Is this the key to Nicole Kidman’s flawless skin?
SITTINg stroking my left cheekbone with an implement that resembles a purchase from Ann Summers, I feel hugely self-conscious. But no, this is not some electrically charged-up fetish; I am testing the new generation of portable high-tech beauty devices. Analysts predict the home-use beauty devices market will grow 25 per cent by 2030.
‘With heightened financial uncertainty, price continues to be the main barrier for undergoing surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures,’ says Sarah Al Shaalan from Mintel. ‘Affordable home beauty devices for the face and body will likely emerge as a significant challenger to clinics.’
So, are the new crop of home beauty gadgets really up to the task of lifting our cheekbones and our spirits, while also saving us money? Here’s the lowdown . . .
DIY FACE FREEZER Dr Levy Switzerland Contour Pro (£262, skincity.com)
WHAT IS IT: Described as the ‘Number One Botox Doctor in Switzerland’, Dr Phillip Levy set out during lockdown to create ‘the next best thing’ — a non-invasive anti-wrinkle device to use at home. His new Contour Pro is a pocket- sized powerhouse which claims not only to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, but also perform ‘medical grade sculpting’ with radio frequency (RF) and electro muscle stimulation (EMS). HOW IT WORKS: I take a tube of Dr Levy’s Freezing Anti-Fatigue Mask (£70, skincity.com, enough for 10-15 treatments) from the fridge. This conducts the device’s energy to the skin.
There are three intensity settings and four routines: I opt for the third strongest workout.
It’s pain-free, just a slight tingling and a slight warming sensation — an enjoyable contrast with the cold mask. SALON ALTERNATIVE: Botox costs around the same price, £250 for just a few injections in one area — but I would have at least three areas done per session, and two sessions a year, costing £1,500. SAVINGS OVER A YEAR: £1,238. VERDICT: Exceptional. I could see a lift on one side of my face around the eyes and cheekbones in ten minutes and my skin looked tighter mimicking the Botox effect.
BLEMISH ZAPPER
SolaWave (£133, solawave.uk) WHAT IT IS: Creating an affordable solution for acne is what inspired Solawave founder Andrew Silberstein.
Today, the brand claims that using red and blue light, plus a microcurrent to stimulate deeper skin layers, diminishes the appearance of wrinkles and dark spots in as little as two weeks. Devotees include Nicole Kidman (below) and Reese Witherspoon.
HOW IT WORKS: I applied the Renew Complex Serum (£29) to activate the wand-like device, which then warmed my skin with a gentle de-puffing massage while the microcurrent and light therapy did their stuff.
The head switches from horizontal to parallel for under the eyes, which is genius. SALON ALTERNATIVE: The CACI Synergy Signature NonSurgical Facial Toning, 60 Minutes (from around £75, caci-international. co. uk); 15 weekly treatments recommended, followed by a monthly maintenance session. SAVINGS OVER A YEAR: £1,592. VERDICT: The SolaWave is as multi-tasking as a Swiss Army penknife and an affordable option, too, particularly as it’s two-for-one on its website. The only downside is a lack of demonstration videos.
DEEP CLEANER & BRIGHTENER
Foreo Luna 4 (£239, foreo.com) WHAT IS IT: The latest iteration of Foreo’s multi-award winning deep- cleansing device, which claims to remove 99 per cent of dirt, oil and make-up residue. HOW IT WORKS: Dozens of bacteria- resistant silicone touchpoints vibrate to loosen pores and remove dirt, leaving them slightly dilated afterwards so skincare products can be fully absorbed. An app needs to be synced, but just the once. I wet the Foreo 4 with a foaming cleanser (my new discovery is Skin Diligent Triple Action Cleanser, £14, skindiligent.com). The screen shows how much time I need to spend on each area of my face. It’s relaxing.
SALON ALTERNATIVE: A hydrafacial costs £140 for a 30 minute treatment once a month ( sknclinics.co.uk). SAVINGS OVER A YEAR: £1,441. VERDICT: In a matter of days, my skin felt transformed.