How To Get Beach Body Confident

Want to look slimmer in your swimmers? Here’s how to look smoother, sexier and more toned this summer.

From simple tanning techniques, to fabulous firming treatments. There are lots of simple and affordable ways to improve the appearance and texture of your skin and help boost your body confidence.

Scrub And Brush

Ensure your skin is silky smooth by exfoliating daily to help remove dead skin cells. Dry body brushing can help to stimulate the blood flow and improve skin texture.

Try: Nivea Radiantly Smooth Body Scrub, £6.25. The Body Shop Exfoliating Bath Gloves, £4, are great to use in the shower. The Body Shop Cellulite Massager, £8. Boots Detox Brush, £4.30.

Firm And Tone

The latest body creams contain anti-oxidants and ingredients said to be skin firming, such as marine extracts and white and green tea. They can give smoother, firmer looking skin.

Try: Nivea My Silhouette Body Gel-Cream, £12.45. Jergens Skin Firming Moisturiser, £4.88. Estee Lauder Body Performance Slim Shape Serum, £29.36. Elemis Body Sculpting Firming cream, £40.

Fight Cellulite

Many of us have cellulite, but there are ways to reduce the ‘orange peel’ appearance (getting active being the most effective of course). New products include caffeine, silver birch and seaweed, which claim to tighten and improve skin elasticity helping to smooth dimpled skin.

Try: Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil, £12.10. M&S Formula Combat Cellulite Crème-Gel, £12. Nivea Goodbye Cellulite, £10. Urban Retreat Anti-Cellulite Seaweed Mud Treatment, £19.50.

Look Tan-Tastic!

A healthy glow can help you look slimmer and more toned. Just be sure you start with a lighter shade to avoid looking orange and exfoliate first.

Try: Garnier’s Summerbody Moisturising Spray Mist, £6.99 gradually builds a light tan. Also try Nivea Sunkissed Skin, £6.15. You can mix and match your ideal shade with Piz Buin Self Tanning lotion and Colour Dial, £17.99. Soap & Glory One Night Tanned, £8.99.

Feeling Fit

Improve your posture by putting your shoulders back and walking tall. It’s amazing how much better you’ll look and feel!

Try: Work out while you walk with special fitness shoes. The unstable platform makes your legs work harder and is great for bottoms and thighs, from £36, thefitflop.com. Or head to the gym and try Madonna’s favourite workout, The Power Plate. The 4,000 vibrations are said to be excellent for cellulite reduction.

Salon Treatments

Many salons offer hi-tech treatments, that claim surprisingly good results.

Try: Universal Contour Wrap is a warm sea-clay solution with testers claiming up to eight inches weight, from £55. Elemis Body Sculpting Cellulite & Colon Therapy Spa Treatment. A deep cleansing and detoxifying body mask and massage to smooth and tone, from £60. Lipomassage by Endermologie, a super intensive motor-operated massage that is said to help reduce fat from stubborn areas, from £60. Or for a home spa treatment, try Sanctuary Trim and Tone Body Wrap, £24.46.

Food First

A healthy diet is key, so start by cutting back on coffee, alcohol and fizzy drinks. Try herbal teas and plenty of fluids (aim for 6-6 glasses a day). Pack your diet with filling, antioxidant rich fruit and vegetables like watercress, carrots, tomatoes and oranges.