CAUGHT out by the recent spell of summer sunshine? Women across the city were forced to shun their opaque tights and polo neck knits and begrudgingly reveal the ravaging effects of winter.

You weren't alone if pasty skin and less-than toned limbs left you wishing you could put summer on hold until you'd given yourself a summer pampering session.

The beauty world has the pre-bikini body workout sussed - and there's no need to break out in a sweat at the next sign of a heatwave or if summer holidays are looming. Take our cheat's guide to getting a sexy beach-ready body.

SHORT-HAUL CELLULITE CHEATS The dreaded orange peel effect may not rear its ugly head when we're wrapped up in winter layers, but once summer arrives cellulite alert kicks in.

Even skinny minnies sich as Mischa Barton and Gwyneth Paltrow have recently been snapped sporting the dreaded dimple effect.

Jo Parker, Champneys spa director, advises drinking plenty of water to help flush out toxins and avoid tea and coffee, which can make circulation sluggish. Dry body brush regularly in areas affected by cellulite using long sweeping strokes, starting from the feet upwards and always towards the heart. Try using Botanics Hip & Thigh Body Brush (£6, Boots), or alternatively The Body Shop Cellulite Massager (£8) will aid circulation - key to ridding the body of nasty toxins that can make cellulite appear worse.

Also try a Montagne Jeunesse Algae & Dead Sea Salt Cellulite Mud Masque (99p, Boots/Superdrug).

Finally, apply a light moisturiser such as Champneys Skin Smooth Hip & Thigh Polish (£10, www.champneys.co.uk) or Soap & Glory Slimwear (£9, Boots) working up the leg towards the lymph nodes. This will stimulate the blood flow again, helping to improve skin tone.

LONG-HAUL FIRMING If you have a big event or holiday coming up, it's worth investing time and money in products that give the battle against cellulite an ongoing boost.

Why not take a leaf out of fitness fanatic Madonna's book by feeling the vibrations on a Power Plate machine?

Power Plate machines (available at selected fitness centres in Glasgow, Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire) helps increase circulation and oxygenate blood flow.

Two to three sessions per week are recommended for six to eight weeks to see a difference. Find your nearest Power Plate studio at www.powerplate.com. Each session costs around £20.

Those who are both cash and time-poor can work out while they walk with this summer's sensation shoes, Fit Flops. Described as the flip-flops with the gym built-in, these sandals have been flying off the shelves at Greaves Sports where they cost from £36 (0141 221 3322).

The shoes work on firming up your wobbly bits and are perfect to pack if you're beach-bound.

HOLIDAY TANNING TRICKS If you can't tone it, tan it. Fake tan not only makes us feel sun-kissed and healthy but helps disguise cellulite, making you feel even more body confident.

Lose those pasty limbs without risking the sun's harmful rays, with a fake tan.

Make the time to prepare well. Exfoliate all over, paying special attention to the heels, elbows and knees.

Scrub with a body brush or loofah, then apply a good body scrub to dry skin to take away dead skin leaving a smooth and soft base.

Start on your calves and work upwards, being especially careful to apply smaller amounts to toes and hands.

Don't forget the backs of knees and underarms, and buff away excess tan from knuckles, toes, elbows and knees.

We like the colour and ease of application of the Xen-Tan range, available from House of Fraser from tomorrow (from £14.95), or head to Brown Cow at 130-132 West Regent Street (0141 221 2500) for a full body exfoliation and Fake Bake treatment applied by a professional (£35).

Other popular self-tanners include Lancome Flash Bronzer (£20.50, www.lancome.co.uk) and Pro-Ferm Afterglow anti-ageing self tanner (£75 from www.spacenk.co.uk).

BRONZE GODDESS Flying off to sunnier climes? It's wise to prepare your skin for the sunshine hit. It can be a shock to the skin's system to go from dingy office to super-hot sun abroad.

Imedeen Tan Optimizer capsules also give the skin's own natural sun protection mechanism a boost. One daily capsule of Imedeen Tan Optimizer should be taken for one month prior to sun exposure and during the trip to optimise tanning (£38.50 for 60 capsules, 0870 118 8070).

The company is also hosting Insider workshops in Glasgow on May 27 and 28 on feeling fabulous at age 50 and beyond. Tickets cost £30 and are redeemable against purchase of Imedeen Prime Renewal. Call 0870 118 8070 or visit www.primerenewal.co.uk