Firm favourites without the Botox

Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Onassis were said to be fans of French beauty house Carita, and now modern-day celebrities are turning to the brand as an alternative to Botox and fillers. The Pro-Lifting facial is Carita's signature treatment to firm the skin, give it an instant lift and boost a youthful radiance. It's best for mature skin and there are four stages to it: exfoliation, deep cleansing, relaxation and then the lifting using electric pads across the face and jaw line (be warned, some people find these uncomfortable and you can't have it done if you have a lot of metal in your mouth). The good news is that there is a visible lifted effect immediately after treatment, although it's recommended that you try two treatments a week for 12 weeks for best results, and then there has to be upkeep every three to four weeks, so it's not really a cheaper alternative to Botox or surgery, but it is a good treatment to have a day or so before a special occasion.

The Carita Pro-lift Firming Facial lasts 85 minutes and costs 95 at the Titanic Spa, Huddersfield, 01484 843 544 or check out www.titanicspa.com.

Fans of Vitamin A based Environ include Sadie Frost, Elle Macpherson, Naomi Watts and Lynda Bellingham. Environ Focus Frown Serum aims to ease out frown lines without the frozen Botox look, using a cocktail of active ingredients that target the chemical complexes involved in the process of wrinkle formation with, says the company, results noticeable within three weeks, as frown lines become lighter, muscle tension reduces in the forehead area and deep wrinkles become less prominent. It costs 119 for 20ml from stockists on: 020 8450 2020 for the nearest stockist. Visit www.vitaminskincare.eu.

No laser needed. Clinique has brought out new Repairwear Laser Focus Wrinkle & UV Damage Corrector, a de-ageing serum with a high-level peptide complex created to work day and night to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and repair and help prevent UV damage with, says the company, results remarkably close to a dermatological laser treatment. Use three drops twice a day and see results in 12 weeks. It costs 35, at all Clinique counters from September 10.

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