Top 10 beach cheats

Don't go undercover. Boost your beach confidence with these easy beach cheats

Use props

Just because you're wearing less clothing, doesn't mean you can't be well put together. In fact, all the more reason to accessorise. Some funky flip-flops, stylish sunglasses, a striking sun hat and a great bag will dress up any swimsuit and steal some of the focus from your body.

Fake it

The colour of your skin works in a similar way to clothing; the lighter, the worse, when it comes to flattering your figure. Give yourself a base tan without exposing your skin to harmful rays by investing in a fake tan. Thanks to improved technology, these products provide a more natural-looking tan than many of their predecessors. Remember, however, that they don't generally provide sun protection so use a factor suitable for your natural skin colour.

Cover up in style

Bin that oversized tee-shirt or baggy shirt from summers past for a more flattering style. If you want to hide your legs, choose a long sarong. Stick to the dark solids for ultimate flattery. Or pick a suit with a matching skirt for built-in upper thigh coverage. Tie a button down shirt at the waist to hide a tummy that sticks out more than you'd like.

Tone it down

Streamline arms, legs and abs by toning and tightening your muscles with some resistance training. Start lifting weights at least twice a week for each major muscle group (that means arms, legs, abs, back, chest and bum). You can do this in a gym with circuit training or at home with free weights (tins of beans or filled water bottles make great replacements for dumbbells). If you're a beginner, look for videos and books to help you get started.