“I love rolling around in the sand and sea, feeling all of the elements and appreciating my surroundings. I feel sexier modeling swimwear,” model Candice Swanepoel tells PEOPLE. “Let’s just say shooting swim is the best part of being an Victoria’s Secret Angel for me.”

Noted! Swanepoel does a sexy beachfront striptease (seen in the clip above) to promote the brand’s first 2012 swim catalog, in mailboxes Friday. The South African stunner, shot in the sun on the exotic islands of Bora Bora, wears (er, doesn’t wear) a suit inspired by Brazil’s beaches and bombshells — a theme seen throughout this year’s VS swimsuits and promotional items.

Surprisingly, Swanepoel says she often enjoys wearing one-piece suits as opposed to skimpy bikinis. “It’s hard to choose one style,” she admits, adding, “I’d wear a simple triangle bikini top with cheeky bottoms on the beaches of Brazil and I’d wear a more elegant, embellished swimsuit if I were in St. Tropez or Miami.”

Brazil is one of the model’s favorite places to visit, along with the beaches of St. Barths and Mexico. But Bora Bora is probably going to be high on the list soon.

“It was amazing to shoot [there],” Swanepoel tells PEOPLE. “I’d always seen pictures and wondered what it was like. It’s like a dream.”

Angels (and moms-to-be) Alessandra Ambrósio and Lily Aldridge join Swanepoel in the catalog, as do Bombshells Jasmine Tookes and Edita Vilkevièiûtë. The ladies model Victoria’s Secret’s hot new trends for 2012 — prints, neon hues and mix-and-match pieces — as well as the Gorgeous Push-up bikini, which uses the technology of the Gorgeous Push-up bra to offer support — and a little extra sexiness.

So how did the Angels get swim-ready (not that they weren’t already) for the shoot? “Working out is the most important thing,” Swanepoel says. “I also like to get a nice tan,” she adds, citing VS Beach Sexy self-tanners as a favorite way go glow. “Beautiful skin is your best accessory on the beach.” Tell us: Are you ready for swim season yet?

TAKE A CUE FROM STARS’ WINTER WORKOUT STYLE

No snow? No problem! Some of Hollywood’s hottest ladies chose to hit the beach this weekend, flaunting their fab figures in itty-bitty bikinis that we totally loved.

Rihanna continued her Barbados visit in a stringy orange suit by Missoni, days after Tweeting a photo of herself in a colorful two-piece. New mom Jessica Alba put her post-baby body on display in a bandeau in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, taking to the sand in several bright bikinis over the course of her vacation.

Meanwhile, Vanessa Hudgens brought the heat to Miami, frolicking with her new beau while wearing a crocheted black peek-a-boo one-piece, which she hid under overalls. And television hostess Maria Menounos, also in Miami, looked white-hot in a girly suit with patterned detail. Think we’ll be booking that beach vacation shortly … Tell us: Did you spend New Year’s Eve somewhere warm?

SEE HOW THE STARS PARTIED ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

She gave us a sneak peek at her shoot for Aussie swimwear brand White Sands in August, and now, Kim Kardashian‘s little sis Kendall Jenner is making waves with the official photos from the campaign.

In the images, shot in Los Angeles in July, Jenner channels a whimsical water nymph as she shows off the spring/summer 2012 collection of floral bikinis, deep cut maillots and caftans.

“The collection has both an ethereal and strong side and we wanted a model that could capture both,” designer Leah Madden tells PEOPLE. “As we were casting for the campaign we came across Kendall’s portfolio and loved her softness and strength. She actually made it to the top of our list before we knew her background!”

The 15-year-old continues to prove that she’s a pro when it comes to posing both in front of the camera and on the catwalk — she even made her runway debut at New York Fashion Week last month. “Kendall was a delight on set and a natural in front of the camera,” Madden adds of the model, who favored the floral prints and high-waisted bikinis — and even picked out some swimsuits to take home to her sisters.

Shop the collection — inspired by the women of film noir — when it hits stores in March, or check out the current line (Audrina Patridge and Miranda Kerr are fans!) now at whitesandsaustralia.com.

–Kim Peiffer

STUDY STARS’ ON-THE-GO FITNESS TIPS AND TRICKS

It looks like summer’s not quite over for some people! The ladies of Victoria’s Secret — Miranda Kerr (left), Chanel Iman, Adriana Lima (right) and Doutzen Kroes — are suiting up in some sexy swimwear for October’s ELLE magazine.

The issue, on newsstands Sept. 20, takes a few fashion cues from the 1980s and aims to capture the essence of the bombshell. “Any woman who has a positive attitude about herself and carries herself with class but doesn’t try too hard and say, ya know, ‘Hey, look at me, I’m a bombshell,’ is basically a bombshell,” Iman explains. “It’s just a woman with a positive, strong attitude who knows she has it going on.”

The models — who will hit the runway this fall in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show — were shot on location in Los Angeles. Check out more hot shots at elle.com.

Courtesy ELLE

CHECK OUT MORE STARS IN SWIM IN ‘BEACH PATROL’

New mom Victoria Beckham may oversee a fashion empire, but that doesn’t mean she dresses up for work.

“When I’m here in London, which is for about a week every month it’s really, really full-on,” she says in the autumn/winter issue of ELLE Collections. When the designer is in the U.S., where husband David Beckham plays soccer for the Los Angeles Galaxy, her look is decidedly less formal. “I use Skype to talk with my team,” she says, “usually wearing either a dressing gown or a bikini.”

And while we rarely see the style icon sans trademark heels and sunglasses, Beckham insists her style is low maintenance. Of shopping sprees: “I just don’t have the time,” she says. “I get a lot of clothes on Net-a-Porter and I wear my own stuff.” Speaking of her stuff, could a collection of swimwear be next?

–Justine Harman

SEE MORE STARS IN THEIR SWIMWEAR IN ‘BEACH PATROL’

Good girl gone bad? More like good girl gone buff! While unwinding in her home country of Barbados, Rihanna has been flaunting her fabulous bikini body in several sexy swimsuits.

Thursday, the singer — her red hair now blondish-brown — kicked back on the beach with friends while wearing a white string bikini. In between breaks, she cruised on a WaveRunner and did some tubing with her pals.

After performing as part of her Loud tour Friday night, Rihanna hit the beach again on Saturday in a red-and-orange one piece with Bob Marley’s face emblazoned on the front.

Then Monday, the pop star took five outside of her hotel in patterned pants and a tan bikini top, her toned tummy peeking out. “BARBADOS!!!!!!,” she Tweeted. “My country is the BEST!!! Hands down!” Tell us: Which of Rihanna’s bikinis is your fave?

–Kate Hogan

SEE MORE STARS IN SWIM IN ‘BEACH PATROL’

Kendall Jenner proved that she has what it takes to make it in the modeling world on this season of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, and now, Kim Kardashian‘s leggy little sis is enjoying the fruits of her hard labor with yet another new campaign. Jenner was just announced as the face of Australian swimwear designer Leah Madden’s summer 2012 campaign, titled “Pirouette.”

Kardashian made the announcement on her website this week, sharing a behind-the-scenes shot of Jenner modeling some high-waisted bikini bottoms and a bandeau top from the line. “How stunning does she look!?!?” Kardashian wrote. “I couldn’t be more proud!!!!” This marks Jenner’s second foray into the world of swimsuit modeling: last summer, she posed for some sexy photos in Malibu that ended up causing a bit of controversy.

Tell us: What do you think of Jenner as the new face of Leah Madden?

–Kim Peiffer

SEE MORE STARS IN SWIM IN ‘BEACH PATROL’

Not only does Gwyneth Paltrow know how to turn heads in her itsy bitsy bikinis, but she’s a pro when it comes to knowing what to bring with her to the beach, too. The actress shares all of her summer favorites — a mix of old-school picks and new travel-ready finds — in her most recent GOOP newsletter.

From classically tailored shorts for men and women from Orlebar Brown (“They are both wearable for everyday and can just as easily be used as swimsuits,” she says), to versatile Turkish towels and sun-proof swimwear, she fills readers in on all of her warm-weather essentials.

As for summer beauty products, she’s all about miracle multi-tasking finds that can easily be packed in a beach tote or carry-on, like Adara, a travel-size pure organic coconut oil that works as a gentle makeup remover, moisturizer and hair conditioning treatment.

And since she needs to keep her skin in glowing condition year-round, the actress doesn’t forget to toss in her Clarisonic Mia to combat the harsh effects of summer sun. “I’ve been obsessed with mine ever since I started using it,” she says of the electronic facial brush. “I’ve seen a real difference on my own skin.” Tell us: What are your beach essentials?

–Kim Peiffer

SEE YOUR FAVORITE CELEBS GETTING SUN IN ‘BEACH PATROL’

Chrissy Teigen doesn’t even know how to swim, but the Sports Illustrated swimsuit model knows a good bikini when she sees one. So she recently launched a 12-piece capsule collection with diNeila Brazil, showing it this week at Mercedes Benz Fashion Swim in Miami. “I am inspired by my native Thailand and its amazing jungles, beaches and vibrant flowers,” Teigen told PEOPLE at the runway show. “My senses come alive every time I go back. Its exotic beauty was my muse.” In vivid sea blues (just like Kristin Cavallari‘s glass creation), sunset violets, ocean corals and palm-tree greens, the collection was chic, tropical and energetic, running the gamut from sexy triangle bikinis to ruffled bandeaus. “I enjoy being a model but this is a new phase in my life, and it really suits my personality,” Teigen said. Longtime beau John Legend, who joined his girlfriend at the show, said he’s proud of his ladylove’s fashionable eye. “I’m impressed how she selects color for her new swimwear design,” he told PEOPLE. And Teigen added that color is an important part of her approach to swimsuit design. “We are into mix-and-match and wonderful bright colors,” she said, adding that she takes curves into account when creating looks, too. “We want every woman to look amazingly sexy when she goes to the beach. Like the swimsuit was made for her.” Chrissy Teigen for diNeila Brazil retails for $100-$160; find it soon at top specialty boutiques. –Linda Marx

SEE MORE STARS IN SWIM IN ‘BEACH PATROL’

Guess some GOOP — plus a little Glee — does a body good! Gwyneth Paltrow proudly flaunted her fabulous bikini body in some Melissa Odabash suits over the weekend while vacationing near the island of Sardinia with her children, Apple and Moses. The 38-year-old actress spent Friday on a yacht with her kiddies (plus her godfather, Steven Spielberg) wearing a strapless red bikini top and matching bottoms. Later, she slipped into a sexy striped number for a walk on the beach. Then Saturday, Paltrow got swim-ready yet again, re-wearing her red bikini bottoms and pairing them with a strappy red top. The actress, who admits her body wasn’t always so bikini-ready, recently shared her diet and exercise tips with Self — and said her routine really worked. “I saw a shot of myself in Barbados and was, like, all my hard work paid off,” she shared at the time. “I’m 38, I have two kids, and I feel good.” Tell us: Which of Paltrow’s bikinis was your favorite?

Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Chrissy Teigen is giving fans a sneak peek inside her home — and of her new swimwear collection! The model, who shares a sweet  L.A. pad with boyfriend John Legend, opened her doors to Extra this week to show off her new swimwear collection, a collaboration with bathing suit designer Neila Rudden of diNeila. The suits, some with high waists, exotic prints and even a little sparkle, were created to show off curvy figures like Teigen’s. “[Rudden] loves a body and she loves curves and boobs … and I have that for her, so it worked,” Teigen shares. Want to see more? The swimsuit-loving stunner will show off the new pieces during Miami Swim Week in July. Tell us: What do you think of Teigen’s swimsuit line? –Kim Peiffer

SEE MORE STARS IN SWIMWEAR IN ‘BEACH PATROL’

Audrina Patridge is in a bikini just about every day of the week, and it’s all because of one trait: confidence. “I don’t even think twice about wearing a swimsuit because it’s always been a part of my lifestyle,” she shares in the July issue of SHAPE. “But I have girlfriends who are so afraid to show their bodies, they won’t take off their towels at the beach or pool. It’s a shame because everyone can look good in a suit.” Patridge, who started swimming at age 4, credits her bikini-ready body to lots of outdoor activities — biking, beach volleyball and hiking or running with her pup Lady — plus an intense exercise routine, outlined on SHAPE.com. But you don’t have to work out as hard as she does to work a two-piece. Patridge first recommends choosing a bathing suit that flatters your own figure. “So many women will buy one they see a celebrity wearing, thinking it’ll look good on them too,” she says. “Be open-minded. Even if you think you know what works on your body, you may be really surprised by the results.” To get her beach-girl glow, the Audrina star uses self-tanner, and is always sure to protect her skin with sunscreen. She keeps her hair summery year-round, too, by washing it only twice per week and using dry shampoo on the days in between. To fix flyaways, she rubs Moroccan Oil onto her ends. “It smells really wonderful,” she says, “and I have less breakage when I comb my hair.” And to give her body a little boost, she does a quick series of squats and sit-ups before hitting the beach. “I like to get the blood flowing to those areas,” she explains. “I feel tighter and stronger, and it gives my skin a nice rosy glow.”
SEE MORE STARS IN SWIMWEAR IN ‘BEACH PATROL!’

She became a household name after a compelling appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show and now, transgender model Lea T has landed a swimwear campaign for hip Brazilian brand Blue Man. The 28-year-old made a splash on the runway during the Fashion Rio Summer 2012 event in Brazil Wednesday, working the catwalk in a colorful bikini. Later, she posed in a snakeskin printed, cutaway suit paired with denim hot pants, according to U.K.’s Telegraph. On Tuesday, T was spotted on a beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, shooting Blue Man’s 2012 swim campaign with a host of sexy male models, as famed photographer Terry Richardson snapped away. This isn’t T’s first foray into the world of high fashion, however; she starred in a sultry ad campaign for Givenchy and has walked in runway shows for Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch. –Kim Peiffer

SEE STARS IN SWIMWEAR IN ‘BEACH PATROL!’

It’s no secret that newly-engaged Kim Kardashian has a enviable body (and an equally enviable engagement ring!) — and we know she works hard to keep it that way, too! Still, the reality star always finds herself preparing for swimsuit season, so she’s in top form when hitting the beach. While chatting with PEOPLE recently at Macy’s in Miami’s Aventura Mall, Kardashian revealed her bikini body secrets — and luckily, they’re not that hard to follow. Here’s what she had to say:

Flatter your figure. “The most important thing a woman can do is select the right bikini for her figure,” Kardashian says. “I am large on the bottom so I prefer a tie bottom because it is adjustable. I pair it with a halter top and a cute wrap because it covers the area with a sarong.” She also recommends asking a friend for their opinion on your best bikini type. “Then take that advice,” she shares.

Get moving. “Work out for several weeks before you hit the beach,” she advises. “[That] will make you look better and give you more confidence.”

Hydrate.“Drink lots of water,” she shares. “It … helps you look younger and healthier.”

Accessorize.“I wear straw hats, jewelry, beaded and wooden bracelets and big hoop earrings,” she shares. “Accessories dress up any bikini and cover-up.”

Get a glow.“I would also spray tan to start of the summer,” she advises. “I love Sally Hansen water resistant spray because the tan looks real.” After the beach, keep the glow going with some shimmering body lotion. “I would use Scott Barnes Body Bling,” she says.

Tell us: What are your best tips for looking beach-ready? –Linda Marx
SEE MORE STARS IN SWIMWEAR IN ‘BEACH PATROL: SPRING BREAK’

Jordin Sparks‘s now-infamous bikini shot set tongues wagging when in hit Twitter earlier this month. But the former American Idol says she was just sharing a shot of her cute new swimwear. “I was actually taking the picture because I liked the bathing suit,” she told reporters Saturday at KIIS FM’s Wango Tango concert in L.A. “I mixed and matched it. The top was from Target and the bottoms were from Old Navy, and I was like, ‘Oh, they match!’ So I took the picture.” The new suit — which prevents tan lines, Sparks said — is just one way the singer is flaunting her newly slimmed physique. “In December, something just kind of clicked,” she explained. “Instead of talking about being active I decided to just go do it.” The singer, who lives in Arizona, took up hiking and Zumba, too. “Being able to just stand and dance and not realize I’m burning calories … is just the most amazing thing,” she said. Now happy to show off her waist — “usually a cinched belt works well,” she shared — the singer isn’t shy to reveal her other favorite body parts, too. “I love my smile,” she added. “It took ten years of orthodontics!”

SEE MORE STARS’ SEXY BIKINIS IN ‘BEACH PATROL: SPRING BREAK’

Summertime is almost here, and Victoria’s Secret is getting us in the mood for the beach by showing off some sexy new swimsuit creations. In the video above, shot by Ben Watts, Alessandra Ambrosio, Candice Swanepoel (who recently made headlines for her thin frame) and others sporting a multitude of fun and flirty bikinis parade down the beach in scenic Tulum, Mexico, and splash around in the water, kicking back in their two-pieces. From polka dots and neon colors to tiny ties and ruffles galore, there’s no shortage of hotness hitting this beach in this clip — but then again, would we expect anything less from the sexiest store on earth? Additionally, this summer you can make shopping for suits ever easier with the bikini mixer — an online tool that allows you to mix and match tops and bottoms for a cute, customized look. Is it hot in here, or is it just the swimsuits? Tell us: What do you think of the latest for Victoria’s Secret Swim? –Kim Peiffer

We know they can sing, but it turns out that Mark Salling and Chord Overstreet look just as good without the volume on, too! Two of Glee‘s finest team up with other small screen stars like Hellcats’ Aly Michalka, Rob Kardashian of Keeping Up with the Kardashians, The Vampire Diaries’ Kat Graham and The Suite Life on Deck star Brenda Song for the latest star-studded ad campaign from beach-ready brand Op. Photographed by Larry Bartholomew, the good-looking gang had a blast on an old movie set in California, where the campaign was shot. “There was fantastic chemistry at the Destination Op photo shoot between our talent — Aly, Kat, Brenda, Rob, Chord and Mark — many of whom are longtime friends,” Dari Marder, Chief Marketing Officer of Iconix Brand Group, said in a release. And not only did they bond, but the stars found favorites in their wardrobe, too. “I love the bathing suits,” Michalka said. “They’re so cute and fit great. I am totally going to wear them to the beach and on vacation.” As for Kardashian, well, he was just thrilled to be in front of the camera surrounded by some new ladies. “It’s my first big photo shoot without my entire family, which is pretty exciting,” he said. “I am excited to be doing my own thing. My sisters would be really proud!” See more of Op, sold exclusively in Walmart stores and on walmart.com, at op.com.

Courtesy of Op

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Model Irina Shayk may have wept when David Letterman unveiled her Sports Illustrated cover yesterday, but she wasn’t the only one surprised: Simon Southwood, co-owner and designer of Sauvage swimwear, was also shocked to learn one of his bikinis was front and center on the bestselling issue. “I couldn’t sleep because of this!” he exclaimed. “It was just thrilling. It’s the ultimate, really, to get your suit on the cover.” Out of hundreds of thousands of suits shipped to the top-secret locations, six Sauvage suits made it into the pages, and the $165 pink-and-yellow triangle suit ended up making the cover. Southwood says the secret to Sauvage’s success in the mag is that they walk the line between sexy and tasteful, both in their special suits for Sports Illustrated and their everyday swimwear. “We try to be sensuous and stylish at the same time,” he said. “We want you to feel glamorous when you put on our suits, just like the photos you see in SI.” See more at sportsillustrated.com, or pick up an issue, on stands now — and if you’re ready to shop for your own bikini, visit everythingbutwater.com and enter our exclusive code SI2011 at checkout for a free water bottle with purchase! -Alex Apatoff

SEE MORE STARS IN BIKINIS IN OUR BEACH PATROL GALLERY

When it comes to baring your bod in a bathing suit, attracting minimal attention is usually the main goal. Unless, that is, you’re a stylish A-lister like Rihanna or Diane Kruger. Over the holidays, RiRi experimented with her feline side (and may have scored some cat calls) while home in Barbados. But she wasn’t the only one on the prowl for the cat swimsuit trend. Diane Kruger sported the same We Are Handsome panther-themed bathing suit while walking on the beach in Mexico with boyfriend Joshua Jackson (not pictured) on Jan. 10. And while we give both ladies props for drawing some playful attention to themselves on the beach, we can’t decide which of these two glamorous stars wore the trend better. Tell us: Who do you think looks better in their panther bathing suit? Vote below! –Kim Peiffer

With an endless amount of vacation must-haves (aviators! espadrilles! rompers!), it’s hard not to go over budget when preparing for a getaway. Luckily, Target has our beach ambitions covered, collaborating with posh resort-wear and star-favorite label Calypso for an affordable, limited-edition collection of apparel and accessories. The brand, whose breezy beach tunics and perfect silk dresses have made loyalists out of Jennifer Aniston and Kate Beckinsale, joins an impressive list of past collaborators including Rodarte, Jean Paul Gaultier and William Rast. Not available until May 1, the Calypso St. Barth for Target line will include items for women, girls and baby as well as home goods including candles, glassware and pillows. Ranging in price from $1.99 to $79.99, the collection will be available at most Target stores and Target.com. Now that we’ve got our beachwear covered, we’re taking applications for a hunky snorkeling companion. –Justine Harman

CHECK OUT SANDY STAR STYLE IN BEACH PATROL: WINTER GETAWAYS