Review: Ultimate Facial Booster

Our Lifestyle & Beauty Editor Emily Griffin was invited to FRONTLINEstyle to find out if the lunchtime facial lived up to the hype. Here's how she got on...

The search for perfect skin has seen me try almost every lotion and potion the high street has to offer. I’ve undergone a whole host of treatments from facial needling to what felt like industrial sand blasting, all in the pursuit of that perfect complexion. I'm always on the lookout for new treatments hoping to find one that can deliver all it promises.

CACI International is an award-winning company that’s fast gained a reputation for offering advanced non-surgical facelifts and skin procedures. At the forefront of new scientific and technological breakthroughs, CACI are industry leaders offering an expert range of treatments aimed at reducing fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improving the skin's texture and appearance using technologies like microcurrents and red and blue LED light therapy

Having limited knowledge about CACI, and a recommendation from my fabulous FRONTLINEstyle facialist Fran, I was keen to take up her invite and experience the Ultimate Facial Booster for myself.

This facial has been designed for people on the go, it’s a treatment aimed at results and not pampering. Now don’t get me wrong, I love nothing more than an extra long massage or moisture enhancing facial but, when it comes to skincare, results come over relaxation.

My skin is often quite dehydrated and can also be sensitive. In my early twenties I suffered from mild acne that left me with light scarring across my cheeks. Now in my late 20’s, fine lines and dryness are beginning to be a concern (I blame years of straining at a computer screen and not wearing sunglasses). 

The Ultimate Facial Booster is a 45 minute treatment that gives your skin a boost of radiance. It uses a combination of microdermabrasion (exfoliation), and light therapy combined with a wrinkle comb to target troubled areas like around your eyes and forehand. CACI's use of microcurrents means that products can penetrate deeper into your skin which in turn increases their effectiveness. The treatment finishes with a hydrating mask and face massage to revive and invigorate.

Having not experienced a CACI treatment before I was not really sure what to expect. Fran took me through to the treatment room and explained a little about the procedure. Fran's familiar with my skin type but still took the time to ask if there were any changes or problems she needed to be aware of. It’s this kind of professionalism that makes FRONTLINEstyle a place I will continue to return to. They take a huge amount of time making sure they offer expert care to all their clients.

Fran used a very mild CACI cleanser on my sensitive skin and a CACI Amino Lift Serum (Botox in a Bottle) to help improve firmness and fine lines. Unlike the Microdermabrasion I have previously had, Fran used a special ultrasonic head on the CACI machine that vibrates on the skin’s surface to exfoliate and deep clean. This was quite a nice sensation; it felt like my face was being gently exfoliated. This was followed with the blue light therapy to help calm my skin and the wrinkle comb around my problem areas. Light therapy is used widely in the beauty industry. Blue light is especially good for blemish prone skin and red light at helping to encourage collagen production. 

The wrinkle comb was an entirely new experience for me and it was a very strange sensation. It wasn’t painful but it was a little uncomfortable. It sends little pulses into the skin to effectively plump out and soften fine lines.

After the treatment with the CACI machine was complete I was treated to an incredibly cooling and hydrating face mask. My dehydrated skin literally drank it up. This was followed by a rich Caudalie Premieres Vendanges antioxidant moisturiser. I was pleased that due to the mask and products after the treatment my skin had no redness. This is always a concern with a lunch time beauty break.

Although the treatment isn’t aimed at relaxation, and the majority of it isn’t, the final few 10 minutes or so with the facemask and serums really do make you feel revived.

Most importantly, following the treatment my skin saw a vast improvement. In the two weeks that followed it was smoother, softer and more manageable. My makeup also applied easier and I felt the benefits more from my skincare.

The treatment can be tailored with different products, and different coloured light therapy, to ensure the best results for your skin and personal concerns. 

I couldn’t have been happier with my results, and from only 45 minutes in the therapy room I was very impressed. So much so, I’ve already booked my next one. What better way to spend your lunch break.

The CACI Ultimate Facial Booster costs £45 and lasts 45 minutes. You can book by calling FRONTLINEsyle on 01225 478 478.