Geranium

The best facial treatments to try in Singapore

We unmask the best facials in town to tackle all your skin problems. Contributed by Michelle Yee

Cheryl Sekkappan
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We can't turn back the clock but you bet we'll do all we can to slow it down. Begone dull skin, signs of ageing and dark spots! In the name of research (and beauty), we put our best faces forward to try out numerous facials and skin treatments around Singapore.

Whether it is a brightening, firming, antioxidising or lifting treatment, we've categorised a handful of treatments according to your skin needs and budget. Here are the best facials in Singapore – and it's all right to splurge a little, your skin deserves some pampering too. 

RECOMMENDED: Express lunchtime beauty treatments to try in Singapore and the best mobile beauty services in Singapore

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  • Health and beauty
  • Spas
  • Orchard
Aesop Facial Appointment
Aesop Facial Appointment

For a sensory experience

Much like its iconic apothecary stores, meticulous attention has been given to the sounds and scents of Aesop Facial Appointment, which is the third in Asia after Hong Kong and Tokyo. This treatment space is thoughtfully designed and offers six customised Aesop facial treatments designed to stimulate and intensively nourish your skin – although you can expect the therapist to tailor the steps and products used to your skin needs after an in-depth consultation. The spa takes up to four appointments per day as there’s space for only one customer at a time so we suggest booking well in advance.

Treatment to try Parsley Seed Intensive ($150-180/60-75min), which takes the brand’s well-loved Parsley Seed range and turns it into an ultimate pampering anti-oxidant treatment. Aesop’s signature Parsley Seed Extract (which you can purchase afterwards) helps to tackle the effects of urban pollution and prolonged exposure to air-conditioning – your skin is first deep cleansed before a gentle exfoliation and ends with intensive hydration. No machines or tools are involved – it’s the sort of facial you fall asleep to and wake up to with a glowing visage. It’s suitable for all skin types in need of monthly maintenance.

  • Health and beauty
  • Spas
  • Orchard

For a medical-grade treatment

Give your skin the glow-up it deserves at SkinLab The Medical Spa, where every treatment is expertly crafted and medically backed by doctors. The medi-spa also pulls out all the stops with cutting-edge, FDA-approved laser technologies to treat skin conditions. Whether you're tackling acne or looking to firm and lift your skin, SkinLab helps you identify the issues unique to your skin and put together a customised facial (from $48) that leaves your complexion in peak condition. Its comprehensive treatment protocols include extended session times – even for express facials, which pack a punch in just 60 minutes.

Treatments to try Battling stubborn acne? The Signature Medical Peel (from $48) uses a specially developed protocol consisting of medical-grade ingredients to gently reduce acne. To reduce the signs of ageing, try the LDM Triple Facial (from $218). This advanced, sensitive skin-friendly treatment uses ultrasound technology to supercharge your skin’s collagen and hyaluronic acid levels, strengthening the skin barrier for a youthful, hydrated, and noticeably firmer complexion. If pigmentation or dull skin is your issue, the Lumenis M22 Laser Face Treatment (from $208) uses an FDA-approved laser system to brighten your skin.

Book an appointment here.

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  • Health and beauty
  • Beauty salons
  • Raffles Place

For a holistic experience

At The Face Place, no two facials are the same as they offer bespoke facial treatments using only the best practices and products by experienced and accredited aestheticians. The Face Place specialises in combining high-touch facial techniques, such as face shiatsu massage, with technology, such as radiofrequency, microcurrent, ultrasound, iontophoresis and micro-needling. Massaging the face improves circulation, bringing more blood and oxygen to the skin. These methods organically make your skin and craniofacial muscles feel better, which makes you look vibrant with glowing skin. There are two time periods of facial treatments to choose from, either 70 (for $180) or 110 (for $280) minutes.

Treatment to try Depending on what you need for your skin, you can choose from treatments like The Energising Vitamin C Facial for brightening skin, The Signature Facial Massage that is best for lifting and anti-aging or The Cryo Facial for congested skin that is prone to breakouts. You can also choose a Bespoke Facial Treatment if you want your own customised treatment. Enjoy 20 percent off all 70- and 110-minute facials as our reader and a first-timer to The Face Place.

Schedule an appointment here.

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  • Health and beauty
  • Jurong East
Sulwhasoo
Sulwhasoo

For that K-Drama star glow

Several facial rooms and a lounge are cleverly hidden behind shelves of Sulwhasoo products at the Westgate outlet of this luxury Korean beauty brand. Its concise facial menu, which varies from boutique to boutique, is as natural as you’ll get – traditional herbs such as ginseng are among the ingredients used in the facials here. 

Treatment to try Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Treatment ($300/80min). If you like masks and massages, this is for you. After a welcome footbath and facial massage, Sulwhasoo’s signature First Care Activating Serum EX is applied to facilitate absorption. The first mask applied is the Radiance Energy Mask, followed by a décolleté and face massage with a pair of jade rings. A remodelling mask follows, and the treatment ends with yet another face massage – this time a special ‘twist and pinch’ technique to boost lymph drainage to promote the skin’s ability to self-rejuvenate.

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  • Health and beauty
  • City Hall
The Ritz-Carlton Spa
The Ritz-Carlton Spa

For tired skin

The revamped Ritz-Carlton Spa is an underwater-themed oasis for the worn-out folks – calming blue lights are surrounded by lush greenery, with the sounds of nature being piped throughout the 10-room spa. It’s the first La Mer hotel partner spa in Asia Pacific so naturally, La Mer products take centre stage. If you’re looking to go all out to pamper yourself, the spa offers three signature spa experiences: Timeless Indulgence (La Mer Miracle Broth facial and a foot care regime), Cello Concerto (massage synchronised to classical music) and Educational Spa masterclasses, where you’ll learn the art of massage.

Treatment to try La Mer Miracle Broth ($420/90min). It’s not a soup but an elixir that locks in moisture while soothing and brightening your skin. As the extract is slathered on your mug, therapists conduct a series of deep cleansing, massage, eye treatment and an ‘ice sequence’ to seal in all the benefits.

A light touch to soothe and relax

  • Health and beauty
  • Beauty salons
  • Orchard

For renewed skin 

Incepted as a one-stop sanctuary for busy urbanites, La Source Spa offers a range of beauty and wellness treatments that is aimed at helping guests look and feel their best. From expert massage services to facials, hair treatments and more, La Source Spa has something for everyone to ensure they leave feeling recharged and rejuvenated. 

Treatment to try Skin Rebirth Treatment Facial ($398/90min). Give your skin a new lease of life with this anti-aging and anti-oxidising treatment. This pampering experience begins with a soothing massage using a lifting serum, which helps smooth out fine lines and uplift face and eye contour. This is followed by a CO3 mask packed with active ingredients like resveratrol, to feed oxygen to skin cells. The session ends off with an intense hydrating serum which is gently massaged into skin to repair oxidative damages, leaving skin feeling fresh and supple.  

  • Health and beauty
  • Beauty salons
  • Kallang
Geranium
Geranium

For a TCM-inspired face massage

At first glance, it's easy to dismiss Geranium as a hair salon – it is, you can definitely get your tresses cut, coloured and treated there – but Geranium is first and foremost a facial salon. With 11 years of facial experience under its belt (the expansion into a hair salon came after), the salon offers a concise menu of facial treatments to target different skin concerns. The friendly therapists at Geranium are particularly trained in the art of facial gua sha – yes, that's the TCM treatment that uses jade tools to stimulate the lymph nodes on your face and no, it's very gentle and you won't be left with bruises on your face, just glowing skin.  

Treatment to try Multivitamin Lifting Treatment ($500/120min). Carve out a good two hours to treat yourself to this relaxing treatment at Geranium that combines a facial gua sha with a multivitamin treatment massage for a lifting and brightening effect. After cleansing and an enzyme exfoliating peel, the therapist does a gentle extraction by hand followed by a cold compress to speed up skin recovery. Then it's on to the best parts – a face massage with a potent multivitamin serum followed by a face gua sha that's sure to lull you to slumber and a rubber mask to lock in all the goodness. A shoulder and scalp massage is done while the mask sits on your face – talk about efficiency.

Note: because of the high Vitamin C content in the serum used, this treatment is not recommended for those with sensitive skin or acne skin condition.

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  • Health and beauty
  • Spas
  • Raffles Place
Kew Organics Facial Bar
Kew Organics Facial Bar

For a full-body treatment

Whether you’re looking to deep cleanse your pores, reduce puffiness around your eye area or get rid of the dreaded back acne, Kew Organics Facial Bar can help. Singaporean founder Lily Kew took inspiration from nature and uses only fresh, vegan, non-GMO, certified organic and natural ingredients to deliver clear smooth skin. Kew Organics has its in-house range of skincare products ($59.90-$94.65) that range from Mandarin Acai Cleansing Lotion to Megaboost Hyaluronic Concentrate Serum that you can use at home to prolong the effects of the facial.

Treatment to try Skin Clear Organic Treatment ($120/60min). Bring sexy back with this bespoke back treatment that effectively removes acne scars and blemishes to reveal smooth and soft skin. It’s suitable for acne scars, blemishes, rough skin and uneven skin tone. If you’re looking for a relaxing one for your face, try Kew Organics’ signature MD Organic Facial.

  • Health and beauty
  • Spas
  • City Hall
The SK-II Boutique Spa by Senze Salus
The SK-II Boutique Spa by Senze Salus

For dehydrated skin 

With plush beds that’ll make you want to sink into a deep slumber, the SK-II Boutique Spa by Senze Salus has one of the most relaxing facial experiences we’ve tried. Combining top-notch service with SK-II’s products, the spa delivers luxurious facials that target wrinkles, sagging and dull skin. 

Treatment to try SK-II Discovery Facial ($225/60min). For people looking to restore their skin’s moisture barrier, this basic facial covers all the necessary bases. The spa uses cutting-edge technology, including a sonic cleansing wand and a cold ion machine, to instantly tighten pores, soothe redness and lighten dark circles. 

Treatments for troubled skin

  • Health and beauty
  • Beauty salons
  • Bukit Timah

For uneven complexion and sun damage

With over a decade of experience in providing an array of facial treatments, SG Face, situated within Holland Village Shopping Centre, is a place you can safely entrust all your skin woes to. From deep cleansing, whitening, detoxifying and more, the therapists are adept at performing various treatments using premium sustainable skincare products from Babor. We like how warm and welcoming the therapists are, ensuring customers feel right at home. The pocket-friendly prices for their treatments are likely another huge reason why they’ve amassed a loyal following over the years. 

Treatment to try Diamond Peel Facial. Perfect for skin that needs an instant pick-me-up, the Diamond Peel Facial, also known as microdermabrasion, is a progressive, non-invasive procedure that removes dead skin cells, dirt and excess oil on the skin’s surface using a diamond-tipped wand. Apart from removing the top layer of the skin, the treatment also helps promote the production of new cells in the deepest layer of the dermis and stimulates collagen networking to even out skin texture and tone. Due to its multiple benefits, diamond peels are ideal for combating skin woes like enlarged pores, uneven complexion, sun damage wrinkles and more. With little to no downtime, this treatment can be done whenever you feel like your skin needs a little TLC. 

  • Health and beauty
  • Newton
My Cozy Room Boutique Spa
My Cozy Room Boutique Spa

For clogged pores 

Removing blackheads and stubborn whiteheads can be a nightmare, and the folks at My Cozy Room get it. Set in a quaint terrace house a skip away from Orchard, the boutique spa is known for its extraction facial, which promises to rid the bacteria trapped within your pores completely and painlessly. Don’t worry about dealing with any redness, too – you’ll step out with a smooth and radiant complexion that’ll last for days. 

Treatment to try Customised Facial Treatment ($188/60 min). Everyone's skin is different and My Cozy Room Boutique Spa understands that. Choose from a menu of treatments where the 20-step process begins with an in-depth skin analysis. Then, after double-cleansing, your skin’s prepped with a deep pore lotion to soften the blackheads and whiteheads before extraction begins. To our surprise, the procedure is fairly gentle (think: ant bites) and the cooling mask applied after reduces any redness. It’s followed by a stress-relieving head and shoulder massage before you’re finished off with a toner, moisturiser  and sunblock.

Aesthetic treatments to try

  • Health and beauty
  • Beauty salons
  • Orchard

For brighter and smoother skin

Located in the heart of Orchard Road at Mandarin Gallery, this 1,012 sq ft boutique by Shiseido Group’s high prestige brand Clé de Peau Beauté offers tailored facial treatments that incorporate Synactif – the premier skincare series from the brand. Opened in 2017, the store concept was conceived and inspired by the “Limitless Radiance” that every woman can unlock with Clé de Peau Beauté’s products and services. ‘Limitless Radiance’ is exemplified from the facade with specially-crafted architectural lighting that gives the storefront dimension akin to a multi-faceted jewel.

Treatment to try Soin Synactif Purifying Facial Brightening ($200/80mins). Designed to enhance the at-home Synactif skincare ritual, this pampering hands-on and machine-based treatment begins with a deep cleanse using Synactif cleansing cream to remove all traces of make-up and impurities. Next, a brightening lotion mask is applied on the skin, followed by a warming mask. This was one of the high points of the treatment, where a skilled therapist gently kneads the Synactif massage cream into the skin to encourage blood circulation. Comprising a total of 10 steps, this treatment not only results in visibly brighter and smoother skin, but it leaves one feeling energised and well rested. 

  • Health and beauty
  • Beauty salons
  • Tanglin

For radiant complexion 

Launched in 2008 by owner and founder Amanda, who is devoted to the notion of simple beauty, Trimmings offers a full range of salon and spa services for both men and women. From eyelash extensions and massages to facial services, hair treatments, IPL services and more, the team offers head-to-toe pampering within the quaint and charming Dempsey enclave. 

Treatment To try Classique ($155/60min). We recommend trying this signature treatment, which utilises Karin Herzog high-performance skincare products to deliver generous doses of active oxygen and vitamins deep into the skin, killing bacteria, reviving skin cells, and promoting collagen and elastin production. After just one visit, skin is visibly smoother and plumper.

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  • Health and beauty
  • Beauty salons
  • Orchard

For a slim and toned face 

The brainchild of the DRx Group, a family of brands specialising in non-surgical medical aesthetics, DRx Medispa offers a slew of facial and trichology treatments that are designed by a team of doctors to improve individual skin and hair concerns. Unlike regular spas and beauty salons, DRx Medispa has access to high-grade pharmaceuticals equipment and products, resulting in optimal results. 

Treatment to try Lymphatic Detox Facial ($300/75min). We’ve all experienced it at some point in our lives – waking up with a puffy, swollen face. Whether it is due to stress, water retention or a poor diet, this facial treatment can help de-puff face in just one session. A light pressure cupping device is utilised during the session to stretch and open lymphatic vessels to encourage lymphatic output. The treatment completes with a hydrating skin booster concentrate and a hydrating mask for healthy and glowing skin. Apart from reducing water retention, this treatment is suitable for a range of skin conditions like dull, sluggish and congested skin, uneven skin tone and age spots. 

  • Health and beauty
  • Tanjong Pagar

For firming your skin

With over 15 years of experience treating skin concerns in France and across Europe, EstheClinic now offers advanced aesthetic treatments in Singapore. Each treatment promises to be effective, painless and non-invasive, allowing you to see both immediate and lasting results. Its star treatment is the Smooth and Glow IPL Body Perfection (from $90/session) that removes unwanted hair while evening out skin tone.

Treatment to try Three Days to Instant Youth programme might err on the pricey side (from $990) but it is great for people looking for a quick and almost instantaneous fix to problematic skin as the treatment instantly smooths, firms and hydrates. Although marketed as an anti-ageing solution, the programme is also good for people with stubborn acne scars and pigmentation as it increases skin regeneration. The five-step facial is repeated over three consecutive days. On the first and third day, skin is treated to a thermo-controlled radiofrequency procedure for 40 minutes before the therapist uses a micro-needling device that will help the skin better absorb the serum. Cold light is then used on the face to activate new collagen formation, which results in tighter skin. All steps are repeated on the second day except the radiofrequency treatment. 

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  • Health and beauty
  • Orchard

For a sharper jawline

Want a V-shaped jawline, but through non-surgical and non-invasive means? Your answer is in Yakson’s Golki Therapy, a method based off Wolff’s law that posits using shock and pressure will stimulate calcium absorption and, ultimately, boost bone density. The beauty house, which was started in 1981 in Korea, also offers treatments for bow leg realignment ($240/session) and pelvic care (from $148/session), among other options.

Treatment to try Small Face Care (from $258/2hr). It comes with an hour-long back, arm and décolletage massage and a 15-minute ‘facial golki’ – that’s when your face is remodelled and jawline reworked through a series of deep massages. 

Express facials for the time-starved

  • Health and beauty
  • Raffles Place
Sugar K Organic Peel Bar
Sugar K Organic Peel Bar

For a quick boost

Let’s face it, not everyone has the time for an hour-long facial every month. Enter Sugar K, a facial peel bar at Central that gives your skin a quick fix in under 20 minutes. Using glycolic acid naturally derived from sugar cane, the peels gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead skin cells and excess sebum from the pores. This tightens pores and prevents blackhead and whiteheads from forming, improving the skin’s texture while giving it a radiant glow. 

Treatment to try Sugar K Organic Peel Treatment ($55/20min). After the skin is cleansed, the glycolic peel is applied for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on the sensitivity of your skin. The peel helps to stimulate cell renewal and collagen production while delivering a boost of hydration to your skin. After that, a neutraliser is wiped on the skin to counter the acid before toner, serum, moisturiser and sunscreen are applied.

  • Health and beauty
  • City Hall
Jet Concepts
Jet Concepts

For the jet-setter

Airplane air wrecking havoc on your skin? work in a quick, revitalising facial at Jet Concepts. The fast-working facial will have you in and out of the spa in under an hour – perfect for those who can never find the time to pamper themselves.

Treatment to try Jet Revitalising Facial ($150/45min). This express service uses a micro-current machine and chemical peel to first exfoliate the surface of the skin. The therapist then applies a moisturising cream to the face and massages it in for 15 minutes using a meridian acupoint technique. Finally, a cucumber mask is applied to hydrate the skin and reduce redness, leaving you feeling restored and ready to take on what the world has to offer.

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  • Orchard

For an express 'face lift'

Go beyond the standard rejuvenating or brightening treatment and get a quick firm and lift fix under 30 minutes at Skin Inc. Known for their customisable skincare, before the procedure, you will 'decode' your skin identity before a serum cocktail customised to your skin’s uniqueness is concocted. 

Treatment to try Facial In A Flash ($45/20min) is one of the shortest facials you can experience. If you have another ten minutes to spare during lunch, for $65 you can get a Facial In A Flash and a shoulder massage. 

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