Wouldn't it be nice to be able to pull on an invisible body stocking that smoothes out those bits that, frankly, have lost some of their bounce over the years? You wouldn't be able to see it with the naked eye of course (heaven forbid!) but it would be there, pulling gently on the flesh of your tummy, ironing away the porridgy texture; boosting your bottom; tightening bingo wings...

Well that's what Elemis had in mind when they launched Pro-Collagen Body Serum Intensive Lift. The company, renowned for its spa therapies and products that combine natural active ingredients with the latest in skincare technology - wanted to address the problem of the ageing skin of our body.

And it's the bits that we often neglect that Elemis are targeting with this latest addition to their bodycare range. While legs and arms are rigorously moisturised because they're on show so much, backs of hands, bust and décolleté, abdomen and buttocks can be forgotten - the result is dehydrated, crepey, slackened skin. Mmmm.... lovely.

A quartet of marine and plant extracts, chosen for their stimulating, strengthening and tightening effects, come together to form a sort of lattice network, which give a three-dimensional mesh-like support to thinning skin which has lost its elasticity. And while this sounds like something only your granny need worry about, it's a process which begins way, way before you get your bus pass.

The serum itself is a pleasure to use. It has a slightly creamy, gel- like feel, which makes it very easy to apply and it absorbs quickly. It also smells beautifully soft and flowery - but not at all heavy so wont fight with your perfume. The rose and mimosa combination is the signature scent of the Pro-Collagen Body range. It's not a substitute for a moisturiser, so you may want to add one after the serum. Elemis helpfully (and cleverly) include a generous sample of their Smooth Body Cream for this purpose.

After a week of using the Serum religiously - paying particular attention to my chest and backs of hands - I can definitely detect an improvement. My skin is smoother and less dull and crepey looking. And, in certain favourable lights, i could swear that my tummy looks tighter. This last bit might be wishful-thinking - I would not expect dramatic results after a few days - but it's encouraging. At the rate I'm using it, the serum will last about a month.