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Why Facial Massage Is the Skin-Care Habit I’m Committing to in 2021

Why one Vogue writer is obsessed with working those teeny, tiny facial muscles….

Since the pandemic began, my Instagram feed has been filled with face workouts and face tools. Every other scroll, I see someone gua sha–ing their face for a lymphatic massage, or another blowing their cheeks Dizzy Gillespie–style to work their muscles. Then there are all the tools that are marketed towards me: a tiny gilded piece that looks like a paint roller with spikes, a micro-current tool that resembles a sex toy and sends shocks through the skin to tone muscles, and a thin metal stick with a ball at the end to stimulate different muscles as an exercise of facial reflexology and detox. The before-and-afters are particularly mesmerizing: nasolabial folds are lifted, undereye bags are gone, and jowls are smoothed. Call it the era of the au naturel nip-tuck.

I’ve no doubt been influenced: Every morning, I start with a general lymphatic massage from the collarbone up with a face oil (during which I can literally feel the fluid draining from my face). Next, I use a mix of lessons from the Glowbe app and various Instagram instructors to do an at-home 30-minute face workout, which includes me making bizarre facial movements and using my hands to aid the stimulation of muscles. (Gravity is crucial here: Never down, only up.) Then, I use a fist-size jade gua sha tool to drain any excess fluid, followed by a beauty roller that I use to further knead my face and chest. Finally, as the icing on the cake, I use a micro-current tool that sends satisfying, pinch-like shocks into my face. The end result reveals me to be a de-puffed, sharp-cheeked goddess, particularly ideal when Zoom seems to catch every unflattering angle.

I’m not the only one who has caught onto the trend. My coworkers are constantly texting about different variations of gua shas and face-zapping tools. It’s like collecting Pokémon cards: There is a new update on a tool every week, and we have to catch them all. My facial-workout obsession reached new heights during lockdown, when the lack of a commute meant I finally had the time to take 30 minutes out of my morning to do a meaningful amount of above-neck reps after my full-body fitness routine. This type of dedication is common among fans of FaceGym, a studio that offers face-sculpting sessions featuring special massage techniques. The company reports that its online sales (including both online classes and products) are up 700% year to date.

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For those not quite ready to commit to a gym, there is a slew of Instagram accounts dedicated to facial massage and workout how-tos. Anastasia Burdog, 40, of @anyclass.faceonline boasts more than two million followers, and uses a tightening-and-release technique often referred to as “face gymnastics.” She offers her classes in Russian, but you don’t have to understand the language to get the gist of the instruction. (Plus, the before-and-after images will convert anyone into giving their visage the Liberace treatment.) Then there’s 30-year-old Karina Trigubchak of Ukraine, whose skin is as smooth as a baby’s palm. While she has only been publicly active on her account for about a year, she has been practicing facial exercise for more than five years. “The essence of my course is very different from massage or face fitness. Face fitness pumps the muscles of the face, which is essentially not correct,” she writes in Russian. “All problems, such as expression wrinkles, creases on the face, are due to spasmodic and shortened muscles. Therefore, my technique is aimed at relaxing the muscles of the face.” Call me a sucker, but whenever I have a moment, I find myself pinching my eyebrows à la Trigubchak in the hopes of widening my eyes.

The results of all this exercise are evident to me, but does the science back it up? I’ve heard skepticism around my very long morning facial routine, mostly from my mother and friends who are constantly questioning whether the results are permanent. But cosmetic and medical dermatologist Hadley King notes that there is evidence in several studies that these facial workouts, well, work out in the long-term. She does note, however, that those studies involved informed technique: “The subjects were following a specific and rigorous massage methodology and it wasn’t some just haphazard rubbing.” To that end, King suggests that better data is needed to support the magic of facial workouts. “We don’t understand all the mechanisms,” she says. “[But] there is some limited data that shows that there might be real results from these things.” While I wait for the additional assurance that my routine is backed by robust data, I’ll still be kneading my face every morning—that killer concave silver in my cheek doesn’t lie.

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Fashion

Rihanna’s Paris Fashion Week Ensemble Ignites Social Media Frenzy

Rihanna

Earlier this week, the fashion world buzzed with excitement as ASAP Rocky and Rihanna graced the AWGE Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 Paris Fashion Week runway show with their presence. The duo’s impeccable style was on full display—Rocky in a gray and black jacket over a white shirt with jeans, and Rihanna turning heads in a maroon jacket, a white dress, and striking heels. However, Rihanna’s outfit has sparked a spirited debate online.

The Shade Room’s comments section lit up with divided opinions. One Instagram user quipped, “She dressed for the summer spring and fall,” while another bluntly stated, “Idc who this is, that outfit is terrible.” Despite the criticism, many fans rushed to defend the fashion icon, insisting her look was on point.

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“I think this fit is cute. The shoes are fab. What are y’all talking about?” one commenter argued. Another added, “If you understand the theme she ATE!!” The consensus among supporters is clear: Rihanna can pull off just about anything with style and grace.

Rihanna’s sartorial choices aren’t the only reason her fans are buzzing with excitement. She’s finally gearing up to work on her highly anticipated ninth album. Speaking at a Fenty Hair event, she revealed to Entertainment Tonight, “Now I’m prepared to go back in the studio, so now I’m gonna start,” sparking joy among her followers.

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ASAP Rocky also has big news for his fans. At the runway show, he announced that his album “Don’t Be Dumb” will drop on August 30, adding to the anticipation.

What do you think of Rihanna’s fashion-forward look at ASAP Rocky’s recent Paris show? Are you loving it or not feeling the vibe? Share your thoughts in the comments, and stay tuned to Honk Magazine for the latest updates.

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Mike Amiri’s Fashion Empire, Unveiling the 2024 Net Worth of the Trendsetting Designer

Mike Amiri

Mike Amiri’s Fashion Empire, Unveiling the 2024 Net Worth of the Trendsetting Designer

 

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In the ever-changing realm of fashion, some designers rise above the rest, embodying style, opulence, and innovation. Mike Amiri, a luminary in his own right, has woven a tale of success from obscurity to acclaim. Discover the 2024 net worth of the visionary behind Amiri, a designer whose passion and creativity have elevated him to the pinnacle of the fashion world.

Mike Amiri’s journey commenced in the heart of Los Angeles, where his love for fashion and design sprouted from humble beginnings. From his early years, his keen eye for aesthetics drew inspiration from the vibrant street culture that enveloped him, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.

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In 2014, Amiri boldly launched his eponymous fashion label, Amiri, with a distinctive vision to redefine luxury streetwear. Melding high-end craftsmanship with urban aesthetics, his debut collection garnered widespread acclaim, captivating fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike. The Amiri brand gained momentum, solidifying its position as a formidable force in contemporary fashion.

Cultivating his brand meticulously, Mike Amiri earned a fan base among Hollywood’s elite. Expanding beyond clothing, signature denim and leather jackets became staples, while statement footwear and accessories exuded an effortless coolness and sophistication. Ventures into collaborations with notable artists and musicians further elevated Amiri’s status as a cultural phenomenon.

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Capitalizing on business opportunities, Amiri showcased a knack for staying ahead in the ever-changing fashion landscape. Exclusive partnerships, limited-edition releases, pop-up shops, and international expansion became integral parts of the brand’s success.

Reflecting on Mike Amiri’s net worth in 2024, estimated at $15 million by Idol Net Worth, his journey from a budding designer to a revered fashion icon is nothing short of extraordinary. Through determination, talent, and a pursuit of excellence, he carved a niche in a cutthroat industry. With a finger on the pulse of contemporary culture, Mike Amiri continues to push boundaries, inspiring individuals globally to embrace their unique style and self-expression. As fashion evolves, one certainty prevails: Mike Amiri’s influence and legacy will endure for years to come.

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