You do know that movie stars don't look that way on their own, don't you? Unlike models, few actors have perfect faces and bodies. Even mega-names like Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman and Jennifer Aniston have a team of transformers creating their looks and need an army of stylists with a multitude of tricks to keep them in top form. But you don't have to take the red-eye to L.A. to find expert beauty aid. Right here in Sarasota, we have topnotch products and resources to turn you into a hometown star. Check 'em out.

TREAT YOUR FEET Summer means being sandal-ready, but there's a lot you can do between pedicures to keep your feet soft and supple. First, heal your heels. Some poor soles think they're doomed to be dry, but not so. Step into Bliss foot-softening socks ($48) to hydrate feet in 20 minutes with scents of eucalyptus and rosemary, grapefruit and sage or peppermint (Lotus, 941-906-7080, and Saks Fifth Avenue, 941-364-5300). Try Persnickity Cat & Company's (941-923-8340) delicious-smelling Grapefruit Shea Body Butter to instantly plump sun-ravaged skin. And to repair a seriously reptilian dermis, use MD Formula Pedicreme with a whopping 18 percent glycolic acid content. Then slip into a pair of Sensi sandals ($29) with incredible contours for comfort and 100 little holes for draining sand and water (both at Body & Soul Spa, 941-358-5105).

SAFE TANS Porcelain skin is making a presence on the runways for the first time since Coco Chanel began touting the tan, but it doesn't really work if you're covered in age spots, varicose veins or cellulite. And besides, this is Florida; we love tanned skin for summer. What we don't love are the aging and poisoning too much sun can deliver. The best compromise? Applied tans. But be careful-the days of streaking, stinking, orange skin are not completely behind us. Definitely do a patch test, especially on your face, as some tan formulations result in breakouts.

Passing our test for instant, believable color that was quick drying, non-staining and without any unpleasant odor: HSN's Tantowel, Flavour's spray bronzer and, if you goof, Freedom's self-tan eraser (available at the Hair Color Center, 941-923-1079). We especially like the hand-sprayed tans at Hollywood Salon and Spa (941-366-3322) and the Tanning Den (941-925-9998). The latter, though more expensive, have the added advantage of letting you shade arms and legs to create the look of toned limbs or even spray a six pack on slightly flabby abs. Tan products and services from $20 to $60.

PUSH-UP POWER Strapless, backless, stick-on bras known as fashion forms come in versions to fit anyone with up to a D cup. Self-adhesive silicone supports create cleavage and lift without back or shoulder straps, so not only can you wear strapless tops, you can sport backless, plunging, and cut-out styles. Fashion forms let you wear sweaters without back bulges and revisit styles in which you normally wouldn't be caught dead. Name brands include Nubra, Bring-it-up Breast-lift and Braza Reveal (a lacy, teardrop-shaped version). These washable bra forms (the Nubra featherlight version dries in under two minutes) come in nude and black, padded and non, with clear vertical straps for additional lift. It may be time to revisit the halter top. $9 to $60 at area department stores and specialty shops such as Preston's (941-922-1911), and L. Boutique (941 906-1350).

CRUCIAL COVER-UPS Sometimes it's not the bra that's the problem, it's see-through sportswear or evening gowns. But you can keep from showing more than you want to with palm-sized nipple covers. From silver-dollar-sized silicon discs to padding-free, latex-free disposable adhesive strips, these products promise to tone down "headlights." Found under a number of cute names including Nippits, Breast-buds, and Breast-petals (we find "Dimmerz" particularly apropos), these concealers, which also come in heart and flower shapes, ensure that your blue hue is the sole sign of a chill in the air. Especially good for sports-minded but self-conscious teens, they work well in the pool and help fellow tennis players keep their eyes on the ball. $6 to $34 at area department and apparel stores.

SUPPORT SERVICES Almost every body out there can benefit from the new generation of tummy trimmers, thigh thinners and bottom boosters, made by the likes of Nancy Ganz, Bodyslimmers and Spanx. Including slips, camis, bras and smoothers, these light compression products are hailed by stars as diverse as Oprah and Gwyneth Paltrow. Some undergarments even use special seams to create "the great divide," a far cry from the flat butts of yesteryear's support services. These belly-blasting, body-sculpting undergarments are quite comfortable. The fabric wicks away moisture and feels kinder than a corset, more forgiving than a girdle and definitely more viewer-friendly than some of the contraptions women wore in the '50s. $22 to $72 at area department and specialty stores.