The New-Gen Hifu Treatment With Much Less Pain

High-intensity focused ultrasound, or Hifu, is a noninvasive aesthetic procedure that uses ultrasound energy to heat up the deeper skin layers.

High-intensity focused ultrasound, or Hifu, is a noninvasive aesthetic procedure that uses ultrasound energy to heat up the deeper skin layers. The objective: to stimulate collagen production for ﬁrmer skin, and reduce the appearance of ﬁne lines and wrinkles. But it’s known to be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, as energy beams hit the skin and face muscles, and the heat can reach 70 deg C.

To minimise this, Estheclinic’s new Ultimate Lift Hifu breaks up the beams so they are even more focused and able to penetrate the skin at more precise depths, says Manon Allano, managing director of the salon.

The treatment is largely comfortable and bearable. Around sensitive, bony areas like your jawline, cheekbones and forehead, it may feel as if there are sparklers on your skin. Post-treatment, a dull ache over these areas may last up to a week, although it isn’t painful. There may be some redness, but this too goes away by the third day. It’s literally a zap-and-go treatment, and you can go back to work right after.

The ﬁrst thing you’ll notice is that your pores appear to be smaller. Over the next six to eight weeks, you are supposed to see progressive skin tightening and lifting, and the results should last four to six months. Three to six monthly sessions are recommended, after which maintenance treatments can be spaced out. From $280 for the eye or neck area, to $580 for the face. – KT

The Better Way to Buy a Perfume…

… is to head for Robinsons The Heeren’s new fragrance bar, an area on the first floor where you’ll find brands like Memo, Annick Goutal, Creed, Serge Lutens, Chanel, Dior and more – 41 in all. Things work a little differently here. You’re free to browse, of course. But if you’re feeling unsure, you can fill in a profiling tool with seven quirky but telling non-perfumerelated questions like “What kind of fabric attracts you?” to help the fragrance experts there home in on options for you. If your answer is “delicate”, you might be a citrus-floral perfume lover, and you’ll be led to those scents. It’s great for gifting. Gift-wrapping and engraving services are available too. – CT

Is a Pre-serum Different I from a Skin Booster?

You’d think it is. But it’s the same thing. A skin booster/preserum goes on before any serum. It preps the skin by hydrating s it so that the skincare you use after is better absorbed. It also helps to “wake up” dormant skin cells, boosting the efficacy of your skincare. Some brands, like these here, also call them booster serums for their lightweight, water-like textures. – CT

1 L’Occitane Immortelle Reset Oil-inSerum, $84.

2 Lancome Advanced Genifique Youth Activating Concentrate Serum, from $130.

3 Sulwhasoo First Care Activating Serum EX, $115.

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