When it comes to skincare, one size definitely doesn’t fit all—especially in the world of facials. From breakouts to dullness, pigmentation to ageing, your skin’s unique needs deserve a treatment as tailored as your skincare routine. These tried-and-tested treatments go beyond basic cleansing and moisturising, offering cutting-edge solutions for every concern. Whether you're after a glow that lasts for days or a boost of collagen, these popular treatments are designed to give your skin exactly what it craves.
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FIRMING & LIFTING
Illuminate & Lift Facial at St. Regis Spa
WHAT IS IT: For anyone seeking both relaxation and results-driven luxury, the Illuminate & Lift facial at the newly-renovated St. Regis Spa is a must-try. My facial took place in a serene treatment room where soft neutral tones, bronze accents, and soothing lighting set the perfect mood for relaxation. The treatment, which used premium skincare by Sothys, delivered on its promise of visible transformation. It began with a gentle application of AHAs, combined with a specialised plumping facial massage technique that both exfoliated and firmed. The highlight was a rose stem cell massage for rejuvenation and a bio-cellulose mask to firm the skin. Finally, Porcelain Flower Oil is administered with chilled spoons to wake the skin and give it an amazing glow.
VERDICT: As the session concluded, my face looked visibly firmer and radiant, with a glow that felt fresh yet subtle. The final touch—a lingering fragrance I had chosen earlier in the journey—seemed to encapsulate the entire experience in a delicate cloud of serenity.
The Illuminate & Lift Facial is priced at $460 for 90 minutes. St. Regis Spa is at 29 Tanglin Rd, The St. Regis Singapore (tel: 6506 6896).
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House Bungalow Facial at Spa Esprit
WHAT IS IT: Spa Esprit’s House Bungalow facial is the ultimate fusion of high-tech innovation and nature’s finest, using premium skincare by Babor. It begins with a gentle fruit acid peel, followed by precise extractions that leave your skin feeling pristine and polished. The real magic lies in the ultrasonic therapy. Paired with an organic stem cell formula, the device effortlessly glides over the skin, diving deep to boost collagen production, repair cell damage, and even out skin tone. A calming facial massage and cold mask follows, sealing in all the goodness. Add to that a neck and shoulder massage, and it’s impossible not to leave feeling like you’ve been thoroughly pampered.
VERDICT: While the treatment promises lifting and firming, what really lingers post-treatment is the intense hydration. My skin was plump and velvety for days, which made make-up application a breeze.
House Bungalow Facial is priced at $330 for 80 minutes. Spa Esprit outlets are at #03-19 Wheelock Place (tel: 6479 0070) | #03-107 Great World City (tel: 6468 1292) | #B2-24 Raffles City (tel: 6333 9530).
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Volnewmer Skin Tightening Treatment at EHA Clinic
WHAT IS IT: Move over, Thermage—Volnewmer is here to revolutionise non-invasive skin tightening for the face, neck, and body. This cutting-edge monopolar radiofrequency (RF) treatment delivers the same firming, collagen-boosting benefits without the pain. This is thanks to a combination of deep-penetrating RF energy and its genius Continuous Cooling Tip, which keeps the skin surface cool and comfortable throughout the process. I tried a single session at EHA Clinic—the first clinic in Singapore to introduce this new technology and treatment. During the 30-minute treatment, I experienced gentle zaps (applied over markings on the skin) and a slight warming under the skin, but thanks to advanced cooling and vibration technology, discomfort is minimal.
VERDICT: After doing half my face, and you can visibly see my saggy bits looking tighter than the other side. Volnewmer’s results are immediate with zero downtime, although I did feel a tad bruisy under the skin for a few days. With results that last up to one or two years, it is fast becoming the go-to for anyone looking to refresh their skin without the hassle or pain of traditional treatments.
Volnewmer is priced at $3,688 for a 30-minute session. EHA Clinic is located at #15-01 Shaw Centre (tel: 6235 3325).
STRENGTHENING & REPARATIVE
Custom-Blended Synergica Facial Treatment at mtm labo
WHAT IS IT: An all-rounder facial that does everything from lifting to brightening, hydration and strengthening, the Synergica Facial Treatment is completely tailored to the individual using a bespoke blend of elixirs by mtm labo. It begins with a high-tech skin analysis to help determine suitable in-house products for your skin concerns (for me it was dehydration). The 90-minute facial starts with a thorough milk cleanse and papaya enzyme peel, with a gentle steam to unclog pores, followed by extraction. After that, a moisture-promoting ampoule is used together with pulsed amber light to energise cells and oxygenate the skin. To conclude, the aesthetician gives me a pampering face massage with a nourishing cream, and layers over an aloe and chamomile collagen mask to calm and quench the skin.
mtm labo’s AI•Vita robot masseuse adds an exciting new layer to their personalised approach. As an optional add-on to facial packages, this self-automated machine provides a calming abdominal massage using advanced technologies like electro muscle stimulation, radio frequency, and red-light therapy. Supposedly, it can help relieve indigestion, menstrual cramps, and aids in postpartum repair, as well as tummy reduction. With before-and-after photos to track progress, each session lasting 30-45 minutes, is a refreshing alternative to human-administered massages.
VERDICT: The facial left my skin feeling soft, hydrated and “bouncy”. I’m not sure if it’s the horrible hot weather or the AI•Vita, but I was radiating heat all day as if I ran a marathon. It must be the machine working it’s magic!
Custom-Blended Synergica Facial Treatment costs $470.88 for 90 minutes; AI•Vita starts from $261.60 for 30 minutes. mtm labo is at Winsland House #01-04/05 (tel: 65 6738 6006) or Wheelock Place #03-21/22 (tel: 6737 1078).
ANTI-AGEING
Potenza Micro Needling RF Facial Treatment at Freia Aesthetics
WHAT IS IT: Looking for a refined complexion? The Potenza Micro Needling RF Treatment at Freia Aesthetics combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy. It began with a consultation with one of the experienced doctors, really going in-depth about my skin's history as well as my goals from the session and some before-and-after pictures to track my progress. Before starting anything, I cleansed the skin and a numbing cream was applied for half an hour and was wiped off before the magic happened. Ultra-fine gold tips create controlled punctures into the skin while delivering radiofrequency energy at a specific depth based on my skin's goals and needs. In addition, an optional Exodomes infusion helped promote cellular healing to maximise my results and skin benefits. We went another round on areas around my nose and cheeks to target enlarged pores before I got an optional LED light facial to help reduce redness and speed up the healing process.
VERDICT: The downtime was minimal to none—you could barely see any redness straight out from the treatment. My skin looks radiant and more refined in terms of texture, dark marks, and pores. The best part? Because it's customisable, it works for all skin types.
Potenza Micro Needling RF Treatment costs $1400++ without Exodomes for 90 minutes. Freia Aesthetics is at #19-03A, Office Tower Wisma Atria (tel: 9109 1574).
Swiss Lifting Infusion Facial Treatment by Oasia Spa
WHAT IS IT: Tuck yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city and indulge in the Swiss Lifting Infusion Facial Treatment at Oasia Spa. This 90-minute treatment is meant to help plump and fill in fine lines and wrinkles using Swissline by Dermalab products. We started with a simple consultation before heading over to the treatment room where there was a heated bed that made things extra comfy throughout the treatment. My skin was first double-cleansed and then a mild exfoliating gel was applied to my skin to help with hydration, water retention, and skin renewal. From there, a sheet mask infused with salicylic acid was applied over it followed by another layer of the exfoliating gel for the ultimate facial sandwich. Once removed, a hyaluronic acid ampoule was applied with a light massage technique to boost absorption and for a lifting effect. We then followed with another massage—using a massage cream this time—on the face, shoulders, neck, and decollete and we finished it off with a hyaluronic sheet mask, some moisturiser, and sunscreen.
VERDICT: My skin felt extra soft and looked glowy after the facial. I also had a more visibly lifted complexion that looked amazing in the days after—bonus points for the best nap I had in a while.
Swiss Lifting Infusion Facial Treatment costs $300 for 90 minutes. Oasia Spa is at Oasia Resort Sentosa (6818 3338).