If I had my way, I'd be hanging out in a bathing suit daily--preferably near water. Of course this would also mean some skin would be visible. You've all heard me sing the praises of self-tanners as mommy's little helper when it comes to baring skin--but sometimes you just want to have the best-looking skin you can without too much effort. That's why I tried the tan-free Janssen Cosmeceutical Opus Gratia Firming Body Gel. It should be a straight-forward firming gel that just lets my thighs get by when I need them to. 

My first impression of Janssen's Firming Body Gel is that it's definitely a lighter formula--a serum that's pale blue in color and remotely a floral in scent; you can discern the Arnica that's in it and perhaps a touch of the menthol. I have this thing about body treatment products and their scents--I want them to smell as much as possible like those I experience at a spa, and this is in range. If you've tried Clarins Eau Dynamisante Moisturizing Body Lotion--one of my faves--this is similar in scent and texture.

Some firming gels have a tacky quality to them upon application while they're drying--this does not. It absorbs quickly as there's not much to absorb and it leaves zero after-feel to the touch. You wouldn't purchase this as a moisturizer--it's not a hydrating formula.

The description says it "tenses and shapes"--I like the use of the word "tense". It's not quite "tighten"--and somehow that makes it seem like it's not over-promising anything there (kudos to the copywriter for navigating that one). Janssen Opus Gratia Firming Body Gel does not tighten things up the way I've experienced tightening from say, Fusion Beauty's Lift Fusion for face--but it does provide a toning feel to surface skin.

WiWi: Was it Worth it? I'm big on the spa-at-home feel for my body products. So I like Janssen Cosmeceutical Opus Gratia Firming Body Gel. However, I wouldn't purchase it with the expectation of firmed-up skin--it's a nice toning lotion...not a tightening one.

posted by skintoxicated