise your feet when you wake up the next day.

Big Spender: Cowshed Sandalwood Intensive Hand and Foot Treatment Smaller Budget: Ragdale Hall Softening Spa Foot cream

Detox and pampering If you do nothing else, take the small step of increasing your water intake. Although we know we should, many of us still don’t manage to take in the recommended amount. If it seems hard work to begin with, just increase your intake by one glass a day.

If you have time, organise a pampering session. Send your boyfriend / husband / kids off to do something else and get some of your girlfriends together for a pampering day or even weekend. Set yourself some health and fitness goals to achieve in the longer term and make a pact to provide encouragement to one another. Above all, have fun.

Big Spender: Spa Package at Champneys Smaller Budget: DIY home spa

Most importantly, don’t let your summer preparations get you stressed. Stress will not do your looks any favours and is more likely to lead to unhealthy eating. So relax, be happy and enjoy getting yourself ready to hit the beach.