All of your favorite celebrities consult this lymphatic drainage specialist before events—I managed to get her at-home tips.

      As award season approaches (and continues throughout the year), Flavia Lanini is in high demand. The Brazilian-born, Los Angeles-based lymphatic drainage specialist is not just an under-the-radar expert; she’s a celebrated name among celebrities. Naomi Campbell, Gracie Abrams, Shay Mitchell, Kylie Jenner, and Tessa Thompson are just a few who rely on her services. If you've seen a star strut down the red carpet looking flawless, there’s a 99.99% chance Lanini contributed to their radiant appearance.

      As you might expect, securing an appointment with Lanini is a privilege, especially ahead of a significant event. However, not everyone can easily travel to the West Coast for a quick lymphatic massage, which is why I requested Lanini to share her de-puffing tips for home use. She may possess magical hands, but learning her preferred techniques could prove beneficial.

      One small caveat: it’s not feasible to perform a professional-level, full-body lymphatic drainage massage on yourself. “As much as I wish it were possible, I must be truthful: it isn’t,” Lanini states. “The required pressure and technique to effectively stimulate the lymphatic system can't be replicated with your own hands on your own body. It's not about strength; it's about angles and precision—factors that are impossible to apply on oneself.”

      That said, it is possible to eliminate excess fluid—Lanini mentions that a gentle face and neck massage can effectively tighten skin. “The pressure needed for facial lymphatic movement is much lighter and easier to manage,” she explains. The best part? All you need is 10 minutes, some quality face oil, and your fingertips. Here’s how to do it:

      1. **Avoid "Pumping" the Lymphatic System**

      If you're familiar with at-home lymphatic techniques, you may have seen people "pump" their lymph nodes (typically by applying gentle pressure at the collarbones) to prime the system for a massage. According to Lanini—much to my surprise—this concept is a myth. “The lymphatic system is always active, and its flow is self-regulated without needing external activation,” she states. “Simply gliding your hands to guide the fluids in the right direction is sufficient for effective drainage, without the necessity for unnecessary 'pumps' or pressure.”

      2. **Cleanse and Apply Serum or Oil**

      The only preparation required is to cleanse your skin and create a smooth surface. Choose your cleanser and massage it into your face using circular motions. A cleansing brush is an option (Lanini prefers one with a gentle vibration feature), but your hands will work just fine. After a few circular motions, use your fingers to sweep outward from the sides of your nose towards your ears, then move down your neck. “Washing your face already supports your lymphatic system,” Lanini notes, so take your time with this step. Rinse your face and apply a hydrator. “I suggest using whatever you already have on hand,” Lanini advises. “Any oil or serum will work.” Again, begin with circular motions, then sweep outward and down to your neck.

      3. **Massage Cheekbones and Jawline**

      Next, grab a massage tool with a curved edge for your jawline. “You can use anything at home,” Lanini says, whether it’s a gua sha, wand, or roller. As with the cleansing step, sweep outward towards your ear and then down your neck. “Always move downward,” she emphasizes. Do this for five to 10 passes, and then move the tool slightly upward to repeat the motion on your cheekbone.

      No tool? No problem. Lanini asserts that your fingertips are just as effective. Simply glide your hands along your jawline toward your ear, then down your neck with gentle pressure. You can also use your index and middle fingers to hook the jawline between your knuckles while sweeping outward in that position.

      4. **Massage the Forehead**

      For your forehead, glide your tool (or fingers) upward towards your hairline and then down toward your ear. Always finish with a downward motion to guide fluid toward the lymph nodes along the sides of your neck and behind your ears. Repeat this for five to 10 passes before proceeding.

      5. **Lift the Brows**

      The area around the eyes is very delicate, so “I recommend using a good oil for this part,” Lanini advises. Feel free to reapply if your skin absorbs all the moisture, as it's crucial to avoid any tugging. Position your fingertips just below your brow bone and gently push upward using short, precise motions—similar to plucking a guitar string. Move from the front of your brows to the tail, repeating this five to 10 times. If you have a gua sha tool, Lanini likes to use the narrow end to trace around the