How to Look Good Naked Without Working Out
How to Look Good Naked — Without Lifting So Much as a Finger
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I neglect the gym so often that New York Health and Racquet Club once called to ask if I was still alive. No one will ever call me the healthiest kid on the block; my preferred arm workout is opening bottles of wine, and my diet is probably 75 percent gouda cheese. That said, I do have an arsenal of beauty tips to keep myself looking good naked (because priorities). Keep reading to see the eight things you can do to look steamy — without breaking a sweat.
Brush Your Body
This ancient Ayurvedic practice involves stroking a large paddle brush (such as this $5 option) in circular motions over your skin just before showering. Proponents of this routine (such as yours truly) swear that it increases circulation and lymphatic flow in skin tissue, along with reducing swelling. While body brushing will not reverse cellulite (there's no miracle cure for it, sorry), it can reduce its appearance. Just be sure to be gentle while brushing your fine self, especially on sensitive spots like your breasts and tummy.
Exfoliate Bacne
As a reformed bacne-picker, I can assure you that DIY extracting is not the route to go. Instead, opt for an in-shower treatment such as the Cane + Austin Body Retexture Lotion ($48). It's similar to a face wash, but instead of targeting pimples, it goes for harsher body breakouts. If you've got keratosis pilaris (tiny red bumps that can strike your upper arms, thighs, or butt), this will work to keep that at bay. If you want a thriftier option, you can go with good old Clean and Clear Exfoliating Scrub ($4). I've found it works best to treat bikini-line bumps.
Get a (Safe, Temporary) Tan
"Oh, look, you have a six-pack now!" my lovely tan lady always says whenever I go in for a spray. If you don't have the time to book an appointment but need an instant glow, never fear — there are plenty of lotions that impart a safe one. Isle of Paradise Disco Tan Instant-Wash Off Bronzer ($22) lasts for just one shower, so it's a great in-a-pinch product.
Highlight Your Assets
Highlighting isn't just for your cheekbones or Cupid's bow; you can also smear liquid luminiser over the rest of your body. I like dotting my collarbone with Chantecaille Liquid Lumière in Luster ($44), then buffing it in with a kabuki brush for a vibrant rose gold flush. The Kora Organics Noni Glow Body Balm ($34) might look like a deodorant, but don't put it under your pits. Instead, swipe the highlighter over the high point of your shin. This is a trick I stole from a publicist friend who always looks great in miniskirts — the subtle shimmer will make your legs look as great as they do in stilettos (thankfully without the foot pain).
Book Some Me Time
Yes, I'm serious. One way to look better naked involves lying down and closing your eyes. Swedish massages improve blood circulation, moisturise skin, and stimulate cell regeneration.
Go Nude
One sneaky little hack I learned after choosing neutral nail polish because it was super popular a few years ago is that painting your toesies a colour that's close to your own skin tone creates the illusion of longer limbs. You'll look a little taller and slimmer if you put down the fuschia and go monochromatic.
Set the Mood
By now, we all know the importance good lighting plays in capturing a fierce selfie. You may have even pulled a Kim K and invested in a flashbulb iPhone appliqué. Similarly, deck out your home (or wherever you're trying to look good naked) with a flattering light. Not only do Himalayan salt lamps ($15) supposedly expel bad energies, but they also impart a supersexy red glow all over a room.
Mask More Than Just Your Face
Masking isn't just for your visage anymore. You can adorn pretty much every part of your body with a patch. Pop on the Sio Beauty Skin Pad ($50) while you sleep, and you'll wake up to a noticeably smoother and lifted décolletage. If you're pregnant, you can also dress up your belly with a $12 "facial."
