Power players

Treatment News

Environ Collagen Power Facial

Environ’s latest facial is designed for mature clients and those suffering with sun-damaged skin who want to target the signs of ageing.

It uses gentle soundwaves alongside pulsed current technology to drive anti-ageing peptides deep into the skin, working to support the activation of the cutaneous repair process and boost the formation of collagen and elastin, which helps soften fine lines and wrinkles and tighten skin laxity.

The Sono DFP 312 serum contains a combination of three clinically trialled peptide complexes – matrixyl 3000, trylagen and matrixyl synthé 6 – which work in synergy to renew skin, while another vitamin A and C serum is applied to improve tone.

The brand says the treatment can also help refine the appearance of scarring. It is available in 60 and 90-minute versions.

Environ recommends charging from £65 for the 60-minute treatment and from £85 for the 90-minute version, depending on region. Call the brand on 020 8450 2020

Heaven Skincare Bee Peel Treatment

Skincare brand Heaven’s 30-minute Bee Peel Treatment is perfect for time-poor clients whose skin needs a pick-me-up. The express facial begins with a five-minute breathing session, helping clients relax both mind and body, followed by a deep cleanse using the Hydro Gel and Cleanse and Foam Wash Products.

Next comes an intensive facial massage to open the pores, followed by application of the peel – formulated with organic coconut and raw cane sugar to resurface skin, minimising the visibility of lines, scars, dark spots, blemishes and enlarged pores.

It also helps to increase the strength, elasticity and thickness of the deeper layers of the epidermis, evening out skin tone. After 20 minutes, the peel is removed and followed with application of the Prism Repair Cream to hydrate and balance pigmentation.

For best results, the brand recommends clients have a course of three treatments within a two -week period.

Heaven Skincare recommends charging from £75 to £125 for the treatment, depending on location. Call the brand on 01952 462505

Finishing Touches Bespoke Blading

Those looking to add advanced brow treatments to their menu will be happy to know that the Finishing Touches Group has launched its Bespoke Blading training.

The five-day course covers how to create naturallooking brows using the brand’s nanoblading technique, by creating fine hair strokes using only the Nano Blade. It promises to take students from complete novice to skilled artist.

The training, available to anyone with a creative eye and passion for brows, consists of two days of online learning, two days of practical in the classroom and a one-day assessment. For a Level 4 certificate issued by the Open College Network (OCN), these will include two additional days (one of learning and another of home study).

Finishing Touches is taking bookings for the training at Haywards Heath, Essex and Bedfordshire, and is working in partnership with micropigmentation master technicians Tonya McGee and Susie Bavister.

For the training, Finishing Touches is charging £1,950+VAT excluding or £2,450+VAT including the Level 4 accreditation. Call the brand on 01444 414744

This month we tried… Image Skincare Signature Lift Facial

The lowdown: Image Skincare’s signature treatment is a layer-style facial that uses a peel containing high doses of vitamin C and enzymes in conjunction with three different masks to hydrate skin and stimulate collagen and elastin. I had my 60-minute facial with Michelle Cashen, manager of Privet Body in Notting Hill.

The experience: Cashen began with a double cleanse and then examined my skin under a magnifying lamp to get a better understanding of my needs – noting congestion on my chin, sensitivity on my cheeks and subtle dehydration on my forehead.

My skin was then prepped for the first layer of the peel process, using a 30% solution that also includes a blend of enzymes, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. Cashen explained it would have a Pac-Man effect on my skin, eating up dead cells while stimulating fibroblasts to increase collagen and elastin production. Cashen applied the peel and massaged it into my skin for a minute. I felt a tingly feeling, which wasn’t uncomfortable, but if you’ve never had a peel before it could take you by surprise, especially the instant warmth you feel.

The Resurfacing Masque, which is packed with 10% glycolic acid and menthol, was then layered over it, helping to clear up congestion and minimise pigmentation. It had a cooling effect and incredible minty smell.

Next, Cashen worked in the rest of the peel before applying the last layer, the Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque, packed with orange blossom extract to plump the skin. While this was left to work, she performed a neck and décolletage massage, which added a nice touch of relaxation to the treatment.

She then cleansed my skin before doing some extractions. The treatment finished with application of serum, eye cream and moisturiser. My skin had such a healthy glow post-treatment and I was taken aback by how clear my complexion was.

Business Benefits: For clients who are sceptical or slightly fearful of peels, Image Skincare’s formulation is a great way to introduce them because it’s gentle and gives results without any downtime. Plus, the brand has a complementary home care range so clients can keep the results up at home.

Image Skincare recommends charging £80 for the treatment. Call the brand on 0345 504 4061 Tried by Amanda Pauley

Lumenis Photofacial

The Photofacial is ideal for clients who want to achieve a glowing and even complexion, working to treat skin conditions such as uneven texture, acne and scarring in a fast and effective way.

Using the various functions available in Lumenis’s M22 ResurFX system – which the brand says is a “one-stop-shop for skin rejuvenation” – tone and texture is improved by minimising the appearance of wrinkles and tightening lax skin.

The non-ablative fractional laser delivers heat into the skin through thousands of deep columns, known as microthermal treatment zones, which stimulate the production of collagen and elastin fibres in the deeper layers of skin.

A warm, prickling sensation is felt but the treatment is said to be gentle. It uses an advanced scanner for a greater range of options and has inbuilt CoolScan technology to cool down skin for a more comfortable experience.

The treatment takes between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the skin concern, and requires minimal downtime.

Lumenis recommends charging £250 for the treatment (depending on business and location). Call the brand on 020 8736 4110

This month we tried… Angel Eyes Semi-Permanent In-Salon Lashes

The lowdown: Lash technician and founder of Angel Eyes Marie Di-Rito told me she wanted to create the most natural-looking extensions possible. The silk mink lashes are available in four lengths, each with a slightly uplifted curve, and there are five lash looks clients can choose from, with technicians trained to tailor the length and density to suit the client. The brand offers a seven-step one-to-one training course.

The experience: Di-Rito did my lashes herself, beginning with a chat about the look I was after. Because each of the lash styles are more “natural” than “glam”, I knew I wouldn’t end up with anything too dramatic. I wanted my lashes to look noticeable – pretty, thick and fluttery – but like they could still be my own. The application took an hour and 15 minutes, and Di-Rito worked gently so I could barely feel a thing. Lash extensions I’ve had in the past have been slightly uncomfortable during application because the gel pads have been thick and placed very close to my lash line, but I didn’t experience that this time around. Angel Eyes pads contain aloe oil and co-enzyme Q10. I didn’t get the familiar mild stinging sensation from the lash glue either. Di-Rito told me that the Infinity Expert Adhesive is medical grade, EU-approved and made in the UK. It’s also super quick drying, meaning I only had to avoid getting my lashes wet for half an hour.

My lashes looked great and when, after about three weeks, they were starting to look a bit sparse, I did two rounds of gentle massaging with a cleansing oil and found the last few false lashes came away easily, leaving my natural lashes looking as they did before.

Business Benefits: Angel Eyes lash extensions are perfect for clients who want a noticeable enhancement but a more natural look than traditional or Russian-style extensions. The level of tuition is great for therapists wishing to learn lash extensions from scratch. While you wouldn’t usually advise clients to remove their own extensions, those who would be put off the treatment by the additional removal cost and time could be more likely to invest if they know they can remove the last few at home with an oil-based cleanser.

Angel Eyes recommends charging £65 for a set of semi-permanent lashes. Call the brand on 01530 249229 Tried by Georgia Seago