Cellulite. There are few words that conjure up dread in a changing room, but cellulite is one of them. The fact of the matter is, this honeycomb web of built-up toxins that sits comfortably on our bottoms, thighs and, God forbid, upper arms occurs naturally on almost every woman. Causes are varied, such as dieting too hard, bad circulation or lack of elasticity in the skin. But there is no cure.
"I simply feel it's fat that's not my fault," my vegan friend who exercises daily cries. So embarrassed by her dimpled backside, she admits that after 10 years of marriage she still leaves the bedroom with her back scaling the wall so her husband never catches a glimpse.
But whether you're fat or fit, it appears we are all susceptible, and exercise and diet are powerless against the stuff. This is why I've always been sceptical about any cream, gel, lotion or serum that claims to dissolve these fatty "orange peel" dimples.
Instead, my advice is to stop looking at your thighs and try achieving an illusion of firmness with a good body scrub that you can enjoy in the privacy of your own home (so at least no one can see your cellulite).
Clarins Smoothing Body Scrub for a New Skin with Bamboo Powders does exactly what it says on the tin; the thick, paste-like consistency refines and softens, leaving your skin firmer to the touch. Or try Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy Smoothing Body Scrub with Orange Ginger, which is gentle enough to use every day and exfoliates without a scratch.
A twice-weekly scrub should be enough. Always slather on a good moisturiser afterwards, unless your scrub is oil-based, such as Shiffa Sweetness Body Polish. This pot of wonder smells like lemon sweets and sloughs off every last flake. You can even use it dry and the essential oils will leave a subtle sheen on glowing skin.
La Mer The Body Refiner is a plush, creamy scrub that polishes and hydrates the skin. It costs a small fortune, but the results are instantaneous; step away from the shower and swirl it over your skin. You'll soon be marvelling at your velvetised legs and arms.
Some of the best scrubs are natural and do-it-yourself. Excellent ones include sea salt, oats and finely ground rice. For a detoxifying pick-me-up, grab a handful of sea salt and pop it in a saucer by the shower. Then mix a couple of tablespoons of vegetable or coconut oil, and even add some citrus essential oil, and rub the mixture lightly all over. The wonderful, uplifting smell alone will have you forgetting your scaly dimply bits in no time.
3 of the best
Get that so-in-love glow without any of the melodrama with a dab of rosy blush
LANCÔME BLUSH SUBTIL ROSE, DH210 Four powder shades will instantly highlight and add radiance to your face. Plus, it comes in the perfect compact for a public touch-up.
JEMMA KIDD STAIN, FLUSH & GLOSS LIP & CHEEK DUO, DH133 Surprisingly easy to blend, this is the ultimate all-in-one, non-sticky lip and cheek duo that leaves a semi-matte finish. MAC CREMEBLEND BLUSH, DH108 A cream formula that remains creamy - no chalky powder here - giving a natural finish that's smooth and dewy-fresh.
Jo Malone Writ Large
Few things in life can bestow as much pleasure as an enormous bottle of perfume. We at M are delighted that Jo Malone has not only re-introduced its gorgeous smelling Dark Amber and Ginger Lily as a part of its permanent Cologne Intense Collection, but also that it comes in a whopping 100ml bottle. An exotic and exquisite combination of black cardamom, kyara wood and sheer florals, it's a chic reminder that good things can come in large packages.
Dark Amber and Ginger Lily Cologne Intense, Dh505, Jo Malone, Dubai Mall, 04 339 9807
