Why This Award-Winning Facial’s Strangest Step Might Be Its Most Effective 

When you have a special occasion coming up, a facial can be an easy way to give your skin some extra attention. But if you’re looking for more than a quick glow, the techniques used during the treatment can make just as much difference to the experience.

At Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Singapore, the Obagi Prescriptive Facial combines personalised skincare with facial massage, EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) and, in the 60- and 75-minute sessions, there’s also an intraoral massage. The facial won Best Contouring Luxury Facial at The Weekly’s Spa & Wellness Awards 2026.

Targeted skincare, tailored to you

The experience starts with a skin analysis, allowing the therapist to select products according to individual concerns. The Obagi range includes retinol, which supports skin renewal and helps improve the appearance of fine lines and uneven texture; as well as vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps brighten the complexion and even your skin tone.

There are three session options, with the 45-minute facial focusing on concerns including acne, pigmentation and fine lines; the 60-minute option adds the signature Obagi Sculpting Technique; and the 75-minute session includes extended sculpting and wrinkle-focused technology.

The EMS component uses gentle electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles, creating controlled contractions. In this facial, it works alongside the massage techniques to help contour, tone and define. 

For Spa Awards reviewer Filza Dorah, who was concerned about sagging and dehydrated skin, the experience also offered a chance to slow down. “When you enter the spa, it feels like a luxurious resort – really warm and welcoming,” she shared.

The facial that works from the inside out

The hands-on technique is what gives this facial its distinctive sculpting element. Alongside the EMS technology, the Obagi Sculpting Technique uses a combination of facial massage movements, including the intraoral massage where the therapist massages facial and chewing muscles from inside the mouth.

Working across the face and into the jaw area, the massage is intended to release accumulated facial tension while helping to define facial contours. 

For Filza, the technique felt more intensive than a conventional facial. “Since it was my first time, it felt uncomfortable, but it was intriguing and I ended up really liking it.”

The intraoral massage was followed by the familiar steps of a facial, with cleansing and a mask rounding out the session. Filza also appreciated that she could take her time and unwind in the lounge after the facial treatment ended.

A brighter, more defined finish

Afterwards, Filza noticed a difference in the overall appearance of her face. “I definitely saw my face looking brighter, and more lifted and sculpted,” she shared.

And the experience doesn’t end when you leave. Guests can also find a selection of Obagi skincare products at Chi, The Spa, including OBAGI360 Retinol 1.0, Professional-C Serums and ELASTIderm Advanced Filler Concentrate, for those who want to continue their skincare routine at home.

Try the Obagi Prescriptive Facial at $240++ (45 minutes), $265++ (60 minutes) and $300++ (75 minutes). Book your appointment here.

Chi, The Spa at Shangri-La Singapore is at Level 1, Garden Wing, Singapore 258350.