To learn more about the benefits of buccal massage, I turned to estheticians Maria Cristina Bruno, founder of Fix Facial Bar in Toronto, Canada, and Amanda Jeppesen, founder of Sous La Face with locations in Toronto, Canada and Los Angeles. 

What is Buccal Massage?

Buccal massage, also known as intraoral massage, is performed in the buccal cavity — the inside area of your cheeks. Unlike traditional facials, this technique works its magic from the inside of your mouth. “By working those deep facial muscles, buccal massage helps combat jaw tension, sagging muscles, and promotes deep tissue release,” explains Jeppesen. 

Additionally, buccal massage is said to offer even more beauty benefits. “The treatment sculpts the jawline and lower face, plumps the skin by increasing circulation and blood flow, and tones facial muscles over time,” says Bruno.

Buccal massage helps to achieve a temporary sculpted appearance by addressing two key factors. “By draining lymphatic fluid from your face, it reduces puffiness and minimizes any swollen appearance,” explains Bruno. Simultaneously, this technique targets your fat pads, facia, and facial muscles from both inside and out, unlocking tension and lengthening muscles that can become shortened and tense. It’s kind of like Pilates for your face. 

@souslaface Do not sleep on this treatment!!!! #buccalmassage #facialtreatment #skincareroutine ♬ PRETTY BOY FLOW - STURDYYOUNGIN

How long do the results last?

It’s no surprise A-listers flock to this inner “facelift” technique to prep for major events. While you will immediately notice a more sculpted look, it’s worth noting that the results typically only last anywhere from 72 hours to a week, which is perfect if you’ve got an occasion you want to look extra snatched for. If your goal is to achieve a longer-lasting transformation, the experts advise consistent, regular treatments to stimulate muscle memory and maintain the results.   

Is Buccal Massage for everyone? 

Yes! Buccal massage is beneficial for anyone seeking a more sculpted look. However, Bruno advises waiting at least two weeks after getting Botox or filler before getting this treatment. This will ensure previous treatments have time to settle properly for optimal results. 

Can I Do Buccal Massage at Home?

You can try buccal massage at home. Bruno recommends applying a facial oil or balm cleanser to create some slip and to always use gloves for hygiene. Incorporate this step after cleansing, but before the rest of your skincare routine. For an extra treat, you can combine it with a hydrating face mask or gua sha.

@mariacristinabrunomc Learn how to do facial massage for yourself! Link in bio to buy my Self-Facial Masaage course: The FIX Method#skincare #facemassage #skincare ♬ everything i wanted - Billie Eilish

Would you try a buccal massage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

COVER IMAGE: THE FIX FACIAL BAR

SKINCARE

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BONUS PICK!

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Retinol belongs to a category of vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids. Under the retinoid umbrella, you’ll also find ingredients like retinaldehyde (or retinal), adapalene, tretinoin, and more. No matter where you apply them, retinoids are incredibly versatile and address a multitude of skin concerns that include acne, discoloration, uneven skin texture, sagging skin, fine lines, and wrinkles.

“In terms of its use for body, [retinoids help] produce more collagen, therefore not only preventing fine lines and wrinkles, but also preventing crepey and saggy skin that can occur as we naturally age,” explains Dr. Mislankar.

While incorporating retinoids like retinol into your body care routine can give you great results, Dr. Mislankar says they can also be potentially drying and irritating to the skin. So having a good body moisturizer in your routine is essential. And to protect all that hard work you put into your skin, don’t forget sun protection. "Remember to wear sunscreen and opt for UPF clothing [to protect your skin],” says Dr. Mislankar.

Now that we know the benefits of adding a retinoid to our body skincare routines, where is a good place to start? Dr. Mislankar says prescription-strength retinoids like tretinoin are the gold standard when it comes to results. That said, if tretinoin isn’t accessible to you or your skin just can’t tolerate it, there are plenty of effective over-the-counter options to try like the ones below.

Have you added retinol to your body routine? Share your favorite in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links. Mixed Makeup founder Susan Yara is also the founder of NATURIUM, but product suggestions and opinions belong to the author.

Body

My routine starts before I even step foot in the shower, I like to set the mood by using a red light therapy mask (like this one from Current Body) and lighting a candle or spraying some essential oils, lavender is my favorite. 

Once I’m in the shower and everything is steamy, I lather up with NATURIUM The Glow Getter Multi-Oil Body Wash ($16), which nourishes my skin thanks to a blend of linoleic-rich oils and plant-derived squalane. It’s also formulated with 50 percent glycerin to hydrate the skin and provide the most luxurious experience. Plus, the subtle vanilla scent adds something extra to the experience.

Next, I grab my Nécessaire The Body Exfoliator ($30) and slather it all over my body. The gentle, yet effective, physical and chemical exfoliants buff away dry, flaky skin, and leave my skin feeling dolphin-smooth. I especially love using this to prep my skin before I apply self-tanner!

For the closest, silkiest shave ever, I swear by the Billie Razor ($11) and Billie Whipped Shaving Cream ($4) combo. The razor glides effortlessly, while the shaving cream helps prevent any potential irritation. 

After my shower, I reach for my Osea Algae Body Oil ($52) and apply it generously all over my body while my skin is still damp to lock in moisture. Don’t forget to take a moment to bask in the heavenly scent of essential oils for the full spa-like experience. 

I finish my body routine on a high note with NATURIUM Bio-Lipid Restoring Lotion ($15). It’s packed with omega fatty acids, shea butter, and B vitamins and leaves my skin feeling soft and supple. Plus, it’s helped get my skin summer-ready by improving my skin texture over time. 

Hair 

An everything shower wouldn’t be complete without some TLC for my hair. If you wash your hair every 10 days (sometimes every two weeks, who am I kidding?) like me, then you’ll love the Ouai Detox Shampoo ($30). It deeply cleanses my scalp and removes all the buildup from the hair products I use to maintain my hair between washes. I love using a scalp scrubber brush to gently massage and evenly distribute the shampoo on my hair and scalp.

I have naturally curly, dry hair that I heat style almost every day, so it’s important that I really nourish my hair on wash day. My go-to product for this is the Amika Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask ($32). I apply it generously throughout my hair and use a heat cap to let it work its magic while I finish the rest of my shower routine. 

Face 

When it comes to skincare, I have trusted favorite skincare products, and I rarely stray away from them. My routine starts with Farmacy Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm ($36) – it breaks down makeup and sunscreen and easily rinses away.

My second cleanse is NATURIUM Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3% ($18), which has been a staple in my routine since it first came out. It’s formulated with niacinamide (of course) and has the most beautiful lather. I refuse to use any other cleanser! 

For treatments, I switch between using my Apostrophe prescription and SK-II Facial Treatment Essence ($245), depending on what my skin needs that day. My Apostrophe prescription is a contains a blend of tretinoin, spironolactone, and clindamycin and has been a game-changer for my acne-prone skin. The SK-II essence works wonders at hydrating my skin and keeping it plump and radiant.

Finally, I finish off with the iS Clinical Recovery Balm ($28) to lock in moisture and soothe any irritation I might have. When I’m in the mood for an extra treat, I like to do a face mask. My go-to right now is the Loops Weekly Reset Face Mask Set ($30). 

What products or tips turn your shower routine into a self-care experience? Share them in the comments below!

DISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links. NATURIUM is Mixed makeup founder Susan Yara’s skincare brand, but all reviews are my own.

The sale starts on April 14th for Rouge members (20% off) and on April 18th for VIB and Insider members (15% off and 10% off respectively). The Sephora sale ends on April 24th for everyone, so make sure to pick up some of your favorites before then.

Haircare

Skincare

MAKEUP

What products are you picking up during the Sephora sale? Share in the comments!

DISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links.

Share your skincare tips that don't cost anything in the comments!

The Sephora sale 2022 starts October 28th and goes until November 7th. Rouge members get 20 percent off and can start shopping on October 28th, VIB members get 15 percent off and can start shopping on November 1st, and Insider members get 10 percent off and can start shopping on November 3rd. Just use the code “SAVINGS” at check out. Pretty much everything is on sale with a few exceptions and quantity limits on certain items.

So without further ado, here are some gift sets you should definitely consider.

DISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links.

Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair ($10) is by no means new on the market. I’ve seen many people sing its praises, even board-certified dermatologist Dr. Sam Ellis has mentioned it in several of her YouTube videos. I don’t know why it took me so long to purchase a tube, but I am SO glad I finally did.

Kerasal Intensive Foot Repair combines softening and moisturizing ingredients like salicylic acid, urea, and soft white petrolatum. It works by gently loosening and removing dry skin to allow the moisturizers to penetrate more deeply. And let me tell you, after just two weeks of applying this cream every other day (sometimes every day), my feet have transformed.

As I sit here writing this blog, I keep gazing down at my feet to admire them. No peeling or flaking in site! I almost can’t believe it. Not only that, but they’re so soft and smooth, someone needs to get them an agent for foot modeling opportunities.

I won’t post a picture of them here because #nofreefeet, so you’ll just have to take my word for it and get this foot cream as soon as you possibly can. It’s that good.

DISCLAIMER: This blog contains affiliate links.

Mistake #1: Confusing contour & bronzer

There is a difference! Contour is meant to add shadow and dimension to your face – think chiseled cheekbones. Bronzer is meant to add warmth to your face and is placed where the sun would typically hit your face (tops of the forehead and cheekbones, bridge of the nose, etc.).

Mistake #2: USING THE Wrong bronzeR FORMULA

Powder, cream, liquid…there are so many types of bronzer! Each formula will offer a different finish and some are easier to use than others.

Mistake #3: USING THE Wrong shade of bronzer

To get the most natural look, you need to choose the right shade for your skin tone. In general, the rule is to choose a bronzer that’s two to three shades deeper than your skin tone.

Mistake #4: Trying a new product before a big event

We get it, you just got the newest bronzer that everyone is talking about and you want to wear immediately to a big event you have coming up. But it’s best to test it out a few times in different lighting scenarios before there’s photographic evidence you made the wrong bronzer choice.

Mistake #5: USING A BRONZER WITH Too much shimmer

Unless that’s the look you’re going for, avoid bronzers where you can see visible glitter flecks. Instead, look for bronzers with a satin or matte finish.

Mistake #6: Skipping the neck & chest

Bring that bronzer down to your neck and chest for a more cohesive look.

Mistake #7: Not blending enough (or blending too much)

It’s a tricky balance to achieve, but a little practice makes perfect!

Watch this video to hear professional makeup artist Nikki La Rose and Susan Yara discuss these bronzer makeup mistakes in detail, and learn how to apply bronzer the right way.