I’m fairly conscientious when it comes to
day-to-day body maintenance but, like most of us, I step up my routine before a
holiday, switching to harder-working products to tan, firm and de-fizz. Rather than
indulgent textures and scents, it’ s effective ingredients, the latest
technology and innovative application techniques that do it for me – though,
because I invariably leave my beach body-honing to the last minute, they need
to be easy to use and fast working, too. These products do most (if not all) of
the above and will get you that better bikini body, too – no problem – Leyla,
Contributing Beauty Editor
Soap & Glory Sit Tight Super Intense
XS Body Firming Serum, $ 23.94
‘This is just brilliant. The stimulating
blend of caffeine and sandalwood seed really wakes up my skin – and the puffy
areas at the tops of my thighs look smoother pretty much instantly after using
this. It works hard – not only does it heat up gradually to get your
circulation going but the teeny metal rollers give stubborn areas an intense
massage, too – the key to curbing cellulite. Amazing.’
Soap
& Glory Sit Tight Super Intense XS Body Firming Serum
The Body Shop Spa Fit Smoothing &
Refining Body Scrub, $ 21.65
‘My skin smelled lovely and felt softer
after using this citrus scrub, but the apricot kernels are a bit gentle for me
– I’d have liked a grainier texture.’
The
Body Shop Spa Fit Smoothing & Refining Body Scrub
Parissa Body Sugar 2-in-1 Roll-On, $
30.88
‘DIY hair removal can be a hassle but the
microwaveable barrel makes applying the warm sugar a breeze, and whipping the
strips off was painless (I’m a wuss!). Definitely worth a go.’
Parissa
Body Sugar 2-in-1 Roll-On
Nivea Q10 Plus Firming Body Oil, $ 10.27
‘The hydrating avocado oil and antioxidant
Coenzyme Q10 left my skin softer and with a slight sheen. The texture isn’t at
all sticky and absorbs really fast, as well.’
Nivea
Q10 Plus Firming Body Oil
Sisley Tinted Body Sun Glow Gel, $
100.41
‘This is instant tan glides on and leaves a
natural-looking color that doesn’t transfer but washes off easily. It has a
subtle smell, too. Worth splashing out on if you can.’
Sisley
Tinted Body Sun Glow Gel
3 easy cheats mini manicure
No time for a mani this month? These simple
tricks and clever beauty buys guarantee gorgeous nails in minutes – no nail
technician needed.
- Look for nail polish brands with flat
brushes – the squarer shape brings the color to the centre of the nail.
Try L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Nail $ 7.71. - An extra-glossy top coat makes your hands
look healthy, prevent chips and keeps your color true. We love YSL La
Laque Couture Brillance Extreme, $ 27.80 - Transparent hues give bare nails a nice
finish in seconds. Bourjois Nail Enamel 1 Seconde in Grenadine Tonic, $
9.25, is my must-have summer shade.