Supporting Act

Ultrasound lipolysis and butt fillers? Too drastic. Repeated squats and climbing up stairs? Too much effort. The truth is, much as we want an attractive, well-shaped behind, many of us are either too busy, too lazy or just too plain tired at the end of the day to want to spare much effort achieving it.

Firming and fat-busting products offer a less arduous option and some, like L’Oreal Paris’ Perfect Slim Pro-Massage anti-cellulite gel, now come with accompanying tools like massagers and rollers to boost the products’ effects with minimum fuss or time (you can use them while watching TV or lounging in bed).

Now, Biotherm has made things easier than ever with its Shape Laser Bottom Re-Sculptor Kit ($105), which comprises a High Precision Bottom Lifting gel-cream and a pair of stretchy underwear. The former has caffeine to burn fats, hyaluronic acid to plump and lift, biofibrine to loosen and break down cellulite, and a peeling agent to refine and smooth skin texture. The latter is infused with fat-burning caffeine.

Alicia Yeo, Biotherm’s product manager, explains that the brand is moving towards products that are as hassle-free as possible. “People want convenience. Although consumers are generally content with the massage rollers in the market now, we’re anticipating their needs with these undies that work without any extra effort from the wearer.”

Intended to be worn after you apply the gel-cream, the undies work by constantly releasing caffeine onto the bum area. “You’re wearing it for at least seven hours, so the effect lasts longer,” says Alicia. They’re best used during the day when you’re more active and walking around, as this helps to rub and massage the ingredients into skin. Available only in white, the undies have two pockets at the back that physically support your bum to give the illusion of a shapely, perky butt. They’re structured like control underwear to help contour your hips, waist and tummy. Wearing them for a whole day makes skin look smoother and feel softer.

You have to be careful what you wear over them though. They are cut quite high and will show if you’re wearing low- or regular- cut jeans. Panty liners don’t stick well either, but the undies are machine washable and dry overnight. Active ingredients in the fibres can last for up to 30 cycles. Each kit only comes with one pair of underwear and you can’t buy them separately.

The gel-cream leaves a refreshing minty sensation on skin that lasts for 10 minutes. Pull on the undies after application. They may look pretty small, but can stretch to fit sizes 36-42 quite comfortably without pinching.