DEBUNKING BEAUTY TOOLS
Over the past few years, many of us have adopted at-home treatments, favouring the convenience, efficiency and affordability of the latest and greatest tools and technology. They come with an initial investment, of course, but if you adopt them over a long period of time then cost per use will become pennies. I’ve put together a round-up of some of my favourite tried and tested beauty tools, from the ancient to the innovative. Read on for which I reach for and when:
MEET THE ORIGINALS, tried and tested beauty tools still in popular use today
Beauty tools are not a new thing. They have in fact been around for thousands of years, with two of the originals hailing from Eastern cultures: the Kansa Wand from India and the Gua Sha from China.
A traditional Ayurvedic massage tool, the Kansa Wand has been used in India for thousands of years and is designed to activate Marma points (vitality points) to increase the flow of Prana (life-force energy) from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. I’m such a fan that I made it part of my East by West product range, which features a teak wood handle and polished metal dome made from “Kansa,” the Sanskrit word for bronze (a copper tin alloy). This sacred metal blend, said to be more healing than gold and silver in Vedic wisdom, quickly warms, and its alkaline properties mean that it can help to naturally balance your skin’s pH. Allow it to glide across your skin with the aid of a quality oil or serum adjusting the pressure as you go, moving in small, circular, clockwise movements to gently stimulate circulation and promote lymphatic drainage for clearer, plumper and smoother skin. This solid, easy to use, fuss-free, easily portable tool, with less technology to go wrong and no batteries needed, is my go-to for relaxing before bed or waking my skin up when it needs a boost.
THE GUA SHA
Historical records on Gua Sha date back to the Paleolithic Age, when it was used on people who were sick. Stones, tins or coins would be rubbed on parts of their bodies to try and help alleviate the symptoms of the illness. It was during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) that this form of treatment was systematically written into major medical records. “Gua Sha” directly translates as “scrape sand” and from a TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) point of view, is promoted to help to eliminate internal stagnation and heat, which can result in immune conditions, joint pain and respiratory illnesses. It is only in more modern times that the techniques and tools associated with Gua Sha have become used for more beauty-focused treatments like facial massage with the aim to smooth fine lines, increase collagen production, reduce puffiness and contour the face and body. My tool of choice is the Jade Beauty Restorer from my friend Katie Brindle’s brand Hayo’u who instructs you how to use it for specific health aids, as well as relaxing the muscles in your forehead!. Watch an IGTV we recorded together on how to use your tool here.
BEST TOOLS FOR LIFTING
NuFace’s much-hyped Trinity microcurrent massager is known for its incredible instant lifting effects. The low-level microcurrent sends safe, gentle waves through the skin and into the facial muscles to accelerate collagen production as well as improving facial contouring, skin tone and helping to combat wrinkles.
Facialist to the stars Sarah Chapman introduced her signature beauty tool “The Facialift” after clients requested to replicate the techniques of her own bespoke facial massage at home on themselves. The Facialift uses eight heads and 48 massaging nodules that roll and massage like the knuckles into the face to really boost blood circulation, help lymphatic drainage and sculpt the lower part of the face.
SARAH CHAPMAN SKINESIS THE FACIALIFT
You might also have heard of facial cupping thanks to a few prominent celebs touting the benefits of this practice, and I have to say I’m also a fan. You can do this at home thanks to Skin Gym’s Glass Cupping Set, designed to give you a radiant glow.
BEST TOOLS FOR SUPPORTING THE SKIN’S NATURAL AGEING PROCESS
Higher Dose Red Light Face Mask is a hands-free light therapy device that combines red and near-infrared LED. Light therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that mimics low-level rejuvenating wavelengths found in natural sunlight. This relaxing and effective treatment warms the skin, boosts your mood, and enhances your natural glow. Eye goggles are optional, but I will always use them to double protect my sensitive eyes.
If you’re looking for a bit of technology that does it all then look to TheraBody’s new launch, TheraFace, which combines eight treatments in one including microcurrent, LED and percussion.
BEST TOOLS FOR SCULPTING
The two rotating heads on Current Body’s Skin Face Sculptor create a deep-kneading action which invigorates your skin in just a few minutes of use. Use it to roll over your skin in outwards strokes to boost circulation, and increase blood and oxygen flow to your facial muscles, whilst instantly brightening your complexion. Use in tandem with a sheet mask for the ultimate glow.
CURRENT BODY SKIN FACE SCULPTOR
Jillian Dempsey’s Gold Bar is a vibrating tool that relaxes any tension in the face for a smoother appearance. The 24-carat, gold-plated T-bar mimics the effects of a massage, allowing you to contour as you go as well as stimulating your lymphatic system.
BEST TOOLS FOR INFLAMMATION + PUFFINESS
Cryotherapy, which literally means “cold therapy,” is a technique where the body is exposed to extremely cold temperatures for several minutes. Blood vessels constrict when exposed to cooler temperatures, which encourages your pores to tighten as well as improving the supply of oxygenated blood and nutrients to the skin’s surface. Five minutes using an ice-cold tool can lead to instant “depuffing.”
Omorovicza Cooling Derma-Globes have been designed to massage under your cheekbones and around your eye. Keep yours in the fridge for ultimate results.
OMOROVICZA COOLING DERMA-GLOBES
The Current Body Skin Cryo Roller, made from stainless steel, is designed to store in the freezer. Roll over the face and body to effortlessly sculpt, depuff and brighten your appearance.
Are you a beauty tool convert? Let me know @jasminehemsley which your favourites are and if there are any I’ve missed!