The Beauty Spy: start the new year with a body blitz

Look healthier without consigning yourself to the gym with these beauty tips.

I have a new man in my life; he's tall, broad, with ripped muscles and really works me into a sweat. The only thing is, I have to pay him for his company and he'll meet me only in the gym.

He is my personal trainer. Three times a week, Roberto puts me through my paces as I force my body into submission. After endless luncheons, dinners and parties there are more excess calories on my thighs than in my fridge, so I'm on a diet of running, cross-training and Pilates. Exhausting.

But if you don't want to endure a military fitness regime in your quest for a firmer stomach and a bottom that has more wiggle than wobble, don't despair. A touch of pampering is a good place to start when it comes to body blitzing. A few small beauty tweaks can change the way you look and feel, plus there are countless salon treatments that promise to streamline your silhouette.

Wellbeing: The National lives

Last Updated: 22 June, 2011 UAE

Activities, advice, features, news and all things health

Rebecca Treston Aesthetics boasts a machine - an Ultrasound Cavitation - that insiders say reduces cellulite and melts fat. Sceptical? Me too, but if it's deemed good enough for Hollywood stars then it's good enough for me. The story goes that the intensive massage that uses high-resolution ultrasound helps break down fatty deposits and disperse water retention.

Known to be effective at making limbs look longer and leaner, Treston specialises in blitzing heavy thighs and less-than-firm arms and tummies. And the only equipment you need is a comfy pillow and a slick of lip gloss.

At-home treatments can also be effective in helping to banish those wobbly bits. If flabby thighs or saggy upper arms have become an issue or you have the dreaded "bingo wings" (too many mince pies do have a way of reaching your arms), then go for a good body scrub. Try Soap & Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub, which not only smells like summer with its citrus fragrance but also has a grainy texture to slough off dead skin cells. Next, you need a hard-working firming cream or gel. I'm in love with Nivea Goodbye Cellulite Serum. This creamy elixir from Nivea makes your skin feel smoother and tighter. Nuxe also does a great firming range, especially the Nuxe Fondant Firming Cream, but here's a tip: go for the oil. Nuxe Body Contouring Oil has the benefit of giving you a glowing sheen, and the iridescence will slim your limbs immediately. For upper arms, choose Rodial Arm Sculpt, which contains smoothing fruit acids and tightening caffeine and coenzyme A for firming. It's not cheap, but it's money well-spent. As on the beefy Roberto.

3 of the best

Get up and glow with these night-time beauty treats

KIEHL'S MIDNIGHT RECOVERY EYE, DH170 Containing evening primrose and lavender, this botanical beauty promises to diminish puffiness and fine lines. Fresher, brighter looking eyes will be yours by morning.

ESTEÉ LAUDER NUTRITIOUS NIGHT VITA-MINERAL INTENSE NOURISHING CREME/MASK, DH234 Nourishing pomegranate is the superhero in this creamy treatment. Leave on overnight for intensive moisturising or wash off after 20 minutes. Ideal for dry skin types.

PANTENE OIL REPLACEMENT NIGHT THERAPY, DH16 An overnight pampering experience for your hair. Before bedtime apply a few drops from root to tip and leave in while you sleep. Hair will be left super soft and manageable.

M loves

KATE WINSLET'S LATEST ROLE

We've found a great way to feel good and look good this season. Lancôme has joined Kate Winslet in support of her non-profit Golden Hat Foundation, which aims to offer education and job training for people with autism. The actress and the cosmetics giant have created the limited edition Golden Hat Foundation line, which includes nail varnish, lipstick and multi-compact powder all bearing the Golden Hat symbol and Winslet's signature on the packaging. Learn more about the foundation at www.goldenhatfoundation.org.

Prices from Dh80, available at all Lancôme counters across the UAE