• Skincare
  • Makeup
  • Fragrance
  • Self-Care & Wellness
  • About

The Beauty Gypsy

Luxury beauty * Self care * Sustainability

You are here: Home / Fashion / How to drop a dress size in 20 minutes

How to drop a dress size in 20 minutes

The weekend begins and it’s time to get out that body hugging dress and paint the town red!

Or is it? Unfortunately, life is rarely that perfect โ€” especially for those of us whose days normally consist of rushed meals grabbed off fast food counters and late night spent chasing deadlines.

The result? Bloated bodies that make you want to slip into a tent-shaped kaftan rather than risk the unforgiving cocktail number.

But despair not โ€” there is help at hand, courtesy Thai damsels of centuries past, whose herbal wraps are superb at drawing out body impurities, banishing bloat and firming up the skin. Aka, getting you on the way to drop a dress size in 20 minutes!

illustration showing the effects of how to drop a dress size in 20 minutes

No, you won’t lose 10 kilos in one session and the effects last only a few days, but if it gets me from a size 10 to a size 8 in time for Saturday’s bachelorette bash at the Four Seasons, it’s good enough for my needs!

My personal favourite is this super-simple wrap recipe from the Six Senses Spa at the Evason Hua Hin, which promises to rejuvenate even the most weary.

How to drop a dress size: You will need

1 oz (20 gms) ginger
3 oz (80 gms) turmeric
Handful of rice
Warm water as required

 

How to drop a dress size: The method

1. Grind together the ginger and turmeric.

2. Powder the rice to a coarse, grainy texture.

3. Add everything to the warm water and mix till it makes a thick paste.

4. Massage the paste all over your body in circular motions, paying special attention to areas with fatty deposits such as thighs, stomach, hips and upper arms.

5. Leave the paste on for 20 minutes* and then rinse off with warm water. Follow with a moisturiser of your choice.

* You can increase the recipe’s potency by wrapping your body (or at least the problem areas) in plastic sheet or strips of cloth.

body wrap to lose weight

Why (and how) does this work?

This is a super-potent wrap as the ginger stimulates circulation and reduces water retention, turmeric acts as an anti-oxidant and detoxifier, while rice removes dead skin cells and drains impurities through the skin’s outermost layers.

UPDATE: I have been getting a lot of messages from readers who are concerned that turmeric will stain their skin with yellow streaks.

Actually, genuine turmeric does not stain the skin when used in face or body pack-appropriate quantities. The problem is we now have a lot of spices that use artificial dyes to give the impression of better quality and it’s these pigments that cause the stain.

Just to be on the safe side, I would suggest doing a patch test on the back of your hand before using a turmeric-based skin treatment.

And if you do get a stain, rub olive oil or castor oil into the skin and then wipe it off with a warm cloth. You might also try using a mild alcohol-based astringent on the stained area of skin. This should clear it up quickly!

What’s your surefire way of losing those pesky pounds quickly? Do share!

Comments

  1. Sara Jessica says

    September 4, 2012 at 15:42

    For me not eating for few days works very well!!! of course, I don’t mean not eating at all, but we all know the amount of unhealthy food and unnecessary meals that we eat everyday. What I do is simply giving up on all the s*** that we got used to, and drink a lot of water regularly (you might feel that you want to go to the bathroom often) but it means that you are cleaning your body from toxins. And do not eat much salt or sugar since it retains water in your organism.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 4, 2012 at 18:44

      Hmmmmm, I agree. But sometimes one comes across a last minute event that needs you to fit into those skinnies NOW! This is my go-to option for those times.

      Reply
    • Annabelle says

      July 6, 2017 at 17:54

      I agree! It’s actually good for our body to fast every now and again ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  2. Kim says

    September 4, 2012 at 15:46

    Fresh or dried turmeric and ginger?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 4, 2012 at 18:43

      Fresh is best. If you are going for the dried kind, try and get the organic version!

      Reply
  3. Kelsey says

    September 5, 2012 at 01:29

    This sounds incredible. I am still a little weary about it, but next time I go shopping, I’ll be sure to buy those ingredients!Now I’ll be able to fit into my favourite dress again! x)

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 5, 2012 at 11:05

      And then let me know how it went ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
    • geri says

      September 7, 2012 at 07:06

      Kelsie..sorry but the correct word is leary…a common mistake tho…
      Weary means tired. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • anubha says

        September 7, 2012 at 11:55

        ๐Ÿ™‚ I thought she meant wary. Actually, think of it this way โ€“ weary is the perfect combo of leary + wary ๐Ÿ˜‰

        Reply
        • Kelsey says

          September 7, 2012 at 18:28

          Oh, my bad x3 Thanks for correcting me though.

          Reply
          • anubha says

            September 7, 2012 at 19:50

            ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Susan says

        September 27, 2012 at 11:22

        The word is spelled “leery”, and it does mean “wary”.

        Reply
      • Sarah says

        April 4, 2013 at 06:14

        Or “wary” works too

        Reply
      • Paula says

        April 27, 2013 at 11:08

        So I learned it as leery. But I looked it up to be sure, and I find out you can spell it both ways. Learn something new every day!

        Reply
      • bren says

        July 31, 2014 at 18:37

        actually there are two possible corrections – “wary” as in cautious; or ‘leery’, spelt with two “e’s”–NOT one “e” and an “a”…but i’m sure you meant well…

        Reply
      • Bryson says

        March 9, 2017 at 19:42

        This weitbse makes things hella easy.

        Reply
  4. Nikisha says

    September 6, 2012 at 12:24

    This is so cool, definitely going to try this.
    I am a bit skeptical about the results but worth a shot eh

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 7, 2012 at 02:15

      Let me know if it worked for you!

      Reply
  5. erin says

    September 7, 2012 at 04:32

    Why don’t people just eat healthy to begin with and buy clothes that fit properly then they wouldn’t have to do this. How much weight do you think this is actually going to take off??

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 7, 2012 at 11:53

      Erin, that would be the ideal case situation but unfortunately I am just a tad too prone to temptation ๐Ÿ™ You are right though โ€“ I have clearly said that what you will lose is bloat and water weight. And the effects are only going to last for a few days. It’s a temporary quick-fix and not a long term solution.

      Reply
    • Paula says

      April 27, 2013 at 11:14

      Erin – that would be great. But none of us are perfect. Also – I have a ‘special event’ maybe once or twice a year. At least special enough that I worry THAT much about how I look. Those extra 5-10 pounds aren’t going to kill me, and a little extra boost to my self esteem sure is nice once in a while. And I am 45 and I’ve had two children, plus I have a chronic illness for which I take meds – which of course have the side effect of weight gain. I will never be model perfect again, but I would like to look a little better sometimes. Leave me alone if this is how it happens.

      Reply
    • Tiana says

      February 15, 2018 at 19:17

      Mood Killer Much?… That’s not what this post is about. geez

      Reply
  6. briana says

    September 7, 2012 at 07:49

    Doesn’t the tumeric stain your skin?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 7, 2012 at 13:21

      Hi Briana, have addressed this in the post update โ€“ pls see above.

      Reply
  7. tui says

    September 7, 2012 at 15:24

    are you sure genuine turmeric doesn’t stain? bc I use the fresh root (boiled) and it definitely stains clothes… i’m not sure about the skin.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 7, 2012 at 20:00

      The fresh root would stain the clothes when its pure. But normally when you mix it with other ingredients for a face pack, it should not stain the complexion. But everyone’s skin behaves differently, so I would def suggest doing a patch test!

      Reply
      • T says

        December 17, 2014 at 08:41

        I love to eat it. I use in as a mask. I drink it with almond milk and I brush my teeth with it. No problems and my teeth are pearly white.

        Reply
  8. Vanessa says

    September 12, 2012 at 12:16

    It sounds interesting and worth a try though I’m still unsure about the use of turmeric.. But maybe I should give it a shot once.

    Reply
  9. Stace says

    September 26, 2012 at 01:15

    Thanks so much! This worked really well for me and I felt so confident going out. It even lasted the next day! ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 26, 2012 at 18:18

      Glad it worked for you and tks for letting me know how it went ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  10. Naomi Warde says

    September 28, 2012 at 01:02

    Best way to lose weight fast is to drink lots of water, cut out processed carbohydrates, anything fried, and eat only lean proteins for the few weeks before an event! If you don’t eat enough to satisfy your hunger, you’re only going to feel worse and look worse. Day-of I would recommend a quick, light workout in the morning of your whole body – do just enough to tone your muscles, and stop if you get tired. Even though you won’t physically lose weight, a brief workout will make your muscles look better and make you feel better and more confident emotionally. That plus this wrap will make you feel invincible for the night!

    Reply
    • anubha says

      September 29, 2012 at 23:27

      That’s a great tip… thanks Naomi ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  11. Cassandra says

    November 4, 2012 at 07:57

    I tried this and it stained my skin (I used dry tumeric) for awhile but I used laundry soap which really helped alot to get it off. It works it helped make me fit into a shirt I haven’t worn in a while.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      November 4, 2012 at 12:43

      Dry turmeric normally stains far more than fresh one… but glad it worked for you!

      Reply
  12. Lizeth says

    December 7, 2012 at 03:34

    Is there any way to replace turmeric for other ingredient??? Iยดm from Mรฉxico and is really difficult to find it ๐Ÿ™

    Reply
    • anubha says

      December 7, 2012 at 10:29

      Try coffee!

      Reply
      • Lizeth says

        December 8, 2012 at 01:56

        Thank you! iยดm totally trying this ๐Ÿ™‚

        Reply
        • anubha says

          December 8, 2012 at 19:13

          And let me know how it goes!

          Reply
    • patty says

      September 16, 2014 at 22:25

      hola, en mexico es curcuma o azafran de la india

      Reply
  13. anasr00s says

    December 18, 2012 at 06:43

    Awesome tutorial ! Looking for dresses tips and guide here. Thank you

    Reply
    • anubha says

      December 18, 2012 at 13:02

      ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  14. Jazmyne says

    December 21, 2012 at 09:54

    is the rice suppose to be cooked or raw? how am i suppose to powder this rice?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      December 21, 2012 at 12:18

      Raw rice… you can powder it in a coffee grinder or a mixie.

      Reply
  15. Jill says

    December 23, 2012 at 23:36

    does it work immediatly after you rinse it off??

    Reply
    • anubha says

      December 24, 2012 at 12:52

      About half an hour or so.

      Reply
  16. nereida says

    December 27, 2012 at 06:30

    How often can this wrap be done?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      December 28, 2012 at 03:46

      Twice a month is pretty good.

      Reply
  17. Saman says

    December 31, 2012 at 02:23

    Hey! My stomach seems to be popping out since a few days, and I was quite worried that I was not gonna look good in my dress but definitely gonna try this for new years tomorrow! ๐Ÿ™‚ thanks! X

    Reply
    • anubha says

      December 31, 2012 at 12:59

      Hope it works for you! However, I would say one thing โ€“ it’s better to never try a new thing for the first time right before an important event.

      Reply
  18. SUZANNE says

    January 3, 2013 at 01:21

    The easiest way to take off an inch or two is simply to amply apply good old Preparation H to the problem area (tummy, waist, back fat, thighs) for about 20 minutes. Then first wipe off and then shower (otherwise you’ll have an unusual odor). I wouldn’t recommend this for everyday, however, it works for special occasions. Another tip: avoid all salt for a week prior to a special event. If you want to really melt the fat off, completely avoid ALL SUGAR for a week or two prior to your event. WARNING: you will be flying on a broom, however, it really works.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      January 3, 2013 at 21:15

      Sounds good!

      Reply
    • anubha says

      January 3, 2013 at 21:15

      Sounds good ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  19. Mara Galaleone says

    January 6, 2013 at 04:45

    is there a good substitute for turmeric? I don’t have any and would love to do this soon?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      January 6, 2013 at 13:34

      Try substituting it with coffee!

      Reply
      • Donna says

        November 26, 2015 at 10:20

        Do you substitute the coffee for the turmeric or the rice? Thank you. I’m definitely going to try this.

        Reply
  20. Melissa says

    January 7, 2013 at 04:42

    This sounds wonderful. I eat healthy but have been on a long term steroid for an auto immune disorder. I am on a high energy workout program but the steroids make a body retain water, so regardless if the workouts are helping me lose weight, I still feel bloated from the medication. I am going to try this little concoction today!

    Reply
    • anubha says

      January 7, 2013 at 13:35

      Let me know how it went!!

      Reply
  21. Jeanie says

    January 7, 2013 at 21:04

    I shed those pounds forever – proper water intake, rest, eating right – works every time, and its permanent.
    In fact, a friend of mine truly believes his job is what is causing him to feel bad, but he’s forever at the doctor’s office, takes mounds of meds, and says things like: “I’m weak, I can’t do it, my job is killing me.” I told him his job didn’t determine what he put in his mouth. Oh, yea, he’s a bachelor, and he microwaves all his food, tsk, tsk, tsk.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      January 8, 2013 at 11:31

      I know people like that. In fact, I was a person like that โ€“ except that I never even microwaved the food since all I had were crisps and colas ๐Ÿ™ Took a long time to mop up that mess!

      Reply
  22. VerySharriFashions says

    January 8, 2013 at 06:44

    If I go too long without eating, I just end up eating triple to make up for it.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      January 8, 2013 at 11:29

      Me too ๐Ÿ™

      Reply
  23. Catherine says

    January 31, 2013 at 05:30

    How do you powder the rice?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      January 31, 2013 at 20:43

      In a blender.

      Reply
  24. Angelique says

    February 4, 2013 at 22:10

    Hi,

    Is there anyway we can get a solution to drop extra pounds forever without eating anything and working out… i do nite shifts and earn for a family of 7 and its hard to do work out to eat something daily to loose weight. i need something i can do on a weekly bases when i m off and loose weight for good. Please Help.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      February 5, 2013 at 15:21

      Hi Angelique, I truly feel you pain. And I admire you for being able to juggle so much. How do you stay sane?? Will research you query and get back ASAP.

      Reply
      • Angelique says

        February 6, 2013 at 18:08

        ๐Ÿ™‚ Its not as bad as it looks… I have 5 younger sisters so there are quiet co-operative but due to the fact me being extra pounds has been putting me outta my mind and that is the worst part of my life…

        Reply
        • anubha says

          February 9, 2013 at 01:45

          ๐Ÿ™ I feel your pain… lately have taken to running in the opposite direction when I encounter a shiny surface, so I don’t have to acknowledge my own reflection.

          Reply
  25. Kez says

    February 17, 2013 at 20:44

    Just done it, had to substitue the tumeric for coffee but MY GOSH does my skin feel good! No news yet on whether it works to drop me a size but I’d do it again just to have my skin feel this smooth!

    Reply
    • anubha says

      February 19, 2013 at 23:45

      so happy to hear that ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
      • Kadri says

        March 6, 2014 at 15:47

        I used coffee and fresh ginger with white rice and wrapped my things and torso in plastic wrap for 20 mins. It’s only been a couple of hours so too soon to really tell if the water retention will go but my muscles feel lovely and warm and it was very relaxing… Would be a great winter treatment!

        Reply
        • Kadri says

          March 6, 2014 at 15:49

          *thighs!

          Reply
  26. kate says

    February 22, 2013 at 15:17

    How about heading to the gym!

    Reply
    • anubha says

      February 27, 2013 at 14:13

      That would work as well… but this is for a quick, short term fix ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  27. Abby says

    February 28, 2013 at 11:47

    This is going to be one of those secrets I use that make me look like a freaking genius in front of all my much smarter friends! I must share this with the world!! (this will be great for swim season!)

    Reply
    • anubha says

      March 1, 2013 at 21:01

      ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  28. Darian says

    February 28, 2013 at 15:14

    I found this article a few days ago and just got the ingredients to try it. I hope it works! I’ll let you know how it goes!

    Reply
    • anubha says

      March 1, 2013 at 21:00

      Let me know how it went ๐Ÿ™‚ ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  29. Briana says

    April 7, 2013 at 04:17

    Hi I was wondering which type of coffee – original or decaf and should it be the coffee bean or can it already be bought grinded?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      April 8, 2013 at 12:29

      Pre-ground is fine but it needs to be the original. Decaf won’t work here.

      Reply
  30. cassidy says

    April 10, 2013 at 06:18

    im 12. is this okay for me?? will it damage anything???

    Reply
    • anubha says

      April 11, 2013 at 11:56

      Hi Cassidy, sorry for sounding old and boring but if you are 12 you really don’t need to bother about this stuff. I don’t know whether it will damage anything but You. Definitely. Don’t. Need. It.

      Reply
      • cait says

        May 29, 2014 at 07:33

        agreed ๐Ÿ™‚ great message you are sending out, DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THIS STUFF AT A YOUNG AGE!! YOU!! LOOK!! GREAT!!

        Reply
  31. chelsea says

    April 11, 2013 at 13:58

    I use these same ingredients for body wraps & scrubs at my spa & it’s great- a tight wrap makes a difference too! Occasionally I’ll thrown in some ground green tea leaves for a nice detox.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      April 15, 2013 at 19:59

      wow… the green tea idea sounds awesome. Am sure it will kick up this recipe’s detox potential by a few notches. In fact, I am currently working on a green tea post… any further suggestions?

      Reply
  32. Summer says

    April 15, 2013 at 20:53

    Where can you get tumeric powder?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      April 15, 2013 at 20:58

      It’s usually available in all grocery stores. Or you can use coffee.

      Reply
  33. gabbsters says

    June 15, 2013 at 10:14

    Hi I was just wondering how long does this last? I’m planning on using it next saturday, but i will be heading to my destination on friday. Will it still be “working” all day saturday if i apply it friday afternoon?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      June 18, 2013 at 22:13

      Normally the effects last anywhere up to a couple of days but that depends on your individual body style!

      Reply
  34. Hi There says

    June 17, 2013 at 01:56

    Hi! Thanks you so much for this โ€tutorialโ€. I have a question. For how long does the effect lasts? (sorry, my english is not very good, im not a native speaker)

    Reply
    • anubha says

      June 18, 2013 at 22:13

      your English is perfect… and the results normally last anywhere up to a couple of days.

      Reply
  35. Katherine Yang says

    June 24, 2013 at 07:26

    Y. HELP.
    My skin got stained from the turmeric. How do I get this off, ASAP.

    PLEASE HELP.

    Reply
    • anubha says

      June 25, 2013 at 00:20

      Mix water with sugar and scrub your face with it. Then wash off with warm water. And tell me if it works.

      Reply
  36. caftan maxi says

    July 10, 2013 at 09:37

    Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
    There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Cheers

    Reply
  37. s says

    July 21, 2013 at 19:49

    can you store the paste? or do you have to use it up the day you make it?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      July 23, 2013 at 12:41

      Preferably it should be used fresh. If you want to store, put it in a covered glass jar in the refrigerator.

      Reply
      • BengS says

        September 3, 2013 at 19:52

        Previous comments and replies seems it’s worth a try. One question though, would it be advisable to do this say, twice a month?

        Reply
        • anubha says

          September 4, 2013 at 01:20

          Twice a month should be ok but not more!

          Reply
  38. Nessa says

    March 8, 2014 at 13:50

    If I put this on my nose, will it make it smaller? And what about my chin?

    Reply
  39. Neha says

    June 13, 2014 at 13:30

    Hi,
    Can I use this technique for my face? My face looks so much bloated in pictures ๐Ÿ™
    Will this trick work for face ?

    Reply
  40. Stephanie says

    June 17, 2014 at 04:46

    Can you save the paste and maybe refrigerate it and use it again later?

    Reply
    • anubha says

      June 18, 2014 at 19:55

      you should keep it in a covered glass bowl in the refrigerator โ€“ it would normally stay for up to a week this way.

      Reply
  41. Sadia Komal says

    November 24, 2014 at 16:48

    Hmm, nice tutorial – thnx

    Reply
  42. obat pelangsing perut says

    December 15, 2014 at 08:25

    that would be great. But none of us are perfect. Also โ€“ I have a โ€˜special eventโ€™ maybe once or twice a year. At least special enough that I worry THAT much about how I look. Those extra 5-10 pounds arenโ€™t going to kill me, and a little extra boost to my self esteem sure is nice once in a while. And I am 45 and Iโ€™ve had two children, plus I have a chronic illness for which I take meds โ€“ which of course have the side effect of weight gain. I will never be model perfect again, but I would like to look a little better sometimes. Leave me alone if this is how it happens.

    Reply
  43. louise says

    January 23, 2015 at 22:04

    Did anyone try it with coffee and if so did it work??

    Reply
  44. bf guru says

    April 14, 2015 at 21:24

    What qualities do these ingredients have that would make one loose a dress size?What works for me is using a waist trimmer belt and do high intensity workout. I see water weight comes right off my waist.

    Reply
  45. Pat says

    June 2, 2015 at 22:14

    If this works for you, you are probably taking in too much salt overall. Try to reduce the amount you eat regularly and enjoy the benifits all the time. By the way, you know it’s not just the salt you put on your food, but the large amounts of salt in processed and restaurant foods that really cause you to retain water. I’ve been put on a cardiac diet (less than 1500 mg of salt a day) and have gone down two dress sizes.

    Reply
  46. Papaya says

    June 26, 2015 at 23:42

    Quick question, I have worked with fresh turmeric before and it definitely stains your skin a bright yellow-orange color, will this happen to me if i rub myself down in this mixture?
    Also, what is the best way to grind the rice (as I do not own a mortar and pestle)?

    Reply
  47. Khady Thiam says

    November 6, 2015 at 23:35

    What an interesting idea! This may be something to bookmark for use when the holidays roll around. There’s a dress I really want to fit into, and this might just take me down to exactly where I need to be. Thanks!

    Reply
  48. Meghan says

    September 30, 2016 at 18:38

    Ca you eat and drink water after using this?

    Reply
  49. aima says

    January 24, 2018 at 17:08

    Hi. Looks like a great tip. Can I use it for 3 consecutive days?

    Reply
  50. Fidha says

    April 6, 2018 at 11:38

    Haha..! Absolutely, loved the idea. While everyone is looking to burn fat quickly (some even looks to burn multiple kilograms in a day ๐Ÿ˜ on Google), this post approached it differently — Make your fabric loose!!

    Enjoyed the article.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Next Post >

Beauty secrets of the ancient geishas (that will totally change your skin!)

About me

Anubha Charan is a luxury beauty blogger who has worked at some of the world's leading lifestyle publications, including Marie Claire, Vogue and Cosmopolitan. Read Moreโ€ฆ

Search

Trending on the blog

how to get rid of cellulite on legs

Smooth skin secrets: The expert guide on how to get rid of cellulite

pimple under the skin

How to get rid of a pimple that’s under the skin (and do it super fast)!

Stay safe in the sun: Top sunscreen ingredients to avoid

hey there!

I am Anubha... a former Beauty Director at Marie Claire and current global wanderer. I have a soft spot for beauty products that are super-effective, sustainable AND create a luxurious self care experience.

Beauty

  • Skincare
  • Acne
  • Product reviews
  • Hair
  • Makeup
  • Fragrance
  • Nails

Lifestyle

  • Self-Care & Wellness
  • Candles
  • Fashion
  • Just me!
  • Privacy Policy for The Beauty Gypsy

Copyright © 2023 The Beauty Gypsy · Theme by 17th Avenue

 

Loading Comments...