I decided to venture into designing my own beachwear line not only because I’ve always been obsessed with holiday clothes, but also because it’s an area where women, regardless of shape or size, can either look amazing or really get it wrong,” Liz explains. “I did lots of research and put a great deal of thought into how to look better on the beach. I wanted to develop a resort collection that would make a woman feel fabulously sexy at any age. 

“If you’re among the vast majority of women who dread wearing bikinis, there are a few things you can certainly do to make it less traumatising. The first thing is obvious — invest in a really good bikini that is as flattering as is physically possible. 

“Almost everybody has a different size top and bottom, me included, so seek out brands (like mine!) for which you can buy the top and bottom separately. It makes a massive difference. Also, consider buying a tankini top. I adore these and wear them with bikini bottoms or with sarongs, trousers or short beach skirts. A tankini is more youthful than a one-piece but kinder than a bikini, particularly if you don’t like your tummy much.”

How to improve the look of your bottom and bust 

“Interestingly, more coverage on your buttocks is not necessarily more flattering,” she continues. “It’s surprising how many women look better in a slightly skimpier, higher-cut bikini than in one that covers every millimetre of flesh. I hope it goes without saying that thongs are hideous on everyone. And unless you’re very slim, boy shorts are best avoided. Most bodies look better in a side-string or a scoop bottom. 

“Adjustable halter-necks give the best cleavage of all, although more structured underwire tops are preferred by some larger-breasted women. I think girls with smaller busts look amazing in bandeau tops.”

Colour is vital

“I find I look better in colours such as lilac and turquoise at the beginning of my holiday and then move to hotter hues when I’m more tanned. 

“I love seeing people who wear nothing but black and beige in the city turn into brilliant butterflies on holiday. Suddenly girls you previously never noticed are a joy to behold in aquas, hot pinks and oranges. I spend a lot of time in India and feel really inspired by the bright, beautiful colours the women wear.”

Cover-ups are also important

“It’s vital to have some sexy cover-ups that don’t make people think you’re trying to hide something, even though you are artfully concealing your least favourite bits.

“I’ve concentrated a lot on kaftans and sarongs and have made them in jewel-like colours and from the lightest, floatiest silk. Some of them are beautifully hand-embroidered and beaded in India. When you’re wearing something as pretty as this over your bikini, no one is going to think you’re deliberately hiding your tummy. 

“Almost all of us have stretch marks, fat bits, droopy bits or something that makes us self-conscious. It’s all about minimising these areas and maximising the parts of us that look good — maybe our cleavage, legs, shoulders or back. A good tip is to never, ever point out your faults to anyone. Once you’ve wailed, ‘Just look at my hideously fat thighs,’ no one will be able to look at them again without hearing your voice!

“I have a girlfriend who’s extremely pretty and slim but never shows her stomach because she got bad stretch marks during her pregnancy. Anyone who sees her on vacation would never know she’s hiding something as she wears low-backed sexy one-pieces or tankinis with lots of cleavage and tiny little skirts. She’s got a great bust, a pretty back and slim legs and looks like a zillion dollars. If you don’t like parts of your body, don’t show them.”

Beyond the beach . . . 

“Get some great tops, the sort you can have in your bag to slip on at that annoying moment when someone wants to go to a bar on the way back from the beach. There’s nothing worse than furiously slurping a piña colada, feeling red-faced and stringy-haired in nothing but a damp swimsuit with a towel round your waist while surrounded by other girls looking super-glam. I keep a little top and a chiffon sarong in my beach bag for such emergencies and always have a small make-up kit with me or, at the very least, lipgloss, blusher, an eye pencil and bronzer. 

“Finally, one of the most important things to bear in mind is that you look better with a tan. A multitude of sins can be covered if your skin is bronzed and glowing, so buy a big bottle of self-tanner and anoint yourself for a week or two before you brave the beach. 

“Most of us relax after a day or two away anyway and stop being quite so paranoid that everyone is noticing every minuscule fault. I hope these few notes help you feel more goddess-like on your next holiday beside the seaside. Good luck!”

Find Liz’s range online at www.elizabethhurley.com

Elizabeth Hurley in the hot seat . . .

Designer, model, TV presenter, actress and a mother! How do you balance it all? 

Truthfully, I think it’s really stressful to be a working mum. It basically means you’re seriously sleep-deprived at any given moment and, if you’re like me, have very little social life. I don’t have a full-time nanny because I want to bring up my son myself. I work when he’s at school and in bed. I get up every morning with my son at about 6.30 am and rarely put out my light before midnight. I’m happy to put him first. 

How do you fit in that elusive ‘me-time’? 

I don’t have much time for me. I normally have a bath as soon as I get Damian into bed and use this time to unwind. 

When was the last time you . . .
. . . went to the gym?

I haven’t been to the gym for about four years. I get my exercise working on my organic produce farm in Gloucestershire.

. . . ate something really unhealthy?

I ate a packet of crisps about half an hour ago.

. . . weighed yourself?

I weigh myself once a week.

. . . laughed?

I laughed earlier this evening as I got into bed with my son for a goodnight cuddle.

. . . cried?

I cried this morning when I shut my finger in the barn door.

. . . lost your temper?

I lost my temper about an hour ago when the oil for the heating system ran out, meaning we have no hot water tonight!

. . . felt guilty?

I felt guilty today for snapping at my son for taking forever to eat his dinner.

. . . lied?

I told Damian that we’d lost a DVD of his that I can’t stand and secretly threw away.

. . . spoilt yourself?

I can’t remember the last time that I spoilt myself.

. . . said I love you?

I constantly tell all my family that I love them.

© Robynne Kahn/Femina/Planet Syndication.

Main picture: Bella spot print dress £95, Monsoon.