Here at Expat Living, we’re always on the hunt for the best beauty facial treatments that promise brighter, clearer skin. As facials aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution and our skin-needs change through the years from treating acne, extraction, and pigmentation to anti-ageing, we put some of the best facials in Singapore (for different skin types) to the test.
Moving to Singapore can come with its unique set of challenges and finding a place for a good facial is just one of them. Being the helpful folks that we are, we went out and tried some facials in Singapore for you to choose from – in a variety of locations and styles of treatments and skin products.
Here are our reviews of treatments that promise radiant, glowing skin as well as anti-ageing benefits.
Trimmings
Facial treatment:
Detox and radiance oxygen facial, 75 minutes, $185
The experience:
Tucked away in the quiet and exclusive Loewen Gardens cluster, Trimmings has long been regarded as a treasure trove for hair and beauty treatments. The salon is surrounded by lush greenery and the obscure location adds to its charm; it truly is an ideal escape from the city.
Suitable for all skin types, this 75-minute detoxifying facial highlights key products from Swiss skincare label Karin Herzog, which are rooted in the power of oxygen.
After a double cleanse, my gentle therapist Grace began with a detailed analysis of my skin condition. As I’m prone to clogged pores, I requested an extraction – you can skip it, if you prefer. After a serum was massaged onto my face to soften my blackheads and whiteheads, Grace started to extract the gunk from my congested skin. The process wasn’t painless, but it was certainly one of the least painful extractions I’ve had. Next, I was pampered with a few rounds of facial and neck massages, at which point I drifted off, and then the treatment was rounded off with a luxurious double-mask.
The effects? Brighter, clearer and healthier-looking skin with significantly fewer blackheads. I did have a couple more small spots pop up (it’s a normal post-facial phenomenon known as skin purging), but my sensitive skin didn’t look red at all.
– ANTHIA CHNG
As the flagship store for Karin Herzog, Trimmings stocks a wide range of the brand’s skincare products, which are all paraben-free, cruelty-free and hypoallergenic. For a limited time only, enjoy a free oxygen face cream (worth $95) when you book this facial!
Try it at:
Trimmings Salon & Spa
75B Loewen Road
6471 1922 | trimmings.com.sg
Elements Wellness
Facial treatment:
ACE Face Shaper, 75 minutes, $554.26. Only for Expat Living’s readers, try the ACE Face Shaper and a free Collagen Eye & Neck Treatment at $72.76 nett (worth $554.26).
The experience:
Always on a quest to reduce fine lines and better my skin in any way possible, I was keen on giving ACE Face Shaper facial a go. Promising a “non-surgical facelift” with an instant lifting and contouring effect is pretty ambitious; so, needless to say, I was intrigued and had to try it out.
Walking through the doors of Elements, I was impressed by the spa itself – a sleek marble and wood space that’s clean and serene with a total “zen” feel (they even have onsen therapy baths, which I’d like to try at some point); and, the heated treatment bed gave it an extra luxurious touch!
We started with a cleanse and exfoliation of my face and décolletage, followed by a little bit of extraction (a must, in my book, for any facial worth doing). Then came the V-Shaper Therapy, which uses electro muscle stimulation to gently exercise facial muscles in order to tone the underlying muscles that provide lift. Although the aesthetician gave me a heads up in advance, the process felt quite tingly and made each area of my face twitch as she got to it. But, after just a few minutes of this odd (but not painful) sensation, it was over and my face felt normal again. Further adding to the goal of skin regeneration, an LED light was also applied during the process to stimulate collagen production. A relaxing massage with A.C.E. cream followed, and it felt so nice that I managed a small snooze!
My favourite part of the facial was the cold shaping mask meant for brightening my complexion and boosting the anti-ageing benefits of the treatment. While the mask was settling, I was treated to a wonderful shoulder massage – always a nice touch!
While the contouring and lifting effects were not immediately discernible to me, I did notice smoother, more supple skin on both my face and neck even days after the treatment – thanks to the medical-grade hyaluronic acid ampoule, which boosts collagen and hydration. A week later, my skin was still feeling softer, firmer and brighter. As for the anti-ageing effects, I think it would take more than just one session to see any real results. I’m definitely willing to go back for a second visit!
– AMY GREENBURG
Try it at:
Elements Wellness
#02-28 The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road
6737 8488 | elements.com.sg
Chez Moi De Beaute
Facial treatment:
M6 Mobilift facial, 90 minutes, $480. Try it at a first-timer price of $150; present this article or quote “ExpatLivingM6” when you’re making an appointment to enjoy a free serum and mask upgrade (worth $106) during your facial.
The experience:
Well known in Europe, the M6 Mobilift Facial from LPG France is a non-invasive, relaxing and effective way to give your skin cells a good workout. Offered at Chez Moi De Beaute, the treatment features a device that uses small paddles to lift, grab and massage small sections of the skin. It feels wonderful and stimulates the skin’s fibroblast cells to generate more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
Depending on the setting, you can target wrinkles, give a glow to the skin, or reduce your double chin. Although a series of 12 sessions is recommended, even after one 90-minute session I could see a difference in my under chin fat roll, and my skin was definitely looking brighter. I also loved the non-needle extraction process: a softening agent is rubbed into the skin and then paper is laid over the top; when peeled off, the blackheads are painlessly removed!
The products used are mainly natural, and are from Germany and the US. Chez Moi has been running for 30 years under Huijia and her mother before her, so the therapists really know their craft. I think I should schedule this regular facial workout as I do for a body massage or gym session!
– DANIELLE ROSSETTI
Try it at:
Chez Moi De Beaute
#04-75/65 Far East Plaza
14 Scotts Road
6738 6108 | chezmoi.com.sg/m6faceendermologie
Diana King
Facial treatment:
Cleansing facial, 60 minutes, $180
The experience:
Having earned the nickname “The Waxing Guru”, Diana King is a favourite among waxing insiders. This cult status may distract from the fact that she also provides a host of other beauty services including facials, where only premium products from French skincare brand Sothys are used. Diana has a warm but no-nonsense manner; the moment you enter her cosy salon, she makes you feel welcomed.
I have dull and dry skin with dark under-eye circles, so I know that I need all the moisture I can get. After cleansing and toning, an exfoliating scrub was used to remove dead skin cells and prepare the skin for the products that follow. My skin was cleansed and toned again before an intense hydrating serum was applied. Then, I was treated to a superb 15-minute face massage with a rich hydrating cream, which supplements the skin with moisture and instantly plumps it up. The massage also helps to lock in all the goodness and work the muscles for an instant lifting effect. A tightening rinse-off mask followed, and the facial finished with a nourishing serum formulated with 12 essential oils to calm and soothe the skin.
I like how baby-soft and deeply hydrated my skin felt after the 60-minute facial. My face was glowing when I left the salon, and it stayed hydrated for several days after.
– KARIN GALLEY
Try it at:
Diana King
#01-02 Sin Ming Centre
8 Sin Ming Road
9001 0274 | dianaking-waxingguru.com
Visage
Facial treatment:
Radiofrequency skin tightening treatment, 100 minutes, price varies
The experience:
I’ve been going to Visage for years – particularly for waxing, hairdos and eyebrow threading. The beauty section of the salon feels a bit “olde worlde Bali”, but Yvonne and the team have all the experience to do the job properly.
The radiofrequency applicator has a slight abrasive pad on it, which exfoliates, so it feels like you’re getting two for one. It was a very thorough cleansing process (I couldn’t believe what was unearthed), and then I was treated to the most amazing face massage and mask. While the mask is on, your shoulders, neck, décolletage and arms are massaged – it felt absolutely wonderful.
The whole facial worked up to be around one hour and 40 minutes but I wasn’t in a hurry to leave. I have tried radio frequency and infrared treatments before, but none have given me these kinds of results. I was radiant for a couple of days and will definitely return for more. This facial isn’t exactly cheap as a one-off treatment, but if you opt for a package, it gets more affordable and you can tailor the treatments to what your skin needs. I think it’s definitely worth it. You can tell from Yvonne’s own skin that Visage’s facials truly work!
– REBECCA BISSET
Try it at:
Visage
#02-11/14 Delfi Orchard
402 Orchard Road
6733 0933 | visage.com.sg
SkinFitness
Facial treatment:
Collagen One facial, 60 minutes, $159
The experience:
Located opposite Lau Pa Sat hawker centre, SkinFitness is a bright and open salon in the heart of the city. After I’d completed a new customer questionnaire, founder and owner Amy chatted to me about my skin allergies and any concerns I might have.
I was then led into the immaculately clean treatment room to get ready, which included putting tired feet into a bowl of frothy warm water. My therapist Christy explained each step of the process, even warning me when the products were going to feel cold. After cleansing, she exfoliated with products by Australian skincare brand Aspect and included a slow, relaxing face massage. Then, she applied the Collagen One face mask, and I was treated to a luxurious neck, shoulder and décolletage massage – heavenly!
I have a confession. Unlike most of my friends, over my forty-plus years I’ve only had one other facial and it didn’t work out too well. So, I was a bit dubious at first. But I truly saw an immediate difference after the 60-minute treatment: my skin was smoother, pigmentation lighter and even my husband noticed I’d “had something done”. No redness, no irritation – just smoother, plumper skin. Sorry, husband, but I’ll be going back!
– KEL FLANDERS
Looking for a quick fix? Try Shine Like a Diamond, a 45-minute facial that incorporates diamond microdermabrasion, a light peel and a medical-grade collagen mask.
Try it at:
SkinFitness
#01-03, 1 Shenton Way
8809 0848 | skinfitness.com.sg
My Cozy Room
Facial treatment:
My Premium Extraction Facial, 120 minutes, $288. First-timers can enjoy the facial at 50 percent off.
The experience:
Located a stone’s throw away from bustling Orchard Road, this boutique spa – which is as cosy as its name suggests! – features whimsical Victorian-style décor and furnishings. My session starts with a brief survey to find out my skin type, followed by a chat with the spa manager Celine, who analyses my current skin condition and recommends the best treatment.
If you have sensitive skin, don’t worry – the spa uses premium German skincare brand BABOR, known for its natural ingredients and effective results. The treatment begins with makeup removal, followed by a divine facial massage. My Cozy Room uses plant-based HYOL cleanser as a cleansing oil and BABOR Phyto-active combination treatment essence for detoxifying. My therapist Iris applies a gentle plant-based peeling enzyme to remove dead skin cells and further cleanse the skin.
Next up is the extraction, which, as someone with a lower-then-average pain threshold, I’m not overly excited about. While I wouldn’t lie and say the process was entirely painful, it was certainly bearable. Iris was extremely thorough, too; it was the longest extraction I’ve ever been through – a whole 45 minutes!
After this, I’m rewarded with a series of pampering treatments, including a head and shoulder massage, a soothing crystal eye massage and eyebrow trimming. My favourite part? Definitely the mask application, which involves a premium alginate mask (formulated with charcoal for purifying purposes) being slathered across my entire face (yes, lips and eyelids included), and then a relaxing hand massage as the mask sets.
Winding down:
If you’re looking for an extraction-focused facial to unclog your pores, this treatment would be perfect for you. While my skin was slightly red right after my session, the redness cleared up significantly after a couple of days. What’s left is a radiant base with an ultra-clean nose area – zero blackheads in sight!
Psst … Looking to glow on your special day (or a special occasion)? Opt for the award-winning Premium Illuminating Facial instead!
– ANTHIA CHNG
Try it at:
My Cozy Room
56A Cairnhill Road
6732 0030 | mycozyroom.com.sg
La Source Spa
Facial treatment:
La Radiance facial, 75 minutes, $268
The experience:
La Source Spa is an urban Tuscan-style sanctuary with big vases of lilies propped up against pale yellow walls. The treatment rooms are spacious and prepped with big, fluffy towels. From indulgent facials to full body massages, there’s something for everyone at the spa!
My skin was tired, blotchy and dull, so the La Radiance facial was the perfect pick for me. It uses dynamic pulsed light (DPL) to reduce hyper pigmentation and wrinkles, while lifting and toning. The sensation as the therapist “flashed” the light over my face was unusual but not painful at all. Thereafter, she used a more focused laser on the fine veins on my chin and around my nose to reduce their appearance.
After a traditional cleanse and extraction process, I was then treated to an extended firming facial massage, which felt like a good workout for my skin. I could feel my muscles relax as every part of my face was firmly stroked upward and outward.
La Source Spa uses their proprietary range of products from INNI Solutions, which are botanical and source-traceable, formulated without parabens, mineral oils, additives or preservatives.
Winding down:
There was no post-treatment redness or reaction, so this would be perfect before an event or a special night out as it helps to even out and brighten the skin tone. Days after, my skin still feels firmer than before; credit goes to the divine facial massage!
– DANIELLE ROSSETTI
Try it at:
La Source Spa
#01-03/04, Thong Teck Building 15 Scotts Road
6732 1318 | lasourcespa.com.sg
Derma Lab
Facial treatment:
Ultimate anti-ageing facial, $450 ($180 for first timers)
The experience:
Using products from Swiss skincare brand Juvena, this two-hour facial started with cleansing and exfoliation, then a cool steam (which I loved even more than a warm steam!) and a much-needed extraction. Then came a round of dynamic pulsed light (DPL) to brighten skin and stimulate collagen production. As a DPL newbie, the bright lights and little pulses all over my face were an odd sensation at first, but it went pretty quickly and, before I knew it, I was being massaged by a cooling crystal ball, which was quite relaxing.
Things got extra indulgent when a 24k gold leaf was massaged into my skin; gold is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-ageing properties. Then came the equally decadent caviar mask, meant to stimulate collagen and create luminous, balanced skin. We wrapped up with a great shoulder massage!
Winding down:
I left the salon feeling relaxed and looking glowy, with soft skin slathered in luxurious creams and serums. It felt like a good spring-cleaning for my face! A week later, my skin was still feeling soft and my pores were still super clean; my skin even looked a bit brighter. As for anti-ageing effects, I think it would take more than just one session to see any real results.
– AMY GREENBURG
Try it at:
Derma Lab
#02-08B United Square Shopping Mall,
101 Thomson Road
6266 3038 | facebook.com/dermalabsingapore
Beaute Hub
The treatment:
LPG Alliance face treatment, 60 minutes, $598 ($68 for first timers)
The experience:
The treatment started with a deep face cleanse before gentle steaming, followed by extractions. The LPG machine is the first in Singapore and is the latest technology treatment to get visible, instant results. LPG face endermologie is the only technique in the world that stimulates natural hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin, making it a natural and effective anti-ageing solution.
As the therapist gently glided the machine head over my face and neck, the pulsating motion felt soft and relaxing, similar to a light massage. My skin soon felt tightened and rejuvenated, and my lines and wrinkles were smoothed out, resulting in a firmer and brighter base. According to my therapist, it can reduce dark circles under the eyes, too.
After the machine did its magic, a soothing face mask was applied, and I was treated to a moisturising massage to round off the facial.
Winding down:
My face felt firmer immediately and looked noticeably brighter. I would definitely be keen to do it again, as stronger and more visible results are typically seen after five sessions.
– JACQUI YOUNG
Try it at:
Beaute Hub International
Multiple locations island-wide
6555 1515 | beautehub.com
Pure Tincture
The treatment:
Organic customised facial for ultra sensitive skin, 90 minutes, $200
The experience:
Housed on the second floor of a shophouse along Tras Street, Pure Tincture is known for its award-winning facial treatments suitable for sensitive skin. The organic beauty sanctuary is cosy and clean with a homely vibe; it almost felt like I was dropping by a friend’s place for a coffee break!
Pure Tincture offers a range of facials for different skin types: oily, combination, dry, ageing and sensitive. Over the past couple of months, my skin had become more sensitive than usual and I was breaking out rather frequently, so this organic treatment was perfect for me.
The facial started with a double cleanse and exfoliation using Pai products, which are formulated with only naturally derived ingredients and without any nasties such as preservatives, fragrances or parabens. After around 10 minutes of facial steaming, my therapist Helen then went on to extract my pimples and blackheads – a painful but necessary step for clearer, healthier pores. The session ended with a face mask, coupled with a series of divine neck, shoulder and head massages, which was undoubtedly the highlight of my experience.
Winding down:
Immediately after, I took a peek in the mirror and was surprised to see how refreshed and awake I looked. While there was some minor redness that comes with most facials, my skin looked much clearer and calmer. My eyebags had somehow miraculously disappeared too, and I’m positive it’s got to do with Helen’s magical face massage! If you liked the effects of your facial, be sure to check out the various products on display, which are mainly organic, natural and non-comedogenic.
– ANTHIA CHNG
Try it at:
Pure Tincture @ Tras Street
#02-01, 68 Tras Street
6222 0267 | puretincture.com
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This article first appeared in the March 2019 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase a copy or subscribe so you never miss an issue!
