Your no-fail, three-step guide to Brazilian-style beauty

STEP 1: Get the perfect tan
Although every Brazilian has her own opinion on the best way to achieve that coveted shade of bronze, everyone agrees on three important principles.
The red lobster look is never attractive.
1. Contrary to widespread skepticism, Brazilians do in fact wear sunscreen as they loll about on Copacabana. "We know that sun damage begins when you are young," explains Victoria's Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio, who prefers the beaches of Florianopolis, on the west coast of Ilha de Santa Catarina. "I wear an SPF-15 lotion, which protects my skin but lets me get that golden color."
2. According to Shalini Vadhera, author of Passport to Beauty, about beauty secrets from around the world, truly devoted tanners will drink carrot and beet juice before they hit the beach to help intensify their tan.
3. You must also condition your skin. "I keep a base tan all year," says Ambrosio. She attributes this to frequent trips back home, but risk takers can achieve the same effect with trips to the tanning salon.
4. According to Vadhera, Brazilian women have even been known to rub sand on their bodies while they tan, to help reveal a more radiant surface and reduce cellulite.
5. Final tip? Embrace the tan line. Despite everything you've heard, Brazilian women rarely go topless: Tan lines are points of pride for true sun worshippers as they illustrate a good day's work.
6. Bikini bottoms, however, are designed so the posterior gets as much color as possible. For women, this ranges from the tanga, or "v-kini," to the fio dental, or "dental floss." Need we say more?

STEP 2: Eat more berries
The east coast of Brazil may be all beaches and blond streaks, but the lush rain forest to the west provides a wealth of time-tested, beauty-enhancing remedies. Nuts and berries from Amazon palm trees contain essential fatty acids, which in beauty terms translates to hydrated skin and healthy, shiny hair. Oils from babassu and muru-muru nuts have already been sourced by a number of American cosmetics companies for their exceptional moisturizing capabilities.
7. But the most remarkable local secret for almost all beauty needs is the pulp of the royal purple açaí berry, which you may have seen on the menu at your local smoothie bar. According to famed dermatologist Dr. Nicholas Perricone, the açaí provides "a quality protein and healthy fat necessary to keep skin supple and wrinkle-free, as well as antioxidants that help combat premature aging." The hardest-working fruit in Brazil (it is also said to assist in weight loss) is consumed by the bowlful in the form of icy-sweet slushies available from the ubiquitous beachside juice carts. We asked the terrific Nirvana Spa, in Rio, for its favorite recipe (see below).

STEP 3: Dare to go bare
It's true that fitness is a serious deal here, but there's another reason for Brazilian women's unmistakable glow. Whether because of their liberal sexual culture or all that tanning, Brazilian women "are used to walking around with fewer clothes—they're more comfortable with their bodies," says fashion journalist Erika Palomino. "We are a very warm and sensual people, and that also makes a difference." So next time you find yourself wandering around in skimpy clothes…hey, just blame it on Rio.