Hey, Ladies! Every time I open a magazine, I see gorgeous pictures of women in beautiful off the shoulder blouses and tops. Matter of fact, it’s currently in trend. Cold Shoulder sweaters and blouses displaying broad sun-kissed shoulders. What do all these models have in common? NONE of them have unsightly dark bra strap marks. I admit that I am a little jealous. As a curvy woman who has been undoubtedly blessed (or cursed) with a large bust, I have purposely avoided off the shoulder apparel due to the unsightly dark bra strap marks. This year, I fully intend to become part of the bare shoulder community. But, before I do so, I fully intend to rid myself of these hideous marks. Here are 5 simple ways to get your shoulders mark free and ready for summer!
Know your Size!
You will be surprised just how many women are wearing the wrong bra size. It’s true. For some, the highly pigmented demarcations are created because we are wearing the wrong bra size thus putting excess pressure on our shoulders. It is best to see a professional at least once a year to be fitted properly. Don’t be shy! I personally visit my local Lane Bryant for my bra fittings and the best part is they have a wide variety of bras in dazzling styles and prints.
Hint: Full Coverage is best for us busty beauties!
Go Strapless!
Removing the pressure off your shoulders is key! Instead of wearing a traditional bra which would make the condition worse, opt for a strapless bra. Strapless bras will give you the support you need minus the straps! Check out this sexy (yet supportive) Lace Longline Multi-Way Strapless Bra from Lane Bryant.
Lighten and Brighten!
This method will take a few weeks before you see noticeable results. So, but the time July rolls around…you will be mark fee! (Yes!) Apply your favorite sunscreen to the darkened area every morning after your shower. Another trick is to use a lightening creme. My personal faves are Ambi Skincare Fade Cream and Palmers Skin Success Fade Cream.
Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate!
Removal of dead skin from the shoulder area will also light bra marks as well. Exfoliating scrubs are amazing! I prefer sugar scrubs rather than salt, but either one will do the trick. When your skin is nice and damp gently apply the scrub to your shoulders with your fingertips.
Incognito!
This is my last tip and my absolute last resort….conceal it! (Where did it go?) You read that right! Conceal it! Hide those suckers but applying your favorite concealer or foundation. Here’s the trick, apply your full coverage concealer and let it sit for a few minutes. Blend it with a dampened beauty blender sponge. Set it to avoid it from transferring with your favorite powder of spray!
I hope I am not the only woman in the world who suffers for bra marks. Do you have any tips and tricks to share? Tell me about it in the comments!
I am going to try things tips.
Let me know if they work for you! Thanks for reading!
Thanks for sharing these tips. I am a busty woman that recently gained weight and my shoulders/back are feeling the wrath. I will try the tips provided and share an update!
Yes, please share an update! Thanks for reading!
No…You’re def not alone! UGH…I’m gonna try these tips…thank you!!!
I plan to use the lightner and concealer vrry excited
Thanks for reading Kathy! Please keep me posted! :O)
Mine look so bad…its so depressing…but thank you. Will try the fade cream and exfoliating. Is there anything you recommend that i exfoliate with? And would co-coa butter or shae butter help? Im just so fed up with these ugly dark lines…maybe i try to loose weight too.
Hi Eve! You can use a mild scrub. Make sure that it is not too harsh that it would damage the skin. It would only make it worse. Cocoa and Shea Butter work well too. I would recommend Palmers Cocoa Butter. Thanks for commenting!
I thought my straps were leaving indentions and seeing this was so helpful! Thank you. I will try!
I am going to try this. I want to wear my shoulders out so bad, but I can’t. I am a busty woman and been this way all my life.
Hi Sarah! I feel you! I am a busty woman too. :o)
Thank you for these tips! I have also found that BioOil works (combined with exfoliation) but it’s pretty expensive. In the summer I also try to go strapless/halter neck as much as possible.
Thank you sooo much for the tips. I am going to try the scrubs and the lightening cream. Hopefully this will work for me. Thanks again for the info!
I am definitely going to give this a try! I’m so over not being able to wear off the shoulder tops. I have almost 3 months until swimsuit time for me, fingers crossed!
Thank you for this , I really needed this advice ,I’m going to try it out !
I like to exfoliate and of course it’s not an overbite process, but I will definitely try the concealer for immediate temporary coverage. Thanks
Very good tips!! Thank you.