How To Perform a Step-by-Step Facial at Home

How To Perform a Step-by-Step Facial at Home

10 days ago By Omorovicza

Facial and body massage expert Ksenija Selivanova has created a bespoke facial for us at Omorovicza, using products from the new Glow Up Set as curated by her. Having worked in the beauty industry for almost ten years, she has amassed a loyal community by sharing her face, body and wellness techniques on Instagram and YouTube.

Inspired by techniques from around the world, she specializes in providing tension-relieving, balancing, detoxifying and sculpting results for a youthful, glowing complexion, optimized immunity and balanced mind.

From lymphatic drainage to the importance of self-care and the right product application, we asked Ksenija for her expert skincare advice...

Can you tell us about your journey to becoming a facialist and what initially sparked your interest in this field?

"My beauty journey is firmly rooted in my childhood. I remember spending evenings with my mum watching TV and lathering our face and hair in homemade concoctions made of yoghurt, honey or castor oil. Already then, I realized the importance of caring for the self. My definition of self-care has evolved and somewhat changed since, but I do think that is where it all began. I then became fascinated and interested in face massage, specifically self-massage, qualified as a beauty therapist and did countless qualifications learning different techniques from people around the world. In the meantime, I was sharing my knowledge and ideas with audience online. My community support and encouragement is what ultimately inspired me to open my own space where I offer a range of face and body treatments that are all rooted in the magic of massage."

What are some of your favorite Omorovicza products to incorporate into your massages?

"As a therapist in London, living in a big city has its toll on the skin, so congestion is something that has to be addressed often. Deep Cleansing Mask is a staple that is so wonderful to draw out impurities without stripping the skin. The Rejuvenating Night Cream is another product I love using in my treatments and on myself. The texture is so luxurious and just perfect for massage - and my sensitivity rosacea prone skin loves it."

Lymphatic drainage massage has gained popularity recently. How would you describe this technique and what are the benefits?

"When it comes to the face, lymphatic drainage is a light-touch massage that stimulates the flow of the lymph. We have large nodes around the jaw, neck and chest area. 1/3 of our lymph nodes are located above the chest, so this really highlights the importance of face & neck massage. Lymphatic system is also directly linked to our immune system, promoting toxin and bacteria elimination."

Which product do you recommend using following lymphatic drainage?

"Anytime anyone performs a face massage, it is important that both face and the hands are clean. So, cleansing your skin is essential. I also love using the Thermal Cleansing Balm for the massage, as it has a beautiful glide. After washing it off and cleansing with a water-based cleanser, you can follow with an essence and a moisturizer to maximize hydration."

How do you assess the specific needs of your clients before starting a massage session, and how does this influence your approach?

"A consultation form can tell you a lot about what the client concerns are wishes are. Then a face-to-face short Q&A fills any gaps. And of course, a physical assessment of skin as the treatment begins can help me choose the right products. Skin is so individual, and so cyclical. Even if I see the same client twice a month the routine might be different, as their skin changes too. So, I try to make my treatments as bespoke as possible, picking the right products and techniques that address any concerns and reacting to what is needed at that moment."

What tips or recommendations do you have for creating a relaxing spa-like skincare experience at home?

"Set the scene. Maybe that is music, candles, incense, dimmed lights. Allow yourself some space away from the hustle and bustle of life. And yes, that sometimes does mean locking yourself in the bathroom for 5-10 minutes. Make every product application count. For me skincare is beyond the product application. It is an opportunity to enhance that application. So, use massage techniques when applying every single product, go a little slower, focus on the areas of tension. Be intuitive with your movements."

Which self-care practices would you recommend to clients to maintain their physical wellbeing between massage sessions?

"Just taking time for yourself. And start small if it feels overwhelming to commit to a longer routine or ritual daily. I love the idea of habit-stacking. It is a concept of attaching a new habit to an already existing one. So, for example, if you make tea or a coffee every morning – start allowing yourself 5-10 minutes of doing nothing else but enjoying that drink. Stay present. Maybe it is reading a book before bed. Maybe listening to a podcast and walking in the park. Anything that takes your mind off the hamster wheel and nourishes your body and mind. Sometimes people do not do anything, because they think they have to do everything. But you only need to begin, and then self-care rituals snowball, as the way you feel after is so addictively good that you start making more time for it."