Body hair is the last thing you want to worry about this summer and "waxing is a great alternative to shaving if you have hair you're uncomfortable with," says Susmta Patel, a waxer who has worked at the acclaimed Completely Bare Salon in Manhattan. "Waxing is better [than shaving] because it removes hair from the root," says Patel. She adds that when you shave "you just cut the hair, so two hours later, you can see the hair there or a blue shadow, which is the hair follicle below the skin." Waxing, on the other hand, not only lasts up to a month, but it's also more permanent -- over time, it thins the hair so less grows back, says Patel. Bonus: It exfoliates the skin as well, leaving you feeling silky smooth (and leaving you with one less skin care to-do).

If you opt for waxing, Patel warns not to use any scrubs for the next 48 hours and not to expose the area to direct sun for at least 24 hours. Also, to treat any resulting redness or swelling, apply a small amount of cortisone cream from the drugstore, says Patel. If you choose to stick to the good ol' razor, make sure to shave after you take a shower or bath, so your hair is softer and easier to remove. And always lather up with a moisturizing shave cream (try Aubrey Organics Creme de la Shave, $4.33) and use a brand new razor to minimize irritation.

Of course, you know you'll look healthier and thinner with a tan. But you also know that the only safe way to achieve aforementioned tan is with self-tanner. The good news is a realistic faux-glow is super easy to achieve, especially if you follow these tips from Natalie Cupid, head technician at Sundara Airbrush Tanning in New York City.

She says to start by exfoliating to get rid of that top layer of dead skin cells and shave or wax the usual areas. Skip the moisturizer on the day you plan to apply self-tanner, as it can act as barrier between the tanning ingredients and your skin. For the most natural looking tan, you are going to want to choose a product that's only one or two shades darker than your natural skin hue. She recommends a buildable tan like Jergen's Natural Glow Express, $8.99, for faux-tanning newbies.

For those of you not new to the faux-glow rodeo, try an at-home spray tan like the TEMPTU AIR Pod Summer Skin Kit, $75, which you literally airbrush on. If you're feeling fancy, you can even try defining muscles with it -- here's how.

All seasons require regular sunscreen application, but summer is that special time when more of the body is exposed to the sun for longer periods of time, which means you need more sunscreen, applied more often and to more body parts.

Here are some sunscreens to try:
For the face -- MDSolarSciences Mineral Screen Tinted Gel SPF 30, $24 is great for the summer months as it's a physical block containing titanium dioxide and zinc. It's also non-comedogenic, so it won't clog pores. Added bonuses: No shiny or gooey residual feel, no added chemical actives, and it adds a subtle hint of color if you want to go sans makeup on the beach.
For the body -- Aveeno HYDROSPORT Sunblock Spray with SPF 50, $8.99 is great for when you're on the go. It provides UVA/UVB protection and stays on despite water and sweat. Added bonuses: Lightweight, non-greasy, and no goopy white mess.