Putting on a bikini after a long winter doesn’t have to be a painful event. Here’s how to be bikini ready this season!

Soften Your Skin
The number one way to make dry, dull, pasty skin look radiant and smooth is the exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate. Use a gentle boday scrub every day in the shower. To boost its effectiveness, rub it on using circular motions, spending a few extra seconds on rough spots like knees, elbows, and feet. An oil-based version will give you extra hydration.

Beat Body Acne
Don’t let eruptions on your back, shoulders, chest, or butt force you to eliminate slinky tops and skimpy bikinis from your warm-weather wardrobe. To ward off new spots while dealing with existing ones, start this daily blemish-busting regimen: First, cleanse the offending areas with a body wash that contains salicylic acid. Let the cleanser sit on your skin for a few minutes before rinsing it off so you can reap all the antiacne benefits. Postshower, spot-treat your zits with the same drying potion that you use on your face.

Tackle Your Feet
Don’t forget about your feet when you’re prepping for bikini season. Here’s an easy way to get them in flip-flop shape fast: Submerge your feet in a large bowl of equal parts warm milk and water. The lactic acid naturally eats away at dead skin. Rather use a premade version? After five minutes, buff away any calluses and rough spots with a pumice stone, then rub in a foot cream that has alpha hydroxy acid to soften the skin even more. If it’s nighttime, slip on a pair of cotton socks immediately after applying the cream and wear them while you sleep. You’ll wake up with the smoothest feet ever.

Take Your Time with Hair Removal
A smooth set of legs and underarms and a flawless bikini line are essential for warm weather. But be sure to execute your hair removal the day before you slip into your swimwear to give your skin some downtime. Start every shaving session with a hot shower or bath to soften your hair so it’s easier to remove. For the silkiest results, exfoliate with a gentle body scrub, then lube up with a moisturizing cream and use a fresh, sharp three- or four-blade razor to whisk away the hair. Cut down on irritation by relathering an area if you are going over it a second time. If you have the patience and the pain threshold, consider waxing your legs, which will keep you bare for up to a few weeks. Work on small sections at a time with precoated strips.

Get Your Glow Going
If your entire body is ghostly pale, warm it up with a gradual self-tanner. Your skin should peak in five to seven days; afterward, apply the lotion every other day to maintain your glow. If you want a tanned look right now, your best bet is a tinted body bronzer that sticks around until your next shower. For something with more staying power, try a regular sunless tanner. The trick to streak-free results: spread the product on with uniform swipes in all directions. For knees, elbows, and ankles, dilute the tanner with moisturizer to ensure the dry skin in these areas don’t turn too dark. Also, skip spots where the sun don’t shine since tan soles or armpits are a dead giveaway.

LASTLY, shop for your favourite bikini!
Here’s a suggestion for My Little Secrets – our very own Reversible Bikini. Easy to wear, great for travel!
The halter bandeau is this year’s favourite!