It doesn't matter if you are from California or a cornfield: Summer is the time when we all escape in droves to the paradise of our choice to feel the sand between our toes and the wind in our hair.

But with the grip of old man winter and a closet full of waistline hiding sweaters still an all too recent memory, who among us could not use a few pointers on priming our looks before we bare it all on our favorite stretch of shoreline? So, whether you are a bikini babe hoping to come back bronzed or a farmer's tan waiting to happen, check out these five tips before hitting the beach.

Toning up ahead of time
Unless the highlight of your week involves the ongoing debate between the benefits of cardio and strength training, or you make your living on the runways of Paris, you could probably afford to lose a few pounds and/or tone up a bit. As winter turns to summer this year do yourself a favor and take a long look at yourself. Twenty minutes of exercise here or there will go a long way to changing what you see now into what everyone will see this summer.

The right swimsuit
The cold, hard fact is that even if we wanted to, most of us are not going to hit the beach wearing a thong in this lifetime. That is unless you actually like being buried in the sand. But this does not mean you need to forget about showing off what you got. Keeping in mind that less is not always more is often the key to finding the perfect bathing suit, that and a little time to shop and a lot of patience.

Accessorize
With all the emphasis on swimsuits, it is no wonder that accessories end up being the last thing thrown in your bag — but once on the sand it is the little things that can make or break your look. Even if you plan to more or less live in your bathing suit, a hat, sunglasses, beach towel, walking shorts or wrap, flip-flops, an assortment of T-shirts or tank tops and even a good book are essential. Sound complicated? Consider a trial run in front of the mirror at home. You can leave out the book.

Avoiding the burn
Unless you look exceptionally good in red, a picture perfect day of sun and fun — not to mention your entire vacation — can be ruined by not being prepared to deal with sunburn. Spare yourself the lobster jokes and the painful cycle of burn, bubble and peel by catching some rays in the backyard, the park or even at the tanning salon now and applying and reapplying plenty of sun screen once you hit the beach.

Hair apparent
Both men and women have to deal with unwanted body hair and beach season is the time to do it. Giving yourself the once over from all angles before heading it out on the sand could be the difference between a look to remember and one you would rather forget.

Ready to hit the beach with that special someone? Find him or her today by starting a quick search!