Ladies' Room

Slimming secrets revealed!

Need to drop 5lb by tonight? If you have a special event coming up but do not have the time to diet off those little bumps and bulges, here are some secrets on how to get a flat tum fast.

It turns out a healthy diet and exercise isn't all it takes to look tiny!

Make it up

According to celebrity make-up artist Terri Apanasewicz, the super-lean likes of Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss, generally use two foundations. Use a darker shade below the cheekbones to the jaw line to make the face appear slimmer.

Jump to it

Staying off the fizzy drinks and doing a little jumping on a mini-trampoline for 30 to 40 minutes, in a really warm room, will de-bloat you. Also on the day, avoid salt, sugar and carbonated drinks.

Wear wedges

This footwear can make your legs look longer and thinner. Cameron Diaz, Jennifer Aniston and Gwen Stefani are often pictured wearing wedges for that reason.

At a stretch

If you can't make time for an early morning yoga class, lie on the floor with your arms at your side, pulling your knees up to your chest and taking them back down. This will increase your circulation to give you more energy. Your posture will be better, so clothing will hang better on you.

Get a tan

Look 5lb thinner by getting a spray tan. But avoid the mahogany look, the most natural-looking brand that's guaranteed to give you a fresh-faced glow is called Zen-Tan. It is sold at selected House of Fraser stores nationwide.

Have a bath

Soak away the pounds by bathing in Epsom salts. The magnesium sulphate in the salts will draw out the fluids from your body.

Stand up straight

According physiotherapist Sammy Margo, "standing up straight can have an instant stomach-flattening effect". She told the Daily Mail: "'Try to maintain the natural curves of the spine, watching for exaggerated arching in the back, which could push the abdominals forward creating a rounded tummy."

It's a wrap

Makers claim that one treatment of seaweed wrap can result in the loss of an inch from the stomach and thighs. The seaweed is rich in minerals and vitamins, which detoxify the skin by drawing out excess fluid. It also contains iodine, which speeds up the metabolism, helping to break down fat.

Bag this look

Ditch the mini-clutch. They may be in fashion, but the bigger your handbag the smaller you will appear in comparison. The same applies for other accessories. Big necklaces are in right now, so take advantage.