However, here's the thing. Like nearly all of us, I have cellulite - gotta love those lumps. It's not too bad so I think it may be salvagable - if I get cracking before it's too late and too difficult to shift. I'm pretty skinny so I don't need to lose weight, just tone up. I suspect that all I can really do is be persistent and consistent with things I've already read about in here for butts and thighs, so am doing lunges and squats to the best of my ability.

I was just wondering if anyone has had any luck with particular exercises or methods of cellulite removal, whether dietary or cosmetic. It's hard to believe that creams will do much but then again, if you've tried it and have had results, I'd love to know. I have to look my best in a couple of months time as the light of my life is hoping to fly over from New York (I'm in Oz for those of you who haven't met me yet).

That reminds me - I'd also like to get rid of the dark circles. No use telling me it's lack of sleep - it's NOT. They're mostly due to illness and may even respond to specific changes in nutrition. I don't know and don't know where to start. Again, creams would be pretty limited I think and terribly expensive. But if you do know something that has helped you, please let me know.

Thanks so much,
Look forward to your tips.
Love Mel

Tired of your eyes looking like you just stepped out of the boxing ring? Nine out of 10 people have dark circles under their eyes at one time or another, so it's no wonder that dark bags of skin below the eyes are a common beauty complaint. Blame it on everything from lack of sleep or diet deficiencies to allergies, sun exposure or good ol' heredity. What's a girl to do? Local skin experts share some practical solutions for taming those shadowy face invaders.

Camouflage
The easiest, cheapest and safest cure for dark under-eye circles is camouflage, says Miguel Moralez, National Sales Director for I-Iman Cosmetics. Miguel recommends I-Iman's light-diffusing Foundation Stick (LINK), available in 18 shades to cover from the fairest to the deepest skin tones. To hide dark circles, Miguel suggests using your ring finger to lightly tap the foundation under the eye, starting at the inner corner, until it blends smoothly into the skin. The I-Iman stick sets to a natural matte finish without powder but if you use a concealer, finish with a light dusting of loose powder for a soft, polished look.

Camouflage with:
• Prescriptives Camouflage Cream
• Sephora Concealer Palette
• TimeBalm Under Eye Concealer

Treat with:
• Elizabeth Arden Good Morning Eye Treatment
• Kinerase Under Eye Rescue
• Peter Thomas Roth Power K Eye Rescue

Correct with:
• DDF Erase Eye Gel
• Peter Thomas Roth AHA/Kojic Under Eye Brightener
• StriVectin-SD Eye Cream
• Hylexin

Treat your eyes
During your next facial, add a soothing eye treatment for an instant lift.

• Collagen Eye Treatment
The Skin & Makeup Institute of Arizona

• Phyto-Organic Eye Contour
Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa at Biltmore Fashion Square

• Eye Care Treatment
Golden Door Spa at the Boulders

• De-Stress Eye Treatment
Essential Touch Women's Wellness Spa

Tricks from the pros
Lie back and place one of these natural remedies on closed eyes.

• Cosmetic cotton squares soaked in milk or witch hazel.
• Chilled cucumber slices.
• Cooled chamomile tea bags.
• Grated raw potatoes wrapped in cheesecloth.

Treat
For a more lasting solution, incorporate an under-eye moisturizer into your daily beauty regiment. Pamela Springer, executive director of The Skin & Makeup Institute of Arizona, suggests using a product formulated with nourishing ingredients such as elastin, collagen and Vitamin E. For mature skin, she recommends Alpha Hydroxy Acid-based products that disband dead cells, allowing nutrients to penetrate. Because the delicate skin under eyes has such small pores, Pamela warns against over-hydrating, which can clog pores and add to the problem. She suggests visiting a spa or skincare facility where a certified aesthetician can recommend an effective product for your skin type.

Correct
If you're plagued by chronic dark circles, talk with a dermatologist about more aggressive options. For patients with excessive pigmentation, cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Susan Van Dyke of Van Dyke Laser & Skin Care prescribes lightening creams, chemical peels or laser resurfacing, depending on the severity. Lightening agents, such as hydroquinone and kojic acid, work gradually by training under-eye cells to produce less pigment. Non-prescription strength lighteners are available but can take two to three months to effect a noticeable improvement. Chemical peels and laser resurfacing remove layers of damaged skin and help to make pigmentation less visible. Each option comes with cautions, and Dr. Van Dyke suggests a visit to a dermatologist to determine the best approach for your skin. For more information, contact Van Dyke Laser & Skin Care (LINK) in Scottsdale.

Just the facts m'aam
Dark circles are caused by one of three primary reasons. Here's the quick and dirty on which solution works best for each type.

- Bone structure. If you have deep-set eyes, shadowing contributes to the dark color under the eyes. Your best bet: camouflage. Look for concealers with yellow undertones, which counteract the bluish cast to under-eye circles.

- Pigmentation. Genetic hyper-pigmentation is the most treatable form of dark circles. Your best bet: Try a lightening cream or talk to a dermatologist about chemical peels or laser resurfacing.

- Vasculature inflammation. Late nights, allergies and nutritional deficiencies can enlarge the blood vessels beneath the thin under-eye skin. Your best bet: Take care of yourself! Sounds cliché but DRINK that WATER, get your beauty sleep, eat a healthy diet and AVOID CIGERETTE SMOKE(easy enough, right?).

Lisa Kasanicky
ArizonaSpaGirls
Dorothy
(Site Administrator)