Our beauty regimes are becoming ever more sophisticated, but the most innovative skincare doesn’t always come in a tube. Cleanse, tone and moisturise? Try zap, buzz and pulse
As a beauty editor I’m often asked whether the latest slew of tech-savvy tools are worth the splurge. My reply is that while it definitely pays to do your research, it’s been the products that mimic the wizardry of the clinic that have made the biggest difference to my complexion. Your skin is your ultimate investment; treat it well and it will pay (beauty) dividends.
With that in mind, we’ve selected five of our favourite, editor-approved gadgets to help you up your skincare game, whether it’s blitzing blemishes or employing some targeted toning. Better still, they take minutes rather than hours to work their magic. And all in the comfort of your own home.
Sarah Chapman facials are the stuff of beauty folklore. Now you can experience a taste of her pore-perfecting technique without the waiting list. The in-demand facialist has ensured that her extraction device is the ultimate combination of advanced thermo-therapy to warm and soften the skin, with ionic cleansing to gently loosen congested pores using ultrasonic vibrations. Focused suction then rids the pores of excess oil, grime and impurities for smaller-looking pores and a clearer complexion. ‘As someone who has large pores, oily skin and wears full coverage makeup nearly everyday I’m often left with dull skin, even after cleansing,’ says Partner and Personal Stylist, Bianca Snowie. ‘I love how this product takes my skincare routine to the next level, clearing my pores and leaving my skin looking so much brighter.’
This award-winning, Swedish beauty tech company has earned legions of high-profile fans for their cleansing devices, so when they launched ‘Bear’ to say my interest was piqued is an understatement. I like to think of this smart facial toner as a ‘prejuvenation’ gadget – great for prevention and rejuvenation. Using a combination of stimulating microcurrents to tone the skin with T-Sonic™ pulsations to relax facial muscle tension, the result is a more contoured, youthful complexion with an Anti-Shock System for maximum safety. ‘I've been using hydrating serums for a few years now, but have really noticed a difference in how effective they are when using them with the Foreo Bear,’ says Personal Stylist and John Lewis Partner Stephanie Shaw. ‘It feels like the Bear really deepens the way the serum sinks into my skin and makes me feel super glowy! For someone who spends a lot of time on my phone or reading, I also love how it really seems to help relieve tension in my forehead and jaw.’
This 2-in-1 cleansing and toning device is a great example of where technology and skincare collide. Not only is it rather easy on the eye, it’s great for your complexion too, souping up your cleansing routine thanks to the antibacterial and replaceable silicone brush head which uses sonic pulsations to sweep away dirt, makeup and other impurities. Then, simply switch to the smooth gold end to activate the microelectric technology which contours the face and smooths wrinkles as you massage the skin. ‘I love using the Tia MAS because I can instantly see and feel the difference in my face,’ says Personal Stylist and Partner, Victoria Thewlis. ‘My skin glows and looks more even since I’ve been using it. I’ve also had fewer breakouts thanks to the cleansing bristles which are great at getting into all those hard-to-reach areas. It’s so quick and easy to use that it hasn’t been difficult at all to implement it into my everyday skincare routine.’
Let there be light. Quite literally in the case of this fully rechargable does-it-all skin hero. Brainchild of oculoplastic surgeon Dr Maryam Zamani (who also happens to be the woman all the beauty pros have on speed-dial), this luxe LED (light-emitting diode) mask is a skin calming, hyper-pigmentation reducing, spot zapping, wrinkle eraser in one. ‘I created the mask because I believe in the power of LED healing and witnessed the rejuvenating properties that are best achieved with frequent use,’ says Dr Zamani. ‘It’s difficult to find the time for regular in-clinic appointments while 15 to 20 minutes at home to give yourself the gift of glowing skin is so much easier.’ Dr Zamani recommends starting out with 10 minutes a week building up to 30 minutes 2-3 times a week over the course of a month for optimum results. ‘I loved how easy it was to implement into my skincare routine and I found it very ritualistic as I laid back and listened to a podcast while the treatment worked its magic,’ says Olivia Robinson, Partner and Personal Stylist. ‘I've been able to tailor it to what my skin needs; I’ve used the blue light for clarity when I feel like my skin is breaking out and after a long day in the sun I used the yellow light to soothe my skin. It's going to be great to build on this week by week and I'm really excited to see how my skin improves over time!’
Imagine being able to slough off dead skin cells and foundation-thwarting peach fuzz in one effortless swipe, without having to leave your sofa. Cue Dermaflash Luxe, the award-winning at-home dermaplaning device powered by innovative Sonic Edge Technology. ‘I'd been thinking of dermaplaning for a while but was a bit scared to do it myself,’ says Partner and Personal Stylist Emily Gray. ‘However, the Dermaflash Luxe is really easy to use; my skin feels softer and looks more glowy after just one use and my serums absorb more easily while makeup goes on smoother. I'm excited to keep using it to see the long-term anti-aging results!’ Featuring two speeds, this beautifying blade offers both a gentle or more invigorating exfoliation depending on your skin’s needs and the single-use ‘Edges’ are supremely safe and easy to dispose of. And in order to finally debunk the enduring beauty myth about shaving; the Dermaflash Luxe has been clinically proven to show that hair won’t grow back thicker.
Get tech savvy
Sarah Chapman Facialift
£28.00