On trial... Instant body toning treatments

Forget personal trainers or going under the knife. Tone up with these five body toning products put to the test...

If you're in a panic because summer sprung before you'd got your pins 'Kate Moss hotpant' perfect, handbag has done the hard work for you. We've sourced the UK's favourite treatments for banishing those stubborn lumpy-love-handles and firming that cottage cheese tummy.

Cellulite appears on the parts of our body where we are most likely to store fat - so thighs, bottom, tummy and sometimes upper arms. It's estimated that 90% of women will have cellulite at some point in their lives, which is caused when fat cells grow with age and start pushing through connective fibres, creating the dimpling effect.

While good old-fashioned exercise, reducing your stress levels, quitting smoking and cutting back on alcohol, caffeine and sugar are the best long-term cures for orange-peelitis, handbag's quick-fixes will give you a head start if you've been less than gymnast Beth Tweddle with your training!

Neal's Yard Remedies Detox Toning Oil
£12
This luxurious, organic oil from Neal's Yard contains black pepper, orange, frankincense and juniper to detox the skin.

The claim When massaged into problem areas with a body brush, the aromatherapy oils will improve skin texture, circulation and help with the breakdown and elimination of toxins.

The verdict? This is more of a night-time, post-bath treatment than pre-work, since oil doesn't soak in as quickly as lotions. Our tester's skin felt gorgeously moist for hours afterwards, although the smell is faintly reminiscent of turps! The daily body-brushing and massage made my skin feel and look better after just a week.
Stockists 0845 262 3145 or www.nealsyardremedies.com

Vacunaut Hypoxi Therapy
£400-£550 for 12 x 40 minute sessions
Hypoxi Therapy will have you sitting in a pod and cycling, with an airtight blanket between you and the cabin!

The claim Low atmospheric pressure will increase blood supply to ensure you burn fat from problem areas during exercise. Regular use, together with an eating plan, will leave you a trouser-size thinner every month and leave hips, bottom and thighs looking younger.

The verdict? Testers have lost up to six inches after 12 sessions. Some testers have also seen a significant reduction in cellulite. It is effective and results last but it is the most expensive and the least convenient to use of our tested products.
Stockists 0870 414 6969

NIVEA Body Good-bye Cellulite
£9.99
The latest innovation from NIVEA Body is a gel-based lotion, containing L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine is naturally present in the skin and plays an important role in the metabolism of fat, converting fat stores into energy.

The claim The cooling effect of the gel will boost circulation and users are promised a visible reduction in cellulite after four weeks of use. Use of the gel-cream will also increase levels of L-Carnitine in the skin, to help metabolise fat.

The verdict? The most straightforward and easy to apply of all the products we tried. It's got a fabulous fragrance and is very tingly on your skin! Our testers noticed improvements in skin texture and moisture after just two weeks.
Available nationwide

L'Oréal PerfectSlim Pro-Massage
£13.99
The team at L'Oréal have come up with a groovy little self-massage gadget on the end of a bottle of lotion! The massage is based on the kneading and squeezing concept used in professional salons for lymphatic drainage.

The claim The combination of self-massage (to stimulate circulation and tissue drainage) and Co-Caffeine Cx will immediately make skin look firmer and users will see improvements in cellulite after four weeks.

The verdict? The self-massage is simple to use and surprisingly effective, skin becomes slightly red and warm after use, proof that blood is getting to the surface. Skin feels tighter and dimples are reduced after four weeks of continuous use. It has a lovely holiday smell too!
Available nationwide

Dead Sea Spa Magik Algimud Body Mask
£9.95
Be gone mummy-style salon wraps, this 'Magikal' product is a combination of pure Dead Sea mineral mud and over 21 minerals. Wet the mask, wait 15 minutes, then peel off!

The claim The active ingredients will help circulation, detoxify the body, improve skin tone, purify your top layers of skin and leave you feeling relaxed.

The verdict? It's pretty messy and you've got to be quick with the application before it dries up. However, peeling off the mask is very satisfying, leaving you with lovely soft legs, even if you do feel like you've shed your alien skin.
Available nationwide