Can these DIY tricks really boost your bust?

With so many revolutionary new products that enhance your cleavage and can be applied at home, the idea of going under the knife, or squeezing yourself into a push-up bra, is starting to feel outdated.

But which of the new ‘boob jobs in a box’ — those creams, oils, masks and stick-ons that promise to perk up your decolletage — are most effective? And do any of the effects last longer than a day?

ANNA MAXTED investigates . . .

STICK-ON PLUMPING STRIPS FOR A BETTER SHAPE

nannette de Gaspe Plumping & lifting Techstile Infusers for the bust (£130, selfridges.com)

WHAT: these strips are stuck on each breast for at least an hour; initially for six consecutive days, then for two days weekly, over three weeks.

HOW IT WORKS: the strips are infused with ingredients including hyaluronic acid derivatives, shea butter and rosemary leaf extract, to boost the skin’s hydration and, therefore, volume, elasticity and tone. Suggested benefits include a more sculpted bust. there’s mention of improved ‘bounce’ and ‘ making the skin appear fuller’ — very tantalising.

THE TEST: the strips stick firmly and there’s a tightening sensation, which remains for a few minutes after i peel them off. they’re scent-free and easy to apply.

RESULT: After a week, my bosom seems smoother and more plump, at least directly after i peel off the strips. Although i’m pleased with the look and feel, i can’t confirm additional bounce. i test a square of a strip on the back of my hand for comparison, and even a day later it is smoother and less arid. 3/5

TWICE-DAILY VOLUMISING CREAM

nior london Uplift (£70, nior.london) WHAT: A light cream to be massaged into the bust, neck and décolletage once or twice daily. HOW IT WORKS: the cream contains hyaluronic acid, a firming favourite, to improve the appearance and feel of the skin, and boost its elasticity. Another active ingredient is Volufiline, which contains a plant extract called sarsasapogenin that helps fat storage in cells. in clinical trials it apparently delivered an 8.4 per cent increase in breast volume within 56 days. Well, hello ladies! THE TEST: this feels luxurious, with a sumptuous scent, a blend of citrus oils and lavender, patchouli and vetiver. it’s like sitting in a rose garden.

RESULT: My bust feels soft and taut, and the cream gives the skin a dewy sheen. All the crinkly bits of my decolletage appear so smooth and plumped out, i find myself massaging it in all the way up to my chin! 5/5

TIGHTENING GEL FOR AN EXTRA LIFT

Clarins bust beauty extralift Gel (£44, clarins.co.uk)

WHAT: A pale gel for use every morning from neck to bra-line.

HOW IT WORKS: Oat sugars — tightening agents taken from the oat kernel — create a lift, and extract from an exotic fruit called vu sua helps strengthen collagen fibres, toning the skin. Vitamins A, E and B5 soothe, and katafray extract, from a tree native to Madagascar, encourages the skin’s hydration.

THE TEST: the fresh scent is potent at first, but quickly settles into something delicious. it takes slightly longer to absorb than some of the other products, but i feel it’s thoroughly moisturising my skin.

RESULT: Seven days in, and my chest area appears less crepey. it also feels springier to the touch (i appear to have a more robust bust). Being of an age where sleeping on a non-ironed pillowcase creases my face until lunchtime, i’m tempted to apply it to cheeks, forehead and chin. the cool gel makes my bosom feel pert and youthful. 4/5

LINE-BLURRING SUPER PLUMPER

rodial Super Fit boob Job (£75, rodial.co.uk) WHAT: A cream to massage around the bust twice a day.

HOW IT WORKS: Our hero hyaluronic acid helps smooth and moisturise, pomegranate extract helps firm and improve the skin’s appearance, and Volufiline gives a plump appearance to skin.

THE TEST: the scent reminds me of Savlon. however, once bedded in, the cream takes on a floral note. it’s absorbed quickly, and leaves my skin baby-soft.

RESULT: My bosom retains its uncharacteristically youthful look when i take a peep four hours on.

i can’t detect any size difference after a week — though the increased volume cited in trials of Volufiline occurred after 56 days, so the key may be to persevere.

those irritating tiny lines that appear with age are thrillingly blurred. Super Fit Boob Job has a clinical feel, but the results are excellent. 4/5

SNAIL SLIME MASK TURNS BACK CLOCK

Skin laundry rejuvenating anti-ageing neck & Chest Mask (£58 for five, or £14 for one, skinlaundry.com)

WHAT: A sheet mask, infused with vegetable extracts and other ingredients to be placed over skin for 15-20 minutes. HOW IT WORKS: Some 19 goodies, including hydrolysed starfish extract and snail secretion filtrate ( no, really), perform pleasing duties including reducing fine lines and wrinkles to leave skin looking brighter and tighter. Snail slime is packed with hyaluronic acid, glycoprotein and antimicrobial peptides, and is thought to improve hydration, reduce inflammation and stimulate production of elastin and collagen.

THE TEST: the mask is supersoggy and beautifully cooling. there’s enough excess serum to rub in over the entire bust, if not your arms, too, but lie down naked when you use it, or it drips down your front.

RESULT: Afterwards, i hunch my shoulders to exaggerate the lines and crepe of my décolletage. to my delight hardly a wrinkle appears. My bust looks glowing and revived, as if time has scurried backwards. 5/5