Beauty blindspots

Time to get targeting those areas of your body that have been out of sight and out of mind since last summer

By Acting Beauty Editor Jessica Hopper
You've felt the temperature rising of late and witnessed the sun finally fighting it's way free. That light jacket you bought for spring is starting to feel a little heavy, and you've got an inexplicable yearning for sangria and flip-flops. That's right, folks – finally, summer is in the air! Of course, this also means that beach season is looming and very soon we'll be busy getting even more forgotten flesh out from underwraps…

So now's the time to pay closer attention to areas that are easily overlooked – the upper arms, the thighs, the tootsies – the beauty blindspots that are often out of sight, out of mind.

Beauty blindspot 1: Your back
An area easily neglected as, without the help of an oversized mirror and rotating neck, it's not a part of our bod we can see that well. But achieving a beautiful back needn't be time or cash-consuming and once those slinky backless tops come back out of the closet, you'll be thankful you bore it in mind. A long winter of central-heated offices, icy weather and whipping winds will probably have left dead skin cells in its wake, so make your move towards the perfect flipside by treating yourself to the perfect body brush. Elemis' Pure Natural Cactus Bristle Brush (£16) will banish any dead skin cells left over from the cold spell leaving skin dewy, not dreary, as well as helping to tone those back muscles. What's more, the extra long handle makes it ideal for those hard to reach places.

Target those bumpy bits now and you won't be hiding under a sarong come summer...Many of us suffer the odd breakout on our backs, not surprising really when you think how often it sees the light of day! Treat the area to a regular refreshing spritz of Clinique's Back and Chest Spray (£13) from their Anti-Blemish Solutions range – it helps clear up any unwelcome breakouts whilst preventing them from returning too, plus the 360-degree spray radius makes it perfect for difficult to reach spots.

Beauty Blindspot 2: Upper arms
Whoever invented the phrase 'bingo wings' – and we'd bet our new Chanel lippy it was a man – should be shot on sight. But sleeves will soon become strappy and so it's time to take note of that hidden area south of our shoulders.

Don't fret! A few simple skincare investments teamed with a short daily session of toning exercises will soon have those upper limbs in shape. If you fear the dreaded arm wobble, then slather those upper arms in Jiggle Gel (£17.50) from kitsch and cutesy beauty brand Benefit. This potent, water-based gel is fab on flab and puffiness, plus you don't have to stop at the arms – use it anywhere on your body that needs a little de-jiggling.

Beauty Blindspot 3: Thighs and bum
Even if your skirt hem remains below the knee this season, it's likely you'll be showcasing your thighs and bum at some point, be it on a beach or around a pool. Target those bumpy bits now and you won't be hiding under a sarong come summer. The beauty market is flooded right now with anti-cellulite products to help you on your way, so have a good look at what's on offer and find one that's right for you. Poetics Cosmetics Fat Girl Slim (£25) is well worth a look, as is Garnier Bodytonic Rollerball (£6.99) – this bump-busting formula comes with a unique roll-on applicator that massages the serum deep into any wobbly bits, leaving them quivering with fear!

Beauty Blindspot 4: Knees and Elbows
Your knees and elbows are the roughest, driest areas of skin on your body, so they'll require a little extra special TLC in time for our favourite season. Whilst in the shower, take the time to treat them to a dose of Clinique's Sparkle Skin Body Exfoliating Cream, which polishes any dry, rough areas and leaves the skin cool, refreshed and smooth. And don't forget to moisturise! Invest in an intensely rich body cream specially formulated for dry skin, like Biotherm Baume Corps (£16), and apply to damp skin within three minutes of your bath or shower to help lock in extra, essential moisture.

Beauty Blindspot 5: Feet
Sandal season is imminent, and sun-shy toes have nowhere to hide in skimpy flip-flops! Time to pay some much-needed attention to those tootsies. Keep feet looking their best with Crabtree & Evelyn's handy 2-in-1 Sage Foot Brush (£6.50) – a pumice on one side for smoothing calluses and rough spots, and soft nylon bristles on the other for keeping toenails and cuticles spotless.

Wave dry, cracked, tired soles goodbye with a daily dose of Margaret Dabbs Intensive Treatment Foot Oil (£20, 0207 487 5510), to give long-lasting and effective relief. Finish with a slick of hot pink nail polish – like Bourjois' new So Laque Nail Enamel in Fuchsia Provoc (£4.95, 0800 269 836), this summer's must-have shade, and start showcasing those beautified feet in your gorgeous new sandals or skyscraper wedges.

These forgotten areas may go unnoticed to you, but during the warmer months they're the parts of your body everyone else notices, especially if they're not up to scratch! So stop ignoring your beauty blindspots now. Come summer, you'll be pleased you didn't.