Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Choosing a swimsuit
• Method 3 of 3: Take care of your skin
• Tips

There is almost nothing better than a day at the beach. lie in the sun, and take a dip in the warm water every now and then. Of course, it all becomes even more fun when you know that you look good! Choose swimsuits that draw attention to the positives of your body and take a moment to prepare your skin for the sun before heading to the sea.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Choosing a swimsuit

1. If you are a bit rounder, or apple-shaped, choose a swimsuit with wide straps and underwire. Look for bathing suits that support your bosom enough so that you feel comfortable on the beach and look good at the same time. Choose a swimsuit with wider straps instead of strings or no straps at all. To further define your figure, try to find a swimsuit with a pattern or other figures on the waist.
   • If you are apple-shaped, opt for high-cut legs so that your legs come out better and your body appears longer.
   EXPERT TIP

   If you have an hourglass-shaped figure, emphasize your waist and curves. Choose a swimsuit that has wires or provides adequate support for your breasts in some other way. Furthermore, make sure your swimsuit emphasizes your waist. In this way, attention is drawn to the correct proportions of your wavy figure.

   • Swimsuits in the shape of a dress or skirt also look great on an hourglass-shaped body, just like bathing suits with a belt.
2. If you are petite or small in stature, buy a solid swimsuit or a swimsuit with vertical stripes. Choose a sporty one-piece swimsuit to make your body appear longer. With vertical stripes you also create the illusion that your torso appears longer. Look for bathing suits with high-cut legs that will make your legs appear longer.
   • "Petite generally means that you are 1.60 or shorter, and that your body is generally the correct proportions, but smaller in shape."
3. If you're pear-shaped, wear a multi-colored bathing suit or a bathing suit with a slightly busier pattern. Look for a swimsuit or bikini with solid bottoms and a brightly colored or multi-colored top. That way you draw attention to your top and create a better balance between your shapely waist and the top of your body for the eye.
   • You could also buy several bikinis and combine the bottoms and tops to create different beach outfits.Choose black or dark blue bottoms in the first instance, and combine them with fun tops in different colors and patterns!
4. If you are rectangular in shape, opt for a swimsuit that gives you more curves. Wear swimsuits with asymmetrical stripes, ruffled tops, a ribbed waist and horizontal stripes. Such details will attract attention and create the illusion that you have nice curves, which will make your body look a little smoother.
   • Being rectangular in shape means that your body does not have as many curves because your hips and your waist are about the same size.
   • So-called boyshorts usually look good if you have a fairly angular body.
   EXPERT TIP

   "Look for a low-neck top to make your bust look bigger."

   
   

   If you are short in stature, buy short to medium length swimming trunks without long drawstrings. In your case, avoid baggy shorts or pants that have very wide legs or fall over the middle of your thighs. If you wear longer swimming trunks on shorter legs, or pants with long drawstrings, you will look even less tall than you actually are.

   • If you come across a nice short swimsuit that has long drawstrings, tie it in a slightly larger knot. Or you can keep them out of sight by tucking them into your swimsuit.
5. If you have a thicker stomach, wear a longer swimsuit that does have a drawstring. Look for shorts that fall to your mid-thighs or to your knees. That way your body appears longer and the attention is diverted away from your stomach. For an elastic waist, opt for a drawstring, so that you can adjust the waistband yourself and the pants are more comfortable.
   • Do not buy pants labeled "fitted" or "tapered".
6. If you have wider thighs, try to find a wide leg swimsuit. In that case, do not buy tailored or tapered shorts and opt for drawstrings or a not too tight elastic. So-called board shorts are good options for men with somewhat wider legs, because they are usually a bit wider at the bottom.
   • In terms of length, feel free to wear short to medium or long swimming trunks; just choose what you find most comfortable.
7. If you are tall and skinny, buy short swimming trunks. Accentuate your long legs and torso by wearing a slightly shorter swimsuit on the beach. If possible, opt for printed swimsuits to add some contrast to your body. Furthermore, prefer pants with drawstrings, so that you can adjust the waistband yourself.
   • Try to find shorts with an inseam of 35 to 40 cm.

Method 3 of 3: Take care of your skin

1. Scrub your skin for a healthy glow. Start exfoliating your skin regularly as part of your routine a few weeks before you plan on going to the beach. As you exfoliate, make gentle circular motions from your feet up to your legs, then all the way to your shoulders to remove dead skin cells.
   • By exfoliating and moisturizing your skin, it will brighten up beautifully before you go out in the sun.
2. Get nice, smooth legs by wearing them shave or to resins. Remove excess hair from your legs, underarms and bikini line. You can shave these areas yourself, or you can make an appointment to have them waxed. Try to schedule shaving or waxing two to three days before going to the beach so that your skin has time to heal from any irritations.
   • Apply a moisturizing lotion after shaving to reduce irritation and the chance of annoying ingrown hairs.
3. Apply a self-tanner or a tanning spray to prevent sticky skin. If you have pale skin or uneven skin tone, invest in a good self-tanning lotion or oil or make an appointment for a tanning spray treatment. When applying the self-tanner, follow the instructions on the bottle for best results. Make an appointment for a tanning spray treatment a few days before you go to the beach for the first time.
   • By exfoliating your skin before applying the self-tanner, you remove the dead skin cells and you can apply the lotion more evenly.
   • A few examples of self-tanners that are positively assessed are: the so-called Castor Oil from Tan-Luxe Wonder Oil, the tanning body mist from Sephora, the self-tanning lotion from the Banana Boat brand, and the TanTowel to-go kit.
4. Hydrate your skin to prevent flaky, dry patches. In the weeks before you go to the beach, take a few minutes after every shower to rub your entire body with a moisturizing lotion. Don't forget to rub your feet, elbows and knees too!
   • Go to the drug store or go to a beauty supply store and check out the different types of moisturizers. Read reviews online to better determine which lotion will be best for you.
   • Don't forget to moisturize yourself inside too! Drinking plenty of water will help prevent your skin from drying out and keep it looking healthy.
5. Fight cellulite by exercising a lot and using special lotions. Invest in a lotion that reduces cellulite four to six weeks before the beach season starts and apply it regularly after your shower. This is also a good time to start doing specific strength exercises that will help tone the areas where you have cellulite.
   • Start exercising for a slimmer and toned figure about four weeks before the start of summer and repeat them every other day for best results.
6. Get rid of varicose veins with a waterproof concealer. Camouflage any varicose veins by applying a yellow or orange waterproof concealer. Do this long enough before you go to the beach so that the concealer has time to dry. If you prefer a more long-lasting solution, you can see if you can get sclerotherapy. You will then receive an injection that will help you get rid of your varicose veins.
   • After applying the concealer, see if the makeup blends with the rest of your skin and if there are no obvious makeup lines.
7. Use cocoa butter to help reduce stretch marks. After showering, apply cocoa butter, coconut oil or another skin-friendly oil to your stomach, on your sides, your legs and possibly your arms. Make sure you stay hydrated. Water helps your skin to recover. You can also apply waterproof makeup to your stretch marks before going to the beach.
   • Keep in mind that most people have stretch marks, whether it's from growing up, from exercising, from having children, or from weight gain. If you have them too, always remember that you certainly won't be the only person on the beach who has stretch marks!
8. Choose natural looking make-up, or go to the beach without makeup. The morning before you go to the beach, put a tinted moisturizer with a protective factor on your face. The sun is good for your skin and can also help heal acne, so you shouldn't cover it too much with concealer or foundation. If you regularly pick up your eyebrows, do it before you hit the beach, too, so you will look fresher and more awake.
   • If you still want to wear eyeshadow and mascara, use waterproof varieties so you don't have to wonder if your make-up might run out when you get in the water.
   • If you are concerned that your skin will glow too much while at the beach, apply a little powder to your t-zone.
9. Don't forget about your to lubricate before you go to the beach and while you are there. Apply a generous amount of sunscreen to your face and all parts of your body that are exposed to the sun. To start, apply at least twenty minutes before you go into the sun, so that you are optimally protected. Apply again every hour and a half, or sooner, if you go into the water and your sunscreen is not waterproof.
   • When buying sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum cream or spray that protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays. Use at least a factor of 15, but preferably a factor of 30 or 45, if possible.

Tips

• Wearing clothes that show off your body at the beach will probably make you feel more comfortable, but always remember that the most important thing is that you like what you wear and feel good about it! And if that doesn't exactly match the advice of the style guides, that's no problem at all!
• Before you hit the beach, consider getting a manicure and a pedicure or doing one yourself at home.
• To look even better on the beach, invest in a few fun accessories, such as a sun hat, a so-called cover up to wear over your bikini or bathing suit, sunglasses and nice slippers or sandals.