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?
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84 Member Comments
A right facial oil is really beneficial! Agree with wearing SPF too.
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I could use a facial right now!
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I adore using facial oils, they give my skin such a radiant glow & keep it healthy too
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Now I'm getting thanks to BH beautorium my first face oil from Kosmea, will put it to good use. Thanks so much
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face yoga interests me, as well as the tips above
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Yes! I did check this out on youtube, very interesting, we should try :)
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Oh golly she looks lovely.
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I will have to look into the facial oils.
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I would like to use face oils.
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Lovely article :)
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A regular cleansing routine I think is very important, and the more organic products the better.
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I have just started using oils on my face and it has really improved my skin tone.
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she is beautiful! superb tips!
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Interesting oil application method
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Always remove your makeup before going to sleep
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SPF... check. Not to Much Sugar.... ummm
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I have been using a Japenese facial oil by KOSE and am astounded by the results around $12 from Sasa
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Respect your skin and take care of it. Its the biggest part of you.
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I love her tip about massaging the oils into the skin, I'm going to use this one.
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Applying moisturiser straight after washing to lock in moisture. I can't believe I didn't start using face cream until 23 :(
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Leave your cleanser on for a few minutes to let it penetrate your skin. I like to wash my face and leave it on while I brush my teeth and then wash it off later.
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This face could definitely use one of those pro facials!!!
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A good eye cream! I never forget to use one after I moisturise.
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My best tip for skin care application is to master the basic and find the right products for your basic skin steps of cleansing,toning and moisturizing with the occasional once to twice a week of exfoliation
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