She was forced to defend herself on Instagram, after she was criticised for gaining a little weight – but singer Selena Gomez looked absolutely sensational as she hit the beach in Mexico.

The pretty brunette spent her Sunday topping up her tan as she hung out with friends at the tropical location. 

Feeling body confident, the 22-year-old wore a black and white skimpy string bikini which had frills at the front which drew attention to her assets. 

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She teamed the sexy number with a pair of grey lycra hotpants, while tying her hair up in a wet and messy ponytail. 

The outing comes after Selena hit back at those criticising her apparent weight gain on social networking.

Posting a very sexy snap of herself in a racy black bathing suit, she wrote: ‘I love being happy with me yall #theresmoretolove.’

The pop star and actress’ snap was taken in front of a beautiful setting – presumably at the Casa where she’s staying with a group of gal pals – looking over a leafy green area in front of the ocean.

Fans on the social networking site were quick to praise her for the shot, telling her that she’s ‘beautiful’, ‘sexy’ and a ‘queen’. 

Putting the furore behind her, the lovely lady ran with her friends into the ocean as they grappled with a host of foam boards and rubber rings.

She kept her shorts on as she clamoured into the waves, while taking a moment to gaze out at the horizon.

Following her split from Justin Bieber, Selena is now thought to be dating DJ Zedd, and also posted a snap of her cosying up to producer Hit-Boy while on a yacht.

She has since been pictured arriving back at LAX airport later that day, following her dream getaway.

Even arriving at busy LAX didn’t dampen Selena Gomez’s dazzling smile as the stunner looked bronzed and delighted to be home again.

Selena’s physique was perfectly highlighted in a flattering long grey T-shirt dress and she covered her shoulders with a white baseball-style jacket.

She teamed the look with chunky black boots and dark sunglasses, as she made her way through the airport carrying a black handbag.