Okay, besties, gather 'round! You KNOW I'm always on the hunt for the next big thing in beauty, and lately, my TikTok feed's been FLOODED with gua sha facelift transformations. Sculpted cheekbones? Reduced puffiness? I had to see what all the fuss was about! So, I jumped straight into trying DIY gua sha, and I'm here to spill the tea – the good, the bad, and the slightly slimy (more on that later!).
What's the Gua Sha Hype All About?
Basically, a gua sha facelift involves using a smooth, flat stone (usually jade or rose quartz) to massage your face. The idea is that this helps to:
* Sculpt and define: By manipulating the muscles and tissues, you can create a more lifted and contoured appearance. Think cheekbones that could cut glass!
* Reduce puffiness: The massage promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps to flush out excess fluid and reduce swelling. Perfect for those dreaded under-eye bags.
* Improve circulation: Increased blood flow can lead to a brighter, more radiant complexion. Hello, glow-up!
It's all about the gua sha lymphatic drainage benefits, and who doesn't want that? Honestly, it sounds amazing, right?
My First Attempt (and the Mistakes I Made!)
I bought a rose quartz gua sha tool from Boots – a pretty standard one, nothing fancy. I watched a few diy gua sha tutorial videos on YouTube, and thought, “Easy peasy!”
WRONG.
My first attempt was…awkward, to say the least. I was pulling at my skin, the stone kept slipping, and I honestly felt like I was just smearing my moisturiser around. Plus, I totally forgot the golden rule: SLIPPERY SLIPPERY SLIPPERY. Dry skin + gua sha = NO BUENO. It felt like I was dragging sandpaper across my face. Ouch! This didn't work for me at first, not at all.
And speaking of skincare... Have you ever tried moisturising before cleansing? Because Moisturiser Before Cleanser?! My Skin LOVES It! seriously changed my skin. Maybe I should try gua sha before cleansing too? Hmm...
Learning from My Mistakes (and Finding What Works!)
Okay, so I regrouped, did some more research, and realised where I'd gone wrong. Here's what I learned. And honestly, I wasted money on this until I figured it out!
* Prep is KEY: You need a LOT of slip. I'm talking facial oil, serum, or even a rich moisturiser. I've been loving the Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil. It's pricey, but a few drops go a long way, and it smells divine. Trust me on this.
* Technique Matters: You're not just randomly rubbing the stone on your face! There's a specific technique to gua sha face sculpting. Watch videos, practice in front of the mirror, and be gentle. Think gliding, not dragging.
* Angle is Important: Hold the gua sha tool at a 45-degree angle to your skin. This helps to lift and sculpt without causing irritation.
* Don't Forget the Neck: Always start by massaging your neck to open up the lymphatic drainage pathways. This helps to flush out toxins and prevent congestion.
* Pressure is Personal: Start with light pressure and gradually increase it as you get more comfortable. You shouldn't feel any pain, just a gentle pulling sensation.
My Gua Sha Routine (That Actually Works!)
Okay, so after a few weeks of experimenting, I've finally nailed down a routine that I love. Here's what I do:
I try to do this routine 3-4 times a week, usually in the evening before bed. It's so relaxing and feels like a mini spa treatment! Look, here's the thing, it's all about consistency.
Gua Sha Before and After: Did It REALLY Work?
Okay, the moment of truth: did the gua sha facelift actually work? Well, I'm not going to lie, the results aren't as dramatic as some of the before-and-after photos you see online. But I have definitely noticed a difference. My face looks less puffy, especially in the morning. My cheekbones appear more defined, and my skin has a healthy glow. Also, I've found that reverse skin cycling really complements this technique! Maybe give Reverse Skin Cycling Saved My Sensitive Skin! a try!
And speaking of before and after, I've been meaning to try my hand at a DIY lip plumper. I've heard good things about cinnamon and coconut oil. Has anyone tried it? I should probably read Cinnamon & Coconut Oil? My DIY Lip Plumping Secret! first!
Here's my gua sha before and after summary:
* Pros: Reduces puffiness, improves circulation, sculpts and defines, relaxing and spa-like.
* Cons: Requires patience and practice, results aren't instant, can be messy.
Final Thoughts: Is Gua Sha Worth the Hype?
Overall, I'm a fan of the gua sha facelift. It's not a miracle cure, but it's a great way to pamper yourself, reduce puffiness, and improve your skin's overall appearance. Plus, it's a fun and affordable way to add a little bit of luxury to your skincare routine. In my experience, the benefits outweigh the effort.
Just remember to be patient, practice the correct technique, and don't expect instant results. And most importantly, have fun! Just try Pai Rosehip BioRegenerate Oil, you'll thank me later.
Have you tried gua sha? What are your favourite tips and tricks? Let me know in the comments below!
Love,
Emma xx