As our skin evolves over time, it become more important to find a facial treatment that not only promises brighter and younger skin, but also targets what our skin truly needs. From treating acne to pore extraction and anti-ageing, we put some of the best facials in Singapore to the test. Read on for our reviews of facial spas and beauty salons in Singapore for you to try.
8 of the best facials in Singapore at beauty salons
EstheClinic – Hydra Revival Facials
Holland Village is buzzing at the moment, so I was keen to check it out and have a facial at the same time. Upstairs in the Holland Piazza, EstheClinic is a lovely white, clean and bright space. I had a consultation in a private room to discuss my skin type and what I was hoping to get out of the experience. In my case, I have slightly sensitive skin that was a little dry after recent air travel. And at my age (44) I’m definitely prioritising anti-ageing! The beauty of the Hydra Revival facial treatment is that it is suitable for all skin types. It also has zero downtime, which was reassuring as I had a client meeting straight after.
Once I was settled in a luxe white robe in the treatment room, the beauty specialist explained the procedure. The facial treatment involves a combination of Quad Pollar RadioFrequency Technology for skin tightening, collagen and elastin production and for lifting facial contours. The Ucosmo Ultrasound technology followed. It allows essential antioxidants and hydrating medical grade cosmeceuticals to penetrate deep within the skin for better absorption.
I’ve had quite a few facials over the years, and my biggest fear is extraction. So I was pleased to hear that the Hydra Revival treatment is extraction- and pain-free. The first step was a double cleansing of the skin to remove traces of makeup and impurities. The facial then continued with the Quad Pollar RF on one side of my face. The sensation was warm, gentle and relaxing. I was then able to see in the mirror the difference between the treated and not treated sections. While admittedly minor, I did notice slightly reduced laugh lines next to the nose and lifted cheek/jowl area.
The next stage was the super-concentrated hydrating Ucosmo ultrasound. It was so cool and calming that I may or may not have nodded off briefly. The entire process was around 45 minutes to an hour, and my face and neck felt fresh, smooth and dewy. The therapist recommended a biweekly six-session programme. I’m tempted and intrigued to see what the results would be if I did that as I was really impressed with the experience.
– Georgina Hockley
Multiple locations including Tanjong Pagar, Holland Village, East Coast and Serangoon Garden
8809 4706 | estheclinic.com.sg
Face Bar – Détoxygène Facials
It was so good to have an old fashioned facial with a therapist who has magic hands! Beauty salon Face Bar’s newly revamped setting was relaxing, the music perfect and even the price was nicely old fashioned too!
I went for the 100-minute Détoxygène Facial. It uses top products from French brand Guinot and promises to refresh and reoxygenate my skin tone. It involves enzymatic and mechanical exfoliation to help eliminate dead skin cells, plus a lovely detoxifying mask that picks up and removes pollution particles to give clear, bright skin. As a starter, the cleanse was wonderfully relaxing, then the slow steaming started, which I was happy with. I think we all need a good extraction from time to time! While the steaming was still on, my skin was given a soft exfoliation. This was followed by pore “cleansing” that was thorough but gentle.
A face mask followed, and some more amazing massage (and I am usually quite fussy about them) that I really felt was smoothing the bumps and lumps. My therapist Yvette included my shoulders and neck and it was just glorious.
A warm cup of lemongrass tea afterwards helped me back into the real world, but the facial lingered. As soon as I got home my helper noticed – “Wow, your face looks good!”
Face Bar offers three beauty brands – Guinot (French), Bellewave (Swiss) and Anesi Lab (Spanish) – so there’s something for everyone.
– Rebecca Bisset
Special offer! Quote “Expat Living” to enjoy 15 percent off all Face Bar’s à la carte treatments, valid until 31 December 2024.
21A Lorong Mambong, Holland Village
6462 0525 | info@facebar.com.sg
Trimmings Salon and Spa – Skin Restoration Facial
Set in a renovated black-and-white building amidst Dempsey’s greenery, beauty salon Trimmings provided a peaceful escape from my usual busy schedule. I hadn’t been sleeping well and it showed on my dull and dehydrated skin. Elaine suggested the 90-minute SOS PH & Skin Restore Facial using Karin Herzog skincare products. These are hypoallergenic, paraben-free and cruelty-free, so they restore the skin in a gentle way.
She worked on my skin with gentle yet expert fingers. From cleansing and extraction to lymph drainage massage, I could tell that she was experienced, so I felt assured. My favourite part was the spa experience. She applied a mask over my entire face, except for my eyes as I had eyelash extensions. As my skin absorbed its goodness, Elaine gave me a very enjoyable neck and décolletage treatment. It included an exfoliation and mask, followed by a massage. I drifted off to sleep under the rhythmic movements of her hands.
Warm towels were used throughout the facial treatment, which was very soothing and calming for both my skin and senses. The nourishing ingredients such as oxygen, vitamins and rose enzymes coupled with the ultrasound delivery really did wonders. I walked out of the beauty salon with visibly plump, hydrated and glowing skin. The effect lasted for a couple of days. This just might become my go-to whenever I need a facial pick-me-up!
– Patricea Chow
• 75B Loewen Road | 8511 5085
• 123 Tanglin Road | 9710 6415
trimmings.com.sg
My Cozy Room – Pore Extraction Facial
When I first heard of the Ultimate Pore Extraction Facial, I felt nervous and intrigued at the same time. Nervous because I thought it was going to be painful, and intrigued because this facial has won several awards since 2010. I can gladly report that this 22-step facial treatment that promises holistic restoration for your skin within a generous 120 minutes is pure bliss! Relaxation is guaranteed and you can see a noticeable difference even after just one session, from a significant reduction of black heads, to smoother skin texture and a fresh glow. Feeling like a million bucks, basically!
The facial treatment starts with a gua sha welcome massage, which will have you relaxed and sleepy in no time. Your skin is then cleaned and analysed, and this is followed by a peel. Once the skin is super clean, steam opens up the pores in preparation for the extraction. I was pleasantly surprised and can report that I did not scream in pain. In fact, it wasn’t painful at all, thanks to my therapist who was very careful and gentle.
After extraction comes the toner and high frequency treatment. This acts as an antiseptic to disinfect your skin to prevent the growth of bacteria and acne and shrink large pores. Which is perfect, as I have quite large pores now that I am older. The cool light therapy then made my skin feel refreshed and alive! I loved the massages the therapist was giving to my face along the way. It was like she was shaking everything loose and unclogging everything.
One of the last steps is the premium alginate mask with super seaweed. It has a natural healing ingredient and seals moisture. After all the therapy was done, it was again massage time. The shoulder massage with beautiful relaxing oil followed by hot stones – which I’d never had together with a facial before – was pure delight. As the whole treatment was coming to an end, I didn’t want to leave!
– Susan Knudsen-Pickles
#02-09 Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Road
8666 0030 (Call/WhatsApp)| mycozyroom.com.sg
Chez Moi de Beaute – Revival Facial
If, like me, you aren’t ready to use injections to boost your skin, this facial combo at beauty salon Chez Moi de Beaute will sound very appealing. The Cell Revive Filler Facial increases moisture in the skin to make it look brighter. It also shrinks pores, which have been an issue for me lately – and I definitely needed a good pore clean-out. In addition, it lifts skin and softens wrinkles!
The facial uses advanced Korean DDS technology to deliver the equivalent of a filler injection facial, but without discomfort or downtime. It infuses pure oxygen and cellular-rejuvenation substances deep into the dermis to lift, refine, hydrate and brighten. Here are the steps:
• Your therapist chooses one of three skin booster ampoules to suit your key need.
• She applies an arginine peel to gently exfoliate skin and promote natural healing processes. This unclogs the pores while preparing the skin to receive the active ingredients from the ampoule.
• Spraying with purified high-pressure oxygen prepares the epidermis for optimal penetration, oxygenating cells and encouraging skin detox through gentle lymphatic drainage.
• The process finishes with a facial massage, a Regeneration Biocellulose Mask and an enjoyable shoulder massage. For intensive repair or rejuvenation, try a six-week course of weekly facials. For regular maintenance, one of these facial treatments every three-to-four weeks is recommended. I found a noticeable difference in skin texture. A few days later, my skin is still glowing, and the small scar on my forehead has smoothened. The smoothness makes such a difference when I put on makeup, too. Done regularly, I think this treatment could make a huge difference.
– Rebecca Bisset
Special offer! Try the Cell Revive Filler Facial for $138 (usual price $258).
#01-91/92 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road
6738 6108 | chezmoi.com.sg
The Face Place – Bespoke Facial in Singapore
I love it when a facial is very hands-on. Don’t get me wrong, the machines and products for efficacy are important. But I hate it when you’re left on your own with a mask stuck to your face, not knowing what is coming next (or even if the therapist is coming back!).
The Face Place’s Bespoke Facial starts with a cup of tea and a proper analysis of what your skin concerns are. I made a long, long list, which resulted in the broadest number of different treatments across a two-hour period I have ever enjoyed in my life, and in some very capable hands. My main concerns are dry, dull skin with uneven tone, general sagging and signs of ageing.
Tucked up under a silky blanket in the loft area of the beauty salon looking up the river at Clarke Quay, I enjoyed multiple cleansers, steaming and an AC peel, then an extraction. It was effective and not very painful at all.
A long facial massage with gorgeous Sothys products and aromatic oils, using gua sha and Bojin techniques was relaxing and uplifting at the same time. This helps with lymphatic drainage and improves blood circulation.
Then I had a “face workout” with the radiofrequency machine to stimulate collagen production and circulation (good to reduce fine lines, eye bags, wrinkles and sagging) followed by ultrasound with a Vitamin C ampoule for hydration and clear skin (also used around the eyes).
The oxyjet machine delivered more hydration while I enjoyed a deep-tissue scalp, neck and shoulder massage. I never wanted it to end! An additional special eye treatment and massage with ice balls firmed up my skin and also helped me to gently wake from my semi-slumber.
I lost track of exactly how many steps were taken, but it was a very intensive, super hands-on facial treatment. The combination of ancient techniques (massage and gua sha) combined with newer machine-delivered treatments flowed smoothly. The facial treatment left my skin feeling truly glowing, firm to the touch and plumply hydrated.
Special offer! The Face Place is offering a complimentary Eye Treatment (valued at $38) for all Expat Living Readers who book the Bespoke Facial for $280.
– Danielle Rossetti
#12-83 The Central, 8 Eu Tong Sen Street
8233 1723 | thefaceplacesg.com
SG Face – Collagen Extraction Facial
As a guy in my mid-30s, I have dealt with acne, oily skin and pesky blackheads since my teenage years. Finding a solution has been a struggle! I had tried a few extraction facials before, but never one that stuck. So I was excited to give SG Face’s extraction facials a try due to their long history.
When I arrived at the beauty salon, located just steps from the Holland V MRT station, a warm and professional aesthetician greeted me and took the time to understand my skin history and concerns. She explained that the Collagen Extraction Facial, which uses marine collagen from tripeptides to nourish the skin, would suit my congested skin. The facial started with a gentle massage followed by exfoliation. Meanwhile, the tranquil music put me in total relaxation mode.
Then came the extraction. Starting top down from my forehead and slowly moving to my nose, cheeks and chin, my aesthetician used her tools to remove stubborn blackheads and whiteheads that had been clogging my pores and were responsible for all my acne. The extraction was a bit uncomfortable, but at no point was the pain unbearable. The half-hour extraction ended when the aesthetician placed a luxurious face mask over my face for some added hydration, immediately calming my skin.
The result was immediate; my skin felt much smoother right away with the usual lumps and bumps gone. Before I left, the aesthetician took time to explain some skincare tips that would prolong the benefits of the two-hour facial. I also liked that there was zero downtime nor any inflammation. Now, a few days later, my skin is still looking smooth and far less congested. There’s especially a huge difference in my skin’s texture – it feels soft and looks healthier overall. It feels like it can finally breathe! I’m really impressed with the results, as well as the SG Face team’s expertise, and can’t wait to return.
– Zul Malik
Don’t miss! For a limited time only, SG Face is offering 50 percent off all its facials for first-time customers. It’s located just one minute away from the Holland Village MRT station.
#03-42 Holland Road Shopping Centre, 211 Holland Avenue
9723 5409 | sgface.com.sg | info@sgface.com.sg
Shens Therapeutics – Korean Glow Facials in Singapore
I recently had a chance to review the one-hour Korean Glow Facial with Rejuran Tone-up Booster at beauty salon Shens Therapeutics. This facial treatment includes exfoliation, and helps with pigmentation and hydration issues like a lot of facials do. But it also covers skin strengthening and increasing elasticity, which appeals to me at my age. I had something cut out of my forehead and this special facial mix is also supposed to help with scarring!
There are six active super ingredients in this Rejuran Tone Up Booster, worked into my skin using microchannel technology, followed by a smoothing mask for around 15 minutes:
- C-PDRN: using DOT Technology, this salmon DNA fragment acts as a skin improvement activator, strengthening the skin’s natural barrier.
- Hyaluronic Acid: this keeps your skin hydrated and plump, while combating free radicals that contribute to skin ageing and shielding against UV rays. It also plays a role in cell proliferation.
- Panthenol: for its moisturising and soothing properties, it shares the same biological activity as vitamin B5, to help metabolism and hormone production.
- Ascorbic Acid (or vitamin C): vital for collagen and elastin production, neurotransmitter function, acts as a potent antioxidant and aids in the improvement of wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and moisture.
- Glutathione and Tranexamic Acid: both of these reduce the production of melanin, which helps achieve more even skin tone and less pigmentation.
I liked that this facial in Singapore is painless and non-invasive. I didn’t have any downtime and think it’s a good non-invasive skincare solution to address a few issues in one. And for a bit of a glow, too!
– Rebecca Bisset
#07-02, Winsland House 1, 3 Killiney Road
6257 8836 | shenstherapeutics.com | enquiry@shenstherapeutics.com
This article on the best facials in Singapore at beauty salons and face spas first appeared in the March 2024 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
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