Summer is the time for skin baring tops and sexy dresses so you want your body’s skin to be in the best possible shape. If you have missed a few days at the gym or have eaten at one too many BBQ’s this season, you can still have a great looking body, and with my favorite sculpting secret, a toner looking one too. It’s all about glowing skin. The first thing you should think of is exfoliation. My favorite trick is to use a handful of white sugar in the shower. It’s cheap and easy and will polish your body to perfection, getting rid of dry patches, bumps from heat and sweat, and even out self-tanning mistakes. Next, use a good firming body moisturizer. When you get out of the shower slather it on to keep skin soft, supple and taught. Now for the glow! Body bronzers and shimmers come in powder, liquids, creams and some are even built into moisturizers. When choosing a color, look for golds, iridescent and light bronzy shades. Stay away from anything containing glitter or silvery flecks because they will look fake. Whatever formula you choose, apply lightly and focus on legs, arms, chest, shoulders and back to give the skin a radiant look. I love an aerosol bronzer with shimmer. It dries instantly so it won’t rub off on clothes. To create the appearance of a toner looking body, try spraying a bit more in the area where you have definition (or need definition) to intensify the effect. Instant muscle tone! It’s amazing how glowing skin will look irresistible and make you feel sexy. A little glow can go a long way!

1. Fresh Brown Sugar Body Polish. A fancier version of the plain old white sugar scrub this yummy exfoliant is good enough to eat. Available at www.sephora.com
2. Bliss Slim Pickings Set. Everything you need to feel slimmer in the shower. This kit contains a cellulite fighting serum, a slimming scrub and soap and a slimming cream. Who needs the gym? Available at www.beauty.com
3. Philosophy Amazing Grace Body Firming Emulsion. An amazing antioxidant packed cream to firm and moisturize your body. Available at www.beauty.com
4. DuWop Revolution Tinted Body Moisturizer with SPF 15 and Shimmer. I mean what else do you need. This is an all in one! Available at www.beauty.com
5. Benefit Kitten Classic. This sexy powder body shimmer is a fast easy way to glow up your skin. Available at www.benefitcosmetics.com
6. Mac Strobe Cream. Use this iridescent cream under or over moisturizer for the most subtle body glow. Great for older women who want radiance without glitz. Available at www.maccosmetics.com
7. Era Rayz 24 Karat. The most glorious golden shimmer that will make your skin glow like a goddess. Available at www.classifiedcosmetics.com
8. Era Rayz #1 In the Sun. This is my personal favorite and what I use to add a little definition to my leg muscles when wearing short skirts. Hey, we need all the help we can get! Available at www.classifiedcosmetics.com
9. Lancome Radiant Color. An amazing shine spray for hair this light reflecting hair illuminator will give your mane the sexy radiance to match your body. Available at www.sephora.com
10. Essie Sold Out Show Nail Polish. This iridescent pearly nail color is a universal shade that looks good on anyone. Available at www.essie.com

August is already here and before it’s over, take advantage of the season and throw an “end of the summer party”! It is a great excuse to invite over some friends, make some great cocktails and wear your favorite summer dress (don’t forget the glowing skin). This year Brazil is the new Cuba so throw a theme party to spice things up. The hottest cocktail this summer is the Caipirinha. This cool refreshing drink is easy to make when you buy the pre-made Caipirinha by Beleza Pura. The worlds first super premium ready-to-drink caipirinha mix, you just add ice and a fresh slice of lime and your ready to samba. You can order a case now at www.belezabrazil.com. For tasty treats try visiting www.cookbrazilian.com to learn how to make great Brazilian party foods. For music you can’t go wrong with a little Gilberto Gil. Create a little Rio in your own backyard!

Have a question you want Carmindy to answer? Email her at newsletter@carmindy.com

Heather Ingram writes:
Hi Carmindy—Love your work on What Not to Wear. This is probably the universal concern of most women--what do I use to conceal dark under eye circles without emphasizing fine lines? I'm not looking for the Holy Grail, just something that works and looks natural. Thanks!

Carmindy:
Women spend too much time applying too much concealer trying to eliminate darkness. The trick is to use less and bounce light from the dark area. I love the Benefit Eyebright pencil. This light pinky pencil can be applied to the under eye area after foundation to lighten the area naturally.

Vanessa Orris writes:
I just had a question about the eyebrow plucking. Is there anything that can be done for those of us who have already plucked too thin?

I had sparse areas naturally and tried to make them less noticeable by plucking. Then, by accident, I plucked myself more sparse areas. Can these be grown back. What do I do?!!? I cannot stand the way I look!

Carmindy:
First thing is to put down the tweezers. No matter how strong the urge is to pluck - don’t. While they are growing back in you can fill in any gaps by using an angle brush and a little brow color. My favorite is the Makeup Forever Brow Correctors at www.makeupforever.com

Brooke Atkins writes:
I was just wanting to know what is the spray foundation that you use on What Not To Wear. Is it ok to use on problem skin?

Carmindy:
I use the Era spray foundation from www.classifiedcosmetics.com This great oil-free foundation (perfect for problem skin) can go on as light as air or heavier for extra coverage. I like to apply it by spraying it on a sponge that has been dipped into a little moisturizer first. This way it blends on feather light.