We put cellulite creams to the test

The Gazette
Saturday, April 03, 2004

(Institut Esthederm, Cyclo Repair Youth Lotion, $98)	(Dior Bikini Celluli-Diet, $61)	(Ishi White Chocolate Cream, $70)	(The Healing Garden Spa Theraphy, $19.95)	(Vichy Laboratories Liposyne, $48)	(Yves Saint Laurent Total Fitness Ultra Silky Slimming Gel, $76)

Canadian $

Do you have cellulite? I asked more than a handful of potential subjects for a very unscientific trial of smoothing creams. Most guffawed. A few broke out in hysterical laughter. Just one replied, "No."

Virtually every woman endures the "problem" of cellulite, and cosmetic companies have long promised relief. A new crop of creams pledging everything from smoother skin to thinner thighs have appeared. A test was in order. Here are the results from a random sample of women (she who does not have cellulite did not take part):

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Decléor Paris Aromessence Contour Slimming Body Concentrate, $56, and Contour Balm, $56

Claim: The smell and touch of the essential oils in the product - basil, grapefruit, black pepper, hysop and clary sage - along with "Lipo-reducing complex'' will diminish the appearance of irregular, dimpled skin.

Smell: "Medicinal - so bad it has to be good for you."

Texture: "The balm is sticky and unpleasant."

Results: "None. I couldn't live with the smell."

Where: www.decleor.com or call (800) 363-7284

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Institut Esthederm, Cyclo Repair Youth Lotion, $98

Claim: The skin is refilled with youth every day to recover more rapidly more density, firmness and hydration. The skin is visibly denser, smoother, brighter and silky.

Smell: "Subtle, delicious."

Texture: "Silky, smooth, hydrating."

Results: "I still need to go to the gym, but texture does improve slightly after use."

Would you buy it? "If money were no object, yes."

Where: Ogilvy's

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Dior Bikini Celluli-Diet, $61

Claim: This Body Refining Essence incorporates a unique, exclusive, international scientific breakthrough, the Body-Caps Diffusion System, to help redefine the figure and restore its original perfection. Tests on 30 women after one month reveal 89-per-cent improvement in smoothing the look of cellulite.

Smell: "Lightly scented, not too perfumey."

Texture: "Smooth and silky."

Results: "Seems to have worked a little. Maybe it's just the placebo effect. There's less noticeable bumpiness but maybe it's because I've been away and my legs are suntanned."

Would you buy it? "If it were less expensive I might. But $61 is too much for me given the lack of dramatic results."

Where: Major department stores.

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Ishi White Chocolate Cream, $70

Claim: Reducing, draining and stimulating properties, excellent in the treatment of cellulite, localized fat and edema.

Smell: "Creamy chocolate with a hint of coffee. Gives the skin a delicious aroma."

Texture: "Very creamy, easy to spread."

Results: "I used it on my upper arms, and the skin does appear firmer!"

Would you buy it? "Definitely, although it's out of my budget."

Where: Spa St. James, 2190 Crescent St., or Lisa Anella Esthétique Avancé at Westmount Square. Or call (514) 989-8615.

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The Healing Garden Spa Theraphy, $19.95

Claim: Spongy dimpled skin diminished by 46 per cent. Skin hydration increased by 41 per cent. Skin elasticity increased by 30 per cent. Skin firmness increased by 25 per cent.

Smell: "Pleasant."

Texture: "Also pleasant."

Results: "Nil."

Would you buy it? "No."

Where: Pharmacies, Zellers, Wal-Mart.

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Vichy Laboratories Liposyne, $48

Claim: Week 1: Skin is visibly firmer. Week 2: Orange-peel skin reduced by 20 per cent. Week 4: Contours more defined (plus 45 per cent); cellulite around thighs reduced by up to 3 cm.

Smell: "Citrusy smell, not unpleasant."

Texture: "Normal consistency, not greasy, yet leaves a film that sticks to your jeans or pants."

Results: "After two weeks, I saw no discernible difference except for a couple of bruises."

Would you buy it? "Probably not."

Where: Pharmacies.

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Yves Saint Laurent Total Fitness Ultra Silky Slimming Gel, $76

Claim: The body looks visibly slimmer. From the first application, the skin is smoothed, enhanced and "trained" to look more refined day after day.

Smell: "Wonderful. Nice subtle floral-fruity smell."

Texture: "Good texture. Rich but not oily."

Results: "Smooth skin, but no slimming, that's for sure. I would say it works as a moisturizer."

Would you buy it? "No. I could probably get something else less expensive with the same results."

Where: Holt Renfrew