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Need a moment of calm amongst the chaos? It turns out just the tonic is right at your fingertips! Master an at-home facial massage for moments of pure relaxation without spending a cent.
Facial massages can improve circulation, reduce tension and stress, aid in lymphatic drainage and more. Simply adjust the pressure based on your comfort level and incorporate into your routine as little or as often as you please. Take your time and enjoy the process!
How to massage your face
Preparation
Start by washing your hands thoroughly before touching your face. Remove any make-up or skincare products with a gentle facial cleanser, then apply a facial oil or moisturiser to allow your fingers to glide smoothly across your skin.
Warm-up
Warm up your hands and facial muscles. Gently rub your palms together to generate heat and then place them over your face for a few seconds.
Begin with your neck and décolletage
Apply gentle pressure with your fingertips to the muscles along your neck and décolletage area, using upward strokes towards your jawline. Use kneading motions with your fingers to release tension and improve circulation in this area.
Move to the jawline
Use your fingertips or knuckles to massage along your jawline in upward and outward motions. This can help to relieve tension and promote lymphatic drainage.
Cheeks
Using your fingertips, gently massage your cheeks in circular motions, moving from the centre of your face outward towards your ears. Apply light pressure to stimulate blood flow and release tension in the muscles.
Under-eyes
Using your ring finger or pinky finger, gently massage the area under your eyes in a circular motion – just be careful not to tug or pull on the delicate skin. This can help to reduce puffiness and minimise the appearance of dark circles.
Forehead
With your fingertips, massage your forehead using upward strokes from the eyebrows toward the hairline. Use gentle pressure to release tension in the forehead muscles.
Finish with pressure points
To further relax and rejuvenate your facial muscles, apply gentle pressure to specific acupressure points on your face. Focus on the temples, the area between the eyebrows (third eye point) and the corners of the jawline. Hold each pressure point for a few seconds while taking deep breaths to enhance the calming effect.
Relax and enjoy
After completing your massage, take a few moments to relax and enjoy the sense of calm that it brings. You can follow up with your regular skincare routine, such as applying serums, moisturisers or facial oils, to nourish your skin.
Top tools
Let the good times roll with these handy helpers.
Manicare Salon Nova Fit
$129.99, at Life Pharmacy
This nifty face massager uses electronic muscle stimulation to create a mini workout for your face to firm, tone and contour.
Salt By Hendrix Rose Quartz Gua Sha
$34.44, at Adore Beauty
Glide the Gua Sha upwards and outwards across your face to promote circulation and relieve puffiness.
Use a facial roller to de-stress, reduce inflammation and increase circulation.
Beauty editor’s tip
For best results, use your facial roller in an upward direction, not back and forth.
Keep these cooling face globes in your fridge and use this cool tool to tackle under-eye bags.
Skin Gym Face Sculptor
$148, at Sephora
This face sculptor mimics the effect of a professional massage to sculpt and lift.
Treatment territory
Prefer to leave it to the pros? Art Director Mirella Monteiro surrenders herself to the experts at Endota
Embarking on the Surrender Spa Package ($180 for 80 minutes) at Endota is like taking a mini-vacation for your soul. From the moment I stepped in, the serene ambiance and calming aromas whisked me away from the daily grind.
The session began with me choosing between three enchanting essential oils: Signature, Dream and Calm. Each had its own allure, but I opted for Calm. Therapist Rinky then set about working her magic, her soothing hands in perfect sync with the tranquil notes of the oil.
Rinky’s expertise shone through as she tailored the massage treatment to my needs, ensuring every knot and stress point was addressed. The rhythmic massage, coupled with the aromatic oils transported me to a state of pure relaxation. It’s not just a massage – it’s a holistic experience that caters to all your senses.
The facial that follows is no less impressive. Using Endota’s range of products, the gentle touch of the therapist as they cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate the skin leaves the complexion glowing and refreshed.
As the session drew to a close, I found myself not wanting to leave the cocoon of tranquillity. Try it for yourself! It was a reminder that taking time to care for oneself is not a luxury, but a necessity. Investing in your wellbeing will leave you refreshed, calm and ready to face the world with renewed vigour.
To try this treatment or to learn more, see endota.com.
