KEY POINTS:
Clarins Total Body Lift $84
Anything that says it targets "stubborn sponginess" has to be enticing. This hydrating cream gel contains caffeine and plant extracts to tone surface skin and has a cooling, tightening effect on the skin. To really work on those fatty deposits on thighs
and tummy, Clarins self-massage techniques are recommended, meaning there's no easy way out if you want to work wonders. From Clarins counters and selected beauty salons.
La Mer The Body Creme $320
Said to work like a seaweed wrap, this cream promises to be so hydrating that daily use may not be necessary. As well as Le Mer's usual algal ingredients, this has botanical extracts and certainly feels like a lovely rich, lightly scented moisturiser for those who don't mind massaging money into their limbs. Apply after bathing while skin is damp to lock in moisture.
From selected department stores and pharmacies.
Lancome Sculpturale $80
This anti-cellulite gel includes caffeine, gingko and menthol in its ingredients, for their draining and tightening qualities. Like Clarins a self-massage regime is recommended and it too delivers a slight "shiver" effect, leaving skin feeling shrunken. Give it a month and you'll be less flabby is the promise, but this means the daily exercise of a rubdown before you're even dressed.
From Lancome counters.
Resurf.a.stic Body. One-step micro-dermabrasion, hydration and treatment stick $96
This is an ingenious solution to often messy exfoliation, with crystals suspended in a stick-style product (think waxy deodorant). Designed for the legs and body, including the decollete, once dampened the stick is massaged in circular motions to help smooth skin. Contains peony extract to add an aromatherapy element. Ideal in the shower.
From Glamorpuss, Albany and Newmarket.
Prevage Body. Total Transforming Anti-Ageing Moisturiser $230
This Prevage cream is brand new to the market, adding to the range of facial care products containing the antioxidant idebenone. This is a toning moisturiser meant to be massaged into the skin daily to target sun damage, stretch marks and age spots. At the price, perhaps concentrate on the exposed bits and use something more utilitarian where the sun don't shine.
From Elizabeth Arden counters.
Smashbox Desert Chic Body Bronzing Powder $72
Don't let the beautifying stop at the neck. This generous-sized compact allows bronzing to go where the fake tan hasn't reached yet. Great for decollete and shoulders. Comes with own brush.
From Smashbox, Ponsonby and selected Life Pharmacies.
This Works: Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil $100
A rich oil to tackle dry, rough skin that has been exposed to water or sun. With evening primrose, macadamia, rosehip, with frankincense, sandalwood and rose. If you're not keen on oil, try the Enjoy Really Rich Lotion instead, I loved the lotion's texture and smell (rose and geranium twinned with shea butter and aloe for smoothness).
From Mecca Cosmetica, Ponsonby and Wellington.
Murad Firm & Tone Serum $130
This works on skin firmness and elasticity. Lipsomes contain exotic ingredients such as cayenne pepper to invigorate circulation, Cats Claw from the Amazonian palm forest to reduce the appearance of dimpled skin and Horse Nut Tree extract and Tiger's Herb to assist in firmer and smoother skin. Use in conjunction with Murad Body Scrub, $135, Intensive Body Smoothing Treatment $110 and Body Firming Cream $77.
Available from Caci Medispas.