Bathing Suit Essentials

Whether you are planning on going to a pool party or head down to the beach for the day, making sure you look your best in any bathing suit is essential to having a good time. Before you spend the day in your bathing suit, avoid eating salty or fried foods to reduce feeling bloated--which is never a good feeling. Instead, snack on protein and fresh fruit or vegetables.

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated while hanging out in the sun and flush out excess fluids in the body. Here are a few beauty essentials to try out next time you throw on that bathing suit:

Exfoliate

For soft skin, try exfoliating with a gentle body scrub at least three times a week. Not only will exfoliating remove dry, dead skin cells off of the body, but it will also reduce any chances of getting ingrown hairs. If you like to use self-tanner, exfoliating will ensure an even application so there are no dark patches of tanning product.

Shaving

If you plan on going to the beach, shave the night before you go. Ever get saltwater in a cut or scratch? It's not pleasant. Shaving the night before will leave you with soft legs-- minus the pain.

Moisturize

Instead of lotions during the summer, I love using body oil. Cocoa Butter body oil not only moisturizes the skin and locks in moisture, but the gentle fragrance puts me in the mood for lounging at the pool. Body oil also adds a nice sheen to the skin, perfect for showing off in a bathing suit. If you don't care for body oil, try a traditional cocoa butter in a lotion formula.

Cellulite

For those who have to deal with the dreaded cellulite ( frankly, who doesn't?) using a temporary cellulite lotion on the legs may help reduce its appearance. Look for a lotion that has caffeine, which helps to plump up areas with cellulite. One popular product is from Bliss Spa, called Fat Girl Slim. Use lotion an hour before heading out for smoother legs.

Trying each of these tips will help your skin stand out next time you go out in your suit. Don't forget the most important tip of all though--sunscreen. Using a sunscreen with at least SPF 15 not only protects skin from getting burned, but will also reduce sun damage and wrinkles later on in life.