Skip to main content
When in
Milan
, do as Dua Lipa does: Drink vino with friends, see good interior design, eat
piatto
after
piatto
of pasta, and visit her favorite face-sculpting
facialist
.
Based in the charming Navigli district of downtown Milan,
Alessandra Ricchizzi
is one of Europe’s most sought-after beauty facialists. (She counts Italian pop stars, models, and Chiara Ferragni among her clients.) The first time Lipa visited was in 2023, where she underwent Ricchizzi’s signature Manual Lifting treatment. Developed by Ricchizzi, the facial stimulates the internal and external facial muscles to create a lifted and sculpted effect that’s completely noninvasive.
“My philosophy is based on the idea that the face is not just about aesthetics, but an expression of internal balance,” Ricchizzi tells
Vogue
. The facial is bespoke for each individual face; Ricchizzi first studies a client’s facial expressions and posture and their “facial memory” (which she defines as everything from fine lines to texture that develops as we age).
“There are three facial axes through which memory passes: the first is the central, vertical axis, which I work on during the first appointment; then, during the second or third appointment, I work on the horizontal axis, and finally, on the oblique axis,” she explains. “The final result is a lifting and repositioning effect of 0 to 6 centimeters [about 2.3 inches].”
Ricchizzi describes her style as “profound yet delicate,” and she is an advocate for natural, noninvasive skin care. “I started massaging dolls at age eight and haven’t stopped since,” she says. “After years of training in advanced aesthetics and manual techniques, I felt the need to develop a more personal approach, combining effectiveness with a deep understanding of the face. Thus was born my AR Lifting method.”
Dua Lipa receiving Alessandra Ricchizzi’s Manual Lifting massage in 2023.
Photo: Courtesy of Alessandra Ricchizzi
What does that look like? The facial begins with a series of manual sculpting and lifting movements that define the face contours and release tension (
super
nice if you suffer from
TMJ
or routinely clench your jaw) using a “lifting glove.” Just like you see being used on Lipa, it’s a glove consisting of red LED fingertips that promote “antigravity” action, stimulating the facial tissue and muscles. At the same time, it deeply works in products to promote luminous, hydrated, plumped, and toned skin. Lipa also enjoyed the treatment on the rest of her body for a snatched effect, which mimics the same effects of a
lymphatic drainage massage
.
Other benefits? Immediately,
less puffiness
and bloating, and later,
reduced inflammation
, improved circulation,
better digestion
, and boosted energy.
Can’t make it to Milan (or Switzerland) to see Alessandra Ricchizzi? Facial massage—from
gua sha
to
lymphatic drainage
—is an easy and accessible way to address everything from nasolabial folds to undereye bags and jowls. “Even a few minutes a day can make a difference,” affirms Ricchizzi. “I recommend always starting with well-cleansed skin, especially in the evening. Always work from the bottom up with medium-pressure movements, divide the face in two, and release pressure toward the ear.” She advises keeping movements simple, like short and sharp upward motions along the cheeks and neck that lightly drain pressure and lift, as well as small pinches along the same areas to encourage circulation: “Consistency is key; a little each day is better than intensive but sporadic treatments.”
More Great Beauty Stories from
Vogue
Amal Clooney Tests Out Spring’s Hottest Beauty Trend, the Blurred Lip
13 Spring-Approved Short Nail Designs
Can Peptides Help With Undereye Bags?
21 Chic Hairstyles for Women Over 50, Inspired By Celebrities
Sign up for
Vogue
’s beauty newsletter
to receive the insider’s guide to all things beauty and wellness.
Have a beauty or wellness trend you’re curious about? We want to know! Email Margaux at
[email protected]
.
The Vogue Runway app has expanded!
Update to the latest version
to see all
Vogue
content, as well as new features like our Runway Genius quiz, Group Chats, and posts from
Vogue
contributors.
Become a
Vogue Business
Member
—the ultimate resource for fashion and beauty industry professionals.
Anna Cafolla
is American
Vogue
’s news editor, working across fashion, beauty, culture and living from London. Previously, she has worked at
Dazed
,
Cosmopolitan
, and
ELLE
, and has written for
The Guardian, The Face, AnOther
, and
Conde Nast Traveller
. She will hold you hostage until you agree to her restaurant recommendations. ...
Read More
News Editor, Vogue
Instagram
Topics
Dua Lipa
Facials
Book Your Appointment
Ready to transform your skin? Visit Candy Beauty Skin Care at 32 Pell St, Chinatown, NYC.
Call (646) 691-8273 or book online at candybeauty.store.
Our expert estheticians are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.
Source: https://www.vogue.com/article/dua-lipa-favorite-facialist-facial-massage-techniques
