I have Asian genes where I have always been naturally slim, but as I hit my mid-20s, a guy in my comp sci class referred to me as "skinny fat" meaning that I look slim, but my insides are pretty much the equivalent to a not-so-healthy person. I stopped exercising once I graduated UBC and have pretty much been coasting since. Now, that I am approaching my mid-30s I am really starting to feel every muscle ache and seeing parts of my body look "not 21" anymore. I have recently made some dietary changes by cutting out dairy and going more plant-based with my food choices and as a result have been feeling healthier since making the change and now feel ready to start working out again. I think I just have to rip off the bandaid and do it instead of thinking about it, but in the meantime, the other thing that has gotten me thinking about getting back in shape are these new-to-me products from Nip+Fab Body!
Honestly, I don't put too much stock into cellulite-reducing or body slimming products because they are not a permanent solution to exercise and diet. Most, if not all of these types of products contain caffeine which instantly tighten skin and are in a gel texture which cools the skin and tightens it even further. What I can imagine is how nice these products would feel AFTER a workout!
First up is the Nip+Fab Body Cellulite Fix*($17.25 CDN) which is a body sculpting gel containing Indian forskolin root, from the mint family, and natural caffeine. This is a fast-absorbing gel that leaves skin feeling very smooth as there is also a bit of silicone (cyclopentasiloxane) in it which immediately plumps and smooths the skin's surface. I should add that all three of these products smell really good - like fresh laundry!
The Nip+Fab Body Slim Fix* ($14.95 CDN) was my favourite of the trio and is a 2 in 1 body moisturizer and toning gel containing green coffee extract to constrict skin and reduce inflammation for a tighter and more toned appearance. I preferred the texture of this product over the other two because this was cream as opposed to a gel. Whenever the weather gets a bit humid, which happens often in Vancouver because of the copious amounts of rain we get, I never like having a moisturizer that is too sticky or thick. Since this has a toning gel built in, it doesn't leave me feeling overly sticky. Highly recommend this one!
I knew that the day would come when I would get the dreaded "Oprah arm flaps" aka saggy triceps and that day is now upon me. Now, I know I need to lift some weights and possibly do a push-up or two, but in conjunction with that comes the Nip+Fab Upper Arm Fix* ($12.95 CDN) which is similar in function to the Cellulite Fix, but does not have silicone in it. You are supposed to rub this gel in circular motions on the upper arm until fully absorbed. Again, I think this would be really nice post-workout because of how cooling and refreshing it feels on the skin.
Final verdict: All in all, I quite like the body line from Nip+Fab and though I know full well that getting my body back in shape is more than just creams and potions, I can understand how products in this category would compliment someone's workout regime. Caffeine is used all the time to reduce swelling and puffiness (hello, eye creams and coffee body scrubs) so there is truth to its use in topical products. Are the effects forever? No, but they sure do work in the moment and help to keep you motivated!
Nip+Fab products are sold in Shoppers Drug Mart in Canada.
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