This post is sponsored by Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant - designed to visibly reduce underarm dark marks and even skin tone.
A pretty ironic title for a person who covered up most of her life and spent summers trying to show as little skin as possible. But the truth is, with the years, a 20 lbs weight loss with Medifast and learning to accept my body I have started to bare more of my arms and skin in general over the years.
I was supposed to share more DIY remedies for beauty disasters, but I changed my mind. The Dare to Bare topic hits close to home and I wanted to share my own bare it all experience!
See, my arms are a big issue for me, they have always been on the flabby side, even with the weight loss, doing push ups and weight training. But you have to just enjoy yourself and relax so this year I made it a point to take better care of my arms and the rest of my skin in general and have them look their best no matter what.
This is the most I have bared in years! Arms away from body so they are not flattened.
Here are a few changes I made in order to get my skin looking its best for the summer...
Waxing
I have been waxing my legs and bikini area for years and I don't understand why more women don't have their legs waxed. It's really not that painful, a thousand times better than shaving and it lasts waaaaaay longer. I can easily go two months and I do it myself with at home strips (for legs only! bikini I go have done). This year, I decided I would do the same for my underarms. I am tired of the itchy bumps, dark skin and the hassle of shaving. Okay, so it was OUCH! But worth it! Underarms are smooth, I am not embarrassed to raise my arms and I use a gentle exfoliator to help the smoothness.
Weights & Push ups
So I don't do these everyday, but I try to do some sort of upper arm exercise to keep them somewhat toned. Still, they are not where I want them to be, but between picking up my son who weighs nearly 40 lbs and some light weight and a few push ups here and there, I have got them to a point I am happy with them. Hey, you do what you can!
A hint of tint
Being safe in the sun in a number one priority for me, but I do love to get a healthy tan and glow in the summer. EVERYONE looks much better and it does give you a slimming effect. The arms, look their absolute best with color. A tan hides the imperfections especially cellulite or looser skin. No matter how flabby my arms have been, they always look better with a hint of tint.
Moisturize
Let's face it, dry skin is never attractive. End of. Earlier this year I decided to make my own moisturizer and promised myself to lather regularly. I do suffer from dry skin, but I am also lazy and I don't use moisturizer on my arms and legs, especially in the winter when I most need it. But after making my own, keeping it in front of me in the bathroom, there is no excuse not to use it. Besides, I have to accentuate my tan and somewhat toned arms!
Strike the right pose
I have learned how to cover up and show my best side in pictures. I have been the victim of countless unflattering "fat arm" pictures and I won't have it anymore. While still looking natural, I make sure to have my arms slightly away from my body, or put one arm on my hip, etc. I find ways to accommodate my arms so that they are not flattened and made to look wider or fatter.
And lastly, it is all about confidence. I haven't always had it, but it's all about how you carry yourself that makes a difference and gives you the courage to walk around with your head held high, arms and legs exposed and feeling good doing it!
How are you daring to bare it this summer? Tell me your ideas!
**I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective. All the opinions expressed here are my own.**
