Body

11 Tips to Whipping Your Body into Shape for Summer

Bikini or not, you still want your body and skin to look sexy this summer -- here's how

by Anna Jimenez

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Get waxed Body hair is the last thing you want to worry about this summer and "waxing is a great alternative to shaving if you have hair you're uncomfortable with," says Susmta Patel, a waxer who has worked at the acclaimed Completely Bare Salon in Manhattan. "Waxing is better [than shaving] because it removes hair from the root," says Patel. She adds that when you shave "you just cut the hair, so two hours later, you can see the hair there or a blue shadow, which is the hair follicle below the skin." Waxing, on the other hand, not only lasts up to a month, but it's also more permanent -- over time, it thins the hair so less grows back, says Patel. Bonus: It exfoliates the skin as well, leaving you feeling silky smooth (and leaving you with one less skin care to-do).

If you opt for waxing, Patel warns not to use any scrubs for the next 48 hours and not to expose the area to direct sun for at least 24 hours. Also, to treat any resulting redness or swelling, apply a small amount of cortisone cream from the drugstore, says Patel. If you choose to stick to the good ol' razor, make sure to shave after you take a shower or bath, so your hair is softer and easier to remove. And always lather up with a moisturizing shave cream (try Aubrey Organics Creme de la Shave, $4.33) and use a brand new razor to minimize irritation.

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Older comments

helpful! thank you :)

by tulipsarebetter Monday, January 14, 2013 at 05:03PM Report as inappropriate

Thanks for the tips!

by EricaC123 Sunday, December 23, 2012 at 11:31AM Report as inappropriate

I love the facial tips!

by schien Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 06:41PM Report as inappropriate

good

by Nicole2814 Wednesday, August 1, 2012 at 08:23PM Report as inappropriate

I prefer gym :D

by Dahlia84 Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 06:07PM Report as inappropriate

Really it boils down to common sense... if you want to be fit and healthy, everything in moderation and nothing to excess.

by Jennifer10708 Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 10:43AM Report as inappropriate

I love this article! There are lots of great tips here (but I dare anyone to take my diet coke away--I'll just be bloated, I don't care!) and I love that it's not just about diet and exercise, but good skin and HEALTHY tanning as well. I love love love Total Beauty's dedication to NOT promoting tanning beds or lying out in the sun. YAY SUNBLOCK! :-)

by tallredamanda Friday, July 6, 2012 at 01:30PM Report as inappropriate

Working out is almost always good :) Don't make it a chore though--find activities you enjoy, and then push yourself.

by LipglossandSpandex Friday, June 15, 2012 at 11:10PM Report as inappropriate

Cardio! :)

by ManoSalwa Friday, June 8, 2012 at 03:50AM Report as inappropriate

Most of us probably need a little more work out and less spray tan!

by alictasia Monday, May 28, 2012 at 01:31PM Report as inappropriate