By guest blogger Isabella Franklin

If you’re heading abroad this year, it’s time to start thinking about those vacation photos (that will inevitably end up on Facebook). You don’t want to be caught off guard, so here’s how to look great – in a number of locations.

On the Beach

Before you set foot on an airplane, you must prepare your skin for the beach. Nobody wants to see a spotty, white torso amid the beautiful bodies of Barbados (or wherever you’re going), so make an effort pre-vacation. Look into IPL laser to get rid of broken capillaries, sun spots, fine lines or wrinkles, and make sure you exfoliate on a regular basis. Exfoliation unblocks pores and helps nasty black heads and red pimples to become a thing of the past. Don’t forget to moisturize after a bath or shower, and always use a product recommended by a skincare expert.

By the Pool

Whenever you’re outside, you must wear sunscreen! You don’t want to appear on your friends’ social networking sites looking like a lobster, so make sure you apply a decent product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Choose a fashionable hat to cover your head, and match your headwear with a pair of stylish flip flops or sandals. You’ll look instantly cool and will be ready to pose for any budding photographer.

If you’re a little self-conscious about getting everything out in public, wrap a sarong around your bikini, and you’ll feel much more dignified. Squeeze in a course of laser hair removal before you fly, and you won’t even have to worry about stray hairs – bonus!

Drinking Cocktails

If the weather’s nice, try wearing a Caribbean-inspired maxi-dress for cocktail hour, or pop a flower in your hair. This will get you in the mood and will help you light up any room you enter. Black attire should stay at home (unless of course it’s a little black dress that you simply can’t leave behind), but colorful tops and skirts are a must. Opt for wedged shoes (as these can be kinder on your feet), and make sure your nails are painted an appropriate color. Vacations are all about having fun, so don’t be afraid to spice up your style.

Hitting the Shops

There are many ways to look glamorous, but buying new clothes can really help! So, hit the shops with your girlfriends and enjoy a day exploring the local stores. Ask your hotel receptionist where’s best to go, and get ready to flash your cash. Remember, that certain someone with a camera will be lurking, so make sure you dress to impress before leaving your accommodation. If you feel good from the get go, you’ll be more inspired to buy quality attire.

Make the most of your looks this year, and feel fantastic on vacation!

Isabella Franklin, the blogger behind CosmeticSurgery Guru, leaves no stone unturned in her quest to bring the latest developments in the cosmetic surgery industry to her readers. From boob jobs and liposuction to Botox and laser hair removal, she’s got it all covered. 

Photos:  Cover – sanja gjenero; Beach – Jo Murphy; Pool – Sebastian Fissore;  Cocktail – Dominic Morel