Lindsay Lohan shows off her curves in a revealing black bikini as she hits the beach with a group of pals

She's been through her fair share of personal troubles in recent years.



But it was refreshing to see Lindsay Lohan looking happy and relaxed as she kicked back on the beach with a group of close pals yesterday afternoon.



Showcasing her ample curves in a revealing black bikini, the 26-year-old actress proved she has certainly got her groove back.



Bikini babe: Lindsay strutted her stuff in a skimpy black bikini as she enjoyed a day at the beach in Malibu, California



Fun in the sun: The 26-year-old actress seemed to be having a whale of a time as she frolicked on the beach with her friends

Pairing her high-waisted swimsuit with studded black denim hotpants, the Mean Girls star did her best Baywatch impression as she ran down the beach towards her pals with a huge smile on her face.



But her sun-seeking didn't last long, and Lindsay was soon was forced to cover up when the clouds rolled over the beach in Malibu, California.



The star looked like she was ready to hit a bar in a sheer black shirt and bowler hat, but her incredibly skimpy denim shorts were fit for a romp on the sand.



Just beachy: Lindsay Lohan relaxed with friends in LA today



The redhead showed off a lot of leg in the skimpy shorts, as she chatted to a group of friends, seemingly about where to head now the clouds were rolling in.



The Hollywood starlet stayed beach friendly when it came to her footwear, opting for some practical flip flops.



Accessorising with a floral shoulder bag, the actress shielded her eyes with oversized black sunglasses.

It's getting a bit cold: Li-lo is forced to cover up



Lying Lo-han at the beach: Lindsay enjoyed some down time with friends today but was forced to cover up when clouds formed



'Once you pop you can't stop': Lindsay's friend had a tube of Pringles but she stayed away from the addictive snack



A bit of a party: Lindsay and her friends left the sand when the sky clouded over



Half and half: Lindsay looked as though she was headed out on the town from the waist up but was just beachy down below



She seemed to have stayed away from the fake tan for her trip to the beach, after being rumbled with a patchy application the other day.



The star regularly suffers bronzing disasters, so it's good she's embracing the porcelain look.

It seems the actress has a lot to smile about at the moment as according to reports, she is set to earn more than $2 million this year.



Sources 'directly involved in Lindsay's finances' have TMZ a breakdown on the redhead's earnings and it seems that her Playboy appearance plays a major role in her recent finances.



After posing for the December 2011 issue, Lindsay is said to have been paid $1 million for it this year, as well as receiving $300,000 for her role in Liz and Dick.

The sun's gone in: Lindsay and friends make a move from the shady beach

Making the plans: The gang were no doubt wondering where to head to next

She is also set to earn $6,480 for starring in The Canyons and then a further $200,000 when she signs up for Scary Movie. In addition, Lindsay was also paid for her appearance on Glee, but it's not just acting that is bumping up her bank balance.

Lindsay is also being paid for being the face of Philipp Plein and for endorsing Jag Jeans.

The U.S. star is also planning on starring in the next video from eccentric pop star Lady Gaga. The pair first hit the headlines with their friendship when they enjoyed a night out together at Chateau Marmont.

The looks of Li-Lo: The actress worked her usual preppy indie chic



And now Gaga is said to be keen to sign Lindsay up for the video for one of her new tracks.



A source told the New York Post: 'Lady Gaga and Lindsay caused a stir last month when they had their "sleepover" at the Chateau. And now it turns out that Lindsay will be starring in Gaga's new video from her upcoming album ARTPOP.'



It is unknown as yet what video Lindsay will make an appearance in.

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