I try: an F.Sculpt Facial Workout at The Facialist

When I first met Ashleigh Scott of The Facialist almost ten years ago, I was immediately impressed. She had just returned to New Zealand after years refining her knowledge and experience through working with top facialists and professionals in an exclusive clinic in Knightsbridge, London. Her approach was totally unique to New Zealand at the time – she created her own facial techniques as opposed to following the step-by-step protocols of a big skincare brand, and her hunger for constant innovation was palpable.
She now works out of a beautiful space in CityWorks with her own talented team of intuitive facialists, and is still constantly innovating and creating new experiences for their hordes of fans. I love the elegant but laidback feel of the urban beauty destination, where I would be quite happy to while away a few hours a week at any time of year!
The latest treatment to be added to the menu is the F.Sculpt lineup of Facial Workouts, one of which I was lucky to experience earlier this week. “This is not a facial, it’s a workout for the face”, says Ashleigh, combining cardio and high intensity facial massage with strengthening, stretching and sculpting movements. F.Sculpt helps you to naturally achieve a sculpted, defined and more radiant complexion, and is perfect if you have an important event on the horizon or just need a boost.
The Facialist has established its calling card as the home of holistic facials, with a significant loyal following enjoying the benefits of their holistic, bespoke treatments. Most iconic in their treatment line up is their signature Yoga Facial, which I have personally tried and loved. Shifting the focus away from product-driven results, and instead enlisting unique massage methodology, it aims to change the visible appearance of the face and works a treat.
Harnessing the idea of workouts for the face, founder Ashleigh has completely reimagined and maximised the Yoga Facial concept. Developing an iconic facial fitness protocol, she has tested and perfected three new treatments designed to relieve tension, condition, and strengthen facial muscles whilst creating a healthy radiant glow on the surface. Customers are invited to jump in at any of the three levels; F.Sculpt (30mins), F.Sculpt + (45 mins) and F.Sculpt Intense (60 mins) .
Much like you exercise the body, these treatments work out the 40 odd forgotten muscles in the face. And like the gym – the more frequent you work out; the greater, more long-lasting the results. “You know that saying, do something today that tomorrow you will be thankful for?” says Ashleigh. “This is it. For best results, consistency is key when it comes to skincare and these workouts. Whilst you’ll get real- time results from one appointment, you can see lasting results from regular sessions”
Among the treatment goals are kickstarting skin metabolism, stimulating blood flow, boosting oxygenation, promoting collagen production, and of course – lymphatics. Cardio mimicking massage warms up the face, before sculpting and lifting movements work to relieve muscle tension and sculpt the facial contours creating definition to cheek bones and jawline while lifting the eyes.
F.Sculpt + also incorporates Hollywood's favourite Buccal techniques to maximise results by going much deeper, working inside the mouth to better target cheeks and the jaw to release tension and lift the face. Then F.Sculpt Intense catapults to new levels with the addition of specialist micro-current. This works to stimulate and contract the muscles to keep them lifted, intensifies the results and adds to the staying power of the workout.
I experienced the 45 minute F.Sculpt + with Buccal massage and the use of The Facialist’s wonderful ice globes, and loved every minute. I left feeling so damn relaxed (I hold tension in my jaw) and my skin was literally singing. And yep, I looked most definitely “lifted”, with the results still evident today. Next on my wish list is the F.Sculpt Intense, to take things to a whole new glorious level!
Available right now, F.Sculpt treatments start from $149 and come highly recommended. Book in for yours here.