We move our muscles each day to find length and space in our bodies, boosting our circulation and allowing oxygen to flow to each limb. We reap the benefits of movement every day, a luxury our face can be afforded through the correct facial technique.
Movement allows us to firm and sculpt our limbs. A sculpting facial works to lift, tone, and sculpt our facial muscles, relieving tension, stress and fluid retention and enhancing the appearance of our features and facial contours.
I have a number of facial massage tools, devices and topical skincare products on hand that I pick and choose from to truly tailor my at-home facials to what my skin so desires on a particular day, but I often like to work through a routine that I’ve already curated- a routine that I’ve rigorously trialled and tested and know exactly the effect it will have on my skin.
One such routine is my Sculpting Edit- an at-home facial routine designed specifically to tone, lift and firm the face and neck. I recently shared this routine on Instagram with a side-by-side comparison of my skin during the first step of this treatment and at its conclusion (pictured below) to demonstrate just how effective this regimen is for sculpting the face and enhancing facial contour.
Before any at-home facial, I start with a deep cleanse using my Foreo Luna 3. Working through a facial on skin with blocked pores or remnants of products sitting on the surface of the skin makes the facial itself entirely redundant- the products you’re applying to the skin won’t be able to penetrate the skin, lowering their efficacy and rendering your efforts in vain.
Step 1. I begin my sculpting facial by working through a lifting routine using the NuFace Trinity device. The NuFace Trinity is a serious expense, but one I deem a worthy investment if lifting and toning the face and enhancing facial contours are of importance to you and you can guarantee that you’ll get a decent amount of use out of it (like cost-per-wear, but for the skin). I have used my Trinity device since September of 2017 (it is still in as-new working condition) and within a few months of use, “Have you had your masseters done?” became my most frequently asked question (nearly three years later and it still sits within the top 5, behind “Could you please lower your voice?”).
The device itself relies on gentle microcurrents to stimulate deep skin tissues and muscles, tightening and lifting the skin without any pain or invasion. I follow the professional treatment protocol for face and neck as outlined on NuFace’s YouTube channel, which I find gives me the most thorough facial possible, and I only ever use the device with the Leave-On Gel Primer the brand recommends (I have read that some people use ultrasound jelly or aloe vera gel, but I find these don’t conduct the microcurrents as effectively).
Step 2. To lock in the firming and lifting properties of the NuFace, I apply the La Mer Neck and Décoletté Concentrate to the neck in upwards, sweeping motions. This is another investment product, but I’ve found this to be the only topical skincare product that has visibly improved the appearance of any creases on my neck.
Step 3. While not technically a lifting nor sculpting step, I use the NuFace Fix device as part of this routine as I find it to be a really beautiful add-on to any facial treatment. Much like the aforementioned Trinity device, the NuFace Fix uses microcurrent technology to firm and smooth the appearance of fine lines around the eyes, lips and forehead. Again, not a sculpting step, but the treatment only takes three minutes so why not.
Step 4. To stimulate blood flow and lymphatic drainage, I use the Angela Caglia Vibrating Rose Quartz Sculpting Roller. A rose quartz or jade roller can be used with any facial oil, however in this particular facial routine I like to use mine over a cold sheet mask. The temperature of the mask will assist in depuffing the face, working synergistically with the roller to firm the skin and enhance the appearance of facial contours by reducing any water retention.
Step 5. After removing the sheet mask, I use a Zove Beauty Rose Quartz Gua Sha to massage in any excess serum. The shape of the Gua Sha hugs the face, so using it in an upwards motion during facial massage can help with further lymphatic drainage and facial sculpting. I find the Gua Sha is the idea final step in any facial, as it can also be used to relieve jaw and forehead tension and decrease any stress we often hold in our face.
Photography and styling: Gemma Watts
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