Words: Giulia Simolo

It's fun, fresh and really cool, so why not snag yourself a beach image? It's a great and for the most part easy way to revamp your look.

Go bare
Back to basics is the name of the beach look and it sounds easy enough, no? The beach image is all about flaunting what good genes have already given you, so there's no caking on the makeup but rather using a few natural tones to highlight your pristine looks. Use mascara and eye liner to draw attention to your eyes, slick on a nice pinkish gloss and then use some concealer under your eyes and on any problem areas. A bit of bronzer on your cheekbones is always a winner to give you a sunshine glow.

Let your hair down
Forget intense hairstyling the day you hit the beach. Beach hair is about letting your hair do what it does naturally. So give it a break from the straightening tong. Wash and condition your hair before bed, then apply a styling aid (such as mousse) and scrunch your hair in your hands to give it volume. Plait your hair and sleep on it. Bigger braids will give you softer curls, while smaller ones will add some tighter ones. Forget the curling tong because you don't want it to look too structured. Messy curls scream beachy in a sexy way.

Tan-tastic
A tan is a staple of the beachy look. You just can't be expected to pass as a beach girl if your skin is pale as milk. Just how will you rock out with those gorgeous bikinis? Get yourself a good tan and if you don't have the patience to let the sun darken your skin, go for the bottle variety. But ensure your bod has a sultry almond glow to it.

Beach gear
Of course you can't walk around in a bikini unless you really are at the beach, but there are some beach items you need in your wardrobe if you want to carry that sun and surf image into other aspects of your life. Examples include flip flops, short denims, cool tees that show off your arms and a bit of cleavage, and Grecian dresses that give you a Blake Lively feel. Add some flair to the outfit with accessories, such as long lariats or chunky bangles in neon colours.