Count us here in Singapore fans of all things Japanese – its mouth-watering cuisine, pretty cherry blossoms and cool anime. Of course, it’s also home to some of the world’s most effective beauty treatments and techniques. One spot in Singapore catching our eye lately is the new Japanese beauty salon Atelier Kogao, which uses unique Japanese slimming facial massage techniques for its small face therapy facials and face lifting facials. These treatments promise to enhance facial symmetry, contour the face and even correct bones.
But do they really live up to the hype? EL’s Rebecca and Michaela both went along for a facial to see. Here’s what they thought!
Kogao Signature – small face therapy Japanese slimming facial massage
Reviewer: Michaela Bisset
I’d never thought about getting a small face therapy facial but I do have a ‘softer’ jawline, so I thought, why not! The face slimming facial was at Atelier Kogao, a peaceful Japanese spa above Clarke Quay’s The Central.
Designed for those concerned about having a wider face, facial asymmetry and sagging skin, this is a needle-less and surgery-free way to get a sculpted v-shaped face by removing puffiness and lifting the face. It’s a lot cheaper than a face lift or botox too.
The treatment starts with a massage of my shoulders, neck, décolletage and head (bonus!) and then goes on to my face for about 40 minutes. I’ve had reflexology, osteo treatments and the like, and I can relate it to that sort of pain. The specialist uses Japanese beauty techniques to knead into my face and sculpt my jaw. I push through the discomfort as the specialist adjusts my face symmetry and improves my head and neck stiffness. Personally, I loved the head and neck massage element as that’s a problem area for me, being at a desk so often.
She does facial massage on one side of my face first so I can see the difference. And wow – although painful, I can immediately notice that side of my face looking slimmer. Even now, a week later, I can see that my smile lines are faded. I imagine this is due to the Japanese slimming facial massage techniques that promote blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.
Next up is the relaxing facial part, where I choose a treatment based on the face analysis that was done. There are three options: moisturising care, brightening care and pore control. We choose brightening care, which is great for dull skin, wrinkles and uneven pigmentation. Kogao uses double cleansing, steam, electroporation for exfoliation, bubbling masks and Ageleb products. The whole process is so soothing, and my skin looks so hydrated and plump.
I can genuinely say my face shape was changed, lines reduced and eye bags less puffy. Overall, I looked better and more youthful, but you do have to be okay with the discomfort during the ‘bone correction phase’ of the small face therapy. Overall, it was an enjoyable face slimming massage facial with great results.
Bihada Plus – face lifting Japanese facial massage
Reviewer: Rebecca Bisset
Bihada Plus is a lovely face lifting facial massage that combines a facial massage with a nourishing treatment of your choice. It includes advanced Japanese beauty technology to transform your skin, helping to sculpt and lift any sagging areas.
The treatment begins with a bubbly face cleanser, followed by electroporation (exfoliation) with brightening gel essences. After this, an uplifting facial massage with the CellCure4T++ helps lift the jowly bits, while also releasing muscle tension and improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. It was a little uncomfortable when it was near my cheeks, but not painful.
This was followed by a fabulous face mask. I can still feel the smoothness, and my skin remained really moisturised for quite a few days afterwards, much longer than with most facials. While it didn’t eliminate the darker pigmentation spots on my face, it did even out my patchy skin tone and left it luminous, as promised.
My therapist Louise had firm hands and gave a lovely décolleté and shoulder massage at the start, which I feel is so important in a facial. In my opinion, the Japanese bring something special to facial products and techniques.
It’s not cheap at $258 for 80 minutes, but there is a special on at the moment for $128!
A little background
Newly opened with two outlets in Clarke Quay and Orchard Road, both with spacious treatment rooms, Atelier Kogao is a Japanese-owned beauty salon founded with a vision to redefine facial contouring. It specialises in helping individuals unlock their natural beauty through non-invasive techniques and cutting-edge treatments. It’s also the first salon in Singapore to use the cutting-edge CellCure4T++ beauty device. The team of skilled professionals bring years of experience and stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in facial contouring and skincare to ensure that clients receive the highest quality care.
Don’t miss
The Kogao Signature treatment (from $328+ for 80 minutes) consists of a small face correction massage and clinical-grade skincare treatment of your choice (Brightening, Moisturising or Pore Cleansing Care). Although visible results can be seen after the first facial, it’s recommended to have weekly treatments for the first six weeks for long-term benefits. For a limited time only, try it at a first-timer price of $158! Quote “Expat Living” when you’re booking to enjoy a free Wove Revitalising Mask (worth $54.50) during your treatment.
The Bihada Plus treatment (from $258+ for 60-80 minutes) is a pampering treatment combining a face lifting massage with a clinical-grade skincare treatment of your choice (Brightening, Moisturising or Pore Cleansing Care). For a limited time only, try it at a first-timer price of $128! Quote “Expat Living” when you’re booking to enjoy a free Wove Revitalising Mask (worth $54.50) during your treatment.
Images courtesy of Atelier Kogao
Atelier Kogao
#09-20, The Central Soho 1, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street
#04-20 Delfi Orchard, 402 Orchard Road
8749 2563 | atelierkogao.com | atelierkogao@gmail.com
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