Summertime Skin Care

& #TuesdayTwirl

Dear friend. It's time for another beauty update where I share what's working and what isn't. Everything was bought by me, so you can rest assured you're getting a frank and honest view.

At 64, I'm well aware that creams and potions don't turn back the hands of time. But how about the latest LED and RF (radio frequency) devices?

I was a bit sceptical until I saw the Befores and Afters on the CurrentBody website. CurrentBody is a British company which gets excellent reviews for its various products.

In April I invested in their series 2 LED face mask, and the neck and decolletage mask. This has 3 clinically proven wavelengths: red (633nm), near-infrared (830nm) and new deep near-infrared (1072nm). In clinical tests red light therapy boosts collagen production for younger-looking skin, reducing wrinkles by 30% and improving plumpness by 57%.

I have a relaxing routine now, every other day, where I wear both masks for 10 minutes, before going to sleep. I put a podcast on and go into a relaxed state where I visualise colours and faces.

Over 60s blogger Gail Hanlon from Is This Mutton wearing the CurrentBody series 2 LED mask (self funded)

My skin looks plumper and fresher. The LED face mask helps to stimulate new collagen production. I can see a definite improvement over the before shots, taken in April.

There's also a slight improvement to jawline definition. My eyelids are also improved. What you can't really see is a very big improvement to the skin of my decolletage. It was quite wrinkly this time last year. But now it is smooth. The After pics are both on the right.

I'm pleased with progress so will carry on using them. I'd become interested in the CurrentBody's RF device, which uses radio frequency waves to heat the skin up to 43°C for effective collagen remodelling. This is said to give visibly tighter, plumper skin. I bought one in the Prime sale, 10% off. That's it in the top pic.

You use it once a week. It takes an hour to cover the areas of the face (10 mins each). You can also use it elsewhere on the body, as you can with the LED neck and decolletage device (I use it on my stomach). I haven't tried the RF device yet so stay tooned.

Latest Skincare Routine

Cleansing: I use Lancôme Lait Galatée followed by their Tonique Confort at night. If I've been wearing mascara, I use La Roche Posay Toleriane Respectissime Waterproof Eye Make-Up Remover. In the morning I use Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish hot cloth cleanser.

Serum and Moisturiser: in the morning I use Skinceuticals C E Ferulic serum. This is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and improve skin firmness. My moisturiser, which I also use on my eyes, is Shiseido's Vital Perfection Uplifting and Firming Cream. Forget the uplifting and firming part. I love it because it feels lovely, doesn't pill under sunscreen or makeup, and has a gorgeous scent. I still love scented face products, though they are hard to find.

Neck cream: I had stopped using a neck cream but had heard good things about Trinny London's The Elevator cream, a peptide infused concoction. It smooths out lines for a few hours. I don't care for the fragrance.

Sunscreen I'm very impressed with Skinceuticals SPF50 Ultra Advanced Brightening UV Defense. It's the first SPF50 I've used recently that doesn't wear off very quickly. I don't go red with this one.

Secret weapon: I rediscovered my Trinny London Miracle Blur recently, after seeing her use it on Instagram. I smooth it over the barcode lines around my upper lip, and on the bumpy pad of my chin (caused by tooth grinding). It works!

In the evening I follow a tip from India Knight (Sunday Times) who recommended Korean brand Erborian's Skin Therapy multi-perfecting night oil. It has 17 high powered ingredients. There's another variant if your skin is oily. I love the scent and how the oil quickly disappears (who wants greasy pillows?).

New Makeup Additions

I had a lovely blush stick from Charlotte Tilbury a few years ago which was discontinued. I was pleased to see her new Unreal Blush Healthy Glow Stick, which I bought in Peachy Glow. I was also tempted into buying Charlotte Tilbury's new Unreal Lips Healthy Glow Nectar Oil. I chose Pure Peach, although sadly it doesn't have a peachy colour. It's an entirely clear gloss with the flavour of peaches. I'm wearing it below.

I keep my summertime makeup light and simple. Just a little concealer, blusher and mascara. If I'm going somewhere special I'll add a skin enhancing tint, Miracle Blur and a lipstick.

On hot days I carry Chantecaille's Rosewater mist to spritz on my face and neck. It smells divine.

Secret weapon: the other product I've been impressed with is No 7's Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Moisturising Body Serum. It's a good idea to use retinol on our arms and legs, and this doesn't dry out my skin like other products. It has improved what I used to call my "chicken skin".

Hair Heroes

Living Proof's products are a cut above. I really rate their Full range which uses patented technology to improve lasting fullness. I also love their Style Lab Air Dryer. Work it through towel dried hair and it dries with lovely waves and no crunchiness.

If your hair is coloured and a bit frazzled, I recommend Keratin Obsessed Multi Benefit Spray. Some keratin products contain too much protein which can damage dry and weak hair, but this spray is gentle and restores silkiness.

That's it for my latest beauty update. Have you tried any of these products (particularly LED and RF devices) and if so, what do you think? Do tell in the comments.

Disclosure: none of the products mentioned was gifted. All bought by me.

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