Bronze Ambition: Best Buys

Bikini top, OMO Norma Kamali; cylindrical ring, Balenciaga by Nicolas Ghesquière; square ring & square bracelet, Sabrina Dehoff; cord bracelets, Pandora.

Baring it all at the mercy of sand and surf means nixing every inch of dry, peeling, uneven skin. Exfoliate daily head-to-toe, and go easy with the self-tanner by choosing a formula that subtly bronzes you up — and moisturizes, too.

On Skin: Perricone MD No Sun Tanner.

Shirt, Equipment; briefs, Eres; necklace, Bottega Veneta; cord bracelets, Pandora.

Frayed, flyaway tangles won't pass for beachy hair. But in order to maintain its glorious sheen when up against wind, sun, and salt, chemically colored or straightened hair needs extra coddling. Best bet: Drench it with a rich, protective conditioner while damp, then pull it off your face.

On Hair: Ojon Color Sustain Protecting Cream.

Cord bracelets, Pandora; mask bracelet, Dominique Aurientis; skirt, fashion editor's own.

Mix powdered metallic shadows or loose pigments into your lip balm, moisturizer, sunscreen, or even leave-in conditioner for a glimmering effect — you'll look as if you've been misted with gold.

On Skin: Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna.

Bodysuit & leather harness, Lanvin; barrette (on harness) & necklace, Chanel; cuffs, Simone Brewster.

"Apply cream colors with your fingers to warm them up so they melt into skin instead of sitting on top like a mask," advises Francelle.

Make no mistake: Crimson, sunburnt skin (the result of blood rushing to the afflicted area to start the healing process) is not a good look for sophisticated neutrals. Ward off the telltale flush by dousing yourself with sunblock every two hours or post-swim. Follow with a mineral bronzer to up protection and minimize that pasty SPF glow.

On Skin: Shiseido Urban Environment UV Protective Cream SPF 35.

Bikini top, Salvatore Ferragamo; jeans, Gant by Michael Bastian; briefs, Cosabella; necklace, E.M. Noir; insect cuff, Lanvin; square bracelet, Sabrina Dehoff; cord bracelets, Pandora.