Essential summer beauty maintenance

It may not be glamorous, but it's certainly essential. Follow Eve Cameron's advice on how to tackle cellulite and unwanted hair so you can glow with confidence this summer

Beat cellulite

 

Women of all ages, shapes and sizes can suffer from the dreaded orange-peel effect, which is thought to be due to a number of factors. Using a cellulite product could help, but a healthy diet and exercise are also vital.

 

I think exercise is key. It's not a scientific study, but the women I know who exercise regularly complain far less about cellulite than those who don't - regardless of how thin they may be. Most experts think massage helps too.

 

Chanel recommends pinching and rolling movements on your hips, thighs, buttocks and knees in the morning and a leg massage from ankles to buttocks while using its new Body Excellence Slim, £79. Our testers have also been pretty impressed with Dior Svelte Reversal, £37, which they said had a noticeable firming and smoothing effect.

 

Target fuzz

 

Body hair can become more vigorous as you get older and there's nothing wrong in tackling it with a razor. But for smoother, longer-lasting results, try an epilator such as the Braun Silk.Epil Xpressive Wet&Dry, £99.99. It makes you wince at first, but after session three it's plain sailing.

 

For longer-lasting effects, IPL (Intense Pulsed Light treatments) could be the answer, says Dr Hilary Allan. It directs a pulse of light into the skin, disabling the hair follicle and re-growth. Prices start at £55 a session. It's not pain-free, but it's not up there with childbirth. It can take a year to achieve final results - and often that means sparser, slower-growing hair rather than no hair. Also good for tackling the signs of ageing, treatments can help reduce pigmentation on sun-damaged skin. See more in our feature on Body Beautiful: Look good for summer at every age.

 

Boots has launched Smooth Skin, an at-home IPL system, £299.99, but it's not suitable for dark or black skin, nor will it work on red or white hair.

 

We've heard good reports about the Soprano XL, a new fast laser hair removal method that, according to Dr Patrick Bowler of Court House Clinics, is painless compared with conventional laser treatments. Plus, it can be used on darker skin. Call 0845 555 5050.

 

Hot summer buy: SHE loves ...

 

Rimmel London's new Bronzing collection, from £4.99, to get golden skin the healthy way. Use Sunshimmer Instant Tan for Face & Body as a base, then Recover Primer in Brightening to highlight.Finish with a dusting of Sunshimmer Bronzer.

Where to buy: Rimmel counters nationwide; www.rimmellondon.com

 

Summer body - the essential guide

 

Read more on essential summer maintenance - see our guide to having a great summer body from 30s to 50s plus

 

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