SUQQU is among the most sought-after Japanese luxury brands in beauty aficionado circles. What’s peculiar is that while it’s highly popular in both Asia and Europe, its presence in the United States is completely non-existent. Although I don’t wear makeup, I’ve spent the last few years hunting down a few skincare items. Recently, I rediscovered the Designing Massage Cream, which has become my most-reached-for night cream. What sets it apart? Keep reading.
What is a massage cream?
Popularized as self-care rituals in Asia, massage creams actually constitute their own skincare category. The concept falls somewhere between a moisturizer and a creamy leave-on mask. Many brands in the Asian market develop their own massage protocols. However, after comparing Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Japanese techniques, I’ve noticed that the end goal is always the same. All of these techniques use light pressure, swiping, and circular motions of fingers and knuckles to lift, sculpt, and de-puff the face. Massage cream isn’t quite the sidekick but rather an essential element of this facial treatment.
Massage Cream vs Moisturizer
They’re not the same thing. In short, while every massage cream can double as a moisturizer, not every moisturizer will work as a massage cream. Here are some differences between the two:
- Massage cream has a richer texture and usually isn’t quickly absorbed to provide the necessary glide with just enough slippage.
- You use significantly more product compared to regular moisturizer to ensure comfort and cushion while performing facial massage, which can last 5-10 minutes.
- You’ll notice that most massage creams feel slightly more occlusive than regular moisturizers.
- Massage creams are often packed in jars at least twice the size of regular moisturizers since you are more generous with its application.
- Massage creams tend to be more fragrant to emphasize the aromatherapy element during the treatment.
SUQQU Designing Massage Cream
What makes the SUQQU formula one of my favorites is simply its performance. The luxurious texture delivers instant and lasting moisture on contact. Infused with powerful antioxidants like Japanese Rose, Green Tea Leaf, and Geranium Extracts, it promotes anti-inflammatory benefits and perks up a dull, sallow complexion. The star of the INCI list here is Marshmallow Root Extract, which has impressive calming, smoothing, and healing properties. Yes, there is a fragrance because Japanese luxury brands are all about those floral notes. Expect a mind-soothing blend of Yuzu, Jasmine, Lily of the Valley, Rose, and Cedarwood. P.S. It does not linger.
How I use the SUQQU Massage Cream
If you’re one to follow directions, check out this video on the SUQQU website. This is the intended method, which I find to be part branding strategy and part marketing. I simply take a dollop (again, SUQQU recommends a walnut-sized amount, but I go with a hazelnut) and take my time to massage it into the skin as the last step of my evening routine. If I decide to start my day with a facial massage, I remove any remaining product with the oh-so-plush spongy cloth that was included in my jar. You can also pair it with a Gua-Sha tool.
Since my combination skin can only take such a rich dose of moisture every so often, I opt for a twice-weekly application. I find it to be an excellent post-retinol step. Since there’s no need to rinse off, I usually wipe off the excess or simply keep patting until fully absorbed. There hasn’t been a morning that I didn’t wake up with visibly refreshed and glowing skin. I’m a huge fan.
$59 (100g) and $99 (200g) at cultbeauty.com
