WIDE awake

Elemis Peptide 24/7 Skin Sync Facials

To accompany the launch of its two new Peptide 4 products – Adaptive Day Cream and Plumping Pillow Facial – Elemis has created two facials. One is based around touch and the other on technology, using the Biotec machine. Each is available as a one-hour treatment or as either 15-minute or 30-minute express versions.

The hands-on Peptide 24/7 Skin Sync targets tired-looking skin, using specialised facial massage techniques that help to boost the circulation. This leaves skin fresher and brighter and improves absorption of the active ingredients in the Peptide 4 products, which include honesty seed oil to help support the skin’s moisture barrier and Swiss botanical extracts to boost skin’s natural defences.

Meanwhile, the Biotec 24/7 Skin Sync facial combines these botanical formulations with a deep-cleansing ultrasonic peel, LED light therapy, and galvanic current to lift and stimulate.

Elemis charges £100 for the one-hour hands-on facial and £115 for the Biotec version at its House of Elemis flagship and recommends adjusting the prices based on location. Call the brand on 0117 316 1888

This month we tried… Lashus The Lift

The lowdown: The recently launched lash-lifting brand developed by Sweet Squared, Lashus is designed to be gentle to the natural lashes, with any non-essential aggravators stripped out. Lashus educator Helen Burton-Ward visited the PB offices to treat editor Eve Oxberry and features editor Georgia Seago to a lunchtime lift.

The experience: Having both had a patch test and initial consultation a few days in advance, we were confident we wouldn’t have a reaction to either the lifting or tinting products.

The treatment itself began with another more detailed consultation before Burton-Ward helped us choose the right look for our lashes. We both wanted a dramatic look so agreed on a small shield to provide a deep curl.

After cleansing, Burton-Ward used an adhesive pad to gently keep the lower lashes out of the way before applying the shield then the Lift Lotion to the upper lashes. This was left on for 10 minutes before Burton-Ward removed it and painted on the Fix Lotion. After another 10 minutes the second lotion was removed and it was time for the tint. Lashus’s tint is a rich blue-black, designed to help even the darkest lashes look coated and lengthened.

The verdict: We were both very impressed with the finished look – which gave a dramatic impact without looking false. With naturally fine lashes, Eve was still reaching for the mascara after 24 hours but the lift looked amazing. Georgia looked instantly more rested and bright-eyed and has stayed mascara-free since. Six weeks on and both lifts are still going strong.

Business benefits: Lash Lifts are booming in popularity and a great way to reach clients who can’t be bothered with the maintenance of extensions. With comparatively low product costs, Sweet Squared says lash techs can make an average profit of around £36 per treatment.

Tried by Eve Oxberry and Georgia Seago Sweet Squared recommends charging from £45 for the treatment, which takes between 45 and 60 minutes. Call the company on 0333 000 7000