How I Transformed My Round Face on a Freelancer's Budget

The Struggle Was Real

Let me be honest with you – as a 20s freelance makeup artist, I spent years perfecting other people's faces while feeling insecure about my own. My round, puffy face made me look younger than my clients, and I constantly worried it affected my credibility.

But here's the thing about freelancing: the income is unpredictable. I couldn't justify spending hundreds on professional treatments when rent was due. So I did what any determined millennial would do – I researched obsessively and found a combo that actually worked: gua sha + the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro.

Three months later, my face is more sculpted, my jawline is visible, and clients keep asking what I "had done." The answer? Consistency and these two tools.

Why This Combo Actually Works

Gua sha promotes lymphatic drainage and reduces puffiness through manual massage. The Medicube device takes it further with:

• LED therapy (red for collagen, blue for inflammation)

• EMS microcurrent for muscle toning

• Electroporation for better product absorption

• RF heating for skin tightening

• Vibration massage

• Derma suction for circulation

Together, they're like having a spa technician and aesthetician working on your face daily – without the $200/session price tag.

My Exact Routine (The One That Changed Everything)

Morning Routine (5 minutes)

Step 1: Prep Your Canvas

• Cleanse your face with lukewarm water

• Apply a hydrating serum or facial oil (I use rosehip oil – it's affordable and glides perfectly)

Step 2: Gua Sha Drainage

• Start at your neck, stroking downward 5 times on each side

• Move to jawline: scrape from chin to ear in upward strokes (10 times each side)

• Cheekbones: from nose to temples (8 times each side)

• Under eyes: GENTLY from inner corner to temple (5 times)

The key: ALWAYS move toward lymph nodes (ears and neck). Use gentle pressure – you're not digging for bones.

Evening Routine (10 minutes – This Is Where Magic Happens)

Step 1: Double Cleanse

• Oil cleanser first, then water-based cleanser

• Pat dry gently

Step 2: Medicube Mode Selection (This changed my face shape)

• Apply conductive gel or serum generously

• Mode 1 (EMS + Vibration): Start with jawline. Hold device at 45-degree angle, move from chin to ear in slow strokes. The microcurrent makes muscles contract slightly – you'll feel tingling. Do 3 passes each side.

• Mode 2 (EMS + RF + LED): Cheeks and under-eye area. Circular motions, lifting upward. The warmth feels incredible. 2 minutes per cheek.

• Mode 3 (Derma Suction): This was intimidating at first! Use on oily areas or where you have congestion. Move continuously – don't hold in one spot. 1 minute total.

Step 3: The Finisher

• Apply your night cream or sleeping mask

• Do 5 more gua sha strokes on each side to seal everything in

What Nobody Tells You (Real Talk)

Week 1-2: Honestly? I looked the same. But my face felt less puffy in mornings. Stay consistent.

Week 3-4: My friend noticed first. "Your face looks different?" he said. Couldn't pinpoint it, but the roundness was softening.

Week 6: My friend from home asked me if i=I got my face done... obviously no. can't even afforded it lol

Week 12: Face shape noticeably changed. another friend asked if I lost weight (I didn't). Cheekbones more prominent. Face looks longer, more oval.

The Investment Breakdown

• Gua sha stone: $8-25 (mine's rose quartz from Amazon)

• Medicube Age-R Booster Pro: ~$300-350

• Facial oil/serum: $15-30 monthly

Total first month: ~$350 Professional face sculpting treatment: $150-300 PER SESSION, need 6-10 sessions = $900-3000

The math did the math.

Tips From Someone Who Almost Gave Up

1. Take progress photos weekly – same lighting, same angle. You won't notice daily changes otherwise.

2. The Medicube feels weird at first – the EMS tingling, the RF warmth, the suction. You'll get used to it. Start on lower settings.

3. Gua sha MUST be done with slip – never on dry skin. Ever. You'll get bruises and irritation.

4. Be gentle around eyes – that skin is thin. Light pressure only.

5. Consistency > intensity – 10 minutes daily beats 1 hour weekly.

6. Drink water – lymphatic drainage needs hydration to work. I aim for 2L daily.

7. Sleep elevated – an extra pillow reduces morning puffiness (game-changer).

Is It Worth It For YOU?

If you're:

• On a budget but willing to invest once

• Consistent with routines (this only works with consistency)

• Dealing with puffiness, round face, or soft jawline

• Not ready for injectables or surgery

• Okay with gradual results (not overnight miracles)

Then yes, absolutely try it.

If you want instant results or won't stick to daily routines? Save your money.

My Before & After Reality Check

I didn't go from round face to model cheekbones. But I went from "ball" to "sculpted." My face photographs better. I look more professional in client meetings. And honestly? I finally like taking selfies.

The freelance struggle is real, but looking confident in your own skin? That's the investment that pays you back every single day.

Ready to try it? Start with just the gua sha ($10-20) and master the technique for 2 weeks. If you love it, add the Medicube. Your face – and your confidence – will thank you.

Drop a comment if you have questions! I literally became obsessed with face sculpting and love helping others navigate this journey.

Disclaimer: I'm a makeup artist, not a dermatologist. Results vary by individual. Consult professionals for medical concerns.