TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 8.3*
Why it's great: Readers agree that this drugstore product "really does work." One reviewer writes, "I used it faithfully twice a day for a couple of months and noticed a significant improvement." Other readers appreciate the product's pleasant scent, lightweight texture and moisturizing formula. "It truly does improve the texture of your skin," another reviewer guarantees. "Over time I have seen tightening in my skin, and it stays well-moisturized all day." The consensus? "Nivea rocks."
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.1*
Why it's great: A "spa in a bottle" is how one happy reviewer describes this luxe Philosophy product. "It really does help firm the skin when you apply it amply after a bath or shower," she adds. Reviewers also love the product's scent, calling it "heavenly," "like a breath of fresh air" and "a treat for the body." It may not be as affordable as the drugstore brands, but for the decadence and results, readers agree this body emulsion is well worth it.
TotalBeauty.com average member rating: 9.5*
Why it's great: This winning drugstore lotion by Palmer's tops our list of body-firming products. One reader boasts that she has "no stretch marks" after using this product before and after pregnancy. Another adds that this is the only firming lotion she's found that works -- but you have to use it consistently to see results, she notes. "This is the most covetable and luxurious moisturizer you can buy in any drugstore," writes another reviewer. "It's not greasy at all... melts into your skin completely" and leaves skin "smooth, silky and fabulous."
For less than $10, and at a 9.4 rating, it's clear why this product lands in first place.
In the midst of all the mind-boggling breakthroughs of modern science, from entangling atoms to establishing colonies on Mars, we sure hope the next point on the list involves inventing a line of miracle skin-care products that will make cellulite instantly disappear.
These wonder skin care products may not exist (yet), but there are a few body-firming products out there that TotalBeauty.com readers claim smooth skin and tighten thighs to satisfaction. Of course, fighting frustrating flab and dimples with beauty products alone won't cut it. For the smoothest, tautest skin possible, you've got to -- you guessed it — eat right and exercise.
Eating a healthy, low-fat diet is the first step in fighting unflattering skin problems. One way to kick off a healthy eating plan is by doing an at-home detox. Eat plenty of fruits and veggies, and avoid fatty foods as well as processed foods and drinks (including diet soda). You've heard it a million times before, but that's only because it's true.
Flushing out toxins is also important in minimizing cellulite. That means limiting alcohol and cigarette consumption, and drinking lots of water (add lemon to help reduce bloat). Exercising a bit more is important, too. Just three 30-minute cardio sessions a week could significantly improve your health and your waistline. Once you get into the habit of treating your body well on the inside, then you can work on the outside — that's where these top-rated smoothing skin-care products come in.
Our reviewers paired the "best" skin-care products on this list with a healthy diet and exercise to achieve healthy skin and truly visible results.
So until the day comes when true miracle skin-care products exist, you'll need to do the same. Use one of the best firming skin-care products in this roundup to smooth your skin the right way.