Figure-flattering swimsuits and teeny dresses and shorts aside, one of the important elements of summer is fresh and easy beauty. But while you may be striving to make your look seem effortless, you'll often find yourself putting a surprising amount of effort into achieving it.

Don't be intimidated, though! You don't have to bend over backward in your attempt to look flawless. In fact, summer beauty is pretty simple and straightforward. Check out the slide show below for tips and tricks to follow, plus products to try out.

Looking to buy? Use this store directory for easy shopping:

• A'kin, Bobbi Brown, Chanel, Clarins, Clinique, Essie, Mario Badescu, Murad, NARS, Palmer's, and Phyto are available at Rustan's Department Stores in Ayala Center Makati, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Gateway, Alabang Town Center, and Robinsons Place Manila. To learn about other products available from Rustan's, check out the Rustan's—The Beauty Source website.
• Avon is available through Avon representatives or Avon beauty centers. Check this directory for the center nearest you.
• Bloom, Burt's Bees, Clean Skin, Earth Therapeutics, Greenscape, ModelCo, Smashbox, and Ziaja are available at Beauty Bar stores nationwide. Check this store directory for the branch nearest you.
• Body Recipe is available at HBC stores nationwide. For the complete store directory, check out this link.
• Carmex, Clear, Hawaiian Tropic, Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, L'Oreal, Neutrogena, and Nivea are available at leading supermarkets, beauty stores, and department stores nationwide.
• Human Nature is available at Beauty Bar and online. You can also check for the branch nearest you via this store directory.
• Kiehl's is available at Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, Trinoma, and SM Mall of Asia.
• L'Occitane is available at Power Plant Mall, Rustan's Makati, Rustan's Shangri-la Plaza Mall, Marionnaud SM Mall of Asia, and Trinoma.
• MAC is available at Power Plant Mall, Shangri-la Plaza Mall, and Glorietta 3.
• Orly is available at Purebeauty Serendra, Marionnaud SM Mall of Asia, First Aid Greenbelt, PCX Rockwell, PCX Ermita, PCX Alabang Town Center, Watsons Greenbelt 5, Watsons Ayala Cebu, Beauty by SM at SM Makati, Beauty by SM at SM Megamall, Beauty by SM at SM Fairview, Landmark-Trinoma, Beauty Cocktails Glorietta 4, and Robinsons Department Store Ermita.
• The Body Shop is available at Power Plant Mall, Market! Market!, Trinoma, SM Makati, Eastwood Mall, and Greenhills Shopping Center, among others. You may check this directory for the complete list of stores.
• VMV Hypoallergenics is available at Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Galleria, Bonifacio High Street, Trinoma, Power Plant Mall, Glorietta 3, and Ayala Center Cebu.

For more hot beauty tips and tricks, check out these links:

• Au Naturel: 6 Steps for Glowing Cheeks and Rosy Lips + 25 Products to Try
• Bare Those Legs: 4 Steps to Waxing at Home + 10 Products to Try
• Light, Bright, and Easy: 5 Carefree Beauty Looks to Try
• Under Control: What Every Woman Needs to Know about Oily Skin

(First published in the March 2006 issue of Good Housekeeping Philippines, Good Looks section as "Summer-hot Pampering;" model photos by Ocs Alvarez; hair and makeup by Mickey See; model: Rhea Horrilleno; adapted for use in Female Network)