Bikini-ready Body: The Final Step.

Summer is just around the corner, and like many women I'm on the hunt for a bikini-ready body. So whilst eating healthy and exercising, I've also been tackling a problem that is very common among women, the infamous orange-peel skin. Eating well and being active does help a lot in getting rid of it, however there are a few things that can be done to speed that process up, and improve the final result.

Step 1: Exfoliate your body using a coffee scrub. 

Why coffee? Caffeine is an active ingredient found in many anti-cellulite creams. 

And here you've got the option of either purchasing a coffee-based body scrub, or making one yourself. If you want to buy a coffee scrub, my suggestion would be the Fig & Yarrow Cardamom & Coffee Body Scrub. Yes, it's a bit pricey, but it's all natural, made from organic ingredients, and totally worth it. If you want to opt for a DIY coffee scrub, you can easily make a similar scrub to the Fig & Yarrow one by combining the following ingredients and storing them in a jar (most of the ingredients are inexpensive and can be found on eBay):

• 1/2 cup brown sugar.
• 1 cup ground coffee (NOT instant coffee!!!)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin coconut oil.
• 1/3 cup shea butter.
• 1/3 cup cocoa butter.

I also recently found a video by Essiebutton where she makes her own Cardamon & Coffee Scrub.

And for the lazier ones out there (such as myself), you can keep a jar of ground coffee and add some to your shower gel every time you shower.

Step 2: Use a body massager.

After you've scrubbed your body in the shower, grab a body massager such as this one, slather either some shower gel or oil on your thighs and bum and massage in circular motions. Don't press too hard, as you don't want to irritate your skin, but enough for it to be an effective massage. This just encourages blood circulation and helps break down the lumps.

Step 3: Firming and cellulite creams.

Once you're out of the shower, use a firming body lotion all over, as it will give your body the much needed moisture, while at the same time help tighten the skin. Some of my favourite ones come from Dove and Nivea, as they are inexpensive but effective. Once the moisturiser has been absorbed by your skin, follow up with an anti-cellulite serum or treatment, this time concentrating on the thighs and bum area. If you want something on a budget, I suggest trying Nivea's Goodbye Cellulite or the 10 day serum. My personal favourites, however, come from Soap & Glory; The Firminator and Sit Tight.

Step 4: Sun protection.

Last but not least, while the summer brings about the desire of having a gorgeous, glowing tan, you should not forget about protecting yourself from the sun's harmful rays. Instead of frying in the sun for hours, opt for a fake tan. I suggest trying out St Tropez, as they have an immense range of great self tanners which give a natural tan, as opposed to an orange tan. And when you are at the beach, don't forget to use an SPF lotion that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.