Top skin tips from the woman dubbed 'The Facialist'

With a client list featuring Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer and Elle McPherson, it’s no wonder Nichola Joss has been dubbed ‘The Facialist’ by industry folk and celebrities alike. 

As the ambassador of Sanctuary (super) Spa in London’s Covent Garden (she first started her career there 35 years ago), and a renowned celebrity skin care expert, she was definitely our first pick when we desperately wanted advice on how to get the best out of our skin…

bh: Nichola, you’re a big fan of facial oils, right? Do you have any application tips and tricks that will allow women to get the most out of the product?
NJ: It’s best to apply a few drops of oil into the palms of your hands and rub them together before pressing them into your face. Use your fingertips and start at the centre of your face, working outwards and upwards feeling for any tension points especially under your cheekbones and along your jawline. Apply more pressure to these points to de-stress the muscle. Breathe in deeply and slowly whilst massaging your face for a more pampering experience.   

bh: Tell me about the signature facial that you developed. Why is it so different to other facials? What are the benefits?
NJ: It’s very deep and uses lymphatic drainage movements. It de-stresses and removes tension from the muscle tissue allowing your muscles to sit correctly. It also adds health, vibrancy and volume to your muscle, in turn providing better contouring and firming and toning the structure of face. It also benefits the skin by improving texture as well as feeding and nourishing the skin. Massaging inside the mouth, along the jawline and under the cheekbones and into the masseter (cheek) muscle means you are also de-stressing and improving muscle tissue.

bh: You have many famous clients – who is your favourite celebrity to work with? And what services do they get from you?
NJ: All my clients are fantastic. I really like working with Elle McPherson and Kate moss. Also Kelly Brook and Claudia Schiffer! They always request a variety of treatments, from massage to facials and tanning, as well as manicures.

bh: What is your best skin care tip?
NJ: Spend a couple of minutes every night massaging your face with a great oil, concentrating on the tension points on your face (temples, inside ends of your eyebrows, above your ear.)

bh: What do you wish you could tell your younger self in regards to caring for your skin?
NJ: Always wear SPF and avoid too much sugar! 

What are your best tips for making the most of your skin care application?

3 steps to firmer, tighter thighs	Cupcake nail art: hot new trend to try	Which new shampoo got a 5-star rating?	The 10 signs of ageing to address right now