[NEW] This Is Exactly How to Use Your Gua Sha Face Tool | cold stone pantip – NATAVIGUIDES

No, I’ll probably never give up on my beloved jade roller, but there is another skincare tool I can’t stop thinking about: the jade scraper. Also known as a gua sha tool, this little flat pebble of jade is praised near and far for its ability to chisel out cheekbones you didn’t even know existed, de-puff hangover eye bags, and whack up the dial on skin brightness.

But what exactly is gua sha and how can a small stone offer so many beauty benefits? We reached out to three skincare experts: Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rachel Nazarian, Chinese medicine practitioner David Peters, and licensed aesthetician Ali Tobia for answers. Ahead, find their master advice and everything you need to know about this skincare treasure.

What Is Gua Sha?

While the terms “jade scraping” or “gua sha” may be new to your ears, the facial technique actually dates back centuries ago. “The [face scraping] technique is based on an ancient healing technique called Gua Sha, which was first referred to in a classical Chinese medicine text called the Shan Han Lun dated 220 CE,” Peters tells us. “Originally, practitioners wanted to obtain ‘Sha’—redness that encourages the skin to heal itself,” he explains. “Having studied both Japanese and Chinese traditions, I have adapted this early technique for my facial treatments. Obviously, I don’t use it as vigorously—I’ve seen it performed with a coin in China.”

Shannon Peter

“Originally a body treatment, [gua sha] has since been adapted to [be] use[d] in facial therapies, with the scraping motion evolving to a gentler gliding technique,” adds Ali Tobia. As Tobia explains, gua sha is a method that promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps to eliminate bloating caused by interstitial fluid (fluid trapped under your skin that needs to be released to your lymph system).

The Benefits of Gua Sha

While modern-day jade scraping might be less invasive, it can still have some pretty impressive results including:

• Stimulates circulation
• Helps produce collagen
• Softens fine lines and wrinkles
• Decreases puffiness
• Decreases inflammation
• Diminishes dark circles
• Temporarily tightens skin
• Brightens complexion
• Sculpts facial muscles
• Releases tightness

How to Use a Gua Sha

So how can you get the benefits of gua sha at home? “There are so many varieties and shapes of gua sha tools that there isn’t really a one-size-fits-all approach to how to use gua sha,” Tobia explains. That said, there are some fundamentals to the facial gua sha process for all methods. According to Dr. Nazarian, the best method is to use gentle pressure and “apply even strokes against your skin, preferably in the direction of lymphatic flow.”

“These benefits are often apparent even after the very first gua sha treatment,” says Tobia.

“I like to use a combination of short and long strokes across the areas that need it,” adds Peters. Lymph nodes are located beneath the surface of the skin. “An easy, feather-like stroke of a gentle facial gua sha technique is all it takes to flush the lymph into your body’s drainage system,” Tobia says. The process stimulates lymphatic flow and drainage, releasing excess fluids that can make the complexion look a little, well, inflated.

Confused? Tobia describes the process of lymphatic drainage for us: “It’s like a garbage disposal. The interstitial fluids that collect beneath your skin need to be flushed into the body’s natural detoxification system. Gua sha works to move those collected fluids into the lymphatic system where they get cleaned and mixed back into your bloodstream.”

“Unlike the circulatory system,” she continues, “there is no pump for the lymphatic system… By performing gua sha techniques, you are giving your lymphatic system the boost that it needs to rid yourself of the fluids that are stuck beneath the surface of your skin and causing your face to bloat.”

At home, I apply a 50p-size (or, for our American readers, about the size of a quarter) puddle of facial oil and then use the tool over my entire face, neck, and décolletage. I’ve found it’s brilliant for the days when I want to really ham up the facial massage or need to iron out a cheese board-induced puffy jawline. It isn’t hard to use at all. Whilst on our hunt for gua sha inspiration, I came across queen of holistic skincare Britta Beauty on Instagram. Her gua sha videos are not only great to have on hand if you’re unsure how to use a gua sha tool, but they’re seriously mesmerizing too. 

How Often Should You Gua Sha?

While once a week is recommended for gua sha, the frequency of use will depend on your skin type and your skin’s tolerance for the method. “As you start to familiarize yourself with it and get more comfortable with your techniques, you should aim to use gua sha at least two to three times per week,” recommends Tobia. “Once you get into a routine of performing gua sha on yourself… you’ll achieve the best results doing it daily.”

At Home vs. In-Office Gua Sha

Unlike, say, microneedling or microdermabrasion where it can be very challenging to achieve at-home results that are comparable to the in-office version, the experts we talked to repeatedly sang the praises of DIY gua sha facials. However, if you’re a gua sha newbie, it’s a good idea to see a pro first. Along with experiencing the professional treatment, your esthetician can also help show you the proper technique to follow in order to achieve maximum results, says Haifa. Choose a good gua sha tool and use it every morning for five minutes. First, apply a face oil or serum, then gently sweep the stone up the neck working your way toward the hairline, focusing on the cheekbones and jaw; this helps drain fluid downward and promotes circulation, explains Haifa. The key word is gently—you don’t need to apply much pressure at all in order to reap the benefits.

Ultimately, professionals are more well-versed when it comes to the specific and nuanced gua sha techniques that can be done on particular areas of the face, says Wasfie; as such, an in-office gua sha facial will yield more dramatic results. But DIY-ing daily in-between appointments is a great way to both increase and maintain those results.

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects

Gua sha is not recommended for those with rashes, sunburns, or blood coagulation issues, warns Hamdan. She also notes that your skin may look a little pink or red for a few moments after a treatment (or bruise depending on the pressure and your susceptibility to bruising—but remember, gentle pressure is advised). But other than that, if done correctly, gua sha is a pretty safe bet for all skin types. As always, with any specific concerns, you should speak to your physician.

How to Choose Your Gua Sha Tool

OHLAMOUR STUDIO / Stocksy

While the type of stone used for gua sha is not important, the shape certainly is. Dr. Nazarian recommends finding one that is smooth and rounded and fits the curvature of the area you want to treat. “It should be comfortable to grip,” she continues, “so you can evenly apply the strokes to your skin.” 

Tobia recommends gua sha tools with varying contours on each edge “so that you can find the right curvature to fit the angles of your face,” she explains. If this sounds daunting, keep Tobia’s wise words in mind: “When a tool has a few different angles and curves along its edges, that will provide you with more options, especially as you learn what works for you.” The variety of contours will also allow you to use your tool on various parts of your face including your jawline and cheekbones, Tobia tells us.

The material of the stone is also something to look out for. “Some stones have antimicrobial qualities that make them especially well-suited for facial techniques,” explains Tobia. “Some, like those made from nephrite jade and amethyst,” she continues, “are naturally cooling, which helps to counteract the warming effect of the technique (even with a gentle gliding motion, there is some natural friction that stimulates circulation and causes warmth).” Finally, Tobia recommends rose quartz for anyone with reactive skin because of its natural calming effects.

Unsure if a gua sha tool is well made? “A quality tool made with authentic crystal or other natural material will often be of a slightly heavier weight than a knock-off or man-made synthetic tool,” explains Tobia. “And while the weight of your stone will ultimately be a matter of personal preference, a heavier tool can help you achieve better results simply by being more substantial in your hand as you perform your techniques, which allows for deeper penetration (which provides greater stress/tension relief).”

Do you follow mysticism or have transcendental views on the power of crystals? If so, “many of the materials commonly used in high-quality gua sha tools possess properties that help clear your chakras and unlock your qi,” explains Tobia. 

Shop Our Favorite Gua Sha Tools

Before purchasing a gua sha tool, it’s important to consider its quality and material. “This is not an area where you should cut corners,” Tobia reminds us. “You’re better off getting one or two high-quality tools than getting [several] cheaper tools… Not only will the higher quality stones last longer, but they’ll also provide a much more therapeutic effect,” she concludes.

“Some people believe the stones contain different energetic properties, but I prefer to focus on the physical effects,” adds Peters. “I use surgical-grade stainless steel so it can be properly sterilized, but whether your tool is made from jade or rose quartz, the most important thing is the motion. You could even start with a rice spoon if you wanted.”

Tobia has her own list of recommendations for beginner gua sha users. “I typically advise my clients to start with tools that offer a variety of different contours and bevels on the edges.” Tobia also notes the importance of finding a gua sha tool that has both smooth bevels as well as at least one carved tooth edge to “help to gently lift the skin as you glide your tool.”

Keep scrolling for our experts’ top gua sha picks.

Jovivi

Natural Rose Quartz Stone Gua Sha

$15

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In general, gua sha scrapers are becoming more and more readily available. At first, I was dubious, but Peters reckons it’s fine to even buy one on Amazon when you’re just starting out. Jovivi’s wing-shaped gua sha tool is handmade withrose quartz crystal, a stone that represents the powerful forces of love.

White Lotus

Jade Gua Sha

$34

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White Lotus makes a great jade version.

Elequra

Rose Quartz Sculpting Tool

$53

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Skincare brand Elequra’s gua sha tool is bone-shaped and made of rose quartz. Founder Nausheen Qureshi tells us that means it has “a packed crystal structure that means it’s able to retain heat and cold better, which in turn helps the absorption of active ingredients into the skin.”

Elizabeth Trattner

Genuine Jade Gua Sha

$28

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Dr. Nazarain is also a huge fan of jade gua sha tools, recommending Elizabeth Trattner’s Genuine Jade Gua Sha. “The shape allows for use around the eyes and hairline,” she says.

[Ed. note: Unfortunately, this item is out of stock. We recommend trying Elizabeth Trattner’s Little Wing Rose Quartz Gua Sha ($36) instead].

Mount Lai

The Amethyst Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool

$34

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Dr. Nazarian recommends Mount Lai’s Amethyst Facial Lifting Tool. Amethyst—a stone known for its ability to soothe stress—promotes relaxation when used on the skin. “I love the Mount Lai Amethyst Facial Lifting Tool. The shape is great for facial contours,” she raves.

CJB

Pro Nephrite

$140

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“The CJB Pro Nephrite is a fantastic, versatile tool that can be used in a variety of methods due to its varying shapes and contours on each edge. If you’re going to start with just one tool, this is the one to get,” says Tobia.

Wilding

Empress Stone

$65

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“Another very versatile option is the Empress Pro from Wildling. This tool is made from a unique Chinese material called Bian, which provides a bit more heft than jade and possesses significant healing properties,” Tobia tells us.

CJB

Rose Quartz Sculpting Spoon

$29

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Next, Tobia recommends CJB’s Rose Quartz Sculpting Spoon. “[It’s] a great addition as it provides a smooth surface for promoting lymphatic drainage and refreshing your facial contours to combat the appearance of sagging skin. The Rose Quartz Spoon can be used either warmed or cold for different effects,” she explains.

CJB

Nefeli White Jade Stone

$260

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“If you have room in your budget for one more, I recommend the Nefeli White Jade Stone,” adds Tobia. “Similar to the CJB Pro, the Nefeli is a very versatile tool that provides additional edge shapes and bevels to expand the methods you can use. The Nefeli is a bit pricier… but it’s a really great tool to have in your set.”

There are also tons of different skincare serums or facial oils that are perfect to use with your gua sha. As a general rule of thumb, you want something with enough slip that will let you really work the product into your skin, without too much pulling or dragging. But if you’re unsure which is right for you, we can help.

Product Picks

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  Nuxe

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  Pixi

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  Odacité

The Takeaway

We have nothing but time to show us that this centuries-old approach is a skincare secret we should all be privy to. It’s important to add that while gua sha is a great non-invasive technique, it cannot always be combined with other procedures. For example, “If you have had facial botox or injectables within the past three to four weeks, you’ll need to wait at least four weeks from your most recent injection before beginning a gua sha routine, and should never perform gua sha in the four weeks that follow any facial injections,” explains Tobia. Last but not least, while gua sha can offer rewarding results, Dr. Nazarian reminds us that most of the visible benefits are temporary, so it’s important to incorporate it into your weekly routine if you wish to maintain the benefits.

 

Featured Video

In the skincare Olympics, last year’s options for the best face moisturizer for your skin type might not make 2021’s list. Why? Formulas change (even the most coveted) as brands constantly update recipes and star “actives” to make them cleaner, better, faster, stronger. “New products are continually released onto the skincare market, some of which contain more potent combinations of ingredients, and sometimes even entirely novel actives,” says Jessica Weiser, MD, Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Columbia University. She adds that rotating tried-and-true favorites intermittently helps “to ensure that your skin continues to respond to its source of hydration.” Changing seasons often cue a swap. In a heatwave, lightweight gel (basically the halter top of summer hydration) might tap in for an ultra-rich cream.

Of course, consumer demand is a powerful thing. Now that Big Beauty is finally catching on to customers asking for nontoxic ingredients and do-it-all recipes, there’s a new wave of natural multitaskers. “With endless innovative moisturizers, the hydration market is more abundant than ever, and there are products suitable to all skin types and needs,” says Dr. Weiser. To help narrow the search and edit the noise, we tapped experts for their recommendations on 28 of the best face moisturizers.

Best Drugstore Moisturizer

Even if Amazon is the drugstore of today, these can be found at the closest corner counter—for under $20. Dr. Weiser likes La Roche Posay’s Toleriane for a basic moisturizer as it’s “soothing and calming to even the most sensitive.” Makeup artist Daniel Martin (who works with classical pianist Chloe Flower one day and TikTok’s Charli D’Amelio the next) agrees that it’s “great for sensitive skin,” and prebiotics are a barrier bonus. To restore protective barrier function, “look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides in a non-comedogenic formula,” says facial plastic surgeon Yael Halaas, MD. She likes CeraVe for its broad-spectrum SPF that “won’t clog pores or cause acne flare-ups.”

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30

$19

CERAVE

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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer

$20

LA ROCHE-POSAY

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Best Lightweight Moisturizer

Lightweight and clean, Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Pink Juice oil-free moisturizer is a bestseller that caters to multiple skin types, incorporates hyaluronic acid (which holds a thousand times its weight in water), and sits in adorable packaging. Martin says Tatcha’s Water Cream is “hands down my go-to for the summer or anywhere you’re dealing with humidity and heat.” As global director of artistry and education for the brand, he’s tested it everywhere. He says to apply before makeup—even long-wear.

Glow Recipe Watermelon Pink Juice Oil-Free Moisturizer

$39

GLOW RECIPE

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Tatcha Water Cream Oil-Free Pore Minimizing Moisturizer

$68

TATCHA

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Best SPF Makeup Moisturizer

BareMinerals Complexion Rescue has swept its category for a reason—its clean mineral SPF recipe protects from blue light with just the right buildable texture for beginners. When Vogue staffers would ask for something to polish up before an event, I’d hand them a tube in their skin tone. The next time, they’d bring a friend—a certain accessories editor once raved, “it looks like you’ve had your makeup professionally done.” For those who like chemical broad-spectrum sunscreen, La Prairie’s offers a dose of their signature Caviar Water within one of the most beautifully textured skin-perfecting foundations on the market.

BareMinerals Tinted Moisturizer with Hyaluronic Acid and Mineral SPF 30

$19

BAREMINERALS

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La Prarie Skin Caviar Essence-in-Foundation SPF 25

$220

LA PRARIE

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Best Age Support Moisturizer

This is the kind of category typically labeled as “Anti-Aging,” though in 2021, that terminology is already dated. What was once the industry standard now sounds like “Anti-The-Natural-Course-of-Life-Itself.” Younger generations are anti-anti-aging and pushing for industry language to change (Allure announced it would stop using it in 2017). Brands are updating packaging with more realistic terms along the lines of “Pro-Aging.” MUTHA notes that their nontoxic Cream Extreme is pregnancy-safe (a rare find in this category), while Augustinus Bader’s “clean science” is a new insider favorite. Martin keeps iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion in his kit, which “brightens up tone while protecting skin and diminishing wrinkles over time.”

Caudalie Resveratrol Lift Firming Cashmere Moisturizer

$65

CAUDALIE

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Mutha Cream Extreme

$150

MUTHA

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Augustinus Bader Rich Cream with TFC8 Face Moisturizer

$265

AUGUSTINUS BADER

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iS Clinical Reparative Moisture Emulsion

$95

AMAZON

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Best Moisturizer for Dry Skin

Dry skin that was once treated mainly with petroleum products (a byproduct of crude oil) can benefit from modern, plant-based alternatives. Topicals offers a completely clean (and often sold-out) option full of soothing colloidal oatmeal and skin-replenishing ceramides, and its aluminum tube is easier to recycle than plastic. Martin likes Good Light’s Moon Glow featuring snow mushroom, another ingredient that holds a thousand times its weight in water. It layers well. “I’m truly obsessed with their milky lotion,” he says of his new hot-weather basic. “It’s an awesome pre-moisturizing lotion for dry skin that needs more hydration without added weight.”

Topicals Like Butter Mask for Dry, Sensitive & Eczema-Prone Skin

$32

TOPICALS

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Good Light Moon Glow Milky Toning Lotion

$22

SOKO GLAM

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Best Moisturizer for Extremely Dry Skin

Extremely dry skin calls for a buttery balm-like Nopalera’s botanical bar, part of the waterless skincare eco-revolution. Inside of a reusable (like, way cute) recyclable aluminum tin, it looks solid at room temperature—then melts into skin. Otherwise, consider a thicker cream. Glowbar founder Rachel Liverman (a third-gen esthetician) likes Avene Cold Cream for a “rich and creamy moisturizer that provides intense hydration, leaving even the driest skin feeling smooth and supple.”

Eau Thermale Avène Cold Cream Intense Moisturizer

$20

AMAZON

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Nopalera Moisturizing Botanical Bar

$30

BAN.DO

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Best Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin

For inflamed and acne-prone skin, balance is key—so is hydration. “Acne is often a reason patients avoid using proper moisturizers, but in fact moisturizing acne-prone skin can help suppress oil production and speed healing of the skin,” says Dr. Weiser. She likes this “dewy” Biossance gel that “leaves skin radiant without causing occlusion that can lead to skin congestion and blemishes.” It features squalane, “a plant-derived, excellent emollient to keep skin hydrated.” Soothing niacinamide blends with moisture-trapping humectants in Bubble Level Up balancing moisturizer—plus, its touch-pump dispenses single servings to keep bacteria out of the mix.

Bubble Level Up Balancing Moisturizer

$15

HELLO BUBBLE

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Biossance Squalane + Probiotic Gel Moisturizer

$52

BIOSSANCE

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Best Moisturizer for Dull Skin

Dr. Weiser shares that a mild exfoliant can help encourage skin turnover to “eliminate dead skin cells that contribute to dullness,” which translates into a “glow.” She recommends Sisley Paris Phyto-Blanc La Lotion for its brightening effect and ability to “continually even tone to yield bright, radiant skin while eliminating dryness.” ReVive Moisturizing Renewal cream can be applied as a final step at night (while skin does some of its best work).

Sisley Phyto-Blanc Brightening Hydrating Lotion

$165

NET-A-PORTER

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RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Cream

$195

RÉVIVE SKINCARE

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Best Anytime-Anywhere Moisturizer

For any time, anywhere moisture, creams that let skin breathe and skip the kind of SPF that needs to be washed off at the end of the day are at the front of the line. Industry-beloved brand Lord Jones soothes with CBD, while Grown Alchemist smartly wraps their rosehip oil Hydra-Repair cream in a recyclable tube (sealed with Amazon’s Choice approval). Dr. Weiser and Dr. Halaas both like Afore Moisture Complete by Dr. Few, which boasts aloe, squalane, and antioxidants that protect from free radical damage.

Lord Jones Acid Mantle Repair Moisturizer With 250mg CBD and Ceramides

$75

LORD JONES

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Grown Alchemist Hydra-Repair Day Cream with Rosehip Oil

$45

$41

AMAZON

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Aforé Moisture Complete

$95

AFORÉ BEAUTY

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DefenAge 24/7 Barrier Balance Anti-Aging Cream

$127

DEFENAGE

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Best Hand Cream

Hands do as much work as (or more than) our expressions. “Our hands take a punishing even more than our faces,” says Dr. Halaas. “As a surgeon, I wash mine innumerable times and use drying, irritating antimicrobial hand sanitizer.” Many can relate. She suggests finding a moisturizer you like and committing to “frequent application—nighttime gloves can be a help.” Clarins makes a kit for both hands and feet that could be worth the investment. Mario Badescu’s costs less than $10 for a non-slip finish.

Mario Badescu Hand Cream with Vitamin E

$8

MARIO BADESCU

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Henne Luxury Hand Cream

$25

HENNE

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Best Body Moisturizer

“Body skin doesn’t have the reparative ability that facial skin has, so it needs more support from protective creams,” says Dr. Halaas. Flamingo’s offers squalane on a drugstore budget, and it’s hard to describe the heavenly-yet-sharp botanical scent of Agent Nateur’s holi(body) serum. Martin chills out with CBD-powered PRIMA R+R Cream for “any aches and pains—its eucalyptus, lavender herbal blend of botanicals is actually refreshing and cooling on the skin for the summer.”

Flamingo Daily Moisturizing Body Lotion

$5

FLAMINGO BEAUTY

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Davines SU Aftersun Hydrating Skincare Gel

$32

AMAZON

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Agent Nateur Holi(oil) Youth Body Sérum

$95

NET-A-PORTER

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Prima R+R Cream 750mg CBD Recovery Rub for Soothing Comfort

$55

PRIMA

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