How to effectively hide cellulite and stretch marks

We all get a bit panicky when an important event or summer is coming and our bodies aren't in tip top shape. Cellulite and stretch marks particularly make us feel self-conscious, but they shouldn't be a reason not to wear out favourite clothes or avoid going to the beach or pool. There are a few simple tips and tricks that will help us hide our cellulite and stretch marks quickly and rock any swimsuit with all the confidence needed.

1. Get tanned to hide cellulite

You've probably noticed that after you get tanned your skin looks a bit tighter and way more toned. Well using the same principle, you could get an organic tan before a big event in order to make cellulite less noticeable. Hopefully you're not one of the women who choose to get "roasted" in those UV tanning beds, which actually are a lot more harmful to the skin than any sort of anti cellulite cream. Use a sunless tanning product which is going to give you a bronze glow that's also going to disguise the stretch marks.

Go to a salon to get a spray tan, which uses a fine mist of self-tanner to coat your body and usually offers the most streak-free finish. Or you can choose the cheaper way to get a tan by opting for creams, gels and mousses that you can use at home. Follow the instructions carefully, and make sure to exfoliate your skin before applying the product to achieve the most natural-looking tan.

2. Use makeup to hide cellulite

Cosmetics don't only conceal the imperfections on our faces, they can also be used to temporarily hide the imperfections on our bodies. Facial concealer can hide stretch marks and bronzing gel can give you a nice golden glow, plus these are really easy to wash away just by using soap and water.

As you probably know from your full face coverage routine, pink or red marks should be covered with a green-tinted concealer that counteracts redness. Apply a concealer in the shade of your skin on top of the green one. For your cellulite, try a moisturizer with light-reflecting properties to help make your skin texture appear smoother.

3. Hide cellulite with the right clothes

Don’t opt for clothing made of fabric that’s tight and clingy like Lycra or spandex to avoid calling attention to the dimpling. If you’re trying to hide stretch marks in a swimsuit, choose a one-piece suit to hide stomach marks. If you have stretch marks on your upper thighs, opt for a two-piece style and choose boy shorts or a skirted bottom.

The easiest way to hide stretch marks and cellulite is to choose clothing that covers them. If you have cellulite on your upper arms, stay away from tank tops and sleeveless blouse and instead choose shirts that end at around your elbow. For cellulite on the thighs, pick skirts that hit at the knee and long walking shorts.

4. Heat conceals skin imperfections

Your skin swells when it's warm - this makes stretch mark lines and cellulite dimples look less obvious. If you’re going to be wearing a swimsuit, try taking a hot shower or bath beforehand. Even a soak in a hot tub can help.

A quick 20-30-minute workout can also help improve your skin tone so cellulite and stretch marks aren’t quite as obvious. A brisk walk or jog helps boost circulation so your skin looks more radiant and toned. If you have stretch marks and cellulite on your arms, try lifting weights or doing a few pushups to temporarily tighten and smooth the area.

Quick tips and steps to reduce cellulite:

• Massage skin with a cellulite-reducing cream that contains caffeine.
• Boost circulation with creams that contain vitamin C and gingko.
• Mix your used coffee grounds with a spoonful of olive oil, then leave the mixture in the refrigerator until cold. In the shower, rub the coffee grounds into cellulite for up to 15 minutes. Leave the mixture on for 30 minutes, then rinse off. Apply moisturizer after.
• Squat, lunge, deadlift. Do these exercises to strengthen your muscles and make cellulite less noticeable.
• Body brush in circular, upward motions before getting into the shower to reduce cellulite. Apply moisturizer to the damp skin.

What you need to get rid of cellulite:

• tanning lotion
• tanning spray
• bronzer
• concealer
• moisturizer
• olive oil
• towel
• anti cellulite cream
• coffee grounds
• body brush