Bikini season has sprung! Here is a list of some fun-in-the-sun iPhone apps to prepare, protect and preoccupy you at the beach, pool or backyard sun session with friends.
Prepare
Still trying to lose that last five pounds to fit into your string bikini? Check out the Women’s Fitness Bikini Body Plan ($6.99) app for a 4-week bikini body plan full of bloat-free diet tips and toning moves to even fight cellulite.
If you are looking for more of a quick fix to get you ready for a weekend pool party, check out the Kim Kardashian: Fit in your Jeans by Friday ($1.99) app. This workout app will have you looking good in no time and fitting into your bikini, as well as your skinny jeans. The Kardashian sisters are known for their bodacious bodies, so if anybody or anything is going to make you feel confident enough to don that teeny tiny bikini, it’s a workout with curvy Kim.
You can also get beach-body inspiration via the free SI Swimsuit 2010 app. This app isn’t for the faint of heart, so if you are feeling a little down about your muffin top in your bikini, steer clear of this app.
If you are still searching for the perfect swimsuit, check out the free Banana Moon app for cute bikinis and beachwear inspiration. Share your favorite bikinis and surfer-inspired outfits on Facebook to get your friends’ feedback before buying. Also, check out Banana Moon’s Facebook feed, find the closest shop to you and peruse brand videos like the recent Las Vegas store opening.
And, if your man is a little Jersey Shore, make sure he downloads the GTL app (99 cents). It is pretty self-explanatory; use this app to find the nearest gym, human tannery or Laundromat and make “The Situation” proud.
Protect
If you tend to forget your sunscreen, use the free UV Detector app to get pop-up warnings when the UV Index is high and never get sunburned again. You can even share UV alerts with friends and family via your social networks.
The Freckles (99 cents) app helps you calculate a recommended time for being outdoors, taking into consideration the temp, UV index and level of SPF applied. Tap the timer to begin and the app will alert you when it’s time to head for the shade.
While you are enjoying your time at the beach, think about all the ocean life and animals that were killed as a result of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Check out the free Surfrider app and find out how you can get involved with the non-profit environmental organizations dedicated to protecting the world’s oceans, waves and beaches.
Preoccupy
Nothing says summer like reading a trashy novel while floating in the pool. Now with all the e-books available, nobody has to know what you are reading. Check out the free Married under the Italian Sun and Married under the Italian Sun 2 ($2.99) e-book apps by Harlequin. Not only are these books romantic fun, but they are also comic-book style, making for an easy read. Just don’t drop your iPhone in the pool!
And finally, if you have a hard time keeping the grown men busy by the pool, check out the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Challenge (99 cents) app. This app will keep the boys busy all day challenging each other to series after series of who can answer more sports questions right while staring at swimsuit models in between games.
