Makeup & nails

Smooth skin: Nix cellulite and hair

Save your energy for lying by the pool. Here's your low-effort, easy option guide to smooth skin this summer.

by : Vanessa Craft & Katherine Flemming- Jun 12th, 2013

EASY ANTI-CELLULITE TREATMENTS TO TRY THIS SUMMER

Before you succumb to anti-cellulite hysteria, do a YouTube search for “Linda Kozlowski thong bikini.” After you check out the Crocodile Dundee actress’ oft-discussed rear view, join us in acknowledging that her bottom has cellulite and looks incredible. These two things aren’t mutually exclusive. Cellulite affects 90 percent of women, and although there is still no definitive cure, there are things you can do to improve your skin’s appearance. Basics like staying hydrated, eating well and getting regular exercise help. So does using a body cream that helps smooth and tighten by way of ingredients like caffeine or skin-firming polymers. We’re also big fans of massage-like treatments that stimulate circulation and promote lymphatic drainage.

Smooth summer skin: The TOP 5 ANTI-CELLULITE SKIN CARE TREATMENTS

1. The lazy way to get rid of cellulite for smooth summer skin

Before bed, roll the Bliss FatGirlSlim Lean Machine ($170) up and down thighs and stomach. Be warned: The intense suction motion makes it noisy and uncomfortable. However, you’ll notice a smoothness immediately.

2. An even easier method to get smooth summer skin

Before you shower, gently brush the Be.better Bamboo Body Brush with Massager ($9) across skin using a circular upward motion toward the heart. Focus on your thighs, hips, butt and belly. Note: It’s a bit scratchy.

3. The laziest anti-cellulite treatment for smooth summer skin

A bit of colour can help disguise dimples, but before you head out to sunbathe, know that UV damage actually makes cellulite look worse. Slick on St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Mousse ($38) instead.

Anti-cellulite treatments: EXTREME DIETS to get a bikini body this summer

Learn about the easiest hair removal treatments for summer skin on the next page…

EASY SUMMER HAIR REMOVAL TIPS FOR SUMMER

Body-hair management doesn’t have to be hard. Although “painless waxing” sounds like an oxymoron, heading to a salon that uses Lycon wax (an Australian import favoured by Sienna Miller and Victoria Beckham) is a good start. Lexi Miles, founder and owner of Waxon Waxbar in Toronto, says that it hurts less than other waxes due to its “superior grip and low working temperature” and because it contains titanium dioxide, lavender, rose and camomile to soothe skin and minimize discomfort. Bonus: The brand’s new Lycojet wax can remove hair as short as one millimetre.

Not into having the hair on your most sensitive areas ripped from the roots by a stranger, albeit a friendly one? We’ve got your back. Here are some other easy options.

1. The lazy way to remove hair for smooth summer skin

The Schick Intuition Pure Nourishment razor ($12) comes with the lather and moisturizer built in. Just add water, girl. You can do it.

SLIDESHOW: Lazy summer MUST-HAVE BEAUTY products

2. An even easier hair removal method for smooth summer skin

Blast your bits with the new Tria Hair Removal Laser 4X ($449) while you catch up on Homeland. After a while (about three months), you won’t need to schlep to the salon.

3. The laziest method of hair removal for smooth summer skin

Let it be. It’s all good, says Gwyneth Paltrow, who prefers a ’70s-style situation