Beauty: Secrets to help you look good

From bloat-inducing foods to avoid, to fast and cheap beauty routines you can do at home, check out these simple ways to look good from head to toe. If you've got a big event ahead and want to look and feel good, there are many tips and secrets to help you achieve that beautiful body

HAVE A QUICK LAST-MINUTE WORKOUT

Although regular exercise is the best route to a great body, last-minute toning before a big event can help your body look better.

To emphasise any muscles on show and/or stomach muscles, give them a workout with targeted exercises such as sit-ups, lunges and bicep curls. The rush of blood to your muscles will temporarily tighten them up to leave them looking more defined.

Not only that, the endorphins released by exercise will help you feel more self-confident.

GET A CELEBRITY SMILE

If your pearly whites are a little off-colour, you can still pull off a dazzling smile with a couple of sneaky tricks.

First, to make your teeth look whiter, use a cool-toned red or pink lipstick with blue undertones and steer clear of yellow or orange tones, which emphasise yellow teeth.

Secondly, dust a bit of bronzer on your face, which will give you a healthy glow and make your teeth stand out and give them a brighter, whiter appearance.

AVOID GAS AND BLOAT-INDUCING FOODS

Although the best route to a flat stomach is an ongoing regime of healthy eating and exercise, cheat your way to a svelter frame before a special event with some careful eating.

To prevent bloating on the day of your big event, limit your intake of high-fibre foods such as certain fruit and veges, beans and grains, which are renowned for causing intestinal gas.

Also avoid salt, carbonated drinks and chewing gum, all of which can cause bloating.

STOCK UP ON TUMMY-FLATTENING FOODS

Besides avoiding certain foods, several foods can be added to your diet to keep your tummy looking flat.

Counteract bloating caused by salt overload in your diet by upping your intake of potassium-rich foods such as bananas and dried fruit. Get rid of excess gas by supplementing your meals with digestive enzymes (such as papain and bromelain) and taking charcoal capsules, which can help to soak up the gas and toxins that lead to bloating.

FAKE YOUR WAY TO BEING A BRONZED BEAUTY

Not only will a wash of colour make you look slimmer, but fake tan can also help disguise cellulite and blemishes and give you that A-list glow.

Furthermore, with a bit of strategic bronzing you can create the illusion of a better body.

To create the appearance of slimmer legs, apply a bit of bronzer down the sides of your legs and some shimmer lotion down your shins. For a better cleavage, dust some bronzer between your breasts and blend to create the illusion of shadow.

DON SLIMMING UNDERWEAR

While it may be "cheating", we're betting there isn't a celeb out there who hasn't employed a bit of help from underwear to help them look good.

If you're looking to smooth out lumps or bumps, treat yourself to some slimming underwear.

Alternately, try a push-up bra to help create a great cleavage, or some padded knickers for a more voluptuous derriere.

To further flatter your figure, try dressing in black or solid block colours.

CREATE A FLAWLESS COMPLEXION

Spots have an annoying habit of popping up when they are least wanted, but there are many things you can do to create the illusion of perfect skin.

If you have an inflamed, hard-to-cover spot, try applying an ice cube to the area for a couple of minutes before applying makeup to reduce the inflammation.

To conceal and counteract redness, apply some green concealer or a bit of white eyeliner to the spot before applying your usual makeup.

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