Tested for you: Instant lifting with “FirmX Face Tightener” by Peter Thomas Roth

Instant lifting products have a similar goal like anti-aging-, anti-wrinkle- and so-called “Botox” creams: to help tighten the skin and counteract wrinkles. The ingredients are widely used substances such as hyaluronic acid or retinol. Botox creams contain special ingredients such as argireline and spilanthol to achieve results similar to those obtained with botulinum toxin injections. However, the fact is that no cream, regardless of its ingredients, can have the same effect as a Botox treatment administered by a doctor. But that’s not for everyone!

Instant lifting products are a temporary solution for a younger-looking face. They work with a kind of “rubber band effect.” By changing the surface tension of the skin, they make it look firmer and smoother. The first creams with a tightening film came onto the market in the US at the end of the 1990s. Here, StriVectin’s “Tightening Face Primer” was the first. In the 2010s, Dr. Brandt’s “Needles No More Instant Wrinkle Relaxer” was hyped as a red carpet trick.

So nothing new, but now an instant lifting product with an improved texture is being presented by Peter Thomas Roth. His FirmX Face Tightener could be described as a modernized blend of Dr. Brandt + StriVectin. It has an even stronger focus on the Instagram/filter look. The gel provides immediate, temporary tightening. It reduces the appearance of fine lines, deep wrinkles, and enlarged pores.

Instant lifting with the Firm-A-Tite complex

Its main firming active ingredient is the Firm-A-Tite complex, a mixture of three mineral silicates (sodium silicate, sodium magnesium fluorosilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate) that act like an invisible net on the skin, smoothing it. Added to this are algae extracts, which have a moisturizing and firming effect. Vitamins C & E are long-proven antioxidants and nourish the skin. Pro-vitamin B5 (panthenol) provides moisture.

A consumer study involving 30 women aged between 40 and 67 yielded the following consistent results: the skin appears firmer, tighter and smoother. The pores appear visibly refined. The women said that the product made them look younger and gave them the feeling of having had a facelift.

Instant lifting put to the test

So much for the information. But I wanted to experience for myself how the “net” feels and works on the skin. As recommended, I shake the tube and squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the back of my hand. From there, I picked up the slightly yellowish gel with a dry makeup brush and spread it thinly over fine lines, wrinkles, and enlarged pores—i.e., on my cheeks, above my upper lip, and on the frown lines on my forehead. Then I wait about 3–7 minutes and let the product take effect. During this time, you should not make any facial expressions—in other words, do not smile or squint your eyes.

After the application time, I notice a feeling of tightness on my face. I find it unpleasant, but as the saying goes, “you have to suffer to be beautiful.” I find the white residue that forms in some places even less pleasant. And that’s even though I applied the gel very thinly with a brush. But that’s probably normal, as I read in the description. You are supposed to dab it off with a damp cloth.

Temporary “no filter” effect

To reduce the feeling of tightness and dryness, I apply a light day cream. You should not use oil-based serums or creams, as these impair the firming effect. This also applies to foundation. Use powder or mineral makeup if necessary.

II have to admit that there is a certain lifting effect—especially on the upper lip wrinkles.
Nevertheless, FirmX Face Tightener will not become a permanent fixture in my beauty routine, as I don’t like the side effects such as dryness, white residue, and tightness on a daily basis. However, I can imagine using this temporary lifting effect when my complexion needs an extra boost for a short time, such as before an important appointment or an evening event. The product can be easily removed with your usual facial cleansers or with soap and water.

Instant Lifting “FirmX Face Tightener” by Peter Thomas Roth, 100 ml, 52 euros