How to Get Sexy this Summer

Summer is already here, and it's time to get sexy. Ditching the office uniforms in favor of tank tops and flip flops sure feels good, but it does require some preparation first if you want to look your best.

Things You’ll Need:
• Exfoliant
• Lots and LOTS of lotion/moisturizer
• Razor, wax, or body sugar
• Basic pedicure tools
• Sunless tanner (optional)
• Hair color/colorist (optional)

Step1

Using a good body scrub (either purchase it, or make your own by mixing shower gel with regular white sugar) is a fast way to get glowing. Scrub yourself from neck to toes with a gritty exfoliant, but use a gentler, acid-based exfoliant on the delicate facial skin.

Step2

Moisturize, moisturize, moisturize! The best time is when you're still damp and warm from the shower. Towel off quickly, then rub a rich lotion or body cream into every inch of your skin. It might take a few days, depending on how trashed your skin was to begin with, but regular moisturizing will get your skin supple and healthy.

Step3

Remove body hair! Whether you wax, sugar or shave, now is the time to get bare. Your armpits, legs, and toes are a must if you want to wear cute sleeveless tops, shorts, or sexy sandals this year. If you're going to be swimming, the landscaping gets a little more involved: you'll have to remove the dreaded "happy trail," which is sexy on men but much less so on women, and make sure no fluff is visible along your bikini line (try on your suit to be absolutely sure.)


Step4

Groom your feet. This is important, because you want the total package to look good. You can be super-model hot, but if you try wearing stiletto sandals with corns, long toenails, or bunions, you'll ruin the picture! Clip and file your toenails. Soak both feet in warm water, then scrub off any corns, calluses, or rough spots with a pumice stone. If you have a lot of growth it might take a few treatments. Slather your feet in Vaseline and put on socks for the rest of the night. If and when your feet are smooth, sweet smelling, and presentable, you may paint the nails and don the first sandals of the season.


Step5

Consider color. Both your skin and your hair could use a boost, especially since the sun hasn't had a chance to work its magic yet. Tanning booths are notoriously bad for your skin, so use a self tanner if you feel confident you'll do it right. Otherwise, spray tanner might be in order. A tanning moisturizer, which contains just a little bit of self tanner, is a less dramatic (and less dangerous) way to gradually build color over a week or so. Have your hair highlighted, or go a shade or two lighter than your current color for a subtle, sun-kissed and summer appearance.


Step6

Change your makeup routine. Spring and summer are the time for lighter foundations (use just concealer on trouble spots, if you can get away with it), glossy lips, and waterproof mascara. Spend less time putting on your face and more time playing in the sand and surf. Incidentally, now is also a good time to re-evaluate your hair care routine. A wash and wear cut is kinder on your tresses than lots of products and heat styling (especially if chlorine or salt is going to be part of the equation this summer).