Saggy skin? Tech neck? Try a new cream regime
IN 2007, Boots caused a beauty frenzy with the launch of its Protect & Perfect serum, which claimed to significantly improve the appearance of wrinkles.
Now its latest “miracle potion” has hit the shelves. Restore & Renew, part of the No7 range, claims to improve the face and neck. Before it even went on sale, 7500 hopefuls put their name on a waiting list.
So is it really any good? Or just a case of hype over substance?
We put it to the test, along with some other specialised neck creams.
How did they stand up? Read on to find out.
NO 7 RESTORE & RENEW FACE & NECK MULTI-ACTION SERUM
PRICE: FROM £28
Packaging: Pretty in pink but strictly functional – nothing special.
Ingredients: The key elements are calcium amino acids and ceramides, which target neck crepiness.
Claims: Wrinkles visibly reduced, firming action, more even skin tone, smoother neck. Texture: Light and non-greasy. Our tester said: I really liked using this serum. It was light, smoothed on very easily and absorbed quickly into my skin. The scent is lovely and fresh too. My skin felt soft straight away but time will tell whether the magic works!
L’OREAL AGE PERFECT RE-HYDRATING LOTION FACE, NECK & DECOLLETE
PRICE: £12.99 Packaging: Hygienic pump-action tube.
Ingredients: Soya-Ceramide to target sagging and Melanin-Block TM, to reduce age spots.
Claims: After one month, areas of the face, neck and chest are less marked. Wrinkles appear reduced. Texture: Rich and thick, but easily absorbed.
Our tester said: I’ve used this on my face, neck and décolleté – just like Helen Mirren tells us to in the advert! My skin is less dry. Sadly no real difference in wrinkles, but the age spot on my chest is lighter.
THIS WORKS PERFECT CLEAVAGE FIRMING LOTION
PRICE: £38 Packaging: Plain and clinical looking – it wants you to think it means business!
Ingredients: Essential oils and plant extracts, plus vitamin C to help plump up the skin.
Claims: Say goodbye to “tech neck” caused by looking down at phones and tablets – targets sagging and jowliness.
Texture: Non-greasy and absorbs easily.
Our tester said: This smells natural and herby. When you put it on your neck, you can actually feel it tighten and firm. It’s expensive, though. Not sure I’d feel happy spending almost £40 on a separate neck cream.
TIME BOMB TROUBLE SHOOTER NECK, JAW AND CHEST FIRMING CREAM
PRICE: £36 Packaging: Futuristic-looking, rounded silver tub.
Ingredients: Chrysanthellum extract – no, we aren’t sure what it is, either. Pea extract, olive oil and white tea leaf extract. We’re not sure whether to slap it on or cook with it!
Claims: Lessens age spots and targets the dreaded droopy jawline.
Texture: Non-greasy and absorbs well.
Our tester said: There might be a tiny firming up of my saggy jawline. But it’s no miracle worker.
LIZ EARLE SUPERSKIN BUST & NECK TREATMENT
PRICE: £33 Packaging: White pump-action tube. Ingredients: Liz Earle is all about the naturals, so organic rosehip oil to retain moisture, vitamin E to protect against pollution and green algae to firm.
Claims: Designed to rejuvenate skin which is crepey due to sun exposure, ageing or hormonal changes the more mature lady is prone to! Texture: Light and velvety. Our tester said: Smells amazing – it contains neroli oil, supposedly to encourage wellbeing. I don’t know if it’s coincidence but I slept really well after applying this! Silky smooth so you only need a tiny bit. It will last months.
POND’S ESSENTIAL CARE NOURISHING ANTI-WRINKLE DAY & NIGHT CREAM
PRICE: £5.49 Packaging: Delicate glass jar with pink lid – looks classy.
Ingredients: White tea extract and vitamin B3 and sun-protection boosters.
Claims: Smooths out wrinkles and fine lines. Says it will provide a radiant glow and alleviate dryness.
Texture: Thick and gloopy but not too sticky.
Our tester said: The smell reminded me of cucumber.
But this is a no-nonsense cream which is great if you’re on a budget. No real glow, though!