There are some review requests you just can’t turn down and a chance to trial the Shrinking Violet Home Kit is one of them.
Tibby Olivier launched Shrinking Violet, their revolutionary in salon, inch loss product in 2012. This kit is the home version that uses a ‘sweat’ suit instead of body wrap.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WHAT’S IN THE BOX?
- A Shrinky Suit
- 200ml Bottle of Shrinking Violet Solution (enough for 6/8 applications)
- Measuring Cup
- Tape Measure
- 4 x Progress Charts
THE SUIT
The two piece, silver vinyl ‘space’ suit is a generous size. The material is robust – you can’t poke a finger through it and it won’t stretch or ‘thin’ out.
The long-sleeved top has elasticated arms, neck and waist. The bottoms have elasticated leg cuffs and waist, and these are even big and roomy enough for men to wear.
THE SHRINKING VIOLET SOLUTION
I was expecting it to be gel like and cold. In fact, it’s oily, but not greasy, and has a pleasant, natural lavender scent.
HOW TO USE
- Measure areas to be treated beforehand and note them down in one of the 4 record booklets.
- For each one hour treatment, massage in 25ml of the Shrinking Violet solution (use the little measuring cup in the kit) over your target areas.
- Slide into the suit, which will cling to you.
- The idea now is to raise your body temperature by 2 degrees and work up a sweat to rid the body of toxins. The suit will do most of this part anyway – you will feel warm in it very quickly, but help it along by running on the spot or up and down the stairs.
WHAT I DID
I cleaned the bathroom and hovered the top floor of the house (women = multitaskers). I did feel a few trickles of sweat running down my back as I worked, but I felt very pleased with myself after the hour was up.
I also drank loads of water immediately afterwards, because I was thirsty and yes, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t water loss through sweat, that contributed to any inch loss.
The result, and I didn’t measure for 24 hours, although apparently the formula keeps on working for up to 72 hours afterwards, was a loss in just three areas – but what important areas they were.
RESULTS
Very nearly a whole inch from each thigh AND – this is the big one, 1 and ¾ inches from my waist! This particular loss absolutely made my day.
Maybe it seems like nothing because I really did work at raising up a sweat, but it’s a great feeling when you try on a skirt that previously felt a ‘bit tight’ and suddenly it feels very comfortable. Plus, this was only my first treatment, with 3 more to go!
The fat in the cells is broken down and easily excreted by the body – One side effect is that there may be a slight increase in urination for 1 to 2 days after treatment.
AFTERCARE
I think this treatment is best performed in the evening, mainly because you’re advised not to shower, swim or exercise for 12 hours to let the solution absorb. I didn’t find it a problem to sleep with the oil on my skin, it felt much the same as slathering myself in a rich body moisturiser overnight.
It’s also recommended that you drink at least a litre of water for 3 – 4 days after treatment. Again, not a problem for me as I drink that much anyway.
The more water you drink, the more toxins you are flushing through your lymphatic system.
MAINTAIN RESULTS
Shrinking Violet claim that the results will last when combined with healthy eating and moderate exercise. What spurs you on to do this is seeing a real result. I’m not saying that once Christmas swings into action, all bets are off, (although erm… obviously they are), but at least you’ll be able to enjoy the holiday season feeling that bit nicer in your clothes.
JUST A THOUGHT
Perhaps I should’ve started this in January?
