To truly annihilate fine lines and wrinkles, nothing beats the deadly aim of twin assassins, Botox and fillers. But for those who wish to steer clear of injectables (or just want to stretch out the time between treatments), a new crop of serums, creams and masks promises to deliver similar, age-defying results. Sure, the effects are shorter-lived than those of their syringe-bearing counterparts, but at a fraction of the cost, and discomfort, do we really care?
Below, the best of the bunch.
Skyn Iceland Facial in A Bag, $20
Skyn Iceland’s aptly-named Facelift-in-a-Bag targets your most wrinkle-prone areas (forehead, smile lines and undereyes) with hydro cooling firming face gel patches designed to plump and smooth lines. The10-minute masks work instantaneously to deliver visible results that last for up 24 hours.
Demarche Labs Fulfill Serum, $89
Ultra-plumping hyaluronic acid is the star ingredient in Demarche Labs’s Fullfill formula, which uses the patented DermaDeep delivery system to penetrate more deeply and effectively into the skin. Expect to see a reduction in even the most stubborn wrinkles (we’re looking at you crow’s feet) along with added bonus of improved facial volume over time with use.
Nip + Fab No Needle Fix Serum, $13.49
This serum packs a triple punch with cell active® to plump fine lines, osilift® to firm and smooth the look of wrinkles and indinyl® to hydrate and soften the skin. With this formula in your ant-aging arsenal, those furrow lines never had a chance.
Bargain-hunters take note. It doesn’t get much better than this $4 cream. A soothing blend of wheat protein, mango and shea, the formula tackles wrinkles big and small, plumping and tightening the skin.
Biosmose Hyaluronic Filler, $69
This high concentration of hyaluronic acid comes in a nifty fake syringe, all the better to remind you of its Juvaderm-like prowess. Apply a “dose” twice daily for best results.
Dr. Brandt Needles No More Filler, $95
Designed for the middle and lower parts of the face, this brush-on face mask uses a formulation of hyaluronic acid, peptides, and Adipofill’in™ Complex to target nasolabial folds (a.k.a. smile lines) while also working to tighten and contour jowls and cheekbones. According to a clinical study of 30 women, 100% polled reported a visible reduction of fine lines within one week of daily use while 83% reported that the formula successfully filled in wrinkles and folds.
Boots No.7 Instant Illusion Filler, $15.99
In addition to its line-plumping properties, Boots No 7 Instant Illusion Wrinkle Filler performs a bit of visual trickery, diffusing light particles to blur the look of wrinkles and uneven complexions. A single application and —abracadabra—skin looks instantly smoother and younger.