I tried the non-surgical treatments all celebrities swear by for instant results - and the $7 tool that transformed my face: POLISHED by Elise Wilson

Daily Mail​

8 hours ago

Welcome to Polished with Elise Wilson, where FEMAIL's qualified makeup artist and hair stylist answers your questions, shares advice and trials the up-and-coming beauty and skincare trends so you don't have to.
In my quest for eternal youth, and a snatched jawline that rivals Angelia Jolie, I've discovered a breaking beauty trend that I could not wait to write about.
There's a wellness revolution that has quietly been sweeping through the industry, and interestingly, it's less about needles and more about sculpting.
From jawlines to jowls, inner thighs to puffy eyes, we're no longer relying solely on injectables or surgery to achieve that coveted 'snatched' look.
Instead, experts are using and promoting far more relaxing treatments like lymphatic drainage, buccal facials, and Brazilian-style body massages that promise to contour, detoxify, and lift without a needle in sight.
Before we fully delve in, and well before you deem me as being ' out of touch ' as Nicole Kidman for recommending ridiculously expensive things, hear me out, because this kind of beauty trend doesn't have to break the bank.
If you'd have told me five years ago I'd be getting a $700 facial that involved someone massaging the inside of my mouth (!), I'd have laughed you out of the room. But as the very dedicated beauty editor that I am, I really had to put my face on the line to see what all the fuss was about.
Known as The Buccal Fusion Facial, this is just one of the 'buzzy' professional sculpting treatments available, and loved by the likes of Meghan Markle and Kate Moss I may add, which delivers a lot more than just glow.
Recently I was lucky enough to nab myself an appointment with Australia's best Buccal skincare guru herself April Brodie, who treats every celeb around, and pioneers the cult treatment here.
And while her aforementioned price tag (and six-month-long wait list) made my eyes water, so did the results. The lift, the glow, the contour… and the relief of my stress-induced tight jaw! Noteworthy.
But here's the thing, you don't have to spend that kind of money to reap the benefits of facial and body sculpting, and that's also why I'm such a big fan. (Keep reading for more on buzzwords like gua sha's, face rollers and cupping below).
This booming beauty and wellness trend is now more accessible than ever, with plenty of affordable treatments and at-home tools that can help lift, de-puff, define and smooth your face and body from the comfort of your own bathroom.
After all, we're living in the age of hyper-visibility where our faces and bodies are on screens more than ever, and that has inevitably driven up the pressure to look good, all the time.
'Rather than just being about aesthetics, I am noticing more people actively seeking treatments that combine beauty with wellness,' said pioneering Brazilian lymphatic drainage specialist, Daniela Pola.
'My clients are loving the more holistic methods that promise to deliver, glow, grounding, and detoxifying results, which is why I do what I do. They not only feel amazing, they instantly look it too,' Dani noted of the sculpting effects after her body treatments.
It's no wonder these techniques are now also red carpet favourites too. 'Celebrities love the Buccal Fusion Facial before big events,' April said. 'It delivers instant, stunning results with zero downtime.'
I'd say this whole sculpting movement is more about honouring your natural face and body while giving it the support, boosted circulation, and TLC it deserves. Right up my alley.
Firstly, what are the benefits of lymphatic drainage massage?
More than just relaxation, this type of treatment is a powerful wellness tool.
'It helps boost circulation, which can increase energy levels and mental clarity, while also supporting the immune system and reducing stress,' said Dani.
'Many people find it improves sleep and creates an overall feeling of lightness and calm, and it's especially popular among those wanting to detox or de-bloat.'
However, it's important to note that it doesn't burn fat. A common misconception is that lymphatic drainage melts away fat cells but both Dani and April agree that what it actually does is help the body flush out excess fluid and toxins.
Medically, it's particularly useful for anyone experiencing fluid retention, such as after surgery.
On the face, regular lymphatic drainage can help de-puff, brighten the skin, and improve tone, all while aiding the body's natural detox process.
Over time, it may reduce inflammation, giving the skin a healthier, more radiant glow and contributing to an overall sense of wellbeing.
The rise in Brazilian body 'secrets'
After hearing so many beauty editor friends raving about the best 'Brazilian beauty' treatments a few years back, I was intrigued and booked in immediately.
I've since become a regular at Dani's wellness studio, She's So Well, for Brazilian lymphatic drainage massage's - a treatment known for its ability to both contour and calm.
Where traditional lymphatic massages are soft and quite clinical, Dani's version is firmer, rhythmic, and almost dance-like.
'The Brazilian technique is more than just de-bloating,' she explained. 'It supports detoxification, improves gut health, reduces inflammation, and leaves you visibly more defined, instantly.'
Each session with Daniela starts with breathwork to activate the lymphatic system and calm the nervous system. She then uses sculpting strokes, gentle cupping, and herbal oils to move fluid and tension through the body.
'I had clients who came in feeling disconnected from their bodies, bloated, anxious, out of sync,' she told me.
'These treatments help women realign with their bodies and their energy. It's not about looking 'skinny', it's about feeling well.'
Let's just say I no longer rely on just Spanx to feel sculpted, and at $200 per treatment, it's a monthly expense I can justify… especially when she incorporates a bit of reiki too (don't know it til' you try it).
What is involved in a Buccal Facial?
When I visited April for my special facial appointment, I expected relaxation.
What I got was an intense, deeply therapeutic workout for my face, and one of the most effective sculpting results I've ever experienced without the use of a machine.
'This isn't your usual facial,' April told me, as she prepared for the intraoral massage portion.
'It mixes techniques from around the world - Eastern European, Japanese, Brazilian, Asian - and goes deep into the muscles of the face.'
She wasn't kidding. By the time April was done kneading my facial muscles from the inside out, my jawline and cheekbones were visibly more lifted, and I had a radiant glow that lasted for days.
Similar to the body treatments, April explained that Buccal facials aren't just about looks, either. 'This facial improves circulation, stimulates lymphatic flow, and reduces puffiness, and then over time, it can increase collagen, improve elasticity, and soften fine lines.'
Think of it like a workout for your face. 'We exercise our bodies, why wouldn't we do the same for our faces?'
My DIY sculpting go-to's
If an expensive sculpting facial isn't in your weekly beauty budget, I get it.
There are plenty of DIY tools that can help you mimic the benefits of professional treatments at home, and they're growing in popularity for good reason.
TOP TIP: Invest in some nourishing face and body oils to help your sculpting tools glide effortlessly as well as infuse skincare ingredients deeper.
Facial cupping - Using small silicone or glass suction cups they gently lift the skin and stimulate blood flow.
'When used correctly, these can help boost circulation, reduce puffiness and even promote collagen production for a firmer, brighter complexion,' said Dani, who sells these a lot to her clients along with her special custom oil blend.
Face rollers - Possibly the most satisfying of my loot, rollers helps sculpt cheekbones, define the jawline, improve lymphatic drainage and relieve facial tension, especially if you grind your teeth or clench your jaw.
'They're perfect for de-puffing first thing in the morning,' said Dani. Use them chilled for an instant wake-up and to soothe inflammation or tired eyes.
Facial gua sha - A traditional Chinese technique, it's all about gentle, gliding movements across the face using a smooth-edged stone.
The jade or rose quartz ones are popular, but to be honest they're all created the same purpose. I use a metal one from Kmart.
Body gua sha - These are larger and designed to help break up fascia (connective tissue), reduce cellulite, and support lymphatic drainage in areas like the thighs, arms and stomach.
Use with lots of oil and firm, upward strokes for that sculpted, post-massage feeling.
Body cupping - Similar to facial cupping but on a larger scale, these silicone or glass cups are applied to areas like the thighs, stomach, buttocks and arms to stimulate circulation, encourage lymphatic drainage and help reduce the appearance of cellulite.
When paired with body oil and used regularly, cupping can mimic some of the benefits of a Brazilian lymphatic massage.
Just go easy at first to avoid bruising, and treat it as a quick, effective self-care step between professional treatments.
So, whether you're splurging on a boujee celeb-approved treatment or reaching for your trusty $9 gua sha tool like me, the beauty of this trend is that there's something for everyone.
Sculpting isn't just about chasing snatched cheekbones, but more about reconnecting with your body, boosting your energy, and carving out a few calming minutes for yourself.
And if you ask me, that's the kind of beauty ritual worth investing in.