Try These Facial Massages To Restore Relaxation, Reduce Puffiness, & Improve Texture
“Relax your eyebrows, release your jaw.” This has become an internal dialogue to keep my face at ease while I unconsciously daydream about the minor anxieties in my life.
From smiling to frowning — and even flexing a casual RBF — it’s funny how our face holds all of our outward expressions and inward stressors without us being fully aware of it. So how nice would it be to give ourselves a facial workout to reduce stress, relieve muscle tension, and restore a sense of relaxation? Well, an at-home facial massage just might be the answer.
Facial massages have a wide range of benefits that can help you reach a sense of calm at the start or end of your day. A gentle technique of rolling and kneading your face can stimulate blood flow, boost oxygen delivery to the skin’s cells, removes toxins, and reduces puffiness in your skin.
Regular facial massages are an easy way to unlock the fountain of youth that goes skin deep by toning the facial muscles, improving skin elasticity, and reducing the appearance of under-eye bags, resulting in a healthier complexion and natural glow.
HOW TO PREP YOUR SKIN BEFORE A FACIAL MASSAGE:
Before starting a facial massage, it's essential to prepare your skin properly. Begin by washing your hands with warm water and antibacterial soap, to ensure a clean and sanitized starting place. Facial massages can be seamlessly integrated into your existing skincare routine, so take your time while cleansing and moisturizing to incorporate your technique of choice into your skincare system.
The warmth generated by your hands and rubbing motion can assist in absorbing your serums and oils. And while using your hands alone is perfectly suitable for the massage, there are also a variety of tools accessible that can enhance the overall experience, like a gua sha or jade roller.
Lymphatic Drainage Facial Massage:
This massage technique focuses on stimulating the lymphatic system in the face and neck area. It aims to improve lymphatic circulation, reduce fluid retention, soothe sinus congestion, and detoxify the skin. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in removing waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body.
How To:
- Begin by gently massaging the lymph nodes in your neck area. Use upward strokes and light pressure to move from the base of your neck toward your jawline. Repeat this motion a few times.
- Proceed to the face, using gentle, light pressure throughout the massage.
- Place both hands on the center of your forehead and sweep them outward towards the temples. Repeat.
- Use your fingers to stroke along the cheekbones, starting from the nose and moving toward the ears. With upward strokes, massage along the jawline from the chin towards the ears. Repeat as needed.
@hairaconda Some facial massage techniques that are basically the same regardless of you using your hands or a guasha #facemassage #facemassagetips #guashatutorial #guasha #guashafacial #skincareforblackwomen
Gua Sha Facial Massage:
As a traditional Chinese technique, this massage method involves using a gua sha tool in a combination of strokes and swipes across the face and neck. This massage is said to reduce facial puffiness, ease tension, and even sculpt your face.
How To:
- Cleanse your face and apply a facial oil or serum to provide some slip for the tool, and hold the tool with the curved side against your skin.
- Begin at the base of your neck and use upward strokes, scraping the tool gently but firmly towards your jawline. Repeat each stroke 3-5 times.
- Move to your chin and jaw area. Start from the center and work outward, using upward strokes along the jawline and chin.
- Finish on the forehead, using upward strokes from the eyebrows towards the hairline. Pay attention to any areas with tension or fine lines.
- After the massage, cleanse your face to remove any residual oil or product. Apply your regular moisturizer or continue with the rest of your skincare routine.
@selfcarebykaysha guasha + ice roll every night !! For SNATCHED SKIN #fyp #foryou #KAYKissCountdown #viral #guasha #blackgirltiktok @Herbivore Botanicals
Face Tapping Massage:
Also known as percussive tapping, face tapping is a technique that involves using light, rhythmic taps on the face to stimulate the skin and underlying tissues. It is believed to promote circulation, awaken the senses, and provide a gentle, energizing effect to restore a sense of calm.
How To:
- Start with a freshly cleansed face and apply facial oil, moisturizer, or serum of your choice to provide some slip for the tapping massage.
- Begin with gentle taps using your fingertips or the pads of your fingers.
- Starting from the center of your forehead, use a light tapping motion to move outward towards the temples. Repeat this motion several times.
- Move to the eye area and tap gently around the eye sockets, including the brow bone, under the eyes, and the outer corners. Be extra careful and gentle in this sensitive area.
- Continue tapping along the cheekbones, along the jawline, to your chin, and towards the ears.
- Finish by tapping lightly on the neck and chest area.
@yourenergyeste All the self respecting girlies are doing it 💕 #selfloveclub #blackgirltiktokers🤎🦋 #chinesemedicineworks #freestressreliever #energypractices #meridianpoints #tapping
With every technique, it’s important to practice gentle pressure and always listen to your skin if redness or soreness occurs. By using these techniques correctly, you’ll be on your way to relaxation in no time.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for daily love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Featured image by shironosov/Getty Images
- This Is A Sign, You Need A Facial ›
- Facial-Cupping Is The Self-Care Trend You Didn’t Know You Needed ›
- What The Heck Is Gua Sha? ›
Aley Arion is a writer and digital storyteller from the South, currently living in sunny Los Angeles. Her site, yagirlaley.com, serves as a digital diary to document personal essays, cultural commentary, and her insights into the Black Millennial experience. Follow her at @yagirlaley on all platforms!
There’s just something about HBCU Homecoming that just hits different. Whether it’s your first time stepping onto the yard since graduation or you’re a regular at every Homecoming tailgate, HBCU pride is undeniable. It’s a vibrant celebration that unites the legacy of excellence and tradition with the energy and resilience of Black culture.
The experience goes beyond a typical college reunion; HBCU Homecoming is a family reunion, a fashion show, a cultural festival, and a week-long turn-up that embodies what it means to be unapologetically Black and educated. For HBCU alumni, the journey back to the yard each year is rooted in a love and pride that’s hard to put into words but impossible to deny.
From statement pieces to tech must-haves, every item represents the intersection of Black pride and HBCU love, ensuring that you show up to the yard in style and with intention. So whether you’re repping your alma mater for the first time since graduation or looking for fresh pieces to express your HBCU pride, these essentials will have you standing out, because, at HBCU Homecoming, it’s not just about showing up—it’s about showing out.
Thread Goals
diarrablu Jant Pants in Alia Noir
High-waisted, wide-legged, and ready to shut down the yard, the Jant Pants by diarrablu bring a whole new meaning to campus chic. Handcrafted in Dakar, Senegal, these free-flowing jacquard pants are perfect for stepping onto the yard with style and ease—making them a must-have for any HBCU alum’s closet.
Silver & Riley Convertible Executive Leather Bag Classic Size in Olive
This all-in-one luxury bag isn’t a bestseller for nothing. The Silver & Riley essential is made of Italian calfskin leather and thoughtfully designed, as it can be worn in four different ways: a shoulder bag, crossbody, a top handle, and a backpack. Chic and elegant, the Convertible Executive Leather bag is “the bag that every woman needs in her collection.”
Renowned Women's Intuition Cotton Graphic T-Shirt
Renowned
Renowned’s Women’s Intuition Cotton Graphic T-shirt features a bold graphic print inspired by the power and essence of women’s intuition. With its striking design, this all-cotton tee is a vibrant thing, making it a statement piece that celebrates feminine energy.
Mifland Million M Mesh Crop Shirt
Talk about bold, the Million M Mesh Crop Shirt combines edgy style with comfort, featuring Mifland’s signature print on a semi-see-through mesh fabric. Show up and show out in sophisticated flair.
HBCU Love FUBU
Melanin Is Life Melanated & Educated - I Love My HBCU Hoodie
Show off your HBCU love with this piece that represents everything you gained from your alma mater: a top-tier education, a community that lifts you up, and a deep sense of esteem for yourself and your culture. Wear it loud and proud, because being melanated and educated isn’t just a flex—it’s a legacy.
HBCU Culture Spelmanite Sweatshirt in Navy
Spelmanites, rep your Spelman pride with this unisex crewneck sweatshirt, designed for ultimate comfort and a relaxed fit. Made from a cozy cotton/polyester blend, this classic sweatshirt is as durable as it is stylish—making it an ideal piece for any Spelmanite showing love for their alma mater.
HBCU Culture Howard Is The Culture T-Shirt
Rock the ultimate flex by showcasing your Howard U love with HBCU Culture’s Howard Is The Culture t-shirt. This unisex tee offers a comfortable, relaxed fit that’s perfect for celebrating your HBCU spirit without sacrificing style or comfort.
DungeonForward FAMU - Strike Bucket - Reversible
DungeonForward’s Strike Bucket Hat brings versatility and style to the FAMU Crown collection with its reversible design, giving you two looks in one. Featuring a sleek black snakeskin-embossed brim lining and a bold outline Rattler emblem, this hat is all about repping your Rattler pride in style.
DungeonForward Savannah State University - HBCU Hat - TheYard
The Savannah State University HBCU Hat by DungeonForward is more than just a hat—it’s a symbol of Tiger pride and a nod to the culture. Perfect for gamedays, tailgates, or just showing off your HBCU love, this hat lets you carry a piece of the yard wherever you go.
Tech the Halls
Anker iPhone 16 Portable Charger, Nano Power Bank
Stay charged up with the Anker Nano Power Bank, which features dual USB-C ports, a foldable connector, and a compact design, making it perfect for those HBCU tailgates and late-night parties you pull up to.
Drip Check
Wisdom Frame 14 Square Sunglasses
Elevate your look with these angular square-frame sunglasses by Wisdom, bringing an ultramodern edge to any outfit. The sleek design makes them perfect for blocking out the haters while you stunt on the yard.
Coco and Breezy Eyewear Fortune in Gray Turquoise
The Fortune Glasses in Grey Turquoise is a bold statement piece to any Homecoming weekend ‘fit that “embody our fearless and outspoken DNA.” With their color and edgy design, these frames by Coco and Breezy are perfect for anyone looking to stand out and express their unapologetic confidence.
Howard U Lapel Pin
Rep your Bison pride wherever you go with this Howard U Lapel Pin from Pretty AmbVision. Whether adding it to your jacket, shirt, or bag, this pin is the perfect way to showcase your love for your alma mater while rocking your HBCU love with honor and distinction.
Mifland Standard Rucksack Mini
The Standard Rucksack is designed to evolve like that HBCU pride—getting richer, bolder, and better with time. Durable, stylish, and built to last, this Rucksack by Mifland is a timeless piece equipped with versatile carrying options and fully adjustable back straps for ultimate comfort.
Stay Fresh, Stay Blessed
Slip Pure Silk Sleep Mask in Pink
Keeping it cute starts with beauty sleep. This luxurious silk mask is an essential for a reason. If protecting your skin and waking up refreshed is your priority, look no further than this Homecoming essential.
Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier Lemon Lime - Hydration Powder Packets
Stay hydrated and energized throughout Homecoming weekend with this Liquid I.V.® Hydration Multiplier in Lemon Lime. Just add a packet to your water bottle, and bless your body with 2-3 times more hydration than water with every packet. Because staying hydrated is the key to popping up and showing out all weekend long!
Loop Experience Plus Earplugs High Fidelity Hearing Protection
Designed for your hearing protection, these sleek earplugs reduce noise without compromising sound quality—perfect for enjoying the band’s halftime show, late-night parties, and DJ sets. Whether you’re front row at the step show or hitting the yard, your ears deserve to be protected in style!
Black Girl Magic Glass Cup
Sip in style and celebrate your melanin with the Black Girl Magic Glass Cup. Perfect for morning coffee, your favorite iced drink, or showing off your HBCU pride on the yard—this cup is all about keeping it cute while radiating your endless supply of Black Girl Magic.
Glow Up & Show Out
Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
What Homecoming weekend can be complete without an assist from this beauty find? Formulated to blend seamlessly into melanin-rich skin (no white-cast), protect your glow while you turn up with the Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30.
Sienna Naturals Issa Rae's Wash Day Ritual Set
Issa Rae’s Wash Day Ritual Set from Sienna Naturals includes the H.A.PI. Shampoo, the Plant Power Repair Mask, Dew Magic, and Lock and Seal to get your crown right. Whether you’re repping your coils or rocking a new color on the yard, these products restore and nourish your strands, keeping your hair healthy, strong, and Homecoming-ready!
54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter
Stay glowing from the tailgate to the after-party with the 54 Thrones Ivorian Cocoa + Ghanaian Coconut Beauty Butter. Infused with African-sourced ingredients, this rich, multi-purpose butter is the answer to keeping your skin soft and radiant through all the festivities all Homecoming long.
Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil
Keep your lips looking luscious and nourished with the Saie Glossybounce Hydrating Lip Oil. Perfect for adding an extra pop to your pout before hitting the yard or freshening up between events, this lip oil is a beauty essential for staying camera-ready all weekend.
Join us in celebrating HBCU excellence! Check out our Best In Class hub for inspiring stories, empowering resources, and everything you need to embrace the HBCU experience.
Featured image by Visual Vic/Getty Images
Ananda Lewis Clarifies Why She Didn't Get A Mastectomy & Says She's Doing 'Better' After Stage IV Breast Cancer Diagnosis
Former MTV VJ Ananda Lewis received a lot of backlash from online critics after sharing she decided to forgo a double mastectomy. But there's more to the story.
Ananda was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer in 2019, and during a recent round table discussion with CNN's Stephanie Elam and Sara Sidner, she revealed that she decided not to get a double mastectomy and, now, she has stage IV cancer.
Following that interview, she clarified why she did not get the surgery. “The circumstances were not conducive to surgery because my tumor wasn’t aggressively growing at the time, and then COVID hit,” Ananda told The Epoch Times.
She opted for a cryoablation treatment instead, which uses extreme cold to destroy the cancer cells.
Another thing the 51-year-old wanted to clarify was whether she was dying. She said she is not. “Nothing happened. Today, I am fantastic. I may have felt like I was dying in February, but I’m not dying, and I’m definitely doing better than I was last October,” she said.
She is focused on taking care of herself and getting a "good 20 more years out of this body." She follows a keto diet and avoids alcohol, white flour and white sugar.
During the CNN roundtable discussion, the mother of one shared that she had an integrative approach to her treatment, which included traditional medicine and homeopathy methods such as red light therapy.
“My plan at first was to get out excessive toxins in my body. I felt like my body is intelligent, I know that to be true. Our bodies are brilliantly made,” she said.
“I decided to keep my tumor and try to work it out of my body a different way,” she continued. “Looking back on that, I go, ‘You know what? Maybe I should have.’
Ananda also admitted that she wasn't prioritizing early detection, such as getting mammograms. The former talk show host's mom also had breast cancer and chose to go the conventional route, which influenced her to go a non-traditional route.
As a content creator, Ananda uses her social media to inform others on the things she's learned about obtaining good health such as toxic items to through out of your pantry and the many benefits of water.
Let’s make things inbox official! Sign up for the xoNecole newsletter for love, wellness, career, and exclusive content delivered straight to your inbox.
Feature image by Paul Archuleta/Getty Images