Being among family and friends, traveling freely and regular trips to the spa are some of the things sorely missed over the last 365 days. For the beauty and wellness enthusiast, the few undisturbed hours of relaxation in a spa were once fixtures on the weekly agenda. But since lockdowns and temporary closures, many of us have had to figure out ways to recreate the spa experience in our homes.

It was during the crazy year that was 2020, when I first began building a makeshift at-home spa shelf. Bath and body formulations, CBD oils and a body brushes were tools that came closest to the indulgences once easily accessible through appointments in my favorite neighborhood spa. This arsenal of selected self-care products later expanded to include contouring and lifting serums from CLARINS. The French luxury cosmetics company is known for its wide range of face and body products made using only plant-based ingredients. It has been pioneering eco-conscious beauty way before term even became a buzzword in the industry.

A CLARINS kiosk in Manila, located inside luxury department store Rustan’s, was among the first to offer lymphatic drainage and facial massages in the city. This was a time when most consumers of luxury beauty had limited grasp of holistic wellness and how they intersect with beauty. Today, it is impossible to separate one from the other. When wellness is achieved, beauty follows—and vice versa. This has been the company’s vision since its founding some 67 years ago.

The first time I heard about CLARINS’s signature Lymphatic Massages was through a close friend and respected makeup artist, Lilian Yeung. She had just signed on to get weekly treatments at the Makati kiosk, and raved about the many benefits of the restorative massage. She explained how unlike the usual spa treatments, lymphatic massages drain lymph nodes and vessels of toxins, waste and excess water. Light pressure, compressing and cupping motions help with blood circulation and address bloating.

Tips from wellness guru and lymphatic drainage expert, Camila Perez, inspired the addition of firming and contouring formulations from CLARINS. The Contour Body Oil, formulated with 100% plant extracts, is a delicate and aromatic body blend that immediately relaxes mind and body. Geranium, Sweet Marjoram and Lemon oils aid in releasing toxics. It also helps in toning skin and smoothing out appearance of cellulite. Hazel oil and vitamin E helps achieve supple, hydrated skin.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage On Body:

1.        Exfoliate skin with CLARINS Body Scrub for Smooth Skin. This gentle exfoliator breaks down deep seated dirt and sebum, preparing skin to absorb the full benefits of massage oils or serum.

2.        Apply a generous amount of CLARINS Contour Body Oil all over the body. Camila shares, “Begin to massage the lymph nodes on the groin then proceed behind the knee, armpit and neck. When massaging, I use light rhythmic strokes moving upwards. Eighty percent of the Lymphatic vessels are very superficial, therefore, light pressure is ideal for accessing them without causing harm. The other 20% is in the stomach area which is why we perform deep strokes with deep breathing exercises.”

3.        To enhance skin firmness, Camilla also suggests using CLARINS Tonic Body Oil. This tonic, formulated with plant extracts like Mint, Geranium and Rosemary, helps reduce the appearance of both cellulite and stretch marks. For optimum results, spply on damp skin and massage upwards in gentle strokes. Rinse off with cool water.

Lymphatic Drainage may also be done on the face and neck areas. CLARINS range of face oils with variants like Blue Orchid, Lotus and Santal are gentle formulations for toning, hydrating and firming. Blue Orchid boosts skin radiance and hydration. It also brings with it the uplifting effects of aromatherapy. Santal is recommended for calming and soothing redness and other skin sensitivities. Acne prone skin types with enlarged pores will benefit from Lotus.

Lymphatic Drainage Massage on Face and Neck:

1.        Apply three to five drops of Face Oil onto palms. Rub palms gently.

2.        Apply the product by patting onto face in a delicate but firm manner.

3.        Use tips of fingers down to the palms of hands in a wave-like motion.

4.        Place hands on either side of the face and neck and begin to mirror the same wave like motion.

5.        For the neck, use CLARINS Extra Firming Neck and Decolette. Repeat these motions three times on each focused area.

Our lower body, from the ankles up to our waist, often need a boost when it comes to toning and firming. Following intense workouts to burn off the quarantine weight, our legs, calves and glutes also call out for extra TLC. CLARINS Body Fit Anti Cellulite Contouring Expert has become a go-to for for restoring tired and aching muscles. Immediately after application, skin is enveloped in a cooling sensation. This lightweight, grease free gel-cream is formulated using plant extracts like organic Quince leaf to lift and contour thighs and hips. In a season of shorter hems and cheeky bottoms, a little contouring could never hurt.

How To Use:

1.        Sit on the floor with knees bent. Feet are flat on the floor, at hip’s width distance.

2.        Apply CLARINS Body Fit on both legs using palms.

3.        Glide hands upwards in gentle sweeping motions. Begin with the ankles working towards the waist.

4.        Repeat seven times on each side.

Camila says that Lymphatic Drainage may be done regularly at home. She adds, “If you are getting a professional Lymphatic Massage, I recommend getting it done once a week to maintain a wellness and beauty routine.” These days, more minutes have been allotted for each day for a soothing massage to give mind, body and soul that much needed reset.