Academy Awards Countdown: Steal Halle Berry's Oscar Winning Abs!

by Jacqueline Risser

WireImage
WireImage

We are super psyched for the Oscars this Sunday, March 2nd -- in fact, it may slightly be soothing our Olympics 2014 withdrawal!

In preparation for Hollywood's biggest night, we'll be posting our favorite hot bodies from Oscars past along with the beauty product and fitness move you need to get their red carpet-ready looks. Come back each day to check out a new star!

First up -- we're starting strong, ladies -- is Academy Award winner Halle Berry.

See more: 5 Simple Steps to Cellulite-Free Skin

The Look: Halle was the buzziest celeb of the 74th Annual Academy Awards in 2002 -- and not just for being the first African-American woman to win the Best Actress Oscar for her role in Monster's Ball. Jaws dropped when she stepped onto the red carpet with those flat abs peeking through the super sexy (yet still classy) sheer top of her Elie Saab gown. Today, we're still crushing on that toned and oh-so feminine stomach.

The Product:
So, some real talk: No potion can magically create a six pack. But, there's still a little hope, says SELF's Beauty Features Editor, Kate Sandoval. "Certain products do have a temporary toning effect," she says. Look for a product with caffeine, a diuretic. "It flushes water from the connective tissue, which causes it to tighten," says Sandoval. Hot tip: When you apply -- which you should do twice a day and right before you bare -- put some muscle into your rub. "Really massage the serum in for a good thirty seconds, at least," she adds. "It increases product absorption and overall circulation." Sandoval recommends Bliss Fatgirlsixpack, $38, which has a nubby applicator to help massage and contains caffeine, along with five other Berry-core-sculpting active ingredients.

See more: 20 Superfoods For Weight Loss

The Move: Our Fitness Editor, Marissa Stephenson, says all you need is a medicine ball and this move from our 24-Minute At-Home Boot Camp to target your abs and obliques. "If you're wearing a dress like Halle's, you're covered from all sides," she says. And, bonus, "You're gonna sculpt your shoulders and arms too with this move, so you can make it a sleeveless number like Halle's."

Start with Knee Tuck. Hold a plank with feet on medicine ball, hands on ground (as shown). Keeping left foot on ball, bring right knee toward chest, then kick right leg out to side. Return to start; repeat on opposite side for 1 rep. Continue for 45 seconds. Rest 15 seconds.

Warwick Saint
Warwick Saint


Have you crushed on another star's abs from a past Oscars red carpet? Tell us who in the comments below or tweet us @jackierisser and @SELFmagazine!

Be sure to check back in with us tomorrow when we reveal another fit celeb and how you can rock their look!

More from SELF:
The 24-Minute At-Home Boot Camp
Secrets To Firing Up Your Metabolism
6 Moves To Resize Your Butt and Thighs
Secrets to Slimming Down in 14 Days!