Whether it’s sculpted cheekbones you’re after, more naturally luminous skin or you’re on a quest to preserve your collagen stores, Rebecca Faria, an LA-based lymphatic drainage and detox expert – who works with everyone from Jennifer Aniston to Hailey Bieber – has some easy tips. All you need is one (or two if you’re feeling committed) face tools: a gua sha and facial cup.
Starting the process – which shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes – by applying lipstick to her nasolabial folds (the lines either side of the lips), Faria uses a gua sha, applying firm pressure. “[I use] linear movements, bringing everything up towards the lymph nodes,” she explains in an Instagram Reel.
Taking the long end of the gua sha and pulling it up towards the ear area, and repeating, not only removes the lipstick (which is when you know you’ve done enough sculpting), but it also leaves a contoured, de-puffed cheekbone. You can also, as she shows, do smaller, more intricate sculpting motions around the areas that you want to smooth or address fine lines and/or texture.
Next up, it’s facial cupping – we are currently loving Djusie’s Facial Cups, which come in three different sizes for different areas of the face. “I always make sure there is enough lotion on my skin and I glide [the cup] all the way up [to my ear area, where some of the lymph nodes sit].” Facial cupping tools need to be vacuumed to the skin and then slid over the top, which is why it’s key you’re using enough lotion or face oil to provide slip – when they get stuck, it can cause bruising.
Proving that both methods make for an instantly streamlined appearance, Faria explains that the tools “promote blood circulation, collagen production and skin oxygenation.” You don’t need both – they work well independently, but combined helps drain toxins and water retention, boost circulation and generally plump the skin over time.
Beauty Bay The Jade Gua Sha
£7.85
Beauty Bay
Djusie Facial Cups
£54
Djusie
You don’t need make-up or injectables to contour your face – as so many assume. Actually, if you’re consistent enough with age-old techniques, like cupping and gua sha, you can stimulate the skin (and the fascia and muscles beneath it) naturally to lift, firm and de-puff, while also improving skin health. Easy, affordable at-home hacks? We’re here for it.