I tried the pregnancy facial Sophie Habboo swears by for a 'snatched face’
When asked about her favourite facial treatments recently, mum-to-be Sophie Habboo gave this recommendation. I tried it out to see if it could chisel me some cheekbones...
Sophie Habboo has been candid about her pregnancy so far, sharing plenty of highs and lows as well as some things she's been enjoying over the last few months – including a particular face-sculpting treatment.
In a recent Q&A, one of Sophie's followers asked for her best treatments for getting "a snatched face", to which Sophie replied, "100% Facegym hands only if you're preg."
She's referring to popular skin experts Facegym, which have a number of 'studios' across the UK as well as a line of products. Although their signature facial involves various smart gadgets to lift and sculpt the face, these aren't advised to be used during pregnancy. Instead, they also do a Signature Hands facial, during which, as its name suggests, the therapist just uses their hands.
In keeping with its brand name, Facegym focuses on the facial fitness theme; its treatments are called 'workouts' and its therapists are 'trainers'. Pregnant myself and keen to see the results of this treatment, I booked in for the 45-minute Signature Hands treatment at the salon in London's Coal Drops Yard.
After lying back in a barber-style chair and my face getting a thorough cleanse, my facial 'warm up' began involving gentle stretching and working over the face with a mini exercise ball.
Next, Facegym's hydrating serum was applied, and the workout really began, my therapist getting to work on my facial muscles using kneading, pinching and slapping motions, paying particular focus to my jaw (where tension that I didn't know I had was identified), cheekbones and brows.
For the 'cool down', Facegym's cooling metal gua sha was used to depuff and minimise the look of fine lines, along with light pressure lymphatic massage, then moisturiser and SPF was applied to finish.
When I looked in the mirror afterwards, my face definitely looked by sculpted, with my cheekbones and jaw noticeably more defined. My skin was also significantly more glowy from the circulation boost it had received, which lasted all day.
Apart from some fairly firm flicking motions, it was also very relaxing, and worked into neck and shoulder tension too., and my trainer helpfully suggested some tricks I could do myself at home, including massaging my jaw when cleansing.
The results from the Signature Sculpt, using handheld machines, are probably more pronounced and last longer but if you're pregnant, if don't fancy this one, Facegym's Signature Hands would be an excellent treatment before an event or if your skin needs a pick-me-up.