Bathroom talk with Elisa Lune, the holistic facialist and gua sha expert

The real turning point came when I started prepping skin before makeup. Seeing someone leave glowing and confident made me realize skincare isn’t just about products—it’s about how you feel. Growing up with a French mother and grandmother, I was always curious about the creams they kept in their cabinets, so it felt natural to take the next step. I became a skincare expert and landed a dream job with Caudalie, where I spent seven years learning everything about skin concerns and what truly works.

As time passed, I noticed the increasing popularity of Botox and fillers, especially among women my age (30+). While there’s no judgment, I’ve always been drawn to a more natural approach and believed there had to be another way. I wanted to understand skin on a deeper level. Just before Covid, I trained in facial massage and Gua Sha, and that’s when I truly fell in love with what happens beneath the skin.

I grew up as a national swimmer, so staying active has always been a part of me. The discipline and competitiveness of swimming taught me resilience and mental strength—pushing through challenges, staying focused, and never giving up. My obsession with skin started in secondary school when I first began wearing makeup. I was fascinated by how to make skin look naturally radiant rather than covered up. I always admired the effortless approach of French beauty—minimal makeup that lets the skin shine through.

It’s hard to sum up just how powerful facial massage is for the skin, mind, and body. If you can have it done by a professional once a month, your entire being will thank you—there’s something truly healing about another person’s touch.

The benefits are endless, but some of the key ones include increased circulation, lymphatic drainage, nutrient-rich blood flow to the skin, and a natural boost in collagen and elastin production. The best part? You can do it yourself at home, and it’s completely free! Just grab your favourite facial oil (or take a few extra minutes while cleansing with an oil) and work it into your neck and face for five minutes. Your skin will love you for it.

I love all of Cecily Braden’s Gua Sha stones because they’re designed with bevelled edges, which provide the best grip and connection with the skin—essential for effective gliding.

In my opinion, the best time to integrate Gua Sha into your routine is in the morning rather than at night. If done too close to bedtime, fluid may not drain properly since you’ll be lying down, which can lead to puffiness. Ideally, follow your Gua Sha practice with a walk to encourage circulation and lymphatic flow. If I had to give one key tip, it would be to start with the neck—gliding the stone up and down with a little oil. As long as the neck pathway is open, your face will naturally benefit. Always hold the tool at a 45-degree angle and aim for about three sessions a week. 

Most importantly, Gua Sha is an intuitive practice, so listen to what your skin needs. If you have active breakouts, avoid working directly over them. Instead, focus on the area beneath the inflammation to support healing. As mentioned, opening up the neck first is key—this alone can help promote drainage and improve the skin as breakouts clear.

Skin rolling is one of my favourite techniques, you don’t need any oil—this allows for better grip and deeper work. It helps hydrate the fascia, release adhesions in the tissue, and boost circulation. The result? Instantly revived, glowing skin.

Belief is everything—trusting in what I do and in what I want for myself. It’s a powerful mindset that keeps me grounded and helps me navigate every moment in life.

Follow Elisa Lune on her Instagram @elisa_lune.

To learn more about her treatments and to book your facial,g o to her website: www.elisalune.com