A new facial treatment in Sydney that works the skin and muscles from the outside in promises to give clients a youthful glow.
Skin and skin therapist Isabella Loneragan, who has over 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, put together the following treatment, entitled ‘The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion’.
The facial involves three main techniques to create an all-in-one treatment.
It features the celebrity-favorite Buccal technique, which targets the muscles in the mouth through gentle massage, the Japanese art of face lifting Kobido and Chinese acupressure points of Chuanzhi.
This ‘pilates for your face’ relieves jaw tension, promotes lymphatic drainage and increases collagen production for a firmer, radiant complexion. But it will cost you a whopping $449 for the 75-minute treatment.
The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion facial relieves jaw tension, promotes lymphatic drainage and increases collagen production for a firmer, radiant complexion (photo after facial)
The facial treatment is unlike any other because it incorporates important techniques that massage the face from within.
How does the facial differ from others?
The Buccal Massage method itself is a topic of conversation and is a celebrity favorite among the likes of Margot Robbie, Kate Moss and Meghan Markle.
The esthetician inserts his fingers into the client’s mouth (while wearing gloves) to gently massage the muscles inside and out.
This stimulates blood flow and lymphatic drainage to reduce puffiness and promote a more contoured facial structure. It also helps relieve tension in the jaw and face while improving digestion.
This combined with the Kobido technique is a match made in Heaven.
Kobido is commonly referred to as ‘the facelift without surgery’ and has been used for over 540 years.
It involves gently pulling on the lower lip and pulling it away from the jawline to further improve circulation, blood flow and lymphatic drainage and stimulate collagen production for a ‘lifted’ appearance.
The final key technique is Chuanzhi Chinese acupressure, which targets specific areas of the face that are believed to correspond to different organs.
For example, the outer edge of the eyebrows is believed to be related to cell metabolism, while both sides of the nose are believed to correspond to the colon and alleviate a ‘slow intestine’.
In the buccal massage (left), the beautician inserts his fingers into the client’s mouth (while wearing gloves) to gently massage the muscles. Kobido (right) involves gently pulling on the lower ends, pulling them slightly away from the jawline
The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion started with a facial cleansing and steam, followed by a gentle five-minute exfoliation made from fruit extracts that ‘eat away’ at the skin.
Unlike other products on the market that tend to gently scrub away dirt and dead skin, Ms. Loneragan said the Ragan Skin exfoliant gradually melts away unwanted particles.
Other products were used, including a ‘regulate and rejuvenate’ retinol, followed by a vitamin C serum and an SPF moisturizer.
Ms Loneragan said: “I have spent months working day and night designing this treatment and I am very proud that it is honestly so superior to any other facial treatment currently available on the Australian market.
‘The Intrinsic Illumination Infusion is my carefully curated combination of modern methods and age-old massage practices known to provide holistic wellness and emotional balance, as well as a more youthful-looking appearance.’
The facial also includes 50 carefully considered movements.
In 2019, Ms Loneragan became Australia’s first buccal and sculptural lift specialist with the launch of The Intrinsic Facial.
Ms Loneragan used her latest range of Ragan Skin products during the facial (pictured).
I TRIED THE INTRINSIC RELIEF INFUSION FACIAL – IS IT WORTH IT?
A Kirribilli apartment with stunning views of Sydney Harbor was transformed into a makeshift clinic with the most comfortable bed.
Upon arrival I was welcomed by Ms. Loneragan who guided me through the facial and briefly explained each step. I was excited to hear that the buccal massage and acupressure points were incorporated into the treatment.
I closed my eyes and let Ms. Loneragan work her magic as she used her latest range of Ragen Skin products.
I have sensitive skin, so I was happy that the products and procedure did not cause any irritation.
During the treatment I had to fight the urge not to fall asleep as the facial was incredibly relaxing, but I was determined to stay awake to absorb all of Ms. Loneragan’s insights on each product and technique.
Immediately after looking in the mirror, I noticed that my face looked lifted, despite being a little red. My cheeks and lips also tingled slightly – a common occurrence after the buccal massage.
I also couldn’t believe how tight my jawline looked because it felt incredibly loose after the facial.
My skin felt clean, fresh and ready to tackle the day as a light foundation with SPF was applied at the end of the treatment.
When I returned to work, I was inundated with compliments from colleagues as they noticed that my face looked radiant – and many were shocked to discover that I was barely wearing any make-up.
I loved the scent of every product used and would incorporate the Ragan Skincare into my own routine.
Would I pay more than €400 for it? I’m not sure this financially savvy 28 year old would do that.
But if I were invited again I would jump at the chance and highly recommend it to others.