THEY have the look and Hollywood A-listers have the money to ensure the latest beauty treatments and technology allows them to keep it.
Their flawless, glowing skin, glistening hair and toned bodies do not come without effort and expense however, as the spas and salons of Beverly Hills make millions from facials, juice cleanses and cellulite-zapping treatments.
Celebrity endorsements of the latest treatments, from stars like Kim Kardashian, Beyoncé and Gwyneth Paltrow, can turn little-known products into must-haves overnight.
And social media means many are revealing their beauty secrets, during their treatments, never mind after.
Jennifer Glen, head therapist at Edinburgh’s Zen Lifestyle beauty salon, said: “Social media has been really good for helping people to see and realise that a lot of these celebrities – who do look picture perfect all time – are having a lot of advanced treatments done. It’s also a great way for people to see what new treatments are out there, and people do come in and ask for them.”
Sara Stern, trading director for health and beauty at Debenhams, agreed that social media platforms like Instagram have a big influence on beauty trends. She said: “The looks that celebrities share on their channels is having a real impact on our shopping and beauty habits.
“A quick search on Instagram for the hashtag #beauty reveals over 271 million photos, with the latest looks, techniques and treatments.”
Many beauty and skincare brands have been aiming to cash-in on celebrity crazes by bringing cheaper alternatives to the market. But can you get the same beautifying benefits without the eye-watering price tag?
We asked Jennifer for the inside track on five celebrity-endorsed treatments, to find out if the cut-price versions work or whether you need to splash the cash to be red carpet ready.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
You could say goodbye to razors burn, stubble and painful waxing if you opted for this permanent de-fuzzing treatment.
How does it work?
This is another treatment harnessing the power of light. Intense Pulse Light (IPL) wavelengths target hair follicles under the skin, killing the cells that cause regrowth. Multiple sessions are required and it can cost up to £2,000 for one area of the body, including legs, underarms and bikini lines.
Who are fans?
The Kardashians
Non-celeb alternative Philips Lumea IPL Hair Removal Device for Face, Body and Bikini, £385
Jen’s advice
“I’ve had clients who have used at-home laser hair removal, and it started out really well for them. But because the treatment can be quite painful – and you are inflicting the pain on yourself – they do stop using the machine quite quickly, and don’t get the results they are hoping for.
“I think you would need to be very dedicated using the at-home treatment, and be ready for the pain! Although you will get a much quicker result with IPL done in a salon, but the home versions can be used for maintenance.”
SHEET MASKS
A well-known secret weapon of skincare obsessed Koreans, sheet masks can be used for everything from moisturising to anti-aging.
How does it work?
Unlike traditional face masks, sheet masks hold the skincare product against your face to enhance their effects, and are often used before make-up to create the optimal base. Celeb favourites can cost anywhere from £17 for Estee Lauder’s Concentrated Recovery PowerFoil Mask to £85 for the MZ Skin Golden Facial treatment.
Who are fans?
Busy Phillips, Emilia Clarke, Victoria Beckham and January Jones.
Non-celeb lternative
Superdrug Purifying Facial Sheet Mask, £1.99
Jen’s advice
“Sheet masks are really quick and easy to use as you just pop them on for around 10 or 20 minutes, throw the sheet in the bin and then massage in the leftover product. But you don’t want to rely on them solely. It’s important to have a good skincare routine, cleansing, exfoliating and moisturising – you won’t get fantastic results from just one sheet mask if that’s all you are using.”
LED FACIAL
Instagram has been awash with pictures of beautiful women looking like they’re dressed up for a Star Wars costume party – thanks to the growing popularity of LED facials, also known as colour light therapy.
How does it work?
LED bulbs penetrate the outer layers of the skin with coloured light to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation. Promised end results include improved skin tone and texture, reduced pigmentation, and smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles. One treatment starts from around £50, but a course is recommended.
Who are fans?
Jessica Alba and Kourtney Kardashian.
Non-celeb alternative Neutrogena’s Light Therapy Acne Mask 30-day treatment, £59.99
Jen’s advice
“The wavelength used in the LED facial targets the energy part of the skin cells, basically speeding up our skin’s ability to heal itself, improving collagen and elastin production. This helps to give a plump appearance, smooths fine lines and wrinkles, and keeps the jowl area nice and tight. It’s pain free and it’s non-invasive. I personally think it’s one of the best ways to reverse the signs of aging and improve pigmentation, which is hard to treat.
“The difference between the in-salon treatment and the at-home version is the power. But the home mask will help to rejuvenate skin.”
CELLULITE MASSAGERS
So-called “orange peel” skin plagues women of all sizes. But can it be banished with a simple machine?
How does it work?
Different treatments use radio frequency, acoustic wave or ultrasound technology to selectively treat cellulite on multiple areas of the body, including the abdomen and thighs. Six sessions can start from £1800.
Who are fans?
Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian
Non-celeb alternative Silk’n Silhouette, £139
Jen’s advice
“This is the one treatment where you really get what you pay for. Beauty therapists will all tell you that one of the biggest challenges is trying to effectively treat cellulite because it’s notoriously difficult. I would recommend dry body brushing at home in between salon treatments, and you can use a massager if you have one.
“It will be beneficial but as a standalone treatment you just won’t get the same results – it will increase the blood flow in the lymphatic system, decreasing toxins, but the results won’t last.”
MICRODERMABRASION
This gem of a treatment promises smooth, line-free and rejuvenated skin without the discomfort or down time that comes with more invasive procedures.
How does it work?
A diamond or crystal-tipped abrasive wand is run over the surface of the skin, hoovering up dead cells, and it can be controlled and tailored for different skin types. Again, a course is recommended for optimal results, with prices starting from £50 for a one-off 30-minute facial.
Who are fans?
Paris Hilton, Jennifer Aniston
Non-celeb alternative PMD Personal Microderm, £135
Jen’s advice
“Personally, this is my favourite facial. It gives absolutely amazing results, exfoliating and resurfacing the top layer of skin.
“You wouldn’t want to over-exfoliate or strip the skin in any way, so my only concern with home treatments is that most people don’t have the expertise to know when is the best time to treat their skin and they could also start to use it too often which wouldn’t benefit their skin.”
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