Beach Body Countdown

Forget costly salon hair removal and laser treatments – start now and you can get fuzz-free from the comfort of your home, thanks to the new permanent hair reduction systems, which use Intense Pulsed Light technology to gently eliminate hair – just in time for your bikini moment.

Hair removal hot list:
Philips Lumea and Boots Smooth Skin both employ salon-inspired hair removal technology to safely reduce hair growth. Think bikini line, legs, arms and underarms – perfect if you start early enough (they take between 6 and 12 weeks to work). Permanent hair reduction systems aren't suitable for everyone, however – be sure to read the manufacturer's guidance and instructions on suitability before you invest.

Now is the time to shape up your skin and start elongating your body by improving your posture. Our best buy? A pair of Fitflops; they help encourage better posture whilst helping to work your calves and glutes.

Beach body hot list:
Look for products that help your body appear firmer and tighter. We'll be hoping to get our hands on the new Biotherm Celluli Laser D.Code. Said to act on genetic and lifestyle induced orange peel skin, it may just be our best weapon yet against dimples.

Meanwhile, for everyday firmness try Jergens Skin Firming Body Moisturiser.

Soft, smooth skin is a beach body must, and not just because it creates a better base for your fake tan. Twice weekly in-shower body scrub sessions in the run up to your holiday will reveal fresher, smoother skin come your beach baring moment. Unless you have sensitive skin, turbo-charge your body scrub by using it on dry skin, applying in circular motions working from the feet up, before you shower.

Body buffing hot list:
Cheap and effective, The Sanctuary Exfoliating Gloves effectively smooth rough skin – use in conjunction with your shower cream. But if you want added extras, like moisturising ingredients, go for a dense salt scrub like Jo Wood Organics Langa Exfoliating Salt Scrub.

Hiding a multitude of sins, today's fake tans provide realistic results – so no more panicking. For the best holiday colour, apply the night before you fly and shower off in the morning. Or if you're using a gradual tanner, start using daily in the week running up to your holiday.

Fake tan hot list:
For natural-looking colour, try Fake Bake Beyond Bronze Self Tan Mousse. A reusable self-tan mitt (try Soltan Beautiful Bronze Self Tan Mitt) helps encourage a more even fake tan application – use it with mousses, lotions and creams (but not sprays, wipes or gradual tans) for fewer streaks.