Get your body ready for summer

With summer holidays around the corner, The Clare Champion looks at some of the preparation that goes into looking bikini beautiful just in time for the sun.

Testament to the unpredictability of Irish weather, despite a recurring ash cloud and the problems it causes for air travel, many women are remaining thoroughly focussed on an escape to the sun.
For those who won’t be taking to the skies, looking fantastic still features high on their agenda whether it is on the beach in Lahinch or in their own back garden.
Fail to prepare, prepare to fail, the adage says and according to Ennis health and beauty expert Anne Leavy, this also applies to looking good in glorious weather.
“People need to prepare the body by exfoliating and moisturising the body. That is vital. Then they should look at the vast number of options out there for hair removal, tanning and other beauty treatments,” Anne explains.
In terms of hair removal alone, Anne points out options include waxing, shaving, liquid hair removal, intense pulse light, electrolysis and Selectif Pro.
While using creams and shaving are convenient and quick methods of hair removal, they are not without their downsides, Anne says.
“What you choose depends very much on what you hope to achieve. Frequently using creams to remove hair can cause sensitivity. With shaving, you have to do it often and sometimes the regrowth can feel coarse and stubbly. Waxing is a more long-term option but there are other forms of hair removal too, which last even longer,” she adds.
“Intense pulse light or laser light is where you target hair growth to stop it growing. The downside of that is that it uses heat and if the skin is exposed to heat too soon afterwards, it can cause problems. However, if you just want the hair gone that may be the best method for you, ” Anne continues.
“Selectif Pro is a new Israeli system, which uses ultrasound technology. Its effects are similar to the laser but more precise. This method also treats white or blonde hair. Ultrasound has been around for a long time and it is a needle-free method of hair removal, which makes it attractive for a lot of women,” Anne states.
For those who want to stick with the waxing but find it a little on the painful side, the solution is simple, “exfoliate and moisturise a few days in advance. This softens the skin and makes it easier to apply the wax. Some women who find it particularly painful opt for an over-the-counter local anaesthetic.”
Many women take to the beach, not with the intention of getting a tan but with the intention of showing it off. While some women opt to apply their own fake tan, others prefer to have it done professionally.
“Exfoliation is the most important thing when it comes to applying fake tan,” Anne advises.
“It is important to remember too that although there is a huge choice when it comes to the types and colours of fake tans on the market, it doesn’t suit everyone. For people who have sun-damaged skin or dark, dry patches on their skin, it should be avoided because the tan absorbs into these patches and turns them almost black. In these circumstances, it is much better to go for a bronzer. It may stain clothes on the inside but it usually washes off easily,” she points out.
For those who choose to go it alone, Anne wishes them well.
“There are loads of different brands of tans in wipes, sprays, creams and mousses. We are swamped with them really. Personally, I would say a coloured cream is best as it gives you an indication of where you have covered and more importantly where you might have missed. You can purchase the mitts from local pharmacies and they really are very effective,” she states.
“The beauty of a spray tan is that you can imagine every little bit of you is covered. It also goes on really well if professionally applied. People must remember to wear nail polish when getting it done and the golden rule applies: make sure you are well exfoliated and moisturised,” she continued.
As flesh that was hidden all winter begins to come out into the open, there is one particular area many women are especially embarrassed about.
“People are so embarrassed about their nails. For those who find their cuticles in less than ideal condition, all they have to do is wash the hands in warm water before massaging some cuticle cream into the nail and cuticle. This softens the cuticle. Then use a cotton bud to gently push back the cuticle. Doing this once or twice a day really does help,” Anne claims.
For those who find it difficult to grow their nails or who are in a hurry to develop long nails but don’t want to go down the false nail or acrylics route, Anne thinks she may have found a solution.
“Shellac is similar to nail polish in that it paints on but it has the advantages of acrylics. It also encourages your own nail to grow without damaging it,” Anne says.
“If you are trying to grow your nails, file straight across until the nail grows on from the finger. When it comes out, then you can start tapering it,” she adds.
In terms of getting feet ready for the finest thong sandals, Anne recommends a pedicure and callous and dry skin removal. If you choose not to go that route though, regular exfoliation is the key to keeping feet looking and feeling fabulous.
For those planning on kicking off the flip flops for regular dips in the water, Anne has another simple tip. An eyelash tint is certainly more efficient than constant reapplication and removal of mascara at the poolside.
“Eyelash and eyebrow tints look amazing. The tint really gives a dramatic look to eyes that is timeless. When you have your eyelashes tinted it brightens the face and you don’t need to wear mascara,” she asserts.
Another treatment that Anne believes goes a long way to brightening a face is having your teeth whitened, a service she has just introduced at her salon on Francis Street.
While sun-kissed, moisturised, silky-smooth skin, perfect nails, tinted eyelashes and lighter coloured teeth may make it easier to ease off the winter woollies, they are just part of the solution.
“There are a lot of things we should do. Eating sensibly and cutting out as many food additives as possible is very helpful. Drinking herbal teas is also good. Stopping eating late at night and avoiding foods that don’t agree with you are also important. They make you feel better and give you more energy, both of which are vital to really enjoy your holidays,” Anne concludes.