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Surviving Summertime Colds and Allergies

It’s summer! The time for you to be sporting your summer highlights, beach body, and barely their makeup, but instead, you’re sporting the nasal crease, swollen adenoids, and dark circles under your eyes. While your friends are dancing in the desert, you’re breathing through your mouth and battling with post nasal drip. No time is a good time for allergy and colds, but summer is especially brutal. If you’re finding yourself a target of the summertime blues because cold and allergies have got you down, here are some tips for summer survival.

Summer Colds
Even though the symptoms may be similar, the cold and the allergy are two very different animals. According to Randy Wexler, MD, “A cold is a virus and is different from allergies. The seasonal difference is due to different virus strains in the summer and winter.” That means that just because the majority of people don’t get colds in winter, it doesn’t mean it can’t happen.

Nancy Elder, MF says, “Colds. or upper respiratory infections occur all year round but are more prevalent in colder months. The main difference between summer and winter colds is how commonly they occur.”

Why does it seem that summer colds are worse than winter ones? According to Dr. Elder, it’s all about the timing. “Because colds occur less often in the summer months, I think some people feel a bit put upon when they get a summer cold- it just doesn’t seem fair.”

So what can you do if you find yourself a victim of this injustice? Wexel says, ” The most important precaution is hand washing, and not sharing cups or utensils.

vine vera banner presents Surviving Summertime Colds and Allergies

Summer Allergies
Not much more glamorous than summer colds, summer allergies can usually be identified by congestion, coughing, a runny nose, headaches, and fatigue. How can you tell whether it’s an allergy or a cold? Elder says, “Allergies have a more watery runny nose with lots of sneezing, itchy watery eyes and can change based on physical location ( meaning symptoms may worsen or improve depending on whether or to someone goes from the outdoors into a filtered air house).”

Another way to differentiate between cold and allergies is by the times at which they occur. Seasonal allergies will probably strike about the same time every year and continue throughout the allergy season, while summer colds tend to go away within ten days.

Coping with Colds
Here are a few ways to help survive a cold summer or winter

  • Take an OTC decongestant for a stuffy nose
  • Use a saline spray to keep the nose irrigated
  •  Take an OTC pain reliever to keep fever down and ease pain
  •  Take throat lozenges and cough drops for a sore throat and persistent cough
  •  Gargle with warm salt water to manage and soothe a dry throat
  •  Get plenty of sleep and avoid strenuous exercise
  •  Drink water regularly

While these treatments may relieve symptoms, it is important to know that they may not make the cold go away any quicker, but may help you to be a bit more comfortable while your body fights infection. Allergy sufferers will do best with OTC antihistamines and prescription nasal sprays.

How do you handle your hot weather colds and allergies? Let us know and feel better soon!

Woman refusing offer of cigarettes

Kick Butts This Summer

If you’re still smoking, you must be a pretty tough cookie. Let’s face it, those anti-smoking ads can be pretty discouraging if you don’t want to shake the habit. In fact, if you’re still smoking, that means you’ve toughed it out through media scare tactics, dirty looks, bad seating, no seating, fines, and price hikes- OUCH! But there is one thing that’s going to break you- smoking itself. You may have pretty thick skin when it comes to popular opinion, but lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke can be a lot harder to take in stride. If you are looking to quit this summer, here are a few tips that might be worth checking out.

Find A Reason
If you’re going to do something, you need a reason to do it, and giving up smoking is no exception. Why is it you want to quit? Is it to feel better, look better, lessen your risk of disease, or just to protect loved ones from second-hand smoke? Remember, the first step is motivation.

Don’t Try To Go Cold Turkey
One of the biggest mistakes people, when they attempt to quit smoke, is by trying to do it “cold turkey.” Nicotine withdrawal needs to be done in small doses to avoid unpleasant symptoms.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy
If nicotine cravings prove too overwhelming, replacement treatments including nicotine gum, lozenges, and patches are available, just don’t smoke while you’re using them.

Prescription Pills
Talk about nicotine replacement with a doctor. Medical professionals may be able to refer you to prescription medications that can help to reduce cravings and reduce symptoms of withdrawal.

Get Support
You’re never too tough to ask for help. If you don’t like the idea of asking for assistance from the same people who kept bugging you to quit, consider going to a counselor. Behavioral therapy has been used to varying degrees of success and can increase the odds of quitting in certain people.

Manage Stress
If you look to cigarettes for stress relief, you may want to consider other options. Yoga, massage, Tai Chai, and exercise are all good ways of relaxing butt free.

Avoid Alcohol
Smoking and drinking often go together, as do coffee and cigarettes, and it can be very tempting to smoke after meals. Try to find replacements for cigarette triggering activities and chew gum or brush your teeth after a meal.

Clean Your House
So, you’re probably thinking you’d rather smoke than clean your house any day, but that’s not quite what this advice is getting at. Ashtrays, lighters, and smells can all trigger the desire to smoke. Empty your house of those reminders and try using some air fresheners to rid your home of the smell.

If At First, You Don’t Succeed….
Remember, relapses happen. If you find yourself returning to the nasty habit, just ask yourself what got you smoking again and try to avoid it next time.

Exercise
Movement and exercise can be a good way of curbing your nicotine cravings, and it also keeps your weight down. Next time you find yourself getting the urge to light up, light out!

Are you trying to kick butts this summer? Let us know your best advice! And good luck, we know you can do it!

Woman swimming

Public Pool Safety

Summer is here! The temperature is going up, and we are heading to the pool! Trips to the public pool should be fun, so follow these tips this summer to ensure that nothing will ruin your weekend!

Be Aware of Health Standards
We hate to say it, but some pools have been fined or closed for violating health and safety standards. When choosing a public pool to belong to for the summer, ask when the facility was last inspected. Management is usually happy to show you that they are in compliance with all safety standards, and you will get peace of mind!

Stay Hydrated!
Staying hydrated is one of the most important summer tips. Heat stroke and heat exhaustion can be a big problem during the summer months, and extended sun exposure can cause you serious harm if you aren’t drinking enough water.

Woman applying sunscreen

Slather on the Sunscreen
This is a no brainer. A long day at the pool can be a recipe for disaster if you’re not properly protecting your skin. It is a good idea to put on your sunscreen before you leave the house, at least 15 minutes before you’ll be out in the sun. Also, give your sunscreen plenty of time to sink in, and make sure that you aren’t rubbing off your SPF with your clothing. It’s easy to lose track of time during a day in the sun, but it is important to reapply your sunscreen every few hours- even more often when you’re in the water! The instructions on the bottle will let you know exactly how often to reapply any particular brand. Keep your skin protected at the pool, and don’t let an angry sunburn follow you to work on Monday!

Know Your Surroundings
This is especially important if you have kids. Anytime you are around water, there is danger, regardless of how well you or your family members know how to swim. Public pools can be crowded, and though lifeguards are well trained, it is possible that they will miss a warning sign if there are a lot of people to watch. Make sure you know where you kids are at all times. If you, or anyone in your family, are not  strong swimmers, take a special note of what areas of the pool are safe to be in, and what areas to avoid (deep water, steep inclines, drains, etc). Also, make sure that these areas are properly roped off to decrease the chances of mistakenly entering an unsafe area.

 

Don’t Go Overboard
No, we don’t mean falling into the water. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re having fun in the sun, but it is important to not go overboard, and limit your sun exposure. Too much sun during peak hours can cause serious burns, fatigue, dizziness, heat rash, and several other not so fun complications. Play it safe, and take breaks from the sun every so often so you can enjoy the pool all summer long!

Woman cleansing skin.

Seasonal Skincare

To get the healthiest, most radiant skin, you’ll have to do some year-round maintenance work. One thing that remains constant during every season of the year is that you want to be sure you are protecting your skin against damaging UV rays. However, some other areas of your skincare routine may require tweaks here and there as the seasons, and your skincare needs, change. Discover what the main seasonal concerns are and how you can best address these to keep your skin healthy and happy.

Woman applying a facial mask

Winter
Dry, flaky, irritated and itchy skin are all common complaints during the winter months. In addition to protecting your skin from the sun, you also need to protect your skin from other environmental elements. Harsh winds, freezing temperatures and incredibly dry air can all wreak havoc on your skin in winter and one way to fight back is to keep your skin covered when possible. Items like gloves and scarves can help to easily protect your skin.

You may need to switch out some of your fall products for more heavy duty formulations in the winter. Consider the following ideas when remedying winter skin:

  • Switch from a gel cleanser to a creamy or oil-based cleanser
  • Swap your toner for a more moisturizing one to soothe dry skin after cleansing
  • Look for moisturizers containing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin and ceramides for maximum hydration
  • Use gentle exfoliants on your face and lips to keep dry, flaky skin at bay

Woman touching her skin

Spring
Say goodbye to the dry, flaky skin of winter by starting spring with some much-needed exfoliation. Using chemical exfoliants such as alpha and beta-hydroxy acids is a great way to gently remove dead skin cells and other debris. A homemade scrub of olive oil and sugar is perfect to get your arms and legs glowing again and to keep them looking great, consider investing in a dry brush. You may also want to:

  • Change from heavy moisturizer to a lighter, oil-free moisturizer
  • Keep lips well protected with balms and treatments that contain SPF
  • Store your moisturizing toner for a lightweight toner or essence to treat skin and combat oil
  • Remember that you still need to be protecting your skin with an SPF every day during spring.

Woman in a beach

Summer
Perhaps the biggest complaint regarding summer skincare is the presence of excessive oil. Part of why this happens is that the warm temperature can liquefy the sebum (oil) in your pores, which causes the oil to leak out onto the surface of your skin resulting in unwanted shine. When you mix sweat with the oil, your skin looks not only greasy, but it feels uncomfortable as well. Combat excess oil in the summer by:

  • Use a gel or foaming cleanser to thoroughly remove dirt, oil and sweat from your face
  • Decrease the intensity of your moisturizer to a lightweight lotion or a serum
  • Use beta-hydroxy acid to deep clean pores and help stop excess oil
  • Look for a sunscreen that contains mattifying properties

Summer fashion exposes far more skin, so be sure that you are applying sunscreen to any area of your body that is exposed. A general guideline is to use the equivalent of a shot glass (1 oz) to cover your entire body. If you are using a chemical sunscreen, apply 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure so your skin has a chance to fully absorb the product. Mineral sunscreens can be applied immediately before stepping into the sun. One application of sunscreen a day isn’t enough if you’re going to be outdoors; reapply sunscreen every two hours or after every time you immerse yourself in water. Protective clothing such as hats and sunglasses are also a good idea to protect yourself.

Woman dressed for fall

Fall
Drier skin isn’t the only fall skin concern that you need to be worried about. Your skin may go into a bit of shock after summer and this manifests as visible sunspots and signs of aging like fine lines and wrinkles. With all of the excess oil that your glands produced during summer, you may have enlarged pores heading into the fall. To keep your skin looking healthy in the fall you should:

  • Store your lightweight moisturizers and serums and begin to use a more heavy duty product
  • Use a gentle cleanser, toner and exfoliant because skin is sensitive from UV damage
  • Begin using retinol to erase signs of sun damage from the summer
  • It should go without saying (but we’ll say it anyway) that you need to continue using an SPF daily to protect from further sun damage.

If you are using quality skin care products with great ingredients and formulations, there is a good chance that you won’t need to change your entire collection of products with each season. A few key items here and there can help you keep your skin healthy during every season of the year. Sunscreen is always in season, so don’t forget to stock up on it when you create your seasonal skincare routine.

Friends having fun in a summer BBQ

Resveralife Eat Well: Wine to Pair with Summer BBQs

The summer has not come to an end yet; you still have plenty of time to gather your family and friends for a great backyard barbecue. Whether grilling or preparing real, smoked barbecue, an informal gathering for great food, drink and company is welcome. The beverages of choice commonly associated with backyard barbecues are lemonade, soft drinks, iced tea and beer. Wine is often left out of the barbecue festivities because it can be hard to know what wine to pair with what food you’re making. The first rule of wine pairing is to eat and drink what you like. After all, your enjoyment is the most important aspect of having wine with your favorite foods. However, Resveralife does have several general suggestions when it comes time to uncork your wine bottles and fire up the grill.

Pork brisket on a grill.

Brisket
The Texas staple when it comes to barbecue, beef brisket is definitely a great barbecue food. Often made with a dry rub, brisket begins very fatty but the fat is rendered off of the meat during the smoking process. Because brisket tends to have dry rubs full of spice (and perhaps a hint of sugar) and true brisket is served without sauce, the wine you pair with it needs to be rich and full. A Cabernet Sauvignon is a great pairing for brisket because it features earthy, complex flavors. If you want something that plays perfectly off of the smoky taste of the brisket, consider a Shiraz, which also has earthy notes but also a slight smokiness.

Chicken on a grill.

Grilled Chicken
Chicken, because it is a light meat, is often paired with white wines. Perhaps the most common chicken/white wine pairing is Chardonnay. You can easily enjoy a Chardonnay, just be sure that smooth and dry and not overly buttery. If you’re looking to be a bit more adventurous with your wine, consider reds like a Shiraz or Zinfandel. These two wines pair particularly well if your grilled chicken happens to be smothered in a mouth-watering barbecue sauce. Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and medium-dry Rieslings are also popular pairings for grilled chicken.

Grilled Chicken Burger.

Burgers
The staple of many grilling get-togethers, burgers do not necessarily scream “eat me with wine.” More often it’s beer that will accompany a burger, but think outside the box and consider wine. If you are looking to enjoy a red wine with your juicy burger, look to a Zinfandel. Many Zinfandels are full, ripe and have hints of fruits like blackberry. If you would prefer to enjoy a white wine, consider a Sauvignon Blanc, particularly from New Zealand. These wines are full of an herb flavor in combination with tropical fruits, so the wine does not overpower the burger or vice versa.

Vegetables on a grill.

Grilled Vegetables
Typically meat is the star at a barbecue, but if you have vegetarian friends (or just want some tasty veggies), you can load up your grill with vegetables. Again, because vegetables are light, you are going to most likely select a white wine to pair with your veggies. A Chardonnay may not be the first thing you would think of because many have strong notes of oak. However, there are Chardonnays that feature perfect summer fruits like cantaloup, pineapple and lime. If you want to be a bit more exotic with your pairing, try a Gruner Veltliner white. This is comparable to a Sauvignon Blanc but gives a nice change of pace. Veltliner works excellently with grilled vegetables with notes of green pepper and lime.

Your summer barbecue does not have to stock only coolers full of beer. Enhance your barbecue experience by pairing wines with your foods. And remember, the most important rule in pairing wines with foods is to drink what you like!

Woman cutting tomatoes while cooking

Resveralife Eat Well: Recipes High In Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that provides benefits far beyond supporting healthy immune function. Vitamin C also helps your body heal wounds and create scar tissue, aids in the growth and formation of tissues all over the body and helps maintain skin, bones and teeth.When it comes to enjoying the benefits of vitamin C you can use a skin care product that contains a derivative of vitamin C, such as ascorbic acid, or you can add foods rich in vitamin C to your diet. There are a ton of foods that will get you your daily recommended allowance of vitamin C and we’ve come up with a few recipes for you to try.

Mango Salsa dish

Mango Salsa
Start your summer with a little fiesta and serve up this vitamin C packed appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 1 mango, peeled and diced
  • 3 roma tomatoes, diced
  • ¼ red onion, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
  • juice of 1 lime
  • optional – 1 jalapeno pepper, deseeded and chopped

Preparation
In a small bowl, combine the mango and tomatoes. Add onion and cilantro. If you are adding jalapeno, add it now as well. Either squeeze the lime directly on top of the mixture or pour lime juice over mixture. Toss everything together and you’re ready to snack on this tasty salsa with your favorite chips.

Avocado, Grapefruit and Papaya Salad

Avocado, Grapefruit and Papaya Salad
This light, fresh and colorful salad is perfect for the warmer summer months. An added bonus is how incredibly quick and easy it is to assemble.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups of mixed greens (add kale for additional vitamin C)
  • 2 grapefruits, peeled and quartered
  • 1 avocado, peeled and sectioned
  • 1 small papaya, peeled and sliced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro

Preparation
Grab a medium sized bowl and add the olive oil and lemon juice. Whisk together until well mixed. Add your grapefruits, avocado, papaya and cilantro to the bowl and toss to combine all of the ingredients. Cover your bowl and allow it to sit for at least one hour in the fridge. When you are ready to serve, place a bed of greens on a plate (or in a bowl) and spoon some of the fruit mixture on top.

Broccoli and Parmesan Pasta

Broccoli and Parmesan Pasta
When you want a bit of a heartier meal, try this delicious pasta dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 head of broccoli, washed and chopped
  • 1 16oz container of whole wheat pasta
  • 1 medium onion (yellow or white), peeled and diced
  • 3 cups of vegetable broth
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, chopped
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
  • Cracked black pepper

Preparation
Get a large pot and add your vegetable broth. Bring to a boil. Add your head of broccoli and boil for about three minutes, just until bright green and slightly tender. Remove broccoli with a slotted spoon and bring broth back to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the directions on the package then drain. Place onion, garlic and olive oil in a large saute pan and cook over medium heat for about five minutes. Add your broccoli and cook for another minute then remove from heat. Grab a large serving bowl and combine the broccoli mixture and the Parmesan cheese. Add cracked black pepper to taste and serve.

Vitamin C is available in so many fresh fruits and vegetables that your options for creating dishes that are high in vitamin C are virtually endless. Serve up a cauliflower soup or make a tasty tropical fruit salad. You are only limited by your imagination when it comes to creating delicious vitamin C rich dishes.

Family sitting beside lake

Resveralife Live Well: Favorite Pastimes to Enjoy This Summer

Remember when summer was the most exciting part of the year? You got out of school and you had endless hours of sunshine, freedom and fun. Growing up does not mean that your favorite summer pastimes are just long forgotten, especially if you have children. Chances are that when you were a kid you loved summer with a passion and you can recreate that for your children, or for yourself as a reminder to take a break once in a while. This Resveralife Live Well Guide presents some our favorite pastimes to enjoy this summer.

Closeup of woman having ice cream

Make Ice Cream/Popsicles
Nothing is quite as satisfying as homemade ice cream and as a bonus you can make any flavor that you want. One of our favorites is a classic strawberry ice cream featuring freshly sliced berries. Add a spray of whipped cream and some sprinkles for added indulgence. If you aren’t into the idea of either investing in an ice cream maker or having to do all the work by hand, consider making your own popsicles. As a kid you may have made a low­key orange juice popsicle, but as an adult your tastes have probably matured. Try blending mangoes, pineapples, milk and full fat canned coconut milk and freeze in popsicle molds for a taste of the tropics.

Professional baseball player hitting a stroke.

Take Yourself to the Ballgame
Even if your town isn’t home to a major league team, a baseball game is a great way to enjoy the summer air. Many cities have either minor league or local teams that play and you can join in on the fun. Get into the game and enjoy cheering with a crowd of people. And of course, don’t forget the hot dogs and beer (if you’re legal drinking age of course)!

Man swimming in a swimming pool

Go Swimming
Bonus points if you go swimming in an outdoor pool. Swimming and playing in the water was probably an activity you loved as a kid, so why not take a dip in the summer as an adult. Many areas have outdoor pools that allow you to join via a daily, monthly or yearly membership so that you can go whenever the mood strikes, or when you have a bit of extra time. If there are no outdoor pools near you, check out your local YMCA or look for a gym that offers lap swims or water aerobics to get not only the fun of being in the water, but health benefits as well.

Woman at a garage sale.

Go to a Garage Sale
Depending upon where you live this may or may not have been a part of your childhood summers. Spend a Saturday morning cruising your neighborhood and look at all of the odds and ends your neighborhood has to offer. If you do not live in an area where garage sales are a big deal, such as a major city, head to an antique mall or other vintage stores to browse.

Young boy catching fireflies.

Catch Fireflies
Whether you call them fireflies or lightning bugs, these always signaled the true summer season. Catching fireflies is a great activity to do with your own children or with a date as the end of a romantic, fun evening.

No matter how old you get, there is always room for a bit of play and fun. Spend this summer participating in pastimes that make you feel young and exuberant again.

Woman holding a glass og iced tea

Resveralife Eat Well: Recipes to Celebrate National Iced Tea Day

National Iced Tea day is June 10th, and to get into the spirit we’ve rounded up a list of iced tea recipes from traditional sweet tea to a lemonade/iced tea hybrid. Kick back and relax as you sip your freshly brewed iced tea.

Iced tea with lemon on a wooden table.

Sun Tea
One of the easiest ways to make iced tea is to use this recipe for sun tea. Sun tea is great to make because you can prepare it in the morning before you leave for work and have a glass of iced tea when you get home from work. All you need to make sun tea is a one gallon jug or other container with a top that twists on and off, four family sized black tea bags and one cup of sugar (or sweeten to your liking). In the morning fill your gallon container and add the four tea bags. Twist the top on and set outside in an area that the sun hits continually during the day. Sun tea takes anywhere from four to six hours to make and the longer you leave your container in the sun, the stronger your tea will be. When you’re ready, bring the tea inside and add sugar. If it’s been a hot day the tea should be warm enough to easily dissolve the sugar but if it is not you can remove one cup of tea, boil it and then add the boiled tea and sugar to the container. Let the sun tea cool and place in the refrigerator then pour into glasses and garnish with a lemon.

Iced tea and lemons on a table.

Sweet Tea
Southern sweet tea is one of the greatest treats of summertime, and it’s far easier to make than you’d think. Grab a two-quart container, six regular tea bags, two cups or boiling water, six cups if cold water, one to two cups of sugar and 1/8 teaspoon of baking soda. Use a large glass measuring cup to place both the tea bags and baking soda in then pour in the boiling water. Steep for 15 to 20 minutes, then remove the tea bags. Pour tea into your two-quart container and add sugar. Stir until the sugar is well dissolved and add the cold water. Allow the tea to cool then place in the refrigerator until it is ready to serve.

Lemonate Sweet Tea on a wooden table.

Lemonade Sweet Tea
For a fun twist on two summer classics, try this recipe for lemonade sweet tea. For this recipe you will need a three-quart container, two family sized tea bags, three cups of boiling water, four cups of cold water, six ounces of thawed lemonade concentrate and ½ cup sugar. Steep tea bags with three cups of boiling water then stir in the sugar. Once the sugar is dissolved, pour the tea into your three-quart container and add four cups of cold water and the lemonade concentrate. Stir well and refrigerate before serving. For a fun, fancy touch garnish with freshly sliced lemon or fresh mint sprigs.

Enjoy your iced tea by yourself as a relaxing break in the afternoon or gather some friends for some fun outdoors.

Rear view of woman in swimsuit holding shopping bags.

Resveralife Look Well: Summer Swimsuit Shopping Made Easy

One time of year strikes fear in the hearts of even the bravest of women:  swimsuit shopping time. There are so many strikes against you before you even begin searching for the perfect suit. Dressing rooms are cramped with horrendous lighting and your body is probably pasty white from being covered up all winter. Swimsuit shopping is definitely one of the most dreaded tasks faced when the weather gets warmer. Fear not! These five tips from Resveralife will help you get into the right mindset, and the right suit, without the stress.

Before You Go
A little preparation can go a long way when it comes to swimsuit shopping. One of the best ways to reduce stress and self-consciousness before you even hit the store is to invest some time in a bit of grooming and pampering. Shaving your legs gives you one less cause for concern in the dressing room. You can even take the pampering a bit further by applying self-tanner prior to going out. These two simple acts can be a huge ego boost when it comes to stripping down in the dressing room.

Beautiful woman in a swimsuit.

Know Your Body
Just like there is not one pair of jeans that magically fits every body type, there is no swimsuit that fits every single body and looks magnificent. Spend some time looking at your body and determining what your general shape is. Also, if you have any areas that you want to hide, look for specific cuts that aim at achieving a bit of camouflage. Alternately, there are specific suits that highlight body parts or areas that you want to flaunt. Here’s a super brief guide to suits that fit a few of the most common concerns when swimsuit shopping:

  • Stomach – If you want to hide your stomach a bit, look for swimsuits that have ruching or shirring. These details are forgiving. Additionally, one of the trendiest ways to hit the beach right now is the retro fit suit. Retro suits are especially helpful with concealing weight carried in the lower part of the stomach.
  • Large Bust – Even if you don’t necessarily want to conceal your cleavage, there are certain difficulties that arise with an ample bosom. Look for bra-styled tops, particularly if they are molded cups, and always go for adjustable straps. Some swimsuits are sold by bra size; these can be a great place to start looking for a suit that will be stylish and supportive.
  • Small Bust – Those with less chest are some of the only people for whom bandeau tops work perfectly. If you aren’t into that style, tops with details or texture like ruffles or fringe can give the illusion of curves. Suits that have bra-style padding or push-up tops help create cleavage if you don’t have much naturally.
  • Curvy Body – Curvy bodies are beautiful, but they can be problematic to fit as they are fuller in the breasts, hips and butt. It can seem difficult to find a suit that highlights and fits your shape without looking matronly. Suits that have color blocking enhance and embrace a curvy shape as do retro cut swimsuits.

Young caucasian female shopping for bikini with friend.

Grab a Friend
While the idea of displaying your body to another person during a swimsuit try-on session may make you cringe, it’s actually a great idea. A friend is there to give you an honest, and hopefully tactful, appraisal of how a suit looks on your body. Additionally, if things don’t turn out as you had hoped or you get frustrated and feel defeated, a friend is right there to pick you back up and make you feel awesome about yourself again.

Get Moving
When trying on a bathing suit, the mindset is generally to get in and out as quickly as possible so the experience is as painless as can be. However, your body standing still is much different than your body in motion, and you probably aren’t going to be merely striking a pose in your suit. To get a true idea of whether or not a suit is right for you, it’s important to move around a bit to see how the suit moves with you.

See a Specialist
While large retailers offer a wide variety of swimsuits, if you are having trouble finding one that fits well, head to a swimwear boutique. Sales staff at a specialized boutique will be able to assess your body and address your concerns. A swimsuit may cost a bit more at a boutique, but if the result is the perfect swimsuit that enhances your beauty, the extra cost is well worth it.

Swimsuit shopping may not be the most fun task for warm weather, but it doesn’t have to be completely overwhelming. Follow these tips for easy, stress-free swimsuit shopping.

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