I tried the wild new celeb-approved beauty tools and treatments set to replace anti-wrinkle injections for good: POLISHED with Elise Wilson

Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL’s qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up and coming beauty and skincare trends so you don’t have to. 

I’ll be completely honest, I’m no stranger to a needle.

Anti-wrinkle injections and I have been in a long-term relationship since my late 20s, and like any good millennial, I’ve dabbled in fillers, peels, lasers and enough LED masks to light up a small city at this point.

I have also been a beauty journalist for over 15 years, which has meant that my (poor) face has been put on the line in the name of research – and pure vanity – more times than I can remember.

But lately, there’s been a buzzword doing the rounds at beauty events, in derm clinics and, of course, on every A-lister’s Instagram story: skin tightening.

Not just the sort you get from a good night’s sleep, slapping on some expensive skincare, downing a litre of green juice and practicing some facial massaging though.

No, no, the science is a lot more sophisticated than that now.

I’m talking about the new wave of high-tech, non-invasive treatments and tools that claim to lift, firm and tone your face – without the use of a syringe.

‘We’ve gone from ‘heat and hope’ to precision-guided ultrasound now,’ Aly Rosen, owner of Aly Rose Aesthetics in Sydney, told me.

One of the newest treatments on the block made international headlines a few weeks ago when Kim Kardashian posted about it to her 356million Instagram followers. 

A week ahead of fashion’s biggest night of the year, The Met Gala, the reality television star, 44, shared an up-close and personal behind-the-scenes look at her new favourite skin treatment: Sofwave.

‘This is my third time doing @sofwavemed and I think it’s one of the only lasers that works for firming!’ Kim wrote on her Instagram Story with a photo of herself undergoing the non-invasive laser procedure.

Indeed, a very bold statement for the woman who has access to the best treatments in the world – but did it influence me to book in for one myself immediately? Absolutely. More on that in a minute though.

However, with all seemingly great things, there are few down sides to this new and booming sector of the beauty industry.

I think the main one for me is the cost. When it comes to all this tech, the treatment price tiers for both in-clinic and at-home devices can be a little eye-watering.

You must think of skin tightening as an investment – and that brings me to my next downside: time.

According to the experts, this technology is designed to stimulate our skin on a cellular level to reignite our dwindling (sigh) collagen and elastin from deep within.

If you’re committing to professional sessions, multiple treatments will be required for best results, or a dedicated routine if choosing an at-home device.

I’m expertly informed by Aly that you’ll need to wait around three months to see any initial changes in your skin’s tightness and glow, with results continuing to improve over the next six.

If all the talk of tech and lasers has you a bit overwhelmed, I’ve listed just a few top treatments and devices for you to consider for your very own skin tightening journey.

The Professional Power Players

These in-clinic treatments are the ones your favourite celebs are sneaking off to do between red carpet appearances. Here are just a few of the most trusted machines, and what sets them apart.

Sofwave 

Relatively new to Australia, this is the exact treatment Kim Kardashian has been raving about.

So, as a 36-year-old beauty enthusiast myself (with a weak jawline that haunts my selfies), I booked in immediately. 

Although I can’t speak to my jaw-dropping results (yet!), I can tell you that the treatment took less than an hour, uses ultrasound, felt like hot pulses flicking my skin – weirdly satisfying and totally tolerable – and I walked out with only the faintest flush.

It fires seven ultrasound-beams at a depth of 1.5mm and is seriously powerful.

Cost: Sofwave costs $4500 for a full-face and neck treatment, with half-face options available. I know this sounds exxy, but you only need one treatment per year so it could be justified if you had to cut other ones out.

Morpheus8

Lindsay Lohan, Amanda Holden, and even Paula Abdul have spoken of their love for Morpheus8.

A combo of microneedling and radiofrequency, it resurfaces and helps with pores.

Yes, it sounds terrifying. Yes, you’ll look like a tomato for a day or two. But the glow after? Unreal.

Last year I was lucky enough to have three sessions (that’s the recommended amount, spaced one month apart), and my before and afters were incredible – especially the definition of my cheekbones.

Would I do it again? Yes, but let me warn you – lots of numbing, happy gas, and your ‘big girl’ pants will be needed for this one. It’s ouchy.

Cost: The great thing about Morpheus8 is you can target certain areas depending on your concerns. 

You’re looking at a starting price of $450 for small areas like around the mouth or eyes, and a maximum of $1350 for full face and neck treatment.

Emface 

This fun-looking treatment uses electromagnetic energy and radiofrequency to tone the facial muscles and lift the skin.

It’s basically like giving your face a workout by contracting the muscles.

Celebs like Eva Longoria, Jessica Simpson, Nicole Scherzinger and Kelly Osbourne are converts of this whacky looking treatment – that promises no pain or downtime.

I had four sessions, spaced one week apart.

Cost: A full face costs around $800 per treatment, with four recommended.

At-Home Heroes

If you’re too busy, too broke, or too scared to face the business end of a machine, may I suggest investing in an at-home skin-tightening tool instead.

Look at these as a long-term investment in your face and be sure to set aside some time each night (on the couch watching Netflix helps) to dedicate to it. Consistency is key here, remember. 

NuFace Trinity $563

This cult-favourite microcurrent device is a firm favourite of Miranda Kerr and just look at her skin. 

It sends gentle electrical currents, and comes with an array of targeted skincare products too, if your budget allows.

Ziip Halo Nanocurrent™ and Microcurrent Facial Toning Device $792.99 

Created by an electrical esthetician to the stars, this sleek little tool uses a combination of nanocurrent and microcurrents to lift, tone and even help with acne. 

The app-guided treatments are easy to follow, and bonus points for looking like a sci-fi prop.

TriPollar STOP Vx GOLD 2 $1299 

By far the most bougie and expensive, I think the gold-plated aesthetic speaks to me, but the price might be a tad unrealistic for some.

This radiofrequency device heats the skin to stimulate plumpness. 

It feels like a warm stone massage, and is great for the jawline especially.

Foreo BEAR $549 

It looks as cute as a button, but this device packs a punch.

There have been a few variants over the years, but the BEAR tones with the help of strong microcurrents.

It also massages the skin with gentle pulsations to boost blood flow. Hello glow.

Disclaimer: 

This article is based on my personal experience. 

Any cosmetic procedures mentioned were undertaken under the advice and supervision of a registered healthcare professional. 

This is not an advertisement for any specific product or treatment. Please consult a qualified medical practitioner for advice tailored to your individual needs.