A powerful HIIT class for the face, April Brodie’s Golki Fusion Facial is one for the history books, writes Hannah Gay.
The morning I strolled up the winding steps of Double Bay’s Intercontinental Hotel, little did I know what to expect. After all, I was catching up with April Brodie – one of the country’s most respected integrated facialists – so as far as I could tell, I’d be in for a treat. April had introduced me to buccal several years prior, kicking off my love-affair with the now highly in-demand treatment. On this day, she would introduce me to yet another emerging facial, mastered exclusively by April herself and performed by her hands only.
April Brodie caught up with Professional Beauty in 2023 to discuss all things gua sha. Read it here.
Golki, a term akin to Korean massage therapy, is a practice dating back 50 years. According to April, the therapy involves stimulating the bones and fascia to promote better blood circulation and activate the cells responsible for maintaining youthful skin. She described it as “bone therapy”, in which “acupressure and manual sculpting are incorporated to fortify the skin’s foundation, boost collagen production naturally, and enhance the skin’s innate resilience and glow”.
The two-hour long treatment, I discover, is multifaceted; so much so, it’s hard to keep up with each step performed. April refers to her protocol as providing “full spectrum care” to the skin, “nourished from the inside out, aligning outer beauty with the body’s internal balance – unlike some localised methods which may focus more heavily on surface-level treatments alone”.
“Golki Fusion Facial massage is renowned for its deep-seated internal benefits. It significantly boosts blood circulation, effectively reducing puffiness and promoting a more lifted facial appearance. This enhanced circulation leads to improved skin tone with an incredible glow and plumpness, resulting in a healthier, brighter complexion from within,” April describes. “Beyond physical improvements, Golki Fusion Massage targets the deeper layers of facial muscles, providing profound relaxation.”
April spent nearly four years mastering her latest treatment, travelling around the world for various training. The creation of Golki Fusion ultimately ended her hunt for “the final piece of the puzzle”, she told me. “While I had a good treatment, it wasn’t amazing; something was missing. I wanted to bring a unique, enriched experience to my clients. Everywhere I turned, there was Korea—Rationale had been purchased 49% by Amore Pacific (Korean company), Korean culture was all over my Netflix, and
more of my clients were experimenting with Korean products. I knew it was more than a fad; it felt like a sign to go.”
What’s a bee venom facial? April Brodie explains here.
“Fascinated by the Golki technique for years,” April finally took the plunge and ventured to Korea to undertake training locally. She admittedly knew little about the treatment itself (Koreans don’t use Google as their search engine, so sourcing any relevant information proved near futile). She managed to source a tutor, and paid a hefty fee for the week-long course. Koreans take a rigorous approach to beauty, she shared, with many seeking invasive surgeries to craft the face of their dreams. But in a bid to achieve the perfect V jawline and contoured cheeks, many are turning their attention to rigorous facial massage to achieve the desired effect. “The training taught me that Korean beauty philosophy seamlessly integrates holistic and traditional techniques with advanced modern practices for a comprehensive skincare approach.” And while accurate, April’s version has been made bespoke to her.
The treatment involves five cleanses (the fifth is reserved for the removal of eye makeup alone) each removed with a faintly scented hot towel. For two hours, April moved without break, dancing her hands in a rhythmic movement from my face to my chest, along my upper back, pulling back up to the face. Pace builds, moving from languid sweeps using single digits, to then cupping muscles and fascia by the handful, twisting and turning through weaves of facial nerves like a harpist. I swallow repetitively, as lymph fluid moves through the face and down my throat. . Mid-way, I notice the onset of rest – so relaxed is my body as my face and neck take the heat.
Eventually, I stir myself awake as April’s tempo moves into deeper lymphatic massage. Her fingers clasp along my upper cheek muscles to further fuel the lift. April interchanges hot and cold, placing cooling eye masks under a heated sheet mask (an AB signature). A granular peel mask – or ‘Herbal Glow Mask’ – was applied. And while not a peel in the traditional sense, April refers to this a “hybrid product” and “unlike anything else available”. The mask contains over 30 Korean medicinal herbs to hydrate the skin and fuel it with antibacterial properties. It delivers a very light exfoliation, suitable for even damaged skin barriers. “It enhances the skin’s texture, preparing it to absorb the deep benefits of the Golki technique more efficiently, delivering that signature Golki Fusion Glow!”
The treatment also uses the S Serum – a product developed by international facialist, Sophie Carbonari. “I was delighted when Sophie approached me for this exclusive partnership. It was a match made in heaven—a luxurious plant-based serum made in Korea by renowned skincare experts. Often called the ‘little black dress’ of serums, S Serum seamlessly fits into my treatments and enhances every step, from the massage to the final touch. Its innovative formula addresses the skin’s needs on multiple fronts: antioxidation, even tone, adaptogen support, and essential hydration.”
Between sessions, April prioritises unwinding with brief meditative practices and gentle hand exercises “to maintain my energy and dexterity.” She also believes in keeping hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet for consistent stamina.
April charges $700 for the blissful treatment – a figure, believe it or, I encouraged she raises, agreeing that there is a growing category of wellness experiences. “Integrating wellness practices elevate a facial from a routine treatment to a holistic experience that nourishes both the skin and the soul. It’s about offering clients a sanctuary where they can rejuvenate not just their complexion, but their overall wellbeing.” With Golki Fusion, I was lucky enough to receive the best of both worlds.
This article originally appeared in the Issue 01 2025 print issue of Professional Beauty magazine. Read it here.
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