Q I’m tempted by fillers, but I’m nervous of the dreaded pillow face. I miss my cheekbones, though. How can I get my youthful, sculpted face back in a subtle way?
Melissa,Gillingham
ADR AAMER SAYS: Ellansé is an innovative type of dermal filler, made of polycaprolactone (PCl). I call it a ‘super jab’ as it corrects the signs of ageing and works beneath the surface to stimulate collagen production, leaving your face plumped-up and dewy. The results are very natural, with no danger of pillow face. Results are immediate and will carry on improving over the following weeks as new collagen is formed. There is no downtime, although you may have some redness, which can be covered up with mineral make-up. There are different versions of it, lasting from one to four years. Expect to pay from £450 per treatment for the version that lasts up to one year.
LESLEY SAYS: Our faces change with age and gradually collagen production begins to taper off, causing skin to lose fullness, especially around the cheekbones. Some of the most effective ingredients are plant stem cells, vitamin C and amino acids.
Use Asda Brightening Vitamin C Radiance Boosting Serum, £2.50, under your moisturiser daily. Regular gentle massage will also contribute to a more contoured look. Try the happy cheeks sculpting exercise: purse lips together and smile without showing teeth, forcing cheek muscles up. Place fingers on corners of the mouth, and slide them up to the top of your cheeks. Hold for 20 seconds. Otherwise, cheat a sculpted face with make-up. Invest in a tinted moisturiser with a yellowish base, such as Nivea Tinted Moisturising Day Cream, £3.99. And apply a bronzer to the cheekbones before dabbing on blush to the apples of cheeks, blending up into the bronzer. Barry M Chisel Cheeks Contour Creams, £7.99, is a brilliant kit.