Do-it-yourself makeovers: forget about shelling out big bucks to change your looks. These simple tips start at $5

Shape, May, 2005 by Kathy Miller Kramer

Firm and lift. When it comes to anti-aging creams and lotions, proper application is key. Massage in creams or lotions when you apply them to enhance absorption. "We've found that a massaging action relaxes muscles, which helps soften lines and increases blood flow to the massaged area," says Jim Wilmott, executive director of Chanel's skin-care line; its Ultra Correction Serum ($95; gloss.com) is designed to be massaged into skin to help firm it. Another option: Lancome Renergie Microlift Active Redefining Treatment ($74; lancome.com) helps firm skin with natural enzymes (from rice) and diminishes fine lines with malt extract. A weekly mask, either hydrating or oil absorbing, will also keep skin dewy and supple. (We like the Shiseido Benefiance Pure Retinol Instant Treatment Eye Mask, $60 for 12 packs; www.sca.shiseido.com).

For your body, try Avon Anew Clinical Lift and Tuck Professional Body Shaper ($18; avon.com) with a unique blend of ingredients, including soybean root and bitter-orange extracts, to help firm skin in the stomach and buttocks area after using the product twice a day for four weeks.

Look slimmer--instantly. "Self-tanners can definitely help you appear slimmer if applied properly, especially in the leg and thigh areas," says Leesa Slater, manager of the Clarins' Boutique in New York City. They can also help conceal cellulite and other imperfections. For best results, always exfoliate first, paying special attention to knees, elbows, feet and hands, to ensure even, streak-free application. Make sure that your skin is completely dry before applying or else the tanner will go on unevenly. Try Clarins Sheer Bronze Tinted Self-Tanner for Legs ($28; gloss.com); it's easy to apply evenly since it's tinted. Or if you prefer untinted, try Shiseido Brilliant Bronze Quick Self-Tanning Gel ($26; www.sca.shiseido.com), which liquefies as it's dispensed so it can soak into your skin quickly. Remember that the color can take several hours to fully develop, so apply the night before a big event--or a day at the beach.

RELATED ARTICLE: Giveaway ...

Help tuck your tummy and lift your rear for free! We'd all like to tighten flabby skin. That's why we're giving away 500 bottles of Avon Anew Clinical Lift and Tuck Professional Body Shaper (an $18 value!). This cream, with ginkgo biloba leaf extract, gives a tighter appearance to the hard-to-treat areas of the abdomen and buttocks--similar to an invisible girdle. Log on to Shape.com/avon from April 12 to May 16 for your chance to win.

good luck!

Kathy Miller Kramer is a New York City-based beauty writer who is constantly trying the latest products to update her look.