Resort-o-Rama: Looking Good at the Beach

It's always a double-edged sword--a fantastic invite to a beach house sounds relaxing but parading around in the social equivalent of underwear can inspire dread in even the skinniest female.

What to do? Well, here are a few tips on what to pack and how to wear it.

First, make sure that you pack your bathing suit in your carry-on.
This is important as luggage is often late and occasionally never arrives at your end destination. If you take care to pack a bathing suit (two-piece), a lightweight sarong and a pair of flip flops you are set for at least two days without luggage. You see, the bathing suit can be used in place of underwear and washing it every night involves wearing it during your before-bed shower. It's Lycra, so it will dry quickly and be ready for wear once again in the morning. Plus, for those of us who feel uncomfortable showing our stomachs (that would be 99.9% of the female population, thank you very much) you can use the sarong as a waist tie coverup or loop it around the neck and then the bustline like a halter dress. You would be surprised how far an opaque sarong in a silk or silk blend can get you. Cocktails, anyone?

Secondly, pasty pale skin is an invitation for gawking (not to mention sunburn). High SPF is crucial especially when you've been hiding under sweaters for months. Try the L'Oreal line with Mexoryl. The top-notch european sunscreen additive gives you the highest SPF protection without the greasy zinc oxide-lifeguard look of the '80s. Keep an eye out for L'Oreal La Roche-Posay Anthelios SX. Neutrogena's Helioplex additives in their long-wearing sunscreen provide nearly the same effect for half the cost.

If you're embarassed to have your ghostly legs out and about for everyone to see, try a little body bronzer. A lotion with self-tanner additives will provide you some light color if you begin applying it at least two weeks in advance but body bronzers such as Scott Barnes' Body Bling can give you a light toasty glow in just minutes without the harsh orange undertones of most self-tanning sprays and lotions. Plus, no orange palms to give away your secret!

Third, be realistic about your vacation. Sure, it's nice to think that you'll be wearing heels in the sand at fabulous cocktail parties but how many times does that actually happen? And when it does, do you ever really enjoy yourself as you try to avoid teetering into the ocean navigating the ubiquitous beach-side BBQ? Take some cute flats and slip-ons and be done with it. As always, pedicures are a necessity, ladies, since those feet have been hiding in winter boots and are probably looking a little scary.

Lastly, a hat. Yes, I know, you look like Ethel Merman in a hat but think of the alternative. A hat now saves a facelift later. Sun exposure is the number one aging influence on our skin. Would you rather wear a hat today or look like a leather handbag in 10 years?
Hmmmm? I'd rather find a snappy hat with at least a three-inch brim and wear that sucker with confidence knowing that all those wake-and- bakes that are snickering at me behind my back will be envious of my youthful unlined un-sun spotted skin down the road. Keep a pair of sunglasses on at all times when you are outside as well. Not only does it prevent crows-feet from squinting and keep harmful UV rays away from the thinnest skin on your face but it helps prevent macular degeneration (that would be going blind because of damage to your eyes from UV rays). Prevention is the key to long-lasting beauty so put on that hat and work it!

Other things to bring along to the beach include reading material, water bottle (hydrated skin is plump skin), an army of t-shirts in quick-dry fabrics with Lycra-blends, at least three bathing suits for rotational purposes (no one likes to put on a wet bathing suit--ick), and a pair of walking shorts. Shopping is always on the agenda but you may occasionally foray off into the wilderness of whatever locale you are visiting to view, say, Mayan ruins. It helps to have a pair of shorts you are comfortable walking distances in so you don't have to trek through the jungle in a pair of terrycloth short-shorts and a tank top. Your cute slip-ons (try the new ones from Keds) will suffice for medium-distance jaunts but consider an actual hybrid hiking shoe if you are going anywhere that involves rocks, steep inclines, or lots of stairs.

Next week: Safari! How to look good in the outback.

by Christina Kale