Archive for the ‘Skin’ Category

Skin Care

Wednesday, September 29th, 2010

It's a no brainer that bikinis show off a lot of skin. It's also a no brainer that bikinis attract a lot of attention. So do yourself a favor and not only put your best face forward, but also the best skin as well. Skin is the largest organ in the body, so take care of it by cleansing it, exfoliating dry patches, moisturizing it and protecting it from the sun.

In the shower, use a moisturizing body wash. For areas that need extra attention like the elbows, knees and heels, there are a few different methods to slough off the dead skin. There are exfoliating scrubs and loofahs are the two best means to get your skin fresh and bright. For heels, try using a pumice stone. If you use it towards the end of your shower, your feet will have had some time to soften up and the skin will slough right off.

The best time to moisturize is right after your shower. Pat yourself dry and while your skin is still damp and warm, apply a moisturizing lotion. Doing this daily helps to keep the skin hydrated and looking its best. If your feet need extra care, try slathering on some extra lotion and putting on cotton socks. The warmth helps the lotion to seep into the skin and, by the time you take your socks off, your feet will be super soft. Finding a good lotion can be tricky, but once you do and you apply daily, you'll notice how lovely your skin looks in the light.

The only way to protect your skin and keep it looking young is to either stay out of the sun or wear sunscreen. If you like to play at the beach, sunscreen is a must. Unless you want to look wrinkled and brick-colored a few years down the line, slather and reapply often.

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Grooming

Monday, August 30th, 2010

Unless you've decided to never wear a bathing suit or have a condition where you have zero hair growth anywhere on the body, grooming the bikini area has become a necessity. There is a third possibility which is just not caring if you have hairs peeking out, but most likely that's not the case.

When it comes to hair removal, bikini waxing has become the popular option. This relatively painless procedure is quick way to get rid of hair and generally much more convenient than constantly shaving, plus the results last longer. If you're new to waxing, here are some tips on how to have the most pain-free experience possible.

The first step is to find a spa that you like. Make sure it's an established place with a good reputation, clean and has a friendly staff you're comfortable with. Go ahead and ask for a tour if you're not sure. You're going to be in a vulnerable state while you get waxed so feeling at ease with the facilities and the waxing specialist goes a long way towards calming anxiety. When you do make an appointment, make sure there's enough hair growth to work with (about 1/4 inch) and that it's not before or during your period. Why? Well there's the obvious reason and also that you're more sensitive during that time and waxing could be more unpleasant.

On the day of your scheduled wax, take a shower. It's common sense and courtesy, plus the wax works best on clean and dry skin. To avoid cross-contamination, make sure there's a fresh jar of wax waiting for you. Test the temperature of the wax on the inside of your wrist – it should be warm, not hot. After the procedure is done, a soothing lotion or oil is applied and goes a long way in reducing irritation. Avoiding hot showers and baths is advisable as well since you'll be sensitive immediately afterward. If you're planning to head to the beach or pool, it's best to get waxed a day or two beforehand so you'll have time to let things return to normal. Sand and chemicals can really irritate freshly waxed skin so keep that in mind if you're planning an outing. Remember to exfoliate with a washcloth or loofah as this helps to avoid ingrown hairs from forming.

Beware of the Tan Line

Tuesday, May 25th, 2010

The issue of tan lines seems to be an age old discussion.  Some can actually look cute, while others look completely ridiculous.  If you do not wish to give the impression that you lie around naked all the time, a thin line of a triangle top can actually look quite flattering.  Under a tank top, it shows the beautiful bronze that you worked on while still showing that you have a sense of propriety.  For others, there is certainly nothing wrong with perfectly even color.  For swimsuit or lingerie models, it often expected.  Either one of these tanning options are acceptable, but it is when you start tanning in a variety of swimsuits that things can get a bit crazy.

I really cannot begin to imagine what garment could have caused the look on the left, but if you find yourself with tan lines like this, you need to head for a spray tan fix ASAP. On the other hand, Jennifer Lopez looks positively adorable with a very slight line at her exposed shoulder. It shows that she may have been enjoying some relaxing pool time earlier, but she doesn't look like she was attacked with a white marker. Follow these examples for tan lines, and you will remain sexy from the beach to the club.