Streamline the tummy

A peek at your belly might give you a last-minute crisis just when the Little Black Dress beckons for a big night out. Those few extra inches of bulge will also remind you that you are so not bikini-ready.

With my constant craving for San Mig Light and French fries (two of The South Beach Diet’s forbidden foods), I developed a beer belly. The battle of the bulge is definitely in. Since I am too lazy to do sit-ups, I am so glad that Clarins developed the latest slimming innovation at their very own spa.

"The Clarins Pro Tummy Trim is a 45-minute treatment that targets the waist, abdomen, and hips the natural way," says Andrea Dumangcas, Clarins Institut manager. "Made especially for Asian women who are slimming fanatics, our therapists perform a deep- tissue massage using Clarins’ highly-concentrated formulas."

Dig this, I got treated to a total sensory experience at the new Clarins Institut. When I entered the room, there was an aromatherapy diffuser, the ceiling was painted with clouds, Zen-like music floated in the air, and the bed had a heating pad under to soothe my mind, body, and soul. Sheer bliss, huh?

Mildred, my therapist checked the fat on my tummy and thighs. She started massaging my legs, hips, and tummy with the Anti-Eau Body Treatment Oil to help reduce the appearance of "sponginess" while promoting a lighter feeling on targeted body parts. For my abs and waist, Mildred applied the Super Restorative Body Care. This intensive body care treatment is the answer to addressing slackening skin, the thickening of the waist, and loss of firmness. The massage was a bit ticklish but it is nothing that you cannot handle for the sake of a slimmer figure.

The best part of this treatment is the detoxifying Vegetable Mud Wrap. Made with minerals and essential oils, this silky mud wrap works in order to tone, cleanse, drain the fat, and reduce fluid retention in the body. My therapist put plastic around my legs and stomach with a thermal heating pad on top. While waiting for the mud wrap to get absorbed in my flabby areas, Mildred gave me a soothing shoulder and scalp massage. I was so relaxed that I dozed off into deep slumber.

After 15 minutes, I took a quick shower and used the Contour Bath and Shower Concentrate. This rich yet very lightweight cleanser helps prepare the skin for more contouring. I just love the refreshing smell of bitter orange and lemon on my skin.

The final step of the treatment is another round of deep tissue massage, which includes rhythmic kneading and firm repetitive movements with the application of the Total Body Lift on my arms, legs, stomach, and back. This product has rapid contouring results that reduce the appearance of excess fatty deposits and stubborn cellulite.

The treatment was just amazing. Not only did my body feel lighter, it felt more contoured. The Clarins Pro Tummy Trim costs P1,900. You need at least four sessions once a week to boost wellness and to achieve weight loss goals. And oh, this is also good for those who suffer from dysmenorrhea because it relieves abdominal pain and reduces water retention as well.

For home care maintenance, I used the Clarins’ Body Shaping Cream. Recommended to combat stubborn areas of fat, this ultra-moisturizing texture absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a smoother and firmer appearance.

If you want more from the wonderful world of Clarins, here are products that will surely be hits this holiday season:

Radiance Boost

For the ultimate complexion perfection, try the True Radiance Foundation, P1,400. It contains gold pigments that enhance the skin’s natural luminosity. Plus, a patented Anti-Pollution Complex that protects the skin from damaging pollutants. Oh, it also maximizes the power of surrounding light for a truly radiant complexion. The thing I love about this foundation is that it glides on easily, diminishing fine lines and imperfections. With the right shade, you will definitely get a smooth and flawless finish.

24-Hour Party Pieces

Marilyn Monroe once sang that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. This is why Clarins celebrates the holiday season with Forever Diamonds. This limited-edition makeup collection boasts pure sparkles. There is a diamond-studded Powder Compact case, Diamond Cosmetic bag and brushes, Crystal Shine lip gloss and a makeup palette with dazzling colors. I really like the eye pencil (P1,250) – an amazing magic wand that defines the eyes and transforms into a clip, brooch, and scarf holder. Chic and ingenious, indeed.

Holiday Scents

Par Amour means "for love" in French while Par Amour Toujours means "for love always." These are the perfect names for Clarins’ fragrances, which celebrate the love of mothers and daughters.

The perfect gift to give your mom is Par Amour Elixir, P1,950. This moisturizing body veil smoothes on effortlessly, leaving behind the Par Amour fragrance – a sensual, floral, and woody fragrance with rose, pink peppercorn, black currants, and sandalwood. The skin will be satiny-soft, smooth and comforted.

Par Amour Toujours’ Christmas set (P2,450) includes the spray fragrance and All Rosy hair and body shower gel. Par Amour Toujours is a floral, fruity fragrance that embraces pink grapefruit and raspberry and exotic sandalwood.

For Him Only

Men just love fuss-free personal care products. To make your beau’s lips more kissable, give him Clarins Men Lip Guard, P950. Specially formulated for men, this non-sticky, shine-free lip care product soothes and protects the lips. It contains SPF 15, too. Perfect for dry lips associated with working in an air-conditioned office all day, or chapped lips from sun exposure. Glide it on anytime.

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Clarins Pro Tummy Trim Treatment is now available at the Institut Clarins at the 5th Level of Rustan’s Makati. For more information, call 817-8414. Clarins products are available at Rustan’s Makati, Shangri-La, Alabang Town Center, Gateway Mall, Ayala Center in Cebu and Essenses, Robinsons Place, Manila.

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E-mail love-hate whatever things to becca_rodriguez@yahoo.com.