We all yearn for those lazy days of teenage summers gone by. Prancing along the beach in dental floss sized bikini, nothing jiggling aside from a Tiffany charm bracelet. How naïve to think that the cottage cheese like puckering on older women in Bermuda shorts would not one day materialize our own taught thighs. Unfortunately, one of the many ghastly facts about cellulite is that it is hereditary and an ugly fact of life for 90% of woman. Unavoidable and passed on like the plague, as if the pangs of labor weren't a dreadful enough punishment for us gals. While there is no way to completely rid the body of cellulite, there are ways to fight it, firm it, or at least make it less visible. Cosmetic surgery options include: cellulite treatment or mesotherapy, the first involving "gentle rolling and suctioning of the fat" and the latter using "medical injections to breakdown existing cellulite." If surgery is not your chosen line of attach in the war on cellulite, check out these products that boast firm results.

Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil (3.4 fl. oz., $22.00 USD), uses 100% natural ingredients to improve the skin's texture. One month of regular use is said to result in a visible reduction of cellulite. I'm usually not prone to massaging my own backside with oil. However knowing the little fatty deposits are being dispersed by a product that smells like deliciously fresh lemons and apricots, is very inciting. The soothing and relaxing ritual of aromatherapy oil, or Ayurvedic massage, is a 5,000 year old practice. Weleda has found a way to modernize this experience with the beneficial effect of cellulite depletion. As quoted by Rama Kant Mishra, Ayurvedic expert, "Accumulated stress and toxins in the mind and body dissolve during the daily massage." After using this blissful product, my skin is left feeling nourished and completely pampered. After a few uses my backside is feeling as smooth as a baby's butt. Because the aromatherapy aspect is so relaxing, I've fit this product into my post workout routine, to sooth tense glut muscles.

When preparing for a season that is only 3 months, there is no time to waste packing a beach bag full of sunscreens, lotions, and bronzers. Luckily I discovered a new product that does quadruple duty. Murad Firming Bronzer SPF 15 For Face and Body, (3.4 oz, 48, USD) is a bronzer, sunscreen firming & softening lotion in one. How could I resist a product that will make my backside supple, shimmery and firm? (32% firmer within 15 minutes as the packaging touts.) Recently I took Murad's magical treatment to on a weekend jaunt to the Hampton's to put it to the test. The luminous glow from just a dab of this product is unmatched by any bronzing lotion I've tried. It's totally weightless and natural looking. After just a short time the back of my legs are radiant, more toned in appearance and smooth to the touch. According to the research of Dr. Murad, Pomegranate Extract, an ingredient included, has the unique ability to improve the SPF power of sunscreen. However, I wore this product in the sun for 3 hours and was beat red for the entire evening. This may have been because this product is a sunscreen not a sun block meaning it needs to be reapplied every hour or so.

With the launch of their Good-bye Cellulite Gel Cream (6.7 oz, $12.99 USD), Nivea, has finally been able to shed its brand image of Granny's favorite cold cream. Their little tube claims to noticeably tone and smooth the skin after 2 weeks and visibly reduce signs of cellulite after 4 weeks. With its inexpensive price tag and hefty promises, Good-bye Cellulite Gel Cream, is literally redefining derrières all over the world! On the popular Belfast show, How to Look Good Naked, the gel was the favorite among 4 other (more expensive) anti-cellulite products. Closer to home, Tyra Banks featured some amazing results on her show, when the product was tested on real women. I made the decision to say good-bye to my own cellulite about 5 weeks ago and I am extremely pleased with the results. Although I don't plan on breaking a thong bikini any time soon, I've definitely had noticeable results. While I still have little waves and dimples, I do feel more confident in this season's mini dresses. Application of the product is another story. The gel has a similar smell, consistency and color to toothpaste. It's also fairly sticky so I recommend waiting a bit before getting dressed. Ahhh...the price we pay for beauty. Luckily the actual price-point here is fairly low.

In the 80's mousse was a product used only on the hair to create crunchy curls - something I tossed out years ago, along with my diffuser. I have to admit that I miss that whip cream like goodness that fluffed up in the palm of my hand. However, the icky mess left on my hands post hair scrunching was less than desirable. Thankfully, Crabtree and Evelyn Naturals - have revolutionized the concept of mousse, stripping it of its stickiness and creating a lovely in-shower experience. I've been using Crabtree and Evelyn Naturals Mango & Grapefruit Shower Mousse, (6.8oz, $16.00) for over a year now - it's safe to say, I'm hooked on both the smell and the results. Infused with scrumptious mango and grapefruit oil, known to tighten cellulite prone skin, the foam texture is velvety soft and the scent is long lasting and invigorating. After massaging into the skin, my skin feels revitalized. The effect is totally energizing, and I'm ready to take on any Stairmaster or Pilates class.