Ever taken one look at your legs and gone, “I don’t care how hot it is outside, I’m not being seen dead in shorts”? If you’re embarrassed to parade your legs in public, then this guide to disguising stretch marks and cellulite could be the answer.
The simple solution to hiding stretch marks and cellulite is to wear long pants or skirts to your ankles, but when the mercury hits the low 30s, it’s not the most comfortable option. Even supermodels have cellulite and stretch marks — you just have to know how to disguise them.
Get a tan
Most people avoid buying white lounge suites or carpets because any mark will stick out like a sore thumb, and the same can be said for your legs. It’s much easier to see red and blue spider veins, the orange peel effect and stretch marks if you’re ghostly white. Girl, you need to get some colour on your legs. Find a good self-tanning product that doesn’t turn Oompah Loompah orange, or book yourself for a spray tan.
How to get a great faux tan >>
Try an anti-cellulite cream
Don’t expect this to be a miracle cure, because anti-cellulite creams are simply designed to temporarily reduce the appearance. The good anti-cellulite reducing creams will contain caffeine, which decreases the moisture in the skin, temporarily tightening it for a few hours. Associate professor of exercise science from the University of New Mexico, Dr. Len Kravitz, Ph.D., says, “Studies have shown a small reduction in thigh girth when using these creams, yet not a substantial change in cellulite.” So we can conclude that a cream works if you slather it on, venture out in public and then make sure you’re home before it wears off.
Murad Firm and Tone
Murad Firm and Tone has amazing reviews for stretch marks and cellulite. Stock up if you can afford the price tag. (amazon.com, $46)
Fat-Fader
Recommended by Dr. Oz, Fat-Fader cream contains 2.5 per cent aminophylline, the active ingredient that helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. (fatfader.com, $60)
Body makeup
Use a concealer designed to camouflage scars or tattoos to hide your stretch marks. Use a brush for even coverage, followed by translucent powder. Remember that unless your concealer is waterproof, it will wear off if you are swimming or sweating.
Thin Lizzy Concealer Creme
An awesome product all the way from New Zealand that is worth having shipped over because it’s that good. The beeswax base makes it water resistant. (netpharmacy.co.nz, $30)
Dermablend Cover Creme
Dermablend Professional Cover Cream is rated No. 1 in America and is sweat and rain resistant (dermablend.com, $37)
Get a tattoo
It seems like a rather radical move to cover up stretch marks, but if you hate them that much, getting a tattoo could be an option to explore. Make sure you include your stretch marks as part of the design to make them less noticeable rather than trying to hide them. Tattoo ink might not take to scarred skin as well and leave you wishing you’d just learned to accept your stretch marks the way they were.
Thinking of getting a tattoo? Read this first >>
Slim down
Even supermodels are not immune to cellulite. However, if you are overweight, WebMD suggests losing weight can help reduce the appearance of unwanted cellulite. It won’t get rid of it, but it will certainly tone down the cottage cheese look.
Self-massage with scrub
While massage can help reduce the appearance of the orange peel effect, it is only temporary. Use a scrub made from a combination of sea salt and sesame oil to help smooth out the lumpy look.
More beauty tips
10 Essential products for on-the-go beauty
6 Age-defying beauty essentials
DIY fixes for common skin concerns
Leave a Comment