Hadda Akrim’s party-prep skin secrets

Party season is underway and whilst it’s a thrill for your social calendar, the time of year is classically less favourable on your complexion. Skin expert Hadda Akrim shares her failsafe tips to hide any manner of sins and ensure your skin glows all evening long.

The benefits of facial massage

“One of the main benefits of facial massage is that it will improve the overall appearance of the skin” explains Hadda. “As the blood flow is stimulated, it can help to get rid of any stagnation or blockages you may have.”

As Hadda explains, whether due to stress or tiredness, making the same repetitive expressions over time can have a negative effect on the face’s connective tissues “Our fascia can get stuck, and by massaging for a few minutes you can release some of that tension. You’ll promote blood flow, oxygen, nutrients and lymph. It really encourages skin to function better and therefore it will help plump up fine lines, reduce wrinkles and lift the facial muscles – the basis of a pre-party glow.”

“With the right facial massage techniques, you will stimulate the lymphatic system, helping to accelerate the absorption and transportation of lymphatic fluids, which contain toxins. After a night out this is certainly something I would recommend. It speeds up recovery, will get rid of any swelling and puffy eyes you may have – which will not only make you look energised but you'll feel great too!”

Start your massage with STELLA Reset Cleanser

“When using the STELLA Reset Cleanser, take time to start massaging your face with feather light movement, kickstarting the lymphatic system and working your way down” reveals Hadda.

Serums, such as STELLA Alter-Care Serum, usually absorb quickly into the skin to deliver targeted ingredients. Because of this Hadda recommends acting fast. “You only have a few minutes as you don't want to be pulling on the skin, so after applying the serum all over face and neck, I like to work around the eyes to awaken them with gentle movements before I move over to the forehead where you can add more pressure, this helps reduce the appearance of frown and forehead lines. It will also give you an instant ‘pick me up’ feeling. Lastly, if you're using a moisturiser ¬such as Restore Cream by STELLA, this is the time to work on lifting the face with massage movements focusing on the jawline, nasolabial folds and cheekbones.”

Help your skin stay hydrated

“Ensure you maintain a healthy skin barrier at all times” explains Hadda. “Keeping your skin balanced to be able to retain its moisture is essential during the winter. Focus on a simple skin care routine and don't over exfoliate. Due to cold weather, you’ll likely find yourself in dry environments, so think about adding a humidifier in your room at night.”

Keep it simple before you apply make-up

Hadda recommends starting with a cleanser that doesn't strip the skin. “I use STELLA Reset cleanser; it’s purifying but gentle. Follow that with a hydrating serum which will help your make-up to go on smoothly. Depending on your skin type you can add a moisturiser but you don't want it to be too thick and risk clogging up your make-up.”

Tea bags will hide tired eyes and lack of sleep

Hadda is a dedicated advocate of facial massage, and a post-party morning massage is the perfect skin-reviving remedy. “Start with some energising facial massage to awaken the skin and mind” she says. “I think it is very important to tackle the eyes and a great tip which I have been doing for years is to use cold green tea bags over the eyes and keep them on for at least 10 minutes. This will cause vasoconstriction – which will reduce eyelid puffiness, whilst the caffeine in the green tea will have an additional vessel shrinking effect too.”