It is a cruel fact of life that exactly 1.5 months after gouging on holiday feasts, you are expected to slink around in barely-there lingerie for your lover on Valentine's Day (while simultaneously avoiding chocolates and other treats.)
However, if you still haven't loss those 5 pounds of holiday weight gain, don't despair. There are a few tricks to looking better naked without having to hit the gym. Below are fourteen tips for looking sizzling in your birthday suit.
Look better naked tip #1
Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate: especially in the wintertime, skin tends to be dry and flaky, so it's important to scrub off dead skin cells in order to look radiant in the buff.
Look better naked tip #2
If you are self-conscious about your curves, tanning is a great way to look thinner without actually having to diet. For a chiseled face, sweep bronzer across the apples of your cheeks, or for Bar Rafaeli-like legs, use a darker bronzer on the outside of the leg and blend with a lighter shade on the inside. A tan can also hide other imperfections like spider veins and stretch marks.
Look better naked tip #3
Makeup may make you feel sexier; however, you don't want it to smear all over your sheets. Instead of using a heavy foundation or cream, opt for an oil-free tinted moisturizer to even out your skin tone, such as the aptly named Naked Glow Shimmer. It blends easily into the skin, can be used all over your body, and contains tiny light reflecting prisms to give you a dewy, sensuous look.
Look better naked tip #4
Make-up artists swear by Preparation H to camouflage any bruises.
Look better naked tip #5
Another reason to nix the white sheets: colored sheets can give you the appearance of a warmer skin tone, even without a tan.
Look better naked tip #6
Looking sweet is irrelevant if you don't also smell great. Draw attention to your décolletage and wrists by dabbing on a warm, spicy fragrance such as Coco by Coco Chanel.
Look better naked tip #7
Try not to wash your hair if possible. Styling is easier to do on day-old hair and tousled, wavy hair can be sexy.
Look better naked tip #8
And don't forget to groom the hair down there! Accessorize your bikini line with crystals or have it waxed into a playful shape. Or, for those who prefer to go au natural, just a quick trim with scissors can make all the difference.
Look better naked tip #9
Looking good naked isn't just about your body; a soft lighting scheme can help flatter your figure. Avoid harsh fluorescents whenever possible and instead try to incorporate mood lighting, such as candles or floor lamps.
Look better naked tip #10
You will also want to make sure the temperature in the room isn't too hot or cold before ditching your clothes. Too warm will have you sweating whereas icy temps will leave you shivering and your nipples prematurely erect.
Look better naked tip #11
Don't underestimate the power of a simple mani/pedi.
Look better naked tip #12
Eat lightly before stripping down to the nude. (Otherwise you will risk looking like you're pregnant with a food baby.)
Look better naked tip #13
Just because you are naked, doesn't mean you can't accessorize. High heels are sexy and have the advantage of making your legs look especially lean. Or, for a more playful option, don a feather boa or a rocking' piece of jewelry.
Look better naked tip #14
Lastly, don't forget to enjoy yourself. Remember, if you feel sexy and fabulous, you will look it, even in the buff.
