3 Slim Down Tricks to Help You Feel and Look Lighter Instantly

Sunny days renew the spirit — but the heat and humidity can also leave you puffy from head to toe. The easy remedy? Spa-inspired essential oil massages that increase circulation to flush excess fluids and eliminate bloat for a slim, radiant and happy you in no time!

Puffy face? Try a rosemary oil facial.

Heat causes the blood vessels and soft tissues in the face to expand, making room for fluids to gather. But a facial massage redistributes built-up fluids while anti-inflammatory rosemary oil eases swelling instantly. TO DO:In a spray bottle, mix 4 drops of oil (like NOW Foods Essential Oils Rosemary, $7 for 1 oz., Amazon.com) with 1 ⁄4 cup of cold water (the chill constricts blood vessels). Spritz onto your face and neck, then gently rub in circular motions until it’s absorbed.

Belly bloat? Try a mint massage.

The lymph system can get sluggish on hot days — so if you add in salty snacks and bubbly drinks, it’s a recipe for bloat. To the rescue: Daily abdominal massage is proven to ease bloat and improve GI function. And rubbing with peppermint oil helps the body flush fat-promoting toxins for fast results! TO DO:Mix 4 drops of oil (like Aura Cacia Peppermint Essential Oil, $9 for 15 ml, Amazon.com) with 1 Tbs. of olive oil. Use your fingertips to massage it around your belly in a small circle, widening the circle as you go. Do for 5 minutes, then rinse with water.

Swollen feet? Try a chamomile oil rub.

Sitting or standing for long periods in scorching temperatures can cause fluid to flow to, and pool in, the feet and ankles. The good news: Massage increases circulation to get blood and fluids moving — and using chamomile oil speeds results, thanks to its coumarin (which increases the lymph system’s ability to flush fluids) and azulene (an anti-inflammatory that tightens blood vessels and thwarts swelling). The result: Feet will be back to normal in minutes. TO DO:Mix 2 drops of oil (we like Roman Chamomile Essential Oil, $13 for 10 ml, Amazon.com) with 1 tsp. of grapeseed oil and smooth it onto your feet from ankles to toes. Next, use your thumbs to knead each foot, starting at your ankle and moving along the top of your foot to your toes, then knead the soles of your feet from heels to toes. Do for 5 minutes per foot.

This story originally appeared in our print magazine.

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