The Memorial Day Beauty Countdown: How to Prep in 5 Days or Less

It’s official: This weekend finally kicks off the start of summer. Whether you’ve been sipping kale juice and attending weekly SoulCycle classes in preparation or doing, well, a little less than that, there’s still time to get beach-ready. With five days left until Saturday, here’s exactly what you need to do before hitting the sand.

Five Days Prior: Eat Right
“Avoid any inflammatory foods,” says New York City nutritionist Robin Barrie, M.S., R.D., C.D.N., C.S.S.D., who suggests cutting out salt and sugar from your diet the week you plan on breaking out a new bikini. “Stick to foods low in carbs and high in protein,” since bread and white flour retain excess water in your body. “Studies show that omega-3s can help reduce bloat, so be sure to make salmon and egg whites a priority,” adds Barrie. Cut back on alcohol and carbonated beverages, as well as raw vegetables that cause puffiness, like broccoli and cauliflower. When it comes to flat-ab-friendly snacking choices, Greek yogurt, almonds, and cucumbers, which are high in water and fiber, are smart bets.

Three Days Prior: Prep Your Skin
On the morning you plan to schedule your hair removal, exfoliate and moisturize the skin in advance at home. “I love dry buffing,” says Dallas-based star aesthetician Joanna Czech, referring to the pre-shower ritual that involves using a special bath brush to smooth along the back of the legs, elbows, and knees. Next, she advises clients to use Biologique Recherche’s silicone massage gloves, which stimulate lymphatic drainage and improve the appearance of overall skin tone, to apply a hydrating concoction made from a drop of La Mer’s Genaissance mixed with the company’s Reparative Body Lotion.

Afterward, you’ll be prepped and ready for your appointment. “All waxing should be done about 72 hours before you’re exposed to the sun,” says Czech, who explains that it’s important to be sure skin is calm and any trace of redness is gone before you put on your swimsuit and expose the area to sun and sand.
 
Two Days Prior: Schedule a Pedicure
Slough off the effects of a long, dry winter with an intensive pedicure that involves a callous-reviving peel if necessary. “It’s left on for 10 minutes, then heels are gently scrubbed away with a foot file to reveal soft, summer-ready feet,” says Nadine Abramcyk, cofounder of New York’s Tenoverten salon, where the treatment is a favorite. To prolong the benefits of your pedicure, Abramcyk recommends applying moisturizer to the bottoms of feet after the shower in the days that follow. “It’s important to lock in the hydration while skin is still semi-wet.” For the most beach-friendly shade, pick a chip-resistant polish that pops against your skin color, like Tenoverten’s Mott—a universally pretty deep fuchsia hue.

One Day Prior: Book a Spray Tan
A ghostly pallor is no match for a good spray tan strategy. Skin should already be well exfoliated and moisturized by this point, to prevent streaking. In terms of timing, the New York–based guru Anna Stankiewicz recommends booking a session for the day before the beach and then waiting to shower at least eight hours post-appointment. If you can’t get an appointment with a professional, applying a formula, like St. Tropez’s Express Bronzing Mousse, with a foam mitt will keep palms from turning orange and distribute the color more evenly. Wash your hands immediately afterward and allow at least 10 minutes to dry before putting on loose clothes.

The Day of the Big Reveal
While your newfound tan may look great, it won’t protect you from the sun’s harsh rays. Generously layer on SPF and reapply every two hours. For an added healthy glow, try one of the new SPF-infused oils by Clarins or Supergoop! to give skin a hint of radiance.

 

 

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