The shape of your face is a result of your bone structure and genetics. You may not be able to change that, but you can control the tautness and definition of your face to a certain extent. Enter face-shaping facials, which employ specific massage and circulation-boosting techniques to help you achieve a sharper and tighter face.
Face-shaping facials are also fantastic when your skin feels congested, slack or puffy. As long as the puffiness is not caused by an acute case of sinus infection, a facial massage can promote internal drainage, alleviate headaches and boost blood circulation, which all improve your facial contours and skin texture.
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The Singapore Women’s Weekly sent testers to try hundreds of spas, medi-spas and salons all over Singapore. Here’s our pick of the best face-shaping facials that focus on the power of human hands, serums and masks.
IDS Aesthetics Pep.Blu Deep Treatment
If you want to firm a double chin or make a square or droopy face look firmer and more V-shaped, this is one to try. Our reviewer raved: “I could see immediately that the treatment firmed up my chin. The therapist was also knowledgeable and able to provide impartial information comparing this treatment versus others in the market.”
The treatment is designed to push collagen-stimulating ingredients into the skin, including peptides, vitamin B9, and acetylated glutamine. Ambience wise, expect a squeaky-clean medi-spa, with therapists in hairnets and coveralls.
From $342.40 for 60 minutes
IDS Aesthetics has two locations:
Novena Specialist Centre, 8 Sinaran Drive, #05-07/8, Tel: 6568 3559
International Building, 360 Orchard Road, #02-01, Tel: 6450 3555
ICON Aesthetics Iconic Skin Booster
This treatment aims to deliver the bright and smooth glass skin you see on K-drama actors. The treatment boosts hydration and firmness with a transdermal jet injector that delivers skin-firming hyaluronic acid into the skin, using pressurised air. Hyaluronic acid is naturally present in skin cells and it attracts water, so your skin looks firmer, smoother, and more alive.
$298 for 60 minutes
Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, #02-01E, Tel: +65 6219 3363 or Whatsapp/SMS: +65 9664 0204
Willow Stream Spa Ultimate Facelift
This decadent facial provides immediate anti-aging results by infusing essential nutrients to the deep layers of the skin. This non-invasive therapy offering immediate results is achieved with what’s called the K-Lift machine, utilising high-performance energy technologies – red LED light therapy and impulse micro-currents (kinetic energy).
Our tester was pleased to see smoother, firmer-looking skin. She describes the ambience as “spacious, plush, comfortable and relaxing”.
$338 for 90 minutes
Willow Stream Spa, Level 6 at The Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Tel: +65 643 15600
Dior Prestige La Suite, Prestige Grand Facial
Experience Dior Beauty’s savoir-faire in skincare at Dior’s first standalone facial suite in Asia. Located close to Dior Beauty’s flagship store at ION Orchard, this luxury spa offers a range of pampering treatments. The signature Dior Prestige Grand Facial Treatment uses Dior’s famous Rose de Granville extracts. Our tester described this as “the most luxurious facial I have ever had. It includes not only a facial but also a back and arm massage. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to pamper themselves.”
$300 for 90 minutes
Dior Prestige La Suite, ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn #B2-48, Tel: 6634 6686
SkinGo! Bio Aqua
Glowing skin in 15 minutes? For under $50? Yes, please! SkinGo! specialises in Korean-style fast facials that use no parabens or alcohol. This is a short and sweet facial with four steps: deep cleansing, moisturising with anti-pollution serums, ultrasonic exfoliation, and then a jet-spray with whitening hydrogen water for a lit-from-within glow. Our tester loved the fast and efficient service. “It’s like a doctor’s clinic, with no annoying spa music.”
$28 for 15 minutes
SkinGo! has seven locations in Singapore. To find your nearest, call +65 9815 0331.
Illumia Customised Jet Infusion Facial
This 30-minute facial is a great lunchtime perk-me-up. The secret is the customisable serum, which can be tweaked to address your specific skin concern. The aesthetician uses a medical-grade jet device that emits oxygen at high pressure to comfortably deliver the cocktail of skin-loving ingredients into the layers of your skin. Our tester loved that the treatment was efficient. “It delivered results and was completed in time without service shortcuts.”
$388 for 60-90 minutes
Illumia Therapeutics has three locations:
Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd, #05-12B, Tel: 65 6464 6459 or Whatsapp +65 9656 5464
Nex, 23 Serangoon Central, #04-26, Tel: +65 6556 5565 or Whatsapp +65 9625 6565
i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Road, #03-05/06/07, Tel: +65 6518 4545 or Whatsapp +65 9645 9645
TaraBliss Face Yoga
From soothing music, colour therapy, and chakra-balancing aromatherapy scents, to the spa’s signature lymphatic massage, every aspect of this space is curated to help you relax. The Face Yoga facial is suitable for skin affected by stress and hormonal imbalances, and for women pre- and post-menopause. It includes a firm pressure point massage to stimulate lymph glands on the face and neck, to help your body remove toxins and revitalise skin.
The facial also uses a blend of antioxidant-loaded aromatherapy oils from dill, fenugreek, myrrh, marjoram and fennel. You finish with a nourishing mask rich in botanicals and peptides, activated with a healing sheet mask that’s made up of amethyst crystals. Our tester said: “My skin definitely felt nourished and firmed afterwards.” And she continued to see the effects for the rest of the week.
$311 for 90 minutes
TaraBliss Spa, 452 North Bridge Rd, Chan Brothers Building, #05-06, Tel: 6336 9274 or Whatsapp: 8198 5086
Kew Organics Bespoke Facial
Homegrown skincare label Kew Organics delivers all-natural, vegan, organic products and facials. For the Bespoke Facial, your facialist will adjust products and techniques to target what you need at that point – whether it’s cleaning out pores, soothing dry skin, or brightening dull skin. Facials are deliberately kept fuss-free, so there’s no sitting around in fluffy robes.
Besides being vegan, non-GMO and organic, Kew’s products are water-based and lightweight, so nothing feels too heavy or sticky on your face.
A specific treatment will be recommended after a skin consultation and analysis. Prices range from $170 to $380. Treatments under $200 will take 60-90 minutes; treatments over $200 will take 90-120 minutes.
Kew Organics has four locations in Singapore at Clarke Quay, Cluny Court, Everton Park and Tangs Level 1. Call +65 8809 0065 to find out more.
Auriga Spa Biologique Recherche Facial
The Biologique Recherche facial stimulates the skin’s natural regenerating properties while providing intense hydration and protection. A tailor-made skin solution, it begins with an analysis of your skin and its health to allow the therapist to mix and match the right skincare products, including different Biologique Recherche boosters which target different skin concerns.
Our tester said: “This spa is definitely recommended as a treat for yourself or to pamper a loved one – and it’s fabulous for a girls’ day out, because it’s on Sentosa Island.” Spa facilities are separated by gender, so keep that in mind if planning a romantic getaway.
$250+ for 60 minutes; $380+ for 90 minutes
Auriga Spa is at Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Tel: +65 6591 5075
COMO Shambhala Microbiome-friendly Skincare Facial
Microbiome-friendly skincare is having its moment — and that’s a good thing. The microbiome is an ecosystem of bacteria living on the skin’s surface. It sounds weird, but this microbiome is a vital part of keeping your skin healthy and balanced. So this facial does not use any harsh products that might strip your skin of its healthy oils.
Our tester describes this treatment as a “fuss-free express facial with great results”.
$88 for 60 minutes
COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, Delfi Orchard, 402 Orchard Rd, #06-01/02, Tel: +65 6304 3552
Estetica Beauty Meridian Detox Facial
Poor diet, stress and hormonal imbalances can cause poor circulation and puffy, clogged skin. In TCM, certain energy points on the skin are directly linked to other organs and parts of the body. The Meridian Detox Facial taps into this by using a special tool made of ox horn to stimulate energy meridians and aiding the flow of “qi” energy. This improves blood circulation, reduces puffiness and helps skin heal itself from within.
Our tester felt her skin looked firmer, less puffy, more even-toned and more supple afterwards. She found the pressure point massage relaxing as well.
$128 for first trial (U.P. $300)
Estetica Beauty has seven locations in Singapore. Head to esteticabeauty.com for more info.
Sulwhasoo Prestige Timeless Treatment
This facial spa is a treat for all your senses. The spa decor is a sophisticated spectrum of gold and beige, while the delicate scents of the skincare are inspired by the flowers, leaves, trees, and forests of Korea. Therapists also use traditional applicators made of precious gemstones to stimulate facial meridians and enhance the efficacy of the treatment’s products. This facial uses Sulwhasoo’s top-of-the-line Timetreasure Honorstige skincare line, which contains anti-aging extracts of ginseng and reishi mushroom.
$480 for 90 minutes (this treatment exclusive to the Capitol Singapore boutique)
Sulwhasoo Spa, Capitol Singapore, 15 Stamford Rd, #01-72/73, Tel: +65 6844 9766
Skin Pple Chasing Rainbows
Skin ppl specialises in experiential facials, which are described as “mirroring an experience in time by evoking the senses to the next level”. In plain English, this facial calms and brightens your skin and mind by transporting you to a relaxing state of mind.
The Chasing Rainbows facial uses an organic pumpkin enzyme peel, while ultrasound activates collagen renewal and skin tightening to brighten and smooth skin. The decor also complements the facial. Our tester loved the relaxing and minimal decor. She said: “The walls in my room were dark grey. A projector showcased a video of a changing sky onto the ceiling. It made me feel very calm and miles away from the city.”
$300 for 80 minutes
Skin Pple, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd, #03-08C, Tel: +65 6011 0011
Flora by Face Bistro Hydra Deep Cleansing Facial
Inspired by spas in Japan, Flora by Face Bistro combines beauty with wellness. As well as serving up facials and beauty treatments, the attached cafe serves healthy Japanese food and teas. The goal is to help you develop beauty and radiance from within.
Our tester liked that you can get several pre-party treatments in one place. She noted: “The decor is minimal with white and brown tones, which made the place feel very Japanese and peaceful. The noise level is also very low inside, which adds to the calm atmosphere.”
$288 for 90 minutes; $388 for 120 minutes
Flora by Face Bistro, Capitol Singapore, 13 Stamford Rd, #B2-49, Tel: +65 8894 1878