Best facials in Singapore: Our reviews!

Here at Expat Living, we’re always on the hunt for facial treatments that promise brighter, clearer skin. As facials aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution and our skin’s needs change through the years – from treating acne to extraction, pigmentation and anti-ageing – we put some of the best facials in Singapore (for different skin types) to the test. Read on for our reviews!

Ultimate Regenerative Facial (75 minutes, $500)

Where: IYAC MedSpa

“IYAC MedSpa is a little oasis in the Camden Medical Centre building where I was treated to the Ultimate Regenerative Facial (URF). During a URF, a customised booster serum of PDRN, hyaluronic acid, peptides and growth factors are applied using teeny tiny electrical pulses. Fun fact: the active ingredients are PNs (polynucleotides) and PDRNs (Polydeoxyribonucleotides), and these are extracted from salmon
DNA.

Jezz, my aesthetician, used a cleanser and removed the layers of dead skin cells using this amazing tool that gently scrapes off the layers via a super quick vibrating ‘blade’. This sounds scary, but the blade is blunt and it’s actually quite relaxing! This was followed by a gentle extraction that I barely registered as the initial cleanse is so effective!

Now for the fun bit. A serum was applied to my face starting on the right-hand side at the base of my chin. The proteins in the serum were then pushed into my skin’s layers via (painless) micro-current pulses that are delivered through a wand that sat directly on my face. It was an odd feeling at first – kind of like a very light threading, and ticklish when it went over my nose! Once the right side had been done, Jezz did the left side of my face.

The verdict? I loved it! It was strangely relaxing, especially once I knew what to expect, and I honestly noticed results. I really saw a reduction of lines on my forehead! I also noticed the brow furrows above my nose (my ‘WTF?’ lines!) being less prominent now, too. The staff are so informed and attentive, and the red date tea at the end was perfect!”

– Kate Marsden

Don’t miss

Through 30 April, IYAC is offering a more affordable, 35-minute version of this facial at $280 for a single session, or $780 for three sessions.

IYAC MedSpa
#06-04 Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Boulevard
6738 9929 | iyacmedspa.com

Diamond HA+ Power Dose Facial (60 minutes, $470.80)

Where: Elements Wellness

“My skin looked tired and dull after an illness so I was keen to try a facial that would put some glow back into my skin. The rejuvenating Diamond HA+ Power Dose Facial at Elements Wellness was the perfect pick for me. It uses microdermabrasion to improve skin tone and texture, while firming and hydrating.

Elements has three locations in Singapore. I headed to the Centrepoint salon – a sleek and luxurious space with a relaxed ambience and well-appointed treatment rooms.

After a double cleansing, my therapist Zoe began by assessing my skin condition to determine the most suitable treatment for my skin type. As I have thin, sensitive skin, she recommended using a milder enzyme peel for my face and the Diamond Peel (microdermabrasion) for my neck where the skin is thicker. This procedure (which uses a wand made of diamonds chips!) felt like a small vacuum suctioning my skin – an unusual sensation but not painful. After applying the enzyme peel to my face, I was left under a warm steamer for five minutes.

Next up was the extraction, which I usually dread as it’s so painful, but it was surprisingly pain-free. After that, the “Power Dose” concentrate (a serum containing hyaluronic acid and other skin rejuvenating ingredients) was applied to my skin using ultrasound. This process heats elastin and promotes the stimulation of collagen; I could feel my skin tightening as it worked.

Lastly, a cold collagen mask was applied to my face to seal in the moisture and I was treated to a heavenly head and shoulder massage while the mask worked its magic. A final cleanse, tone and moisturise and I was done – just over an hour later.

The effects? My skin looked visibly brighter, firmer and healthier, and I was really pleased with the result. My new glow lasted days after the treatment and I would definitely be keen to do it again.”

– Juliet Keys

Don’t miss:

Only for Expat Living readers, try this facial at a first-timer price of $72.76!

Elements Wellness
#02-28 The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road
6737 8488 | diamondhafacial-68.gr8.com
elements.com.sg

The Ritual Face Spa (90 minutes, $280)

Where: The Face Place

“I sometimes find spas almost too dark and peaceful. That’s why I like The Face Place. (And don’t you just love the name?) The private beauty loft is brightly lit with a lively and cheerful atmosphere, and only three people are allowed inside at any point in time. Also, it’s not one of those ‘factory’ spas, with room after room of services. Rather, The Face Place does one facial at a time – talk about personal attention! The facial is personalised, too; right from the start, Sandra and I discussed my skin type and what would be best for me.

I was treated to The Ritual Face Spa ($280) – kind of like the granddaddy of all facials. After a double cleanse, Sandra went to work very gently extracting all those nasties courtesy of Singapore’s humidity with the help of a Vitamin D emollient. Then it was time for the pampering, which included a high-frequency treatment and an ampoule application – the latter was an essential oil blend chosen just for me (rose, frankincense, rosehip and jojoba).

Next came the RF therapy, an anti-wrinkle mask application and Skinceuticals hydrating serum. Was there anything I didn’t get? I felt very spoiled! Sandra finished with a fabulous face, neck and shoulder massage using ginger and lemongrass oils. That woman has some very strong hands. (My lucky neck!)

The facial uses Guasha and Bojin techniques, a special type of tissue manipulation to promote lymphatic circulation, contouring and shaping of the facial muscles. This technique can also help with dark eye circles, puffy eyes and fine lines. Sure enough, my skin felt brighter and firmer when I got home after the 90-minute facial. I did break out a little, but not as much as usual (I have crazy sensitive skin). It’s been several days now and I just went and really studied myself in the mirror – something I kind of avoid. I definitely think my fine lines look a bit better and my skin seems a bit tighter. So, it’s all good news!”

– Melinda Murphy

The Face Place
8 Eu Tong Sen Street, The Central, Clarke Quay #12-83
8233 1723 | thefaceplacesg.com

Cellovski Capsule Neoderymyl Treatment + OPT Whitening Treatment (120 minutes, $428)

Where: Beaute Hub

“I lead an active lifestyle, so sun, sweat and chlorine are constantly sucking moisture from my skin. My Beaute Hub therapist Chantelle was quick to pick up on this and gently pointed out my dull complexion. She recommended the Cellovski Capsule Neoderymyl Treatment, a needle-free collagen and elastin filler that uses magnetic infusion technology (MIT) to penetrate the skin with targeted capsule formulas that cater to your areas of concern. MIT creates magnetic pulses, which then convert to a mild electrical energy field that boosts serum infusion. The treatment is suitable for all skin types; there are four single-use capsules to choose from, depending on your diagnosis. For my case, the whitening capsule was the recommended pick.

Once my face was cleansed and scrubbed, the capsule treatment was applied with the handheld device in a gentle circular manner over 20 minutes. Following this came a sensational face and back massage using almond oil that eased me into phase two: the OPT Whitening Treatment. An improved approach to regular IPL treatments, OPT uses a laser head to target facial imperfections like fine lines, skin discolouration, freckles and dullness. It can also be used on the neck, chest and hands.

To wrap up the treatment, a hydrating and cooling face mask was applied and left to replenish my skin.

Presented with a mirror post-treatment, I noticed the immediate effects around my eyes in particular: definitely more plump and youthful. As the week unfolded, I was less inclined to wear foundation and concealer as my complexion evened out and was noticeably brighter and toned. I’ve also heard that the treatment has been clinically proven to reduce wrinkles by 15 percent, so I’m looking forward to that!”

– Leanda Rathmell

Beaute Hub
6 locations islandwide
beautehub.com

Aqua Radiance Treatment (75 minutes, $200)

Where: Civasan Laboratories

“Located on the fourth floor of Mandarin Gallery, this Korean facial salon has a bright and open entrance that’s hard to miss. My first impression of the space is how exceptionally clean it looks. The light pink walls and minimalist décor are also tastefully done.

After a thorough consultation with my Korean skin therapist Lily, I’m led to the treatment room. I lay on a heated bed (bonus!) and she takes me through a series of steps for the Aqua Radiance facial, a gentle treatment that caters to dry skin and dull skin tone. First up is double cleansing, followed by a light extraction, which thankfully is almost pain-free. Then I’m treated to a boosting ampoule and an LED mask application to calm down the skin. A Balsam mask is applied and, 10 minutes after, I wake up to a clearer and glowier base.

The facials use premium products from Korean skincare brand Civasan, which specialises in improving problematic skin. Plus, all the skin therapists are Koreans with many years of experience working with well-known spa companies, so you can be assured you’re in good hands.”

– Anthia Chng

Top tip Save when you sign up for a package! Civasan offers personalised programmes for various skin conditions; you get three free sessions when you opt for 10 sessions (from $2,280), and homecare products are provided for maintenance after every session.

Civasan Laboratories
#04-12 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road
9638 0483 | civasan.sg

Erase & Raise Anti-Aging Facial (75 minutes, $188)

Where: Trimmings

“Trimmings is a little slice of heaven burrowed into a rich, green corner of Dempsey Hill. I was super chilled before I even set foot inside, which set the tone perfectly for my maiden voyage here.

I’m a total facial rookie, so it’s safe to say that I was pretty pumped. The uber friendly and super knowledgeable Elaine met me at reception and took me to the treatment room. She was thorough in asking me questions about my daily skincare routine (non-existent) and the kinds of products that I use (whatever the nearest soap is handy in my shower).

She delicately and kindly recommended a 75-minute facial consisting of a fruit peel followed by a rose and chamomile soothing facial to calm my redderthan-red Aussie hide. Then followed a full hour of sheer bliss. I had layers of different product applied to my face and I was informed along the way about exactly what she was doing and what was happening, which I appreciated.

When Elaine the Amazing was done with me, I felt like a million bucks and it showed. My skin was noticeably less ‘rouged’, and it appeared a lot smoother and more even in tone. In short, Elaine is a sorceress and Trimmings has converted this soap-and-water skincare bum into someone who might now give a fig when it comes to facials!”

– Kate Marsden

Trimmings
75B Loewen Road
6471 1922 | trimmings.com.sg

WISHPro Plus+ Facial (75 minutes, from $296)

Where: Chez Moi De Beaute

“I had a facial using WISHPro, a treatment device based on Magnetic Infusion Technology (MIT), which converts magnetic pulses into an active energy field that creates light or electrical current. It uses customisable technology ‘heads’ with various serum capsules for different skin conditions. WISHPro is said to help with a variety of concerns, from sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, to dehydrated and sensitive patches, as well as pigmentation.

Before the treatment, I had a consultation with a therapist so she could understand my skin condition and choose the best technology head and serum combination. After cleansing and a gentle exfoliation, a lymphatic drainage massage followed, using the magnetic pulse technology head and peel exfoliator capsule. This capsule contains Bio-Gommage, a proprietary peel formulated with vitamins B5 and E to brighten and repair skin.

A second serum capsule was then worked onto my skin for 15 minutes. After a face and shoulder massage, a final mask was applied to ensure maximum penetration of all the active ingredients.

The facial can be done as often as once a week. For general maintenance, the Chez Moi team recommends one treatment every three to four weeks.”

– Rebecca Bisset

Don’t miss: Until 30 April, first-time customers can try the facial at a special price of $168, and enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the WISHPro APL Serum Capsule (worth $128). Simply flash this page or quote “Expat Living WISHPro” when booking!

Chez Moi de Beaute
#04-75/65 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
6738 6108 | chezmoi.com.sg