Fast body fixes

If you\'ve been so busy packing and planning for that long-awaited holiday that you\'ve neglected your body, have no fear. We\'ve got 10 fast fixes to ensure you can strut your stuff on the beach in total confidence.

Size me up

First things first, the right suit for your shape is essential to looking killer on the beach. Easier said than done, right? For the tear-free solution get someone else to do the hard work for you. Debenhams Personal Shoppers have aided many a distraught handbag staffer in her time of fashion need, be it a last-minute cocktail dress, a new bra and yes, bikinis. They also stock a great range of sizes (a relief for us bigger bosomed gals) and best of all the service is free with no pressure to buy.

Debenhams Free Personal Shopper, debenhams.com.

Get groomed

Great grooming or a bit of \"lady farming\" as we like to call it, is a sure-fire way to look good and feel confident. If you don\'t want to DIY, try one of the new 3-in-1 body blitz treatments. Groom in London offers Beach Babes Hour, where two therapists double up to do a lash tint, manicure or pedicure and a half-leg, bikini or underarm wax. Or for treatments in your own home head online and book a Return To Glory Beauty Pick And Mix. A multi-skilled mobile therapist will arrive at your door for two hours of pre-holiday prep. For a long-lasting nails, try the Calgel Everlasting Manicure or Pedicure that lasts chip-free up to six weeks.

Beach Babes Hour at Groom, £90, groomlondon.com
\r\nReturn To Glory Beauty Pick And Mix, £90 for two hours, returntoglory.co.uk
\r\nCalgel Everlasting Manicure or Pedicure, from £40 each, calgel.co.uk.

Green tea

If you can\'t bear to be without that morning cuppa, by all means have one, but for the rest of the day try to sip some green tea, which helps rid your body of fluid and make you feel less bloated. If you can\'t stand the bitter taste, try a blend made with citrus (Twinings do a pleasant tasting brew), or better yet Clipper\'s Green Tea With Nettle, which helps promote cleansing in the body and the removal of toxins.

Yoga, girl

Even after just one class of gentle Hatha, we felt our stomach firmer, not to mention our body and mind relaxed. Along with classes before you go, see if there are any at your holiday destination. Otherwise try and learn a few simple moves so you can do some stretches before you hit the beach.

For yoga classes visit Yoga.co.uk
\r\nYogalates For Weightloss, £3.97 from amazon.co.uk.

Scrub up well

Along with making your bod silky smooth to the touch, body scrubs do wonders for making you look all glowing and healthy. We love Aveda\'s Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub, which gets the job done fast and is tough enough to slough off those dry skin nasties that don\'t seem to budge (like the backs of thighs and bums), yet is gentle enough not to leave you red raw. Team with the matching body creme for super soft skin and a body that smells like it\'s already landed in the tropics.

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Scrub £28, and Body Crème £26 from aveda.co.uk.

Sex

We always knew a bit of between the sheets action made us feel goddess-like, but now it\'s been proven that sexcan reduce stress levels. Plus, the post-romp tousled hair and rosy glow is a perfect beach look.

Fake tan

You knew this one was coming, but if you\'re a newbie fear not. The technology is so advanced and the products so varied (gradual self-tan moisturisers, wash-off, gels, sprays, lotions) that a fake tan is virtually foolproof. To be pro by faux, check out handbag.com\'s fake tan commandments.

Feeling hot, hot, hot

You are what you eat, so be a hottie by eating that natural fat burner, chillies. We like frying them gently in a bit of olive oil then drizzling the mixture over grilled vegetables, chicken or a small portion of whole wheat pasta.

Oil, oil everywhere

From shimmering body oils to give you a sexy glow (check out our pick of the best shimmering body oils here) or hydrating oils to leave your skin silk smooth. Feeling stressed? Try a healing balm - we like the ones from Tisserand and Neal\'s Yard Remedies. And for irritated skin, try adding a few drops of pure lavender, tea tree or myrrh to plain lotion, witch hazel or aloe vera gel to soothe everything from spots to sunburn.

It\'s all in the mind

Body envy affects us all (even Kate Moss probably despairs over young Agyness) so resist the urge to keep comparing yourself to other women. And on the other hand, there\'s always going to be someone worse off than you. Whether it\'s your soft skin, gorgeous smile or your strong legs, be happy for the things you do have and try and forget about the rest. Check out our tips on being happy in your own skin.

Why not take a peek at our favourite black bikinis to have you looking sleek and sexy on the beach.