Hair today . . .

While the SATC girls would have you believe that the only way to a fuzz free bikini line is to undergo the momentary torture of waxing, there is an alternative.

Hair removing creams have come a long way in the last few years. No longer are they so pungent that the neighbours start worrying about a chemical spill; they're also pretty much mess free.

Veet have been in the business a long time, and, in my opinion, have perfected their formula. The Veet Bikini and Underarm Cream is extremely easy to apply, takes just five minutes to work, and comes off easily with the spatula, without getting spread around the bathroom. Use before a shower, and follow with the gentle finishing cream for a silky smooth finish.

Soap it up . . .

If you're anything like me, ie busy, there's not a hope you'll have stuck to your plans of body moisturizing every day. Hell, I can just about manage my facial beauty routine. The lazy girl's key to soft skin is a great shower gel, and you can't get much better than L'Occitane Moisturising Almond Shower Oil (£14). Pricey I know, but worth it. Decadently soft, and wonderfully scented, this is a real treat for the skin and senses.

Proud to be a scrubber . . .

Slough away dead skin, and leave it ready to receive some pampering, with The Body Shop Shea Body Scrub, (£12). Exfoliating salt grains and organic sugar buff without scratching, while shea butter and soy oil leave skin extra silky.

It's what's inside that counts It may not be the prettiestly packaged product on the shelf, but if you have dry skin, you need E45. My cousin introduced me to it, as she has a severe skin condition, and it's the only product that has an affect. She gets through bucket loads, so it's lucky that it's also one of the cheapest moisturisers on the market. I recommend the new E45 Replenishing Care Body Cream (£6.99). It can feel a bit sticky, so rather than using it during the day, slather it on ten minutes before bed, and reap the benefits the next morning.

Fake it baby

While my sisters are blessed with skin that turns a gorgeous golden shade the second the sun comes out, I can best be described as pasty. My legs are a bluish white, turning to screaming lobster red after two minutes of exposure. So, as you can imagine, I have tried rather a lot of fake tans. My all-time favourite is still Origins Great Pretender for body (£13.50) and Faux Glow for face (£13.50). They're super easy, not too smelly, and the results are impressively natural.

Slap it on . . .

Don't even think of hitting the beach without slapping on the sun cream. Although it's tempting to go for whatever Boots has on offer; in this day and age, you should expect more from your sun lotion than just protection. Not only does Caudalie Soleil Divin Face Suncare SPF 30 (£21.50) provide high spectrum coverage against UVB and UVA rays, it's also a super hydrating, anti-ageing, nicely scented, free-radical fighting power-house. What's more, it doesn't contain parabens, phenoxyethanol, mineral oils or animal ingredients, which means it's less likely to irritate your skin. Oh and it's none greasy, and the Body Sunscreen SPF20 (£20) is almost as impressive. Suddenly those free beach bag offers don't look so tempting