Bikini Bod In A Bottle

Beach Body, No Cardio Required?

Further evidence that women are expecting more and more out of their beauty products: two major beauty companies, Rodial and Tarte, just launched bikini-readying products that blur the line between fat/cellulite-busting supplement, sun tan in a bottle and veritable magic potion. Sounds great, right – you can slack on your diet and exercise regimen and still be tanned, toned and trim? Not so fast –all you personal trainers and tanning salon owners out there can step away from the ledge, as you are not in danger of being replaced. It’s safe to say that a sleek physique is still going to take some hours logged at the gym, but wouldn’t it be great to use a beauty routine that can speed up your results a bit?

Though I’m a fan of both of these innovative brands, it’s tough to not be skeptical of the hyperbolic, borderline-fantastical claims of Rodial Skinny Beach Supplement ($59, www.beauty.com) and the Tarte Cellufight Natural Anti-Cellulite Self-Tanner ($40, www.tartecosmetics.com). Let’s look at the lofty goals of each product:

Rodial Skinny Beach Supplement is best used during the two weeks before summer or an upcoming vacation, so encourage slimming while preparing your skin for sun exposure. The Claim: Beta-carotene stimulates pigments to promote skin darkening without excess sun exposure, which would, in theory, give you a layer of insurance (in the form of a pigment-boosted, natural layer of UV protection against burning) while antioxidant green tea extract acts to encourage fat combustion and help limit the absorption of lipids. The Results: In my experience, the citrus-flavored drink definitely gave my energy a little lift during the day, and my naturally medium-toned skin took on a slightly darker cast, without a weird carrot-orange tint, after two weeks of use. Sadly, no, this potion didn’t cause weight loss, but it did leave my skin feeling slightly firmer.

Tarte Cellufight Natural Anti-Cellulite Self –Tanner is a hydrating, gradual self-tanner that’s powered, according to the company, by a clinically proven anticellulite complex. The Claim: Tanned and taut skin with one product. Moisturize and achieve a healthy, gradual glow that works on all skin tones. Formulated with “skintight” complex, a proprietary anti-cellulite complex that firms and tones skin while improving elasticity. Plant and bionutrient extracts boost cellular metabolism, shedding excess fat tissue, and caffeine helps stimulate blood flow, immediately reducing "the orange-peel" effect on problem areas such as waist, hips, thighs, and buttocks. Clinically proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties prevent long-term buildup of fat tissue under the skin. The Results: As a self-tanner, the gradual and subtle results are even, streak-free, and natural-looking. Because any tanning of the skin – whether real or faux – will reduce the appearance of cellulite, Cellufight does make cellulite-ridden areas look noticeably smoother and less bumpy, and my skin definitely feels firmer. Dramatic cellulite control wasn’t accomplished after two weeks of use, but I’ll think positive and continue to use the product. And though other less pricey brands offer great gradual self-tanners (Avon and Jergens to name two), I do love that Tarte’s is free of parabens, phlalates and other health-threatening ingredients.