When in Milano, do as Dua Lipa does: drink vino with friends, see her good interior design, eat piatto after piatto of pasta, and visit her favorite face-sculpting facialist.
Based in the charming Navigli district of downtown Milan, Alessandra Ricchizzi is one of Europe’s most sought-after beauty facialists. (She counts Italian pop stars, models, and Chiara Ferragni among her other clients.) The first time Dua Lipa visited was back in 2023, where she underwent Ricchizzi’s signature “Manual Lifting” treatment. Developed by Ricchizzi, the facial stimulates the internal and external facial muscles to create a lifted and sculpted effect that’s completely noninvasive.
“My philosophy is based on the idea that the face is not just about aesthetics, but also an expression of internal balance,” Ricchizzi tells Vogue. The facial is bespoke for each individual face; Ricchizzi first studies a client’s facial expressions and posture, and their “facial memory” (which she defines as everything from fine lines to texture that develops as we age).
“There are three facial axes through which memory passes: the first is the central, vertical axis, which I work on during the first appointment; then, during the second or third appointment, I work on the horizontal axis, and finally, on the oblique axis,” she explains. “The final result is a lifting and repositioning effect of 0 to 6 cm [about 2.3 inches].”
Describing her style as “profound yet delicate,” Ricchizzi is an advocate for natural, non-invasive skincare. “I started massaging dolls at age eight and haven’t stopped since,” she says. “After years of training in advanced aesthetics and manual techniques, I felt the need to develop a more personal approach, combining effectiveness with a deep understanding of the face. Thus, was born my ‘AR Lifting’ method.”
Dua Lipa receives Alessandra Ricchizzi’s Manual Lifting massage in 2023.
Photo: Courtesy of Alessandra Ricchizzi
What does that look like? The facial begins with a series of manual sculpting and lifting movements that define the face contours and release tension (super nice if you suffer from TMJ or routinely clench your jaw) using a “lifting glove.” Just like you’ll see being used on Lipa, it’s a glove consisting of red LED fingertips that promote “anti-gravity” action, stimulating the facial tissue and muscles. At the same time, it deeply works in products to promote luminous and hydrated, plumped and toned skin. Lipa also enjoyed the treatment on the rest of her body for a snatched effect, which mimics the same effects of a lymphatic drainage massage.
