Fat chance

In search of that coveted silky smooth and toned skin, two sisters, Dana and Sara Tye embark on two different beauty regimens. While Sara takes to the bottle and tests out some of the hottest beauty products to hit the shelves, Dana spends some treatment time at a few spas and clinics offering the latest in anti-cellulite procedures.

Cottage cheese quotient

Sara:"I didn't think I had cellulite, but after careful examination of my thighs and backside, I figured the 'miracle creams' weren't a bad idea."

Dana: "Daily yoga devotion has toned my hips and thighs, but my post-baby bum wears a droopy expression, and the backs of my thighs have acquired unflattering dimples."

Sara: Genie in a bottle

Potion 1 L'Oréal Perfectslim Night ($25), a non-greasy gel, uses ginkgo, par-Elastyl and caffeine extracts to smooth and help reduce the appearance of cellulite. Effects: It absorbed really quickly, and minimally softened the skin. Great to wear at night.

Potion 2 Cellu-Ice by Skin Spa Therapies ($80) is a gel-like cream with a strong scent. Effects: Tiny, champagne-like bubbles burst against my thighs; some skin-smoothing qualities.

Potion 3 Shiseido Body Creator Aromatic Sculpting Gel ($68), a non-greasy gel that gives a tingling sensation akin to Vicks VapoRub. Effects: The tingling sensation lasts up to 20 minutes and the result is softer, smoother and more refined skin.

Potion 4 Clarins Total Body Lift "Stubborn Sponginess" ($60) actively slows down the development of adipose tissue, where cellulite originates. The texture is silky smooth, with a fresh fragrance. Effects: A pleasure to use: the tingling sensation was brief, but instantly tightened the tops of my thighs-the best yet.

Potion 5 Lancôme Body Sculptesse Anti-Cellulite Silky Gel ($62) is formulated with caffeine and ginkgo to smooth skin. The texture is silky soft with a heavy fragrance. Effects: Absorbed quickly to tighten the skin.

Potion 6 H20 Plus Aquafirm Body Shaping Lotion ($53) uses a marine blend of firming agents, caffeine and Sepilift to inhibit the dimpling effect and improve skin's elasticity. The texture is thick and the scent is clean. Effects: No tingling sensation, but it noticeably tightened my skin. It's also a great moisturizer.

Dana: Space-age spa

Treatment 1: Ionithermie

Cure Ionithermie Body Treatment Plan, $225 per 75-minute session, available at Absolute Spa in Vancouver (www.absolutespa.com). Recommended for 10 treatments over five weeks for best results.

Ill-advised for pregnant women, diabetics, chronically ill patients or cancer patients, as well as those with pacemakers, who've had transplant surgery or who have metal implants.

Lure This 25-year-old French biotech treatment was found to reduce cellulite by stimulating improved cellular function in fat cells. Electrodes are planted on a marine-extract-infused clay wrap, pumping specialized products into the skin via electrical current, boosting circulation and lymphatic drainage while breaking up cellulite deposits. With continued exercise and a healthy diet, the effects are expected to be long-lasting.

Ouch factor The ocean-inspired wrap feels cold and clammy, and the electrical impulses feel like a thousand miniature masochistic massage therapists pummelling my thighs, bum and belly.

Treatment Diary
After treatment My navel-to-knees zone looks toned, but tummy flab reappears days later.
Overall The spa experience: divine; the cellulite-effect: disappointing-no doubt my legs, hips and abs would be tight and trim after the 10-treatment regime.
Dimensions before Upper waist, 32.5 inches; thighs, 18 inches.
Dimensions after one treatment Upper waist, 31.5 inches; thighs, 17 inches.

Need to smooth that skin out? Check out some treatments on the next page ...