PUBLISHED ONInvalid Date Invalid Date
For Smooth And Firm Skin
Sepai Anti-aging Face Facial, $300
Sccube the Apothecary, #05-25A Ngee Ann City, tel: 6738-4909
TESTER: Sherry Leung, senior designer
WHAT: A 60-minute lifting and anti-wrinkle facial that includes cleansing, a scrub, a purifying mask and the use of radio frequency energy to tighten skin.
EXPERIENCE: The treatment room was spacious and cosy with dim lighting. The radio frequency machine doubled as a warm face massage, which was comfortable and sleep-inducing.
My facialist was responsive, and adjusted the radio frequency level when I told her it was getting a tad too hot.
EFFECT: My skin felt firmer and looked less tired, but it didn’t look lifted.
The results lasted for about a day. My colleagues also commented that my expression lines were not as obvious the next day.
However, as there was no extraction involved, the face scrub used didn’t remove my blackheads.
WHAT I LIKED: The radio frequency machine used for the massage was warm and relaxing.
For absulute hydration
For Absolute Hydration
Intense Hydrating Facial Treatment, $120
Shu Uemura Beauty Sanctuary, #B1-149/150 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, tel: 6688-7326
TESTER: Azlinda Said, senior features writer
WHAT: Address dehydrated skin with this 90-minute facial, which uses Shu Uemura’s Depsea Hydrability skincare range. The procedure includes cleansing, a scrub, exfoliation with a micro-peel tool, a hydration mask, and a massage on the face, hands, shoulders and upper back.
EXPERIENCE: The dim and cosy room was relaxing, and the therapist was attentive.
She was patient with my queries, and reminded me to inform her if the extractions were too painful, or the massage, too forceful.
EFFECT: My face was slightly rosy from the extractions, but it looked much more radiant and smoother.
My skin also felt suppler and more hydrated.
The overall effects lasted for two days. However, some blackheads on my chin had been overlooked.
WHAT I LIKED: The rose-scented face mist and hot towels smelt lovely. The therapist applied light makeup for me so I left the spa looking flawless.
The massages – done during cleansing and during the mask – lulled me to sleep in a jiffy.
For a deep cleanse
For A Deep Cleanse Pure Pore
Microdermabrasion, $130
Lark Spa, #01-03 Hotel Royal, 36 Newton Road, tel: 6356-8750
TESTER: Nikki Ho, senior designer
WHAT: Designed for dull, oily skin, this 75-minute deep-cleansing facial helps to brighten skin tone and reduce the appearance of pores. It includes cleansing, a scrub, microdermabrasion, extraction, mask, a face and shoulder massage, and brow shaping.
EXPERIENCE: The treatment room was cosy but even though soft music was playing in the background, I could hear noises from outside the room.
My facialist was gentle and didn’t drag my skin when applying skincare; blackhead extraction was swift and virtually painless.
I was also kept warm throughout the treatment.
EFFECT: Immediately after the treatment, my skin radiated a lovely glow, which lasted for the next three days.
My skin also felt smoother and fresher, while pores seemed refined and free of blackheads.
WHAT I LIKED: The face massage was so relaxing that I fell asleep.
For anti-ageing
For Anti-Ageing
K-Lift Lift and Tone Facial, $250
Willow Stream Spa, Fairmont Singapore, tel: 6431-5600
TESTER: Kayce Teo, sub-editor
WHAT: Spanning 90 minutes, this anti-ageing facial comprises cleansing, an exfoliating multi-acid peel and a collagen mask.
Before the mask is applied, light therapy is used to boost skin cell repair and to give skin a lifting effect.
EXPERIENCE: The treatment room was large with comfortable lighting and music that wasn’t too jarring.
I could have slept throughout the facial, except during the light therapy – I could still sense the glaring light through my closed eyelids and the eye seal I was wearing.
A probe-like instrument was used to lightly massage my face while I had the collagen mask on.
EFFECT: My skin felt much firmer and looked slightly more radiant after the facial, but the effects seemed to last only a few hours.
WHAT I LIKED: The facial was altogether relaxing and painless – great for those who don’t fancy extractions.
For tired skin
For Tired Skin
Jet Cell Restore, $168
Jet Concepts, #03-03 Wheelock Place, tel: 6733-7055
TESTER: Rachel Xie, beauty writer
WHAT: The highlight of this 60-minute anti-ageing facial is the use of intense red light to stimulate collagen and rejuvenate skin.
Suitable for sensitive skin, you’ll also be treated to an infusion of vitamins, delivered with a pressurised oxygen jet.
EXPERIENCE: I got a bit of a shock when the red light was turned on, even with the eye goggles over my closed eyes.
But I got used to it after awhile and I half-dozed during the 20-minute light therapy segment.
My therapist also explained every step of the procedure.
EFFECT: My skin tone was clearer and evened out without redness, and boasted a luminous glow that lasted for about three days. It also felt softer and smoother. WHAT I LIKED Not the most pampering facial, because of the glaring lights and the lack of a massage, but the results were instant and visible.
For total relaxation
For Total Relaxation
Damai Signature Facial with Himalayan Salt, $220
Damai Spa, Grand Hyatt Singapore, tel: 6416-7156
TESTER: Simone Wu, beauty editor
WHAT: This 90-minute treatment features a face massage, using Himalayan salt stones, which induces deep relaxation and soothes skin inflammation.
Besides extraction and a scalp, neck and shoulder massage, face masks used are selected depending on your immediate skin needs.
EXPERIENCE: With comfortable lighting, soft music and a changing area, the spacious treatment room was perfect.
My facialist ensured I was comfortable and checked that the extractions were bearable.
But I did experience some prickling when the hydrating mask was applied – apparently a reaction with my dry skin.
EFFECT: I left the spa with my skin looking much more radiant and hydrated.
I thought the hydration mask would leave my skin ruddy, but I was pleasantly surprised to find there was no redness at all.
WHAT I LIKED: The Himalayan salt stone massage was incredibly relaxing and sleep-inducing.
| Get the March 2012 issue of Simply Her for more interesting stories. Simply Her, published by SPH Magazines is available at all newsstands now. Check out more stories at Simply Her online, www.simplyher.com.sg . |  |