St Tropez Tan: Part of my bikini body routine

Staying healthy and in shape is super important to me. But of course there are a ton of things I do to keep my bikini body ready (BESIDES the St Tropez tan!). I generally maintain a pretty healthy diet, but those of you that know me also know I’m a huge fan of the occasional bacon cheeseburger and fries! Come on, a girl has to live a little. Below are the basics of my bikini body routine.

Step 1)

Exercise. I start out at least five days a week working out. Whether it be running on the treadmill in my gym, doing Barry’s Bootcamp or, one of my all time favorite workouts in the comfort of my own home, Brazil Butt Lift. Ha, yes, I was one of those people that watched that infomercial for hours on end believing I could get that Victoria Secret body they kept showing over and over again! But, honestly, it’s an amazing workout. Perfect for the ideal bikini body! The key to exercise is that it doesn’t matter where you do it; outdoors, the gym or your living room, you just have to DO IT! Ok, I’m not plugging Nike here, although I love my Nike’s 🙂

Step 2)

Exfoliate. This is SO important ladies: I exfoliate my body daily. First, I start with dry brushing my entire body before jumping in the shower each morning. I begin at my ankles and work my way up. It gets my circulation flowing and also helps remove dead skin. Once in the shower, I use my favorite drugstore body wash by Soapsoap. It’s their Coconut Exfoliating Scrub and is a basic staple that I’ve been using for at least 5 years.

Last but not least, probably my favorite product in this post, is the BECCA Coffee Scrub. I use this 2-3 times a week on my problem area, my bum! After scrubbing, let it sit on the skin for at least 5 minutes before washing it off. It immediately helps smooth out my skin and leaves it virtually “dimple free.”

Step 3)

Target that cellulite! I have this amazing little tool I ordered on Amazon. I know you have all seen this little contraption and probably think it’s a joke. How could some little circular object with a handle help combat cellulite? But it works! Of course , you have to eat right and exercise, but with regular use it definitely helps break down those pesky lumps and bumps. All you have to do is use it with a great lotion and massage in a circular motion for 5-10 minutes. I normally do it while watching T.V. and it is actually pretty relaxing. Shouldn’t be hard to get the man in your life to help out with that one either! You can also use it with one of my favorite serums by Nivea, Goodbye Cellulite for a little more help, but regular lotion works great too!

Step 4)

Moisturize. This is the key to beautiful, healthy skin. I have been moisturizing my entire body, head to toe, for as long as I can remember. Starting in elementary school.  No joke! Use a moisturizer that is for your body type and go from there. My all time favorite body lotion is Nivea Essentially Enriched for extra dry skin. I have been using this lotion for at least 10 years, maybe longer. Also, you want to keep up the sunscreen to prevent sun damage to your skin!

I know we all want that golden tan, but the sun does so much damage to your skin that it will break down your collagen and will cause premature aging and even worse, could cause skin cancer. Staying out of the sun and wearing sunblock have been my saving grace! I still rock an amazing tan, but it’s fake and I LOVE it…so now I’m sure you can guess what my final step is for getting my bikini body ready?

Step 5 – The St Tropez Step

Self Tan. This is one of my favorite steps! Duh! I am obsessed with self tanners. You are all aware by now that this obsession exists. If you follow my blog regularly, you know how many self tanners I have reviewed. Well, my most recent purchase happens to be by the longtime cult favorite tanning company, St. Tropez. I often switch my tanners up just because I love trying different products, and it’s part of my job, but this latest find, St. Tropez Dark Tanning mousse, is just that: DARK! 

If you are new to tanning, you may want to start with something a tad lighter because, with this one, you have to move quickly while applying (that’s why I think it’s perfect for the pros!). But if you have your heart set on the darkest tan I’ve come across in a bottle, the St Tropez tan is the one for you! It instantly gives you a deep, dark, golden tan in minutes.

You will want to make sure you give it at least 5-10 minutes to dry before getting dressed then you’re good to go. I’ve found that the initial color can rub off on your clothes if you sweat, etc, but after 3 hours you can wash it off and you’ll be left with the most beautiful tan on the planet. It is a bit on the pricey side, but it’s oh so worth it! The St Tropez tan is my new go-to.

Step 6)

Grab your bikini (with your St Tropez tan, of course) your sunblock, hat and favorite sunglasses (maybe a cocktail) & head to the pool!

What a perfect way to spend a much deserved day off-