Why Ice Could Be The Secret To More Radiant Skin

CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ANNE SEMONIN

The concept?

It’s by no means a new one – way back in the 1700s, Russia’s longest ruling female leader (and, it seems, early beauty pioneer) Catherine the Great reportedly used to rub an ice cube over her face and neck every morning in the quest for smoother, more radiant skin. Harnessing the power of cryotherapy, Anne Semonin’s clever ice cube collection takes Catherine’s concept up a notch, offering a potent mini ice-facial complete with a cocktail of complexion-perfecting ingredients.

What’s in the range?

Three different types of skincare-infused ice cubes – two for the face and one for the eye area.

Take, for example, the Express Radiance Cubes. With wild indigo extract to diminish skin distress; marine spring water to hydrate; evening primrose oil to enhance elasticity; and azelaic acid to brighten dark spots and leave the skin primed and ready for make-up application, skin is left feeling (and looking) instantly refreshed and replenished. The Express Radiance Eye Cubes are of a similar ilk, albeit supercharged with cucumber and ginkgo biloba to alleviate puffiness and dreaded dark circles. And, of course, not forgetting the hot-off-the-press Precious Pearl Ice Cubes – a glorious blend of hyaluronic acid, white pearl extracts and silk proteins to leave the skin feeling plumper and naturally lifted.

How do you use them?

All three formulas are best used on clean skin. Before use, remove one ice cube straight from the freezer and turn it out of the mould before wrapping in the gauze provided. Apply directly to the face, eye, or neck and décolleté area, depending on your chosen product, and move in an upwards circular motion. Finally, pat dry and follow with your favourite serum or moisturiser for added skin benefits.

When should you use them?

The brand new Precious Pearl Ice Cubes can be used as part of your regular skincare regime, while the Express duo is ideal for reviving a lacklustre complexion before an event, after a sleepless night –  or if you’ve indulged on a few too many proseccos over the weekend. The Pearl cubes are also ideal for pepping up morning skin, hydrating and minimising pores to create the perfect canvas for flawless foundation.

What do they do for the skin?

By lowering the skin’s temperature, blood vessels are forced to constrict, accelerating the drainage of toxins and fluid that cause puffiness, while the cold helps to instantly awaken and invigorate both skin and senses. The freezing temperature also paves the way for optimal absorption of your skincare products, so your skin will drink up your favourite serum or moisturiser, leaving you with a well-rested, lit-from-within glow.

What are people saying?

Cult Beauty rave about the Eye Cubes, dubbing them “Cucumber 2.0 – the suped-up version”, while A Model Recommends’ Ruth Crilly says the entire range is ideal for beauty emergencies and will leave the skin “instantly fresher and more glowing”. And if that’s not enough to convince you to part with your hard-earned cash – because let’s be honest, these bad boys aren’t the cheapest – then a quick scroll through the five-star reviews some of best beauty blogs Google has to offer will no doubt win you over.
 
Visit AnneSemonin.com