Beach Body Essentials

It’s swimsuit season! Before you hit the beach, remember there’s a lot more to looking great than just the right suit! Check out these awesome ideas on how to get the total “beach bod” package, including tips on how to keep more money in your pocket!

The warmth of summer is intoxicating, and you may find yourself spending hours in the sun and swimming languidly in chlorinated swimming pools ~ both of which can take their toll on hair. Our model, Nicole Pagan, 22, of Worcester, spritzed some of Kenra’s Daily Provision on to prevent breakage and control frizz. Try the leave-in spray before jumping in the ocean or a pool to protect and condition your hair. $15, kenra.com.

Kristen Catalina, 24, of Worcester, slathered on some of Kniepp’s Almond Blossom Body Lotion for her shoot. The ultra-hydrating lotion, which is not tested on animals, combines sweet almond oil, avocado and jojoba. $22, kneippus.com.

Joshua Backstrom, 24, of Worcester, grabbed some Dr. Hauschka Translucent Bronze Concentrate to get a natural-looking glow. The tone was light and natural and plant extracts and oils left his skin feeling healthy. Our fair-skinned photographer tried some on his arms and found it worked just as well on light skin!$39.95, drhauschka.com.

Want to get your own glow? It’s always a good idea to exfoliate before using bronzer, and Clairvoyant Beauty’s Blue Green Algae Body Polish is an absolutely amazing way to do so ~ cleaning off dead skin cells and moisturizing your skin to prep for that all-over tan. $43, clairvoyantbeauty.com.

Nicole is ready for sun or rain with Kinesys’ alcohol-free sunscreen ~ SPF 30, of course. The water-resistant formula blocks UVA and UVB rays, goes on easy and has a light mango scent. Remember, it’s all about safe … sun. $6.99/$18.99, kinesys.com.

Meanwhile, Joshua upped the ante for this photo shoot with Orico Rush Hour Dry Body Oil. The oil is rich in vitamins, antioxidants and moisturizing oils, so Nicole didn’t mind at all! You’ve worked hard to get that beach body, make sure others take notice! $40, oricolondon.com.

Like going green? So does Kristen… She spritzed on some Lavender Hydrating Mist for Skin & Hair by John Masters Organics. This product is great on the go ~ hydrating anywhere, anytime! $16, johnmasters.com.

And, don’t forget your lips this summer. Kristen kept her lips soft with Dr. Hess’s Udder Ointment. With SPF 15, you can go plain-Jane with the original chapstick or ad some flavor to your pout with Pomegranate, Mango or Vanilla Mint. $10 for a four-pack, udderointment.com.

Need a last-minute, all-inclusive product for the beach? Take a page from Sam Holding, 19, of Marshfield, and try Davines’ Authentic Moisturizing Balm. It works for hair, face and body. With jojoba, shea butter and safflower and sesame oils, you’ll be soft enough to touch. $26.50, davines.com.
Hair and make-up artist Lillian Clemmey, 22, of Worcester, brought a sexy shine to Kristen’s locks with LUSH Sea Spray. The sea salt, seaweed and sea water mist added plenty texture to Kristen’s hair. Even better, Kristen couldn’t stop raving about the fabulous fragrance! $12.95, lushusa.com.

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Dress up your look with jewelry designed fro the beach

Nothing sets off a great swimsuit like a great piece of jewelry. But if you actually want to do more than just lie on the sand, jewelry can be a no-no.

Enter Pame Designs out of Aspen, Colo. Designer Pam Sweeney combines a bohemian look, inspired by the beauty of the natural environment, and organic materials like agate stones and Tahitian pearls. The pieces are versatile and work great for summer travel. Even better, all of the pieces go through Sweeney’s surf test.

Living an active lifestyle herself, Sweeney tests out each design, taking the pieces from surfing in the morning to drinks in the evening. If the piece makes it to sunset, it’s good to go.

Celebrities like Hilary Scott of Lady Antebellum, Hayden Panettiere, Brooklyn Decker, Giuliana Rancic and Kristin Davis have all been spotted in her designs.

Pame Designs donates a percentage of proceeds to surfrider.org, an organization dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans. For more information, visit pamedesign.com.

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Get your beach look for less

By Kyrenya McNamara

Summer is here, and what represents summer better than going to the beach or local lakes? Often, we spend too much money on the trendiest articles of clothing to give our swimsuits that right touch, evoking the vibrant feeling that warm weather gives us.

With the tough economy, everyone is looking to save a few bucks. Consignment shopping offers the best of both worlds ~ great trends and more money in your pocket. Try these finds at a local consignment shop:

A cute beach bag that would normally sell at regular stores for $35 and more can be found at a consignment store for $7-$20.
Sometimes all you need are big earrings, nothing else! To compliment your wardrobe, jewelry can be found from $3-$15 at a consignment store. Bracelets, anklets and toe rings from consignment stores can give the simplest of outfits the right touch.
Another great find at consignment stores is the assortment of sunglasses. Pick up designer sunglasses that cost a $150-$200 in a department store for the bargain price of $35-$75.
Of course, sandals and scarves are a great way to add a finishing touch to your swimsuit outfit. Sandals of all designs and brands can be found in consignment for $6.50-$15. Add a little to the price if you’re looking for a designer sandal.
Local artists often make organic lip balms that are a great addition to your beach bag. Some stores carry these items for $2-$4.

Make summer fun and economical by reusing and recycling at your local consignment store!

Kyrenya McNamara is the owner of KCouture Consignment, 126 June St. Worcester. KCouture is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. -3 p.m. Saturday. For more information, visit kcoutureconsignment.com or check out Facebook and Instagram.

Photography by: Justin Mayotte of Flash House Studios | Hair & make up by: Lilly C. | Special thanks to Cafe Manzi for supplying the catering.