Weight Loss & Diet Plans

Skinny or Not, How to Look Hot at the Beach

Grooming the Beach Body

When it comes to boosting your beach body confidence, perhaps nothing does it better than some super summertime grooming. From pedicures to manicures, leg waxing to faux tans, the little things can go a long way in polishing your image -- and improving the way you look and feel in almost any swimsuit style.

"If you look down and see pretty nails and pretty feet, it makes you feel confident," says Romano, "and in the end, it's all about how you think you look that really affects how you look the most."

A pedicure, manicure, and waxing or other hair removal are standard fare for the well-groomed beachgoer. But for a truly elegant approach to summer style, experts report, the latest trend is a back facial.

"This is much like a facial you would give the skin on your face, only it's done on the back and shoulders -- and the end result can be sleek, glowing skin that can make you look better in any summer clothing, but particularly a swimsuit," says Genevieve Sparby, director of The Plaza Spa, at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.

The treatment is particularly good if you have a tendency to get blemishes on your back, she says -- and you can use any traditional facial recipe with great results.

To enhance the skin on the rest of the body, The Plaza Spa treats its customers to an all-over sugar scrub. This exfoliates dead skin cells, removing that dry, flaky, "winter" appearance, and gets your whole body glowing (which is sure to detract from any figure flaws).

To do the same at home, mix a handful of brown sugar with any body lotion, then rub the mixture in a circular motion over your skin. When you're done, rinse under a warm shower.

"Just be certain to do any exfoliation at least 24 hours before hitting the beach or you could end up with inflamed skin," Sparby tells WebMD.

The same is true if you are waxing for hair removal, she cautions. "The skin can be very sensitive after waxing, and the sun, or even salt water or chlorine water from a pool, can cause an irritation and blotchiness," Sparby says. "So do your procedures at least a day before you plan to hit the great outdoors."

Once your exfoliation is complete, experts say, try a faux tan as the finishing touch. These tans-in-a-bottle are easy to use, and a great way to boost your confidence on the beach. If nothing else, Sparby says a faux tan can make you look healthier -- enhancing your image regardless of your size.

Finally, Avellino offers this piece of tried-and-true advice: "Even if you have not lost all the weight you expected to for the 2004 summer season, walk tall, pay attention to posture, and wear a smile. A happy, positive facial expression radiates inner beauty, and that always outshines everything else."