This Is Better Than A Facial @Jossbox

Naaila Khan

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June 3, 2015

A while ago, we had an in-depth chat with Su-Man Hsu, celebrity facialist (she's responsible for Freida Pinto and Juliette Binoche's gorgeous skin) turned skincare pioneer – and dancer, pilates practitioner and shiatsu expert. Aside from inspiring life lessons, she dished out a treasure trove of beauty information; a highlight that particularly stuck with us was her mixed Eastern-Western technique for a daily facial massage that she promises will reward you with smoother, more supple skin

We've recreated the simple six-step routine for you to do at home every evening, or even during office breaks as a quick pick-me-up. All you need is a table to rest your elbows on and a moisturiser or face oil. Once you’re done, drink a glass of warm water “to help the Chi flow”.

Step 1

With your elbows rested on a table, massage your face with a moisturizer using the heels of your palms, starting from the chip, up to the base of the ear line 36 times.

On her nails, Azza is wearing Chambor Nail Enamel Intense in 494, available at Amazon.in.

Step 2

Using the heels of your palms, take them from the edge of your nostrils and press in one continuous line underneath the cheekbones up to the edge of you ears 36 times. Always go in one direction, and never press downwards – you want to give your face muscles a lift.

On Azza's nails; Colorbar Quick Finish Nail Lacquer in Bubbly, available at Nykaa.

Step 3

Using your middle fingers, press the area between your eyes and your nose at the very top of your nose. Stroke it gently but firmly downwards to the side of your nostrils in a straight line – do this 36 times. This helps a great deal in clearing sinuses and improves breathing.

On Azza's nails; L'Oreal Paris Color Riche Vernis in Black Swan as base and Maybelline Color Show Nail Lacquer in Bold Gold on the tips, both available at Nykaa.

Step 4

Make two claws with four fingers of each hand. Place them together on the middle of your forehead and press firmly, without pulling the skin, in an upward motion to the temples. Do this too 36 times – only in one direction.

On Azza's nails; Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure in Purple Pulse as base and Colorbar Gitterati Top Coat in Moss Rock, both available at Nykaa.

Step 5

Tap around the eye sockets 6 times above and below the eye socket. This stimulates the eye socket bones, brightens the eye and reduces any puffiness or swelling. Make sure not to tap the eyelids, they’re very delicate.

On Azza's nails; Inglot O2M Breathable Nail Enamel in 601 as base, available at Nykaa, and grapic art with Rong Xin Nail Art Pen in Black, available at Flipkart.

Step 6

Finally, tap all over your scalp to wake up the energy, blood circulation and to strengthen the bones. Make sure not to touch your skin post this step so as not to transfer dust and dirt from your hair.

On Azza's nails; Inglot Nail Enamel in 359, available at Nykaa.

Photographed by Meghana Rabindranath.