Achieve Celebrity-Worthy Cheekbones on a Budget: Expert Tips and Tricks!

Alyssa Lowry writes about skincare, health, and wellness for the Daily Titan. This is her first installment in a skincare series.

Many of us dream of having a sculpted face like the stars we see online. But let’s be real—most of their fancy products and treatments are way too expensive for college budgets.

After spending a lot on facials and seeing little results, I decided to try Gua Sha, a traditional Chinese method that’s supposed to boost circulation. While it felt nice at first, I quickly learned that pressing too hard could lead to redness or irritation. I had to find a better option.

After a year of using Gua Sha without any noticeable changes, I finally sought advice from an esthetician. She suggested tossing the Gua Sha tool and focusing on lymphatic drainage instead. This technique helps move excess fluid and toxins from the body, especially from the lymph nodes in the face. You have six important nodes on your face, near your nose, eyes, and jaw. If these nodes don’t drain properly, it could lead to facial swelling and other discomforts.

Facial Lymphedema, for instance, can make your face puffy, and it may limit your neck or jaw movement. Knowing this pushed me to give lymphatic drainage a try. Not only did it help minimize facial puffiness, but it also became a relaxing routine that eased my stress. Many skincare enthusiasts report that even a single lymphatic drainage session can lead to a sharper jawline and a more relaxed look.

When I drain my face in the morning, I can actually feel the buildup reducing. It’s like a mini detox for my face, releasing tension that builds up during stressful days. Erika Veurink, a contributor for Byrdie, shared how making time for lymphatic drainage allowed her to relieve face tension and enjoy a bit of self-care in her busy life.

If you want to try this at home, many tutorials on YouTube explain the steps. I always start by applying a good face oil for smooth movement during the massage. Personally, I love Sunday Riley’s Juno Oil, but any face oil will work well.

Here’s a simple way to start:

• Wash your face.
• Apply about a quarter-sized amount of oil.
• Begin your massage at the bridge of your nose and move down to the corners of your mouth.
• From there, follow your cheekbones to your ears, then down to your jawline and chin.
• Repeat this process at least five times.

Carving out just five minutes a day for a lymphatic drainage massage can transform not only your appearance but also how you feel. Living in today’s fast-paced world can lead to stress and tension, often resulting in headaches or jaw pain. Taking a few minutes to care for your face allows you to release that stress and feel better.

So, if you’re looking for a natural way to enhance your facial features while taking care of yourself, give lymphatic drainage a shot. Your face—and your mind—will thank you!