5 Tricks to Make Cellulite Disappear

By Cristina Mueller, REDBOOK

Legs.USE A FIRMING CREAM

Let's get this out of the way: There's no miracle cure-in-a-jar for cellulite. But "a firming cream that contains caffeine and hyaluronic acid may help disguise cellulite for up to eight hours," says dermatologist Doris Day, a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. She says her patients love Estée Lauder Body Performance Firming Body Creme, $40.

This might sound like Snooki's beauty regimen, but celebrity faux-tanner Jimmy Coco, whose clients include Kim Kardashian, swears by a two-layer technique. First, apply a self-tan lotion only to the bumpy areas (try L'Oréal Paris Sublime Bronze Self-Tanning Lotion, $9.99). Then mist your entire body with a self-tan spray (like St. Tropez Self Tan Bronzing Spray, $35). "The contouring has a slimming effect that lasts several days," he says.

"Massage boosts circulation and plumps the skin, creating a smoother look that lasts for days," says Shelley Bawiec, director of spa education for Aveda. Her fast D.I.Y. technique: In the shower, apply a body scrub like Bliss Hot Salt Scrub, $36, in vigorous, sideways back-and-forth motions. After you've dried off, use a body oil (try Neutrogena Body Oil, $9.99) for a two-minute deep massage: First, smooth your palms in long strokes down the backs of your thighs, then use your fingers to apply pressure in slow, circular motions.

"Strong muscles make cellulite less obvious," says trainer Lacey Stone, who has worked with Nicole Kidman. Just squeeze in these squats to tone the area while watching True Blood: Standing with feet shoulder-width apart, stick your butt out as you bend your knees to a sitting position; hold for two seconds. Do this 15 times, three days a week.

Victoria's Secret models seem immune to cottage-cheese syndrome, but makeup artist Stephanie Flor, who preps them at the brand's runway show, says even they get a little help: "If you attract light to the rest of the legs, cellulite is less obvious." Dust a shimmery bronzer like NYC New York Color Bronzer, $4.99, down the front of your legs. For medium or dark skin, use a body oil instead.

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