Q I've just had a baby and am trying to regain my figure. I'm confident of losing the weight - mainly in my lower belly and thigh area - and have a sound exercise and diet plan in place. But are there any creams that I can use to speed up my efforts? And are there ways to dress skinnier without spending too much money?

A Girlfriend, give yourself a round of applause for that positive attitude and for being pro-active in whipping yourself back into shape.

Here's a reality check though: If there were any miracle creams that could speed up weight loss, beauty salons and gyms would have gone out of business long ago.

But all's not lost. You can use anti-cellulite and anti-water retention lotions and creams, such as Clarins Total Body Lift ($75.50, from Tangs Orchard) and Shiseido Body Creator Aromatic Sculpting Gel ($69, from Level 1 Takashimaya), to help with drainage and reduce bloating, both of which can make hips, thighs and stomach swell and cause discomfort.

What's common in anti-cellulite and anti-water retention potions are ingredients such as caffeine, which reportedly boosts blood circulation and works like a diuretic to reduce fluid retention. Capsaicin, a compound from chilli peppers, is also commonly found in these creams and helps to kickstart metabolism to speed up fat burning and promote better blood circulation.

Some creams have retinol, a vitamin A derivative which is used to exfoliate skin and increase the production of collagen, which thickens the skin and hides those fatty dimples on your behind or thighs.

Using these anti-cellulite products helps to firm, tone and smooth the skin so that cellulite isn't so obvious, and your thighs and buttocks aren't so spongy.

There are also ways of dressing skinnier:

- Forget pants, get dresses

Buy jersey dresses. The heavier weight of the material gives a slimmer silhouette as it skims instead of clings to the figure.

- Think fitted silhouettes

Unless you're tall, the trapeze dress, while roomy and seemingly comfortable, can look like a tent. A shirt dress looks a lot smarter. Belt it in front - what we call trench style - for an hourglass silhouette. Or tie your sash behind to give a more defined shape to an otherwise comfy shirt dress.

- Empire strikes back

Be proud of your bosom. Flaunt it if you have it. Babydoll dresses or even tunics are ideal, since they draw attention to the bust and away from your problem area.

- Go for solids from the same colour family

Dressing in black can make you look thinner but it can also be drab. Instead, wear bold colours like red, cobalt blue or emerald green. Don't mix and match, though. When you wear one colour all over, there is visual continuity and this tricks the eyes into thinking the silhouette is longer, making you look taller and leaner.