The sun is shining here in Monaco and I hope it is where you are too but this means one thing .... its skin baring time *gulp*. Ok, this means work.
To do this I have put together a selection of products from all price ranges that shall help you with this mission in getting beautiful, smooth, flawless, prepped skin. All products listed below are my very own personal favourites, so lets get started ....
Exfoliate
Exfoliating is the first stage and one that is crucial. Exfoliating the body gets rid of all the rough skin, making it look brighter and creates a smoother canvas which helps improve other products performances.
- The easiest way is to exfoliate the body is to use exfoliating gloves and a shower gel. These gloves are really cheap, you can use any shower gel with them and the process uses minimum effort to achieve a really great result. Alternatively you can use a loofah which overall has the same result but the gloves are so much easier.
- If you want something thats a little bit more of a treatment i.e. give your self a little pamper at the same time, then salt, sugar or gel bead scrubs are a great investment. Just be careful when using an oil based scrub before applying self tan as the formulas may stick and go on streaky.
- Then you have dry body brushing. With this you take a soft or hard natural bristle brush and with light strokes brush upwards towards the heart. This lightly removes dry skin and has a huge detoxing effect by increasing circulation and breaking down fats, lessening the appearance of cellulite. This can hurt or feel uncomfortable but this is mainly because it is working.
Suggestion Products to Exfoliate
Products & Stockists1. Aromatherapy Associates Enrich Body Scrub 200ml, £36/€42 hereThis scrub is pure luxury in a pot and the aromatherapy oils are the purest you shall find in any body product. For the ultimate treatment invest in this one.
2. Urban Nature Loofah Brush, £11.25/€13 hereUsing a long handled loofah helps get to those tricky areas which makes scrubbing a lot easier and this is one is great quality. 3. Nuxe Body Scrub 200ml, £16.50/€20.63 here Nuxe is a lovely brand which isn't too fussy but still feels luxurious but great to use everyday rather than save for best.4. Soap & Glory Exfoliating Gloves, £4/€5 here & hereYou can buy these little gloves from most pharmacies or beauty stores but the pink soap & glory ones are really thick and harder wearing, plus they are pink so thats all that I need to say.5. Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub 300ml, £8.00/€10 hereOk, I have given this a star because it is a must buy & its low cost. It smells simply amazing, just like freshly made mojitos! As an exfoliator it works just as good as it smells. This for me is summer in a pot. Please go smell this if you haven't already as you wont leave the shop without it.6. Kiehls Creme de Corps Soy Milk & Honey Body Polish 200ml, £22.50/€26.50 hereThis has been a long term favorite of mine as its texture is so thick and creamy, just like Kiehls' world famous creme de corps body lotion giving you smooth, soft moisturised skin all in one application. 7. Body Shop Coconut Body Scrub 200ml, £12.50/€15 hereAs you may know I am a body shop body butter addict and the scrubs smell just as good as the body butters. The scrub itself is very gentle so if you prefer a lighter scrub thats not too harsh on the skin then this one is perfect for you.8. Dead Sea Spa Magik Salt Scrub 500g, £13.30/€16.63 hereI have a blog post here all about this product as it is amazing and so luxurious so go have a read if you like this one.This is a salt scrub in an oil which leaves a beautiful finish on the skin without being greasy at all. There is no need to moisturise afterwards when using this as it is so hydrating on the skin.9. Sanctuary Spa Salt Scrub 650g, £11.50/€14 hereA spa range that is highly affordable and makes you feel like you have bought the spa home to your very own bathroom. Salt scrubs can be messy as the salt shall fall so make sure you are in the bath or shower when using them but so worth the effort as they work wonders on your skin.
10. Clinique Sparkle Body Exfoliator 200ml, £18.50/€22 hereHaving never been a fan of Clinique's skincare, their body care range really surprised me and I really like it. This scrub is perfect for everyday use and does give a really nice glow to the skin with its 'sparkle' gel formula, ideal if your on the go with not too much time to spend scrubbing.Wash/Bathe
Now to soak our lovely smooth skin whether you are a shower or bath person there is plenty of choice of product to use. Just make sure you don't dry your skin out, stick to products that are very gentle and make sure your water is not too hot. Listed below are some of my absolute favourites you cant go wrong with.
- Using oils in the shower or bath are a great way of getting moisture onto your skin without drying it out. Once you are towel dry your skin will be baby soft and healthy looking.
- Its a good idea to indulge in some nice quality shower/bath washes whether it be a liquid, foam, gel or oil as it can really indulge your senses whether it be to energise, relax, calm or awaken them as well as bathe the skin. Make sure you try to avoid the ones packed full of nasty chemicals as this shall irritate and dry out your skin.
Suggestion Products to Bathe
Products & Stockists1. L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil, 250ml £16.50/€20.63 here
The most luxurious body wash/oil ever with the most amazing scent. If you want to splurge on a luxury, make it this one.
2.Aromatherapy Associates Revive Body Wash, 200ml £24/€28 here
Another luxury buy, but if your one of people who need a little help to wake up or feel really revitalised then the pure aromatherapy oils in this shall make you feel more than alive.
3. Korres Shower gel, Guava, 250ml £8/€10 here
A great everyday body wash, 100% free from all nasties and the scents are simply divine. Guava is my favourite as its the perfect gorgeous, summer scent.4. Rituals Yogi Flow Foaming Gel, 200ml, £7/€9 here
I adore this organic brand as it feels super luxurious but is still really reasonably priced. This foaming gel leaves your skin smelling and feeling fabulous.
5. Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Wash, 500ml £6.50/€8 here
As mentioned previously above, this body wash will make you want to drink it up (but please don't). The smell is just divine, it leaves your skin soft, clean and is super affordable, so definitely a worthwhile buy.
6. Sanex Body Washes 500ml £3/€3.50 here
Sanex is the cheapest but best every day wash for all ages, all skin types even the most sensitive skins.
Defuzz/Removing Unwanted HairGetting rid of unwanted body hair shall instantly make your skin look smoother and more even toned, so time to defuzz. There are many methods available to to us whether it be shaving, waxing, hair removal creams, electrolysis etc use the best method for you which also depends on how much unwanted hair you have or regrowth you get.
- Shaving is the quickest method especially if last minute and using a good shaving oil or cream shall give you a perfect close shave. If your dark haired with pale skin maybe invest in more long term hair removal methods.
Suggestion Products to Shave
Products & Stockists1. Sugar StripEase Kit £10/€12 here100% Chemical-free, natural & good enough to eat (as it only contains sugar & water) sugaring 'at home' hair removal kit. Can be used on all areas of the body and leaves skin silky soft.
2. First Aid Beauty Shave Cream, 200ml £12/€14 here
This Shave Cream is rich, nourishing and non-irritating and contains everything you need to get a close, long-lasting shave that shall also soften your skin.
3. Somersets Shaving Oil Plus, 35ml £9/€10 here
Aromatherapy oil for a close shave on legs, underarms and bikini line. Free of nasty chemicals, full of essential oils & 100% natural - concentrated. Ideal if your highly sensitive to shaving products.
4. Veet Spray On Hair Removal Cream, 150ml, £7/€8 here
Avoid the mess of spreading on hair removal cream with this spray on version! Removes hairwithout cutting it so the hairs grow back softer. A quick and easy solution for hair removal in a hurry!
5. Veet Ready to Use Wax Strips x16, £6/€7here
For those hard to reach, more delicate areas, you shall never be caught out with these handy little wax strips for the bikini and underarm area.
6. Gilette Venus Breeze Spa 2 in 1 Razor, £7.49/€9 here
A fast and effective way to remove unwanted hair, this 3 blade razor gives a close shave and even has a white tea scent.
7. Bliss Ingrown Hair Eliminating Pads x50, £26/€33 hereUsed after waxing or shaving these easy to use pads help to exfoliate and clean the open pores, helping to prevent ingrown hairs occurring which can be a problem to all men & women.
8. Wilkinson Sword Quattro Bikini Razor, £10/€9 hereThe ultimate girly gadget that shaves and trims your bikini line whilst conditioning at the same time. The battery operated trimmer is the fastest and easiest way to get a fuzz free bikini area, ready for that one or two piece swimsuit!
Moisturise
Moisturising your skin is very important and most people tend to forget the body and focus just on the face. Moisturising your body daily shall help it to stay hydrated, supple, firm and super soft.
- So we have an unlimited choice of creams, lotions, gels, oils, balms, butters and so on. Body oils are great for intense hydration as they absorb into the skin very quickly as they are very light in texture. They suit all skins but if you have a tendency to be dry then using a butter or balm shall be much more hydrating. You could even try layering up your products, so use an oil followed by a cream if your are extremely dry. Most of us prefer a lotion or cream as this is better for everyday use seeing as you can get dressed almost straight away. Make sure to moisturise your body daily or at least every other day if not and you shall see a huge difference.
Suggestion Products to Moisturise
Products & Stockists1. Nip+Fab Pistachio Sundae Body Butter, 200ml £8.49/€10 here
A sweet smelling body butter that really helps to repair dry & dehydrated skin and a must if your a body butter addict like myself and its also a cheaper option to Laura Mercier Pistachio Body Cream, which is totally divine, just more expensive.
2. Rituals Touch of Happiness Body Cream, 200ml £13/€15 here
A whipped body cream scented with sweet orange and cedar wood thats just a little lighter in texture than a body butter and works perfectly to nourish and repair your skin.
3. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze Body Lotion Tan Optimiser, 250ml £7/€9 here
This lotion contains a small amount of self tan to moisturise and add a little color to your body at the same time making you instantly look more summer ready. Ideal if you don't like to tan naturally and prefer to fake it.
4. Body Shop Body Butter, Passionfruit, 200ml, £13/€15 here
If your a regular reader to my blog, you shall know my love affair I have with the almond version of this. Available in so many scents, there is a body butter for us all to enjoy as not only does it make your body super soft it makes you smell amazing all day too.
5. Elemental Herbology SOS Circulation Serum, 200ml £29/€34 here
Helps to reduce fluid retention, invigorate circulation and eliminate toxins that manifest as cellulite. Elemental Herbology's body tonic will help get your body into gear.
6. Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil for Face, Body & Hair, 100ml £28/€35 here
A dry oil with a unique formula combining 30% precious plant oils and vitamin E to nourish, repair and soften your face, body and hair in a single gesture, without being greasy or sticky.
7. Garnier Summer Body Lotion, 400ml £6/€7 here
Another alternative if you want a daily body moisturiser that leaves your skin feeling soft with the added benefit of looking naturally sun-kissed and radiant.
Protect!
Now that your body is all prepped and looking brighter, smoother and more flawless then its time to protect it people! Make sure you are fully protected with the right SPF on your face and body before exposing yourself to the elements.
There are many choices of SPF now ready available to us all so make sure that you ideally choose nothing lower than an SPF15 to be very sun safe. Remember you do still tan with higher SPF, it just means that you can stay out in the sun for longer, for instance, an SPF15 shall increase the time you can stay out in the sun before you burn by 15 times, meaning you can have more fun in the sun and be safe!
Following this post shall be further posts up on my blog about what Sunscreens & Self Tans I highly recommend, so do subscribe/follow my blog to stay tuned.
With a few good products and pampering methods we can all feel a little more confident about exposing our bodies and maybe finally get to wear that little summer dress that has been hanging around in the back of the wardrobe ;-)
"Lash Lovers - Speak to Me!!"
Let me know if you try out any of these mentioned products or have one that you love, I'd love to hear from you!
Enjoy your start to the summer ;-)