Turning up the heat.

Aaah--it's finally that your dry, crackly foot? Having flashbacks of the orange streak that ran down your left arm last season? And who wants to glance down and see a stray hair ... down there?

Summer's last-minute maintenance drama stops here. Read on for quick and easy how-to's (and how not-to's) fun in the sun.

Fake It

Most of us can see through fake and even fake smiles. But what about a fake tan? Here's how to put on a poser glow without anyone calling your bluff.

GO GRADUAL

The trick to a natural-looking sun less tan is gradually building color. You don't want to look like you jet-setted it to the Caribbean in a day (everyone knows you didn't). Before going all-over tan, "apply your tanner in a discreet area to see how deep the color results," advises Anthony Tesoriero, founder of Bella Bronze. Our favorite? Golden Chamomile & Goat's Milk Sunless-Tanner ($26, bellabronzesun.com).

EXFOLIATE 

"It's the most crucial step," explains Anthony. "It rids your body of dead skin cells, allowing the color to go on more evenly, with less streaking and discoloration." Color also Lasts much longer.

GO EASY

Thick-skinned areas (knees, ankles, elbows and knuckles) tend to hold too much product and look unusually darker than the rest of your body. Avoid mishaps by applying a liberal amount of moisturizer onto these drier areas to thin out the product's saturation. No matter what area of your body you're applying the product to, use a circular motion and always start with your lower half first, working your way up, so the application doesn't smear when you bend over. Be sure to rub the product in until it is completely absorbed. Wait 10 to 15 minutes for application to dry before getting dressed. Wash hands well with soap and water when finished!

MAINTAIN YOUR TAN

Moisturize daily to prevent peeling and lock in color (try Bella Bronze Olive Oil & Shea Butter Tan Extender and Full Body Moisturizer, $25, bellabronzesun.com).

Knot-A-Lotta Trouble

By day, this up 'do keeps you cool from the summer heat. By night, let your hair down for romantic "I'm just getting in from the beach" ringlets.

THE LOOK BY DAY

Apply a texturing get to wet hair and part it into two sections. Within each section twist hair until it begins to roll into itself, forming a spiral on top of your head. For a firm hold, secure spirals with bobby pins.

THE LOOK BY NIGHT

"Long, natural-looking waves are a great evening look," say Titi and Miko Branch of New York-based Miss Jessie's Salon. Untwist the knots, leaving your hair in tight ringlets. Flip head over and, using your fingers, shake out curls to loosen the look. Flip head up, and apply mousse (Prive Foaming Styler, $18, priveproducts.com) to add volume. "Scrunch hair for added definition," advises Miami-based celebrity stylist Samy. Finish with a light- to medium-hold hairspray.

Smooth Moves

Who needs ingrowns and irritation when it comes to hair removal? Get smooth underarms and legs ... and a great bikini line.

PREP SKIN FOR SHAVING

Before shaving, take a warm shower to soften hair shafts. Lubricate skin with a moisturizing shaving cream (Skintimate Simply Blissful Moisturizing Shave Gel, $3, drugstores). Shave with the grain, not against it. Rinse blade between each stroke. Splash fresh y shaved area with lukewarm water, and pal dry (rubbing might irritate skin

LEGS

It can be tricky to maneuver a razor around the contours of knees and ankles, so choose one that pivots. Our personal fave? Schick Intuition Plus with Shea Butter ($9, drugstores).

UNDER ARMS

"Shaving underarms removes hair that traps bacteria, eliminating stinky body odor," says New York-based dermatologist Dr. Mark Kaufmann. Be sure to shave up and down as well as side to side.

BIKINI

Shave or have this delicate area waxed weeks before going to the beach to prevent skin from becoming irritated by sand and saltwater.

Top and bottom, $28 each, 96 Degrees. Sunglasses, stylist's own

Hey, Sunshine

Nobody likes to get burned--not by the cutie in archery class and certainly not poolside. Protect yourself with the right SPF.

STAY SAFE

Look for SPFs that block UVA rays (the ones that burn). "This kind of coverage can only found in a broad-spectrum sunscreens," says Mary Johnson of Olay Science Communications. Try Blue Lizard Australian Suncream ($13, CVS) --the presence of harmful UV rays!

WHERE, WHEN AND HOW

Apply sunscreen half an hour before going out, then reapply every two hours Or more; "depending on how much you sweat or go in the water." says Joyce Carboni, founder of Skinsational Spa in San Diego. Don't forgo sunscreen on overcast days since UV rays are not blocked by clouds

FACE IT

Choose a light-weight gel made for the face to keep pores clear, We love Peter Thomas Roth Oil Free Hydrating Sunscreen Gel ($26, sephora.com). Don't forget neck and ears.

Top, $44, Hot Kiss, Shorts, $52, Op. Earrings, $7. Claire's. Hat, $16. Capelli New York.

Play Footsies

Toes in shimmery, bright shades are the must-have summer accessory. Try lilacs and sweet pinks for an ultra-femine look. We like Essie's Summer 2006 Collection in China Doll and Calypso ($8 each, essie.com) and Lippmann Collection's Constant Craving and Girl Talk ($15 each, lippmanncollection.com).

GET FEET SMOOTH

Want pretty feet? Look for treatment products with AHA to slough off rough skin (try Benefit Sandal Scandal, $34, benefitcosmetics.com). Want to do a great pedi at home? Essie Weingarten, president and founder of Essie Cosmetics, let us in on the secrets to spa quality DIY pedicures (log on to girlslife.com)

PERFECT POLISH

Start with a base coat before applying a first coat polish, painting a line down the center and then sides of nail. Let dry, then apply a second coat of color. Finish with Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Anti-Yellow Top Coat ($5, drugstores) to prevent polish from yellowing in the sun.