Beauty's new secret weapon: magnets! ALICE SMELLIE puts high-tech treatments to the test...

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From laser face treatments to supersonic hairdryers, there’s no end to the high-tech products and beauty treatments on offer.

But now, beauty companies are harnessing the power of a very old technology: magnets. From spray tans to mascara, the power of positive and negative charge is being put to use in a whole host of ways.

But how exactly do these products work — and are they any good?

Alice Smellie put them to the test and asked aesthetic expert Dr David Jack and Matthew Ellis, managing director of magnetexpert.com, to give their verdict...

Beauty companies are harnessing the power of a very old technology: magnets From spray tans to mascara, the power of positive and negative charge is being put to use in a whole host of ways. Alice Smellie applying Lancer Mask Intense 

ATTRACTIVE TANNING

Mystic Tan (from £20, mystictan.co.uk)

HOW DOES IT WORK? A spray tan usually means contorting yourself into awkward poses to ensure an even coverage. But in this clever salon tanning booth, the nozzle sprays out tiny, positively charged droplets of tanning solution. Meanwhile, you stand on two metal plates that ‘ground’ your body, giving it a negative charge.

As opposite charges attract, while like charges repel one other, the droplets are attracted to the skin, but repelled from each other. This means they spread out thinly — rather than building up in streaks.

THE TEST: There are five fragrances of tan solution to choose from — I go for fresh linen. Once inside the booth, I stand on the plates in paper underwear.

Warm air is blown at me, then the spray itself, which is chilly. The nozzle swishes up and down, taking just three minutes — including drying time. The result is a fabulous, even tan from top to toe. The nice, light colour lasts a few days.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘This concept is used in paint spraying to give even coverage, so using a similar technique with tan makes sense,’ says Matthew Ellis. 8/10

Mystic Tan (from £20, mystictan.co.uk)

IRON MASK

Lancer Skincare Younger Revealing Mask (£210, lancerskincare.co.uk)

HOW DOES IT WORK? Dr Harold Lancer is a Hollywood dermatologist. His anti-ageing face mask (which includes hydroxypinacolone retinoate, to stimulate the production of collagen) contains iron, which is attracted to magnets.

You remove it using the included magnetic tool (pictured above).

Simply spread the grey cream over your face, leave for ten minutes, then hold the tool near your skin. The iron in the mask is attracted to the magnet and literally jumps off your face.

The idea is that more of the active ingredients are left behind than if you just washed away the cream.

THE TEST: Each pack contains four masks, so this is not cheap. But it is fun. I apply a thin layer and wait ten minutes, then run the handy tool over my face. The mask leaves a rich residue, and my skin feels smooth.

But do make sure you’ve removed the lot — later, I realised I still had smears at the sides of my cheeks.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘Hydroxypinacolone retinoate has skin benefits, but I am not sure a ten-minute application will make a difference unless used regularly,’ says Dr Jack. Matthew Ellis adds: ‘Using the magnet should create a low-grade electromagnetic current, which, in theory, could help to stimulate the skin a little.’ 7/10

Lancer Skincare Younger Revealing Mask (£210, lancerskincare.co.uk)

EYELASH LIFT 

Pur Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara (£17.50, feelunique.com)

HOW DOES IT WORK? Mascara contains pigments to colour lashes and large particles called polymers to coat and stiffen them. Here, the polymers are positively charged, so they spread out along the lashes, creating a thin, even coating to lift and define.

THE TEST: Following the directions, I hold the wand at the base of my lashes for a few seconds to set the mascara, then wiggle it to build the black colour. It does make a difference: my lashes are thick and luscious and the effect lasts all day.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘If it can maintain its charge, despite continual use, then the mascara should help to coat lashes more evenly,’ says Matthew Ellis. However, Dr Jack adds: ‘It seems a little too time-consuming.’ 7/10

Pur Fully Charged Magnetic Mascara (£17.50, feelunique.com)

ROOTS BOOSTER

Back2Blonde Root Touch Up Magnetic Powder (£8.66, superdrug.com)

HOW DOES IT WORK? The base of this pot of powder — which is designed to touch up dark or grey roots — unscrews to reveal an applicator sponge, while the top hides a little mirror.

Containing talc and the mineral mica, the formula promises to cling to each hair strand like tiny magnets, but it doesn’t explain how. It washes out with shampoo.

THE TEST: I’m concerned the blonde powder will turn my roots white. But it paints on, blending my roots seamlessly into my highlights and giving extra thickness.

EXPERT VERDICT: ‘I assume the use of the word “magnetic” here simply means the charged powder is attracted and clings to hair, rather than having actual magnetic properties,’ says Matthew Ellis.

Dr Jack adds: ‘Of all the products here, this seems the most useful.’ 9/10

Back2Blonde Root Touch Up Magnetic Powder (£8.66, superdrug.com)

SILVER LINING

Removeil (£24.99, removeil.com)

HOW DOES IT WORK? This is blindingly — but convincingly — scientific. The cloth has a make-up remover on one side and an exfoliator on the other. The microfibre make-up remover has an electrostatic charge, which attracts and traps dirt. Meanwhile, the exfoliator is made with silver fibre. When this comes into contact with water, the maker claims, the silver fibres release ions, which kill bacteria and germs.

THE TEST: After wetting the cloth and my face, the microfibre side effectively removes my make-up, and the silver side leaves my skin smooth. I love the fact you can re-use it, but don’t rub too hard — it left my face a bit red.

EXPERT VERDICT: Dr Jack says: ‘Silver has potent antibacterial properties, so it is used in a number of medical dressings. And these cloths seem to be effective.’

Matthew adds: ‘Like the tan and mascara, the intent here is to use electrostatic principles, but in reverse —using a tiny, static electrical charge that might lift particles off the skin.’ 7/10

Removeil (£24.99, removeil.com)

BEAUTY SLEEP

Norstar Mask (£20, norstar- biomagnetics.co.uk)

HOW DOES IT WORK? Worn while you sleep, this mask has magnets around the eye area. Alternative therapists claim magnets can improve circulation in the area on which they’re worn, reducing fine lines and puffiness and even improving sleep.

But fierce debate rages over whether they have any health benefits. Millions swear by magnets for pain and stress relief — yet clinical evidence is sparse.

THE TEST: I have a few fine lines, and struggle to sleep, so it’s worth a try. Although I do sleep soundly when wearing the mask, it’s hard to confirm it’s because of the magnets, rather than the excellent blackout effect.

EXPERT VERDICT: Matthew says: ‘We receive positive feedback from customers who use magnets for therapy purposes, but there is little clinical evidence to support their claims.’ Dr Jack agrees: ‘As far as I know, there isn’t any evidence for the claims these masks make.’ 4/10

Norstar Mask (£20, norstar- biomagnetics.co.uk)

Additional reporting: MANDY FRANCIS