Meghan Markle reveals the bizarre facial exercises behind her radiant complexion… and we tried them out
Apparently it's not just regular facials and a talented make-up artist behind the Duchess's flawless skin
LONG before she was Prince Harry's blushing bride, fans have marvelled over Meghan Markle's glowing complexion.
But it's not just regular facials and a talented make-up artist behind the Duchess's flawless skin.
The former actress, 36, also relies on facial exercises.
While previously sharing her beauty tips with Birchbox, Meghan explained: “I do facial exercises from one of my favourite aestheticians, Nichola Joss, who basically has you sculpt your face from the inside out.
"I swear it works, as silly as you may feel. On the days I do it, my cheekbones and jawline are way more sculpted. There’s a reason she is in high demand around awards season when every actress wants to look A-plus."
So, the question is, do these wacky-sounding facial exercises actually work?
Incredibly there are more than 40 muscles in your face, and the aim of these exercises is to leave your complexion feeling tighter and looking smoother.
There are several different "moves", all designed to encourage elastin and collagen production in the middle layer of your skin.
They range from The V - apparently great for drooping eyelids - to The Smiler Smoother, intended to reduce the appearance of lines on the cheek and saggy skin.
Then there's The Giraffe, designed to tone and lift the neck area.
Our guide to three of the most popular facial exercises
1. The V: Put both your middle fingers together between your eyebrows and using your index fingers, apply pressure to the outer corners of your eyes.
Look up and move your lower eyelids upwards so that you feel like you're squinting. Relax, then repeat six times. To finish, squeeze your eyes shut for 10 seconds.
2. The Smile Smoother: Hide your teeth with your lips (think Celebrity Juice) and make an o-shape with your mouth. Next, smile as wide as you can, keeping your teeth hidden, and repeat six times. Then hold the smile, place one index finger on the chin and move your jaw up and down as you tilt your head back. Relax, then repeat twice.
3. The Giraffe: Look straight ahead and place your fingertips on the top of your neck. Pull the skin down as you tilt your head back, then bring your head back down. Repeat this twice, then jut out your lower lip as much as your can, pop your fingers on your collarbone and point your chin upwards. Pull the corners of your mouth down, and hold for four deep breaths.
Our verdict: Surprisingly tiring (and very unflattering to do based on these pictures) - my face did feel like it'd had a work out! Though think I'll stick to the anti-ageing moisturiser.
The V
The Smile Smoother
The Giraffe
The good news is, all you need to do these exercises are your fingers.
According to Nigma Talib, a leading naturopathic doctor, the right facial exercises are of some benefit provided they’re teamed with high-quality skincare products.
Talib told : "Facial exercises can help but it’s something you have to do daily with science based and clinically researched serums and cremes which are a must.
"One treatment with an esthetician will help for short term results like a day or two, but this should be a daily activity when applying your serums and creams."
Celebrity facialist Debbit Thomas added: "Facial massage is very important for lymphatic drainage and to increase the circulation. This will then help products to penetrate better.
"Undertaking daily facial exercise probably benefits the skin like massage benefits the skin (plus you may get a de-stressing benefit too like you would in a yoga class), but this is not something I recommend my clients to do.
“I prefer my clients to invest in good skincare products, a thorough regime that is right for their skin and lifestyle and regular in-clinic treatments that are clinically-proven to work, such as laser rejuvenation.”
So, next time you're rubbing in your moisturiser, why not give your face an extra prod for good measure?
MOST READ IN FABULOUS
In February Nichola Joss, whose A-list clients also include J-Lo, Gisele Bundchen and Gwyneth Paltrow, revealed her secrets for glowing skin.
Earlier this year we tried out eight workouts developed by face yoga guru Annelise Hagen.
And we previously told how this bonkers new tool claims to exercise your face.