How to Look Good at the Beach

Beach season makes people worry about their bodies and looks more than any other time of the year. Looking good at the beach does require some preparation, but anyone can look good at the beach as long as they have confidence.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Wax
• Bathing suit
• Surf sandals
• Shirt
• Sunglasses
• Hat

What Girls Can Do

1. Start working out in the winter, focusing on your abs, arms and legs. It takes about three months for your body to show the effects of regular exercise, so don't start exercising later than February, if you want your body in top shape.

2. Buy a bathing suit that fits well. Make sure nothing is hanging out the sides, that the suit doesn't bunch up in the back and that it's not too tight in the belly, making your stomach bulge over.

3. Go to a tanning salon a few weeks before you plan on hitting the beach. This helps you avoid the after-winter pasty look and makes your skin look good against your bathing suit. If you don't like tanning salons, apply a self tanner a couple days before going to the beach.

4. Keep your skin moisturized by applying lotion after you shower and before you go to bed. A couple days before going to the beach, exfoliate your entire body with a sugar or salt scrub so your skin looks smooth. Help your skin glow at the beach, by applying tanning oil.

5. Wax your legs, underarms and bikini area a few days before going to the beach. If you prefer shaving to waxing, shave the night before so the salt water won't irritate your skin.

6. Paint your fingernails and toenails with a bright, summer color. Wear flip-flops that match your bathing suit, or pair your suit with a pair of wedges.

7. Accessorize your bathing suit with a trendy pair of shades, a beach tote bag and a sexy sarong or other cover up. Keep your hair looking good by tying it back loosely with a hair band.

What Guys Can Do

8. Workout with weights a few months before beach season. Toned arms and abs help you look good in a bathing suit.

9. Get your back and chest waxed, if it's extremely hairy. While hairy chests won't gross out most people, a hairy back is a big turn-off.

10. Buy a bathing suit that flatters your figure. Board shorts are the best option, because they help showcase a nice upper body, but help hide thin or flabby legs. Unless you have a lot to show off below the waist, stay away from tight, male brief bathing suits.

11. Wear surf sandals without socks, which means you should also give yourself a pedicure before hitting the beach.

12. Match your bathing suit with a basic tee or button down shirt. Don't wear a shirt with holes or any sort of funky smell, just because you'll be taking it off when you get there.

13. Accessorize your bathing suit with a pair of shades and a hat. A basic baseball cap works for men, but stay away from a straw or wide-brimmed hat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you wear makeup, keep it to a minimum. Some waterproof mascara is all you need for the beach, since sweating and swimming wipe off any other makeup.
• Don't wear heels to the beach. Heels sink into the sand and may cause you to fall.