Trauma-free shopping that you'll survive - we promise!

The only thing worse than bikini shopping is settling on something that looked good in the store, but fails to deliver on the beach. Or popping a nip or flaunting more cheek than intended while ordering your afternoon margarita at the swim-up bar.

How to shop for a bathing suitThe good news is that cosmetic surgery is not required to look good on the beach.

Boost your confidence and let out your inner beach bunny with the "Julia Bikini Shopping Method."

Pre-bikini shopping

• Exfoliate, shave and moisturize - Clean up your legs, bikini line and pits as if you were going to the beach. Your sales associate will be touching you in places that will make you uncomfortable if you're not looking - and feeling - your best.
• Get some color - Splurge on a spray tan or hit the tanning salon once or twice. Tanned skin looks slimmer (that's why celebs are so addicted).
• Ditch the nylons but grab the stilettos - Despite what your mom said, nylons don't give you a honest view of your butt in that bikini bottom. Stilettos tighten up the landscape in just the right places.
• Wear a thong - Bikini bottoms are gross and you'll need protection while trying them on. Your granny panties might not look so great bunched inside...

Take along support

Standing half naked in a tiny, tight fitting outfit doesn't instil confidence, so bring along a buddy who does. A gal-pal who tells you the gritty truth is a good first choice, but if your partner can deliver honesty (without too much drool), take him. He'll be able to give you a male perspective, which is important, right?

Suss out figure-fixers

Bing Crosby and the Andrew sisters knew what they talking about when they sang the famous "Accentuate the Positive." Looking great on the beach is all about knowing your body and what it looks best in.

Big breasts - If the girls are well developed, support is your priority. Wider straps, molded cups and patterns that move the eye to the waist are your friends. Embrace them. Steer clear of halters and patterns that look like target practice.

Small breasts - Fringe, jewellery and ruching are your friends. Prints can create the illusion of fullness, but stick to smaller designs that don't overwhelm. And don't forget the power of the push-up. Julia Roberts increased her chest size triple-fold in Erin Brockovich.

Big hips - Boy-cut bottoms are your kryptonite. Go for a tankini or bikini with a patterned top and dark bottoms to minimize your lower half. Ornamentation around the neckline also helps.

Apple-shaped - Halters and strapless will accentuate your neckline and shoulders and minimize the tummy. Princess seams and tankinis are also good options - especially if they have wide shoulder straps.

So when's the best time to shop for a swimsuit? Go wellOrient Beach before your cruise or vacation and book a sinfully delicious dinner afterward at your fav resto. After an afternoon of checking out the bits of yourself you normally keep hidden from scrutiny, you deserve a reward!

Or you could skip the whole shopping escapade all together and hit Orient Beach in St. Martin....

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