I am ready to admit that I will go to great lengths to leave my skin smoother, shining, and tighter. In the past, I've rubbed a cold stone against my face, applied more serums than I can count, and even tried facial aerobics. But even I would have never thought that I would use a suction cup to beat down my skin on my quest for livelier skin.
Face Cupping? What is it?
The act of face cupping is a new and alternative way of caring for your skin. Mini suction cups are placed on your skin in order to create a vacuum. Why? Well, its purpose is to reduce pain, and inflammation, and improve blood flow.
Despite not having thought I would ever engage in such an act, one day, I found myself incorporating it into my beauty routine. All because of superstar facial guru Antonia Burrell and her facial kit for home use. It features a DIY iteration of her popular face cupping therapy. Yes, it sounds weird but my jawline has never looked better.
Continue reading to learn more about this strange experience.
Antonia Burrell Facial in a Box + AB Face Lift Cupping Massage $33.00, Buy Here.
The History of Face Cupping
While we may be seeing a rise in interest when it comes to face cupping, the technique has been around for a long time. Burrell further elaborates, "Ancient Egyptian and Eastern cultures were known to have used face cupping for their own physical therapies.". It has found a new home among those interested in ancient but proven beauty routines, same as Chinese medicine and Ayurveda.
Upon purchasing Antonia's kit, I was greeted by a complete set of products that would allow me to give myself a full exfoliation and facial procedure. An amazing offer by itself but that wasn't all that was included in this kit. Four mini-cups came included as well, to be used after the facial and exfoliation procedure. A fellow student of beauty humorously remarked that the cups bared a resemblance to the horn of a unicorn.
There are two big cups and two smaller ones. The bigger ones are to be used on your cheeks, jaws, and forehead. The small cups are to be used on the areas around your eyes.
What are the Benefits of Face Cupping?
- Contours the skin.
- Tightens the skin.
- Leaves affected areas appearing plumper.
- Skin is given a natural glow.
Burrell is a veteran user of suction cups for face cupping, having been engaged in the process for several years. This is why she confidently recommends it whenever a patient asks for more youthful skin. Burrell explains, "The suction brings blood up to the surface. Giving you a healthy glow. The body produces collagen and elastin from the suction.". This was all I had to hear to give it a try.
What to Expect?
Burrell provides live classes every Monday on Instagram alongside the kit's instructions. Apply the kit included serum over your face and place and squeeze the cup over the center of your face. Once the suction has occurred, rapidly swipe it out and up. The facial serum is essential, helps cup suction, and prevents the forming of marks.
Side Effects?
According to Burrell, "The suction provides a deep/rich workout so do expect some redness to occur. It is the blood and nutrients rushing up. Be sure to move the cup smoothly across your face."
Recommended Aftercare
Burrell recommends applying her mask, the Mask Supreme 7-In-1 ($83), alongside a moisturizer. According to her, "Your skin will be left hydrated and plump. Do be sure to continue coddling your skin after the cupping process.". She states that it is essential to "Further nourish the skin after the treatment. Drink plenty of water and moisturize to extend the effects and health benefits.".
Final Thoughts
After finally being comfortable with the whole process, it only took me five minutes to notice improvements in my jaw and cheeks. The greatest benefactor has been my skin's natural glow. All it took were a few sessions before I looked as if a professional had been personally caring for my skin. This skincare kit it officially a mainstay in my routine.
