The pursuit of beauty is a never-ending process. Even if we’re diligent in our daily five-step beauty regimen, stress, our diet, and the weather can do a number on our skin. That’s why we need to subject ourselves to the deft hands of a professional every now and then. Armed with a mission to achieve a flawless complexion – goodbye blemishes, fine lines, dryness, and dull skin – we braved the elements (i.e. extraction needles) to hunt down the best facials in Singapore.
Best lunchtime facial
Conveniently located smack dab in Raffles Place, it’s no wonder that The Clifford Clinic is a hit with the CBD working crowd. One treatment of theirs that has got everyone talking? The utterly relaxing HydraFacial, which comes with antioxidants-rich and hyaluronic acid-infused formulations to breathe life into your dull skin. The Clifford Clinic also boasts a full range of aesthetic treatments, from laser skin treatments for acne, scars and pigmentation, to the new-age thread lift, fillers, and even Botox. A fresher, more youthful-looking skin by the time lunch hour is over: sign us up already.
The Clifford Clinic, #01-03 Clifford Centre, 24 Raffles Place, Singapore, 048621, p. 6532 2400. Open Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Sat 10am-2pm.
Best pick-me-up facial
Have 45 minutes to spare? Head down to Aesop at TANGS Orchard for an express facial ($95). It is the first time ever that the apothecary-style skincare brand offers facials, so take advantage of that, stat. First-time customers can redeem up to $95 worth of Aesop products after the treatment – perfect for those looking to try before they buy. Note: be sure to make an appointment at least three days in advance.
Aesop TANGS, 310 Orchard Road, Singapore 238864, p. 6836 4748. Open Mon-Sat 1030am-930pm, Sun 11am-830pm.
Best hydrating facial
Too much sun, not enough water – we’re all guilty of depriving our skin with some much-needed hydration. Face Bistro has the solution: its Hyalurone Hydrating Moisture Facial ($168 for 90mins) gets our vote for the best moisturising treatment. Products used include watercress extract (improves skin elasticity), Skinperfectsphere Hyaloadvance serum (extraction of dead cells), and a hydrating face mask enriched with Propolis, which soothes and moisturises the skin.
Face Bistro, 25C Lorong Liput, Singapore 277735, p. 6462 4988. Open Mon-Sat 11am-8pm, Sun 11am-5pm.
Best in-clinic facial
Forget about run-of-the-mill facial treatments – this customised Clinical Facial by Dr. Yvonne Goh Aesthetics is bespoke beauty at its best. During the 90-minute pampering treatment, a combination of deep ultrasonic cleansing, toning, and lifting is carried out, followed by iontophoresis (using micro-currents and ultrasound) to deliver a specially formulated cocktail deep into your skin – and finally, a rejuvenating face mask and massage to cap off the experience. The result? Skin that’s smoother than a baby’s bottom and a fresh glow to your visage.
Dr. Yvonne Goh Aesthetics, 1 Orchard Boulevard #09-05, Camden Medical Centre, Singapore 248649, p. 6462 2559. Open Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm.
Best deep-cleansing facial
Perfect for those with severely congested pores and acne-prone skin, the Quintessential Facial ($374.50 for 90-120 minutes) at Porcelain is where extraction’s the name of the game. We’re not kidding: this bespoke facial means serious business, using custom-blended serums and masks for each customer. The facialists may be merciless, but they certainly know how to get your skin feeling smoother, clearer, and brighter.
Porcelain, 15 Cantonment Road, Singapore 089739, p. 6227 9692. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 930am-8pm, Sun 930am-6pm.
Best brightening facial
Nothing dull about this one. Spa Esprit’s new Air Supply Facial ($214 for 75 minutes) is like a breath of fresh air for your skin. Thanks to this oxygen stem cell facial which uses Barbor products, along with an energising cream containing pure oxygen, it’ll inject new life into dull and sallow skin and get you glowing. Look out for our review of the brand’s new facials soon!
Spa Esprit, 8D Dempsey Rd, p. 6479 0070 and #05-10 Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, p. 6836 0500. Open daily 10am-9pm.
Best anti-aging facial
Want to sip from the fountain of youth – minus the painful surgeries? DrSpa by acclaimed aesthetician, Dr. Georgia Lee, has you covered. Choose from Lift ($480 for 90 minutes) or Anti-Aging ($568 for 120 minutes) – both treatments use microdermabrasion cleansing and Radio Frequency waves to stimulate collagen production for a tighter and more lifted profile. Sure, the treatments run on the extravagant side, but you can’t put a price on looking ageless.
DrSpa, #11-06 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, Singapore 228210, p. 6465 8880, e. [email protected]. Open Mon-Fri 930am-10pm, Sat & Sun 930am-630pm.
Best facial for sensitive skin
The OSEA Super Sensitive Facial ($160 for 60 minutes) at Pure Tincture is a royal treatment for sensitive skin. Incorporating a Vitamin C boost toner, an aloe extract gel mask, corrective antiseptic serum, and loads more, the ingredients are guaranteed 100% natural and organic. Discuss your concerns with the impeccable staff and they’ll make sure the treatment is tailored to your needs.
Pure Tincture, #B1-10 The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street, Singapore 179803, p. 6337 6411. Open Mon, Wed-Fri 11am-730pm, Tue 1130am-730pm, Sat 10am-4pm.
Best do-it-all facial
For those who can’t sit still for more than an hour, or simply don’t have the luxury for it, our pick is the Oxy Miracle Infusion ($178 for 45 minutes) at Skin Inc. Start with the Oxy Miracle Peel – that simultaneously deep cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates – followed by an infusion of oxygen, Onsen water, and a cocktail of three serums customised for your skin. There’s no post-facial redness here, and we could literally see the pore-clogging muddiness being wiped away!
Skin Inc., #B3-43 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, p. 6222 7428. Open Mon-Sun 10am-10pm.
Best stress-busting facial
Cecilia Westberry is an industry fave, and rightly so! An expert in deep-tissue facial therapy, we were awed by the Tendon Relaxing Facial ($189 for 90 minutes), which uses massage techniques to relax facial muscles, soften any hardened tissue fibre/tendon, and promote micro-circulation within the skin. But if you’re looking for a relaxing facial, you’re barking up the wrong tree. The facial massage, after cleansing and a quick extraction, will hurt if there’s plenty of tension in your cheeks, chin, and jawline – as most of us highly stressed individuals have.
Cecilia Westberry, 6 Holland Close, #01-20, Singapore 271006, p. 6774 0449. Open Mon-Fri 830am-7pm, Sat 830am-630pm.
Best customised facial
We like to think of St. Gregory as the patron saint of spas – so no surprises then that the Elemis Skin Specific Facial ($150 for 75 minutes) is a complete treat for the senses. Personalised according to your skin type, this treatments delivers a double whammy of skin goodness for your skin, combining natural plant extracts from UK skincare brand, Elemis, and traditional Eastern massage techniques to enhance product absorption. Best of all, St. Gregory has the art of relaxing down pat: utterly lush surroundings and a breathtaking infinity pool for the ultimate post-spa experience.
St. Gregory Spa, 5/F Parkroyal on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering St., Singapore, Singapore 058289, p. 6809 8870. Open Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm.
Best budget facial
With more than 10 years of beauty therapy experience behind her, Michelle Foong at SG Face relies on trusted word-of-mouth recommendations, which is partially why it doesn’t cost an arm or a leg for a facial. While it’s completely affordable, it’s in no way dodgy – German brand Babor is used in all treatments. Try the Deep Cleansing Facial ($68 for 60 mins) – one bonus is that Michelle doesn’t skimp on the products if your skin really needs the treat.
SG Face, #02-20 Holland V Shopping Centre, 3 Lorong Liput, Holland V Shopping Mall, Singapore 277725, p. 8468 1680.
Best alternative facial
Ever wondered how geishas get their flawless skin? Two words: nightingale droppings. It has been an open secret since ancient Japanese times when Kabuki actors and geishas discovered it as the ultimate beauty elixir – and now you can try it for yourself with the Geisha Organic Facial ($240 for 90 minutes) at Ikeda Spa. Using authentic nightingale droppings, along with traditional Japanese ingredients such as rice bran, azuki red beans, and camellia oil, we think it’s worthy of all the hype.
Ikeda Spa, 787 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore 269762, p. 6469 8080 and #05-22 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059817, p. 6222 8080. Open daily 130pm-10pm.