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Where to go to get your glow on. 7 in 1 beauty machine
If the world of facials sounds about as daunting as stepping into a Chanel store, then you've come to the right place.
Sorting the game-changing facials from the 'not really worth it' ones, we've rounded up the best facials that are actually worth spending your hard earned money on (and asked the questions you really want to know the answers to as well).
Proving that perfect bedfellows do exist, Sunday Riley has opened up residency at the Cotswolds most stylish and popular outpost, Soho Farmhouse. At the newly opened Wellness Barn space, nestled among cold plunge baths, outdoor jacuzzis and saunas, are treatment rooms to deliver bespoke facials using the brand's cult skincare.
Tailored to your skin's specific needs, your facialist will examine your complexion before using a specific Korean facial massage technique to simultaneously help boost your skin's glow and unclench your jaw.
Inspired by the therapeutic influence of Japanese Kibodo - a facial lifting technique - this treatment is a sure-fire way to rediscover those long lost cheekbones and improve lymphatic drainage, all wrapped up in a highly indulgent and relaxing setting and experience.
The real highlight here is the facial massage - like a workout for your skin, it truly sculpts your facial contours and improves lymphatic drainage, alleviating any tension in the face and jaw.
The Sunday Riley residency will run from 7 June to 8 September 2024 at Soho Farmhouse, and facials will be available for members, starting from £160.
BOOK YOUR SUNDAY RILEY FACIAL HERE
This no-faff facial is so intensive it feels like giving your face a full MOT. In just 50 minutes, your skin will experience 11 medical-grade treatments, including a HydraFacial, oxygen facial, radiofrequency and high-frequency treatments, electromagnetic stimulation, and LED light therapy. Dr Mo’s clinic is conveniently located a stone’s throw from Selfridges’ flagship store on London’s Oxford Street, making it the perfect pitstop while shopping in the capital.
Is it for my skin?
Dr Motox previously worked in a Head and Neck Oral and Maxillofacial unit, where he treated patients with various head and neck conditions. During this time, he gained extensive experience in facial surgery and the use of Botox for medical purposes. He applies the same scientific approach to his facials, with his clinicians tailoring each one to meet the unique requirements of each individual's skin needs.
A lot! The full procedure depuffs the face with lymphatic drainage, sucks out impurities via HydraFacial, uses oxygenating hyaluronic acid infusion to boost blood circulation, employs high-frequency treatment to shrink enlarged pores and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Dr Mo’s LED light therapy is one of the strongest on the market, using a combination of red, blue, yellow, and green light to promote collagen production. No skin cell is left unturned.
Using Medik8 products, endorsed by A-listers such as Hailey Bieber and Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, this medical-grade skin programme is as much of a sensory journey for you as it is for your skin. Its conveyor belt of procedures is so satisfying that the £300 price tag almost feels like a steal by the end of it.
Using a Sculpta device to train the facial muscles to tone up, the electromagnetic stimulation causes the kind of twitches you get when you’re trying not to laugh.
Featuring a gentle skin peel, you can get up and glow instantly.
Tucked away just off Carnaby street, Skin Laundry offers a quick—more on that to come— pick me up a stone's throw away from the bustle of Soho. Step into the intimate clinic before heading down to the basement for a medical grade beauty treatment.
Skin laundry facials are suitable for all skin types, including those prone to breakouts, rosacea or pigmentation and an in-house medical team can advise on choosing the best treatment for you.
Known for their non-invasive laser facials. Skin Laundry was founded in 2013 in Santa Monica, by Yen Reis, who had experienced the power of laser facials in Asia and wanted to bring the cutting edge technology to the US. A decade later, and the brand is now global, with 50 destinations worldwide.
Harnessing laser technology to cleanse the skin, it’s a pretty technical facial which targets the second layer of your skin – the dermis – for deeper cleansing and extraction of oil, dirt and bacteria and building of collagen deep within the skin. Forget candles, creams and spa music, this is all about the science of skincare.
The next day. The results may not be noticeable straight away, but by morning, your skin will look noticeably brighter and plumper.
The sensation of the laser takes some getting used to. As the laser beeps and moves across your face, expect to experience some slight heat and a mild scratching feeling—accompanied by a crackling sound. It’s weird and uncomfortable, though not painful —and rest assured, the results are well worth it.
Unlike a more pampering facial, the whole process only takes 15 mins from start to end, so you can walk straight out and enjoy your lunch break or evening, though sensitive skin may experience some redness and/ or swelling in the hours following treatment.
A short walk from Chelsea Town Hall, Sadaf Jaffari's Clinic is a haven amid the hustle and bustle of west London. Inside, staff wearing white T-shirt and jeans greet clients in the neutral-hued waiting room, complete with a bowl of mini chocolates and breakfast bars.
The clinic offers clients everything from dermal fillers, Profhilo and skin peels, to facials, Laser Genesis and more.
The Signature Facial is for all skin types and involves deep cleaning, exfoliation, a light peel, and a facial massage.
It instantly improves the texture and brightness of one’s skin, giving it that much-needed clean that day-to-day moisturisers and exfoliators just can't achieve.
At the end of the facial clients can see just what has been extracted from their face (think white heads and pollution).
The exfoliation segment feels slightly rough on the skin but it's well-worth it given just how much is cleaned from the pores.
Practically none. There's little to no redness after the facial - a rarity in most cases - and there's no oily residue left on that makes you want to hide your face on your commute home.
BOOK YOUR SIGNATURE FACIAL HERE
Tucked away from the crowded crosswalks of Piccadilly Circus, inside the Sofitel St James spa is Su-Man Hsu's cosy new residence where not only does the skin expert conduct her facial treatments, but also offer shiatsu massage sessions to soothe tense muscles and focus on pressure points along with Qi Flow Movement classes to restore energy.
Su-Man is well-loved by industry insiders for her facial massage techniques. A session with her will unfold facial architecture you never knew you had and restore a lit-from-within glow. During the face mask part of each session, she'll take care of any sore areas with her signature massage. It goes without saying that each appointment is tailored to your specific needs.
If you're someone who's no stranger to scrolling TikTok, working at a desk, or Netflixing on your laptop, then this 'digital detox' facial is for you.
This 70-minute facial works hard to tackle dullness and re-define your facial structure while keeping sagging 'tech neck' at bay. It follows all the protocols of a great facial - thorough cleansing, extractions, exfoliation - but has the added bonus of giving your face a good workout via an electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) machine. The combination of EMS and Su-Man's expert hands will ease any tension in your face and neck (all while uncovering lost cheekbones). The shoulder and neck massage feels sublime after a busy day of staring at your laptop too.
Su-Man's massages are second to none and you'll enjoy plenty of it within this facial. Oh, and the joy of seeing defined jawlines for the first time in a long time, obviously.
The sensation of your skin being tugged by the EMS machine isn't always pleasant, but it is painless and well worth the end results.
None, you'll leave looking brighter, fresher and with defined cheekbones with no redness whatsoever. That said, the whole session is unbelievable relaxing so we don't blame you for wanting to head straight home and under the duvet...
Ascend four floors up from bustling Hanover Square to find yourself in a minimalist, zen cocoon that is KMP Skin's Georgian townhouse treatment room. Founder and pro facialist, Katharine Mackenzie Paterson's latest location, think of it as a dreamy penthouse apartment dedicated to giving your skin serious glow.
Each facial is tailored to your individual needs as KMP herself prescribes an expert list of derm-approved products, facial massage techniques and LED treatments. Be as honest as you like, Paterson's down-to-earth and friendly nature makes talking about your skin woes refreshingly easy - no judgement, scolding or intimidating sales pitches here. Think of it like visiting a friend who happens to be an A-list facialist (and lives next to Fenwick).
KMP's bespoke approach means her treatments are ideal for everyone's skin, no matter your skin concerns or condition.
Paterson expertly examines your skin and works with you on your aims for the treatment - whether that's targeting fine lines with an enzyme exfoliation, reviving tired skin with red light or addressing pigmentation via a series of peels. Whatever your skin issue going in, KMP will have you leaving looking like you, but just that bit better.
Other than catching up with Katharine herself, the best part is honestly relinquishing control and letting her work her magic. Although she's always happy to discuss the finer details of her treatment, we prefer to sit back, relax, and know that for the next hour or so our skin is in totally chill, trustworthy hands.
We never quite get over the trippy feeling of being under a red light. No matter how hard we try, our mind can't help but wander to some weird places...
Although you could probably walk straight out into Hanover Square and head to dinner in Mayfair without anyone batting an eyelid, it's much nicer to continue the zen vibes and take your glowy new skin home for an evening of Netflix and relaxation (plus, KMP prefers you to keep your skin make-up free post-facial if possible).
BOOK YOUR KMP SKIN FACIAL HERE
Nestled in Suite 105 in Covent Garden's NoMad Hotel is expert facialist Katie England's treatment room. More than just a clinical white bed and some hot towels, England's skincare space is like a mini 5 star hotel room. Think wall-sized artwork, artisan lamps, plaster coloured subway tiles and a treatment bed you could sleep a full eight hours in. Then there's the facial itself. England's holistic approach to skin involves everything from multiple face massage techniques, to microneedling and chemical peels all tailored to your specific complexion's needs.
Yes! England designs each facial around what your skin (and you) wants so every treatment is unique.
England's treatments aim to tackle, improve, reduce and rejuvenate anything and everything from rosacea to puffiness, but her innovative lymphatic drainage techniques specialise in complexion contouring and sculpting. Serious skin health is top of the agenda.
The facial cupping was an unexpectedly enjoyable section of the treatment. Designed to stimulate blood flow and in turn your skin's natural collagen production, we couldn't see what was going on but our face definitely liked it.
Part of England's face massage expertise includes Buccal massage - a technique that works intraorally to release jaw tension whilst creating lymphatic drainage and oxygenation. In short, she messages your face from the inside out. A little uncomfortable? Yes. Effective? Totally.
Aside from some healthy redness in your cheeks from England's blood flow stimulating massage, you can go straight to dinner with that 'just had a facial' flush.
BOOK YOUR KATIE ENGLAND FACIAL HERE
Swiss skincare experts Cellcosmet are landing in Mayfair's chic new aesthetic clinic Ouronyx. Don't be mistaken, you're not stepping inside a high end art gallery, it's just the clinic's enviably tasteful interiors. Saunter downstairs to discover the brand's techy ProCollagen treatment that's all about plumping, firming, smoothing and lifting aka everything our face would like a lot.
Designed with microbiome science in mind, Cellcosmet's facials not only leave you with serious glow, but help to reinforce your skin barrier as well. Which means even sensitive or sensitised skin can benefit from this hour of indulgence.
A series of expertly applied Cellcosmet products using cellular technology aim to leave you with your smoothest complexion ever. Ultra-hydrated, sculpted and plumped skin with fewer visible lines is the aim - an hour and a half of total relaxation is just a bonus...
Cellcosmet's two-part sheet mask wraps around your face and neck, cocooning you in the brand's signature collagen-boosting formula from your décolletage up.
Honestly, none. There's no tricks or surprise alternative treatments here, just solid skincare and a facialist that seriously knows their stuff.
Zero. We left the minimalist haven of Ouronyx looking more alive than we went in (which after a full days work in central London is saying something). We advise showing off your newly glowy skin to any friend available.
Cellcosmet facials will be available at Ouronyx in 2023 and currently at White Room Beauty
Think of the Aqua Tight Facial as the Hydra Facial 2.0, courtesy of celebrity aesthetician (he counts Nicola Coughlan, Hannah Waddingham and Phoebe Dynevor among his regular clients), Shane Cooper. A combination of no less than three different machines aims to deliver serious hydration whilst sculpting and lifting your skin, all in the chic surroundings of Cooper's South Kensington mews clinic.
If a defined jaw and glowy, plump skin that challenges gravity to do its worst is what you're after, then this is the facial for you. The mission is to achieve a dewy, celebrity-esque complexion rather than treating specific skin conditions so, if acne, rosacea or other skin issues are your concern then we'd recommend a different facial. However, those with skin conditions can still benefit from the hydrating and tightening effects.
A multi-step facial, after a thorough double cleanse, this treatment works its way through an initial water-based peel that uses salicylic acid and a gentle vacuum that's rolled over your skin to help decongest pores. Forget the painful acid peels of old, this feels sort of like a tiny wet hoover being placed all over your face. Next, the techy-sounding mesoporation handpiece applies hyaluronic acid, followed swiftly by a Diamond-Grain tool that's used to buff away dead skin. A dose of LED, radio frequency, a hydrating face mask and a final layer of serum and your one-stop-shop for really really good looking skin is complete.
The satisfaction of feeling the vacuum remove the stress, oil and, most notably, London gunk from your skin and pores. You can wave goodbye to congested skin, and almost feel the hyaluronic acid absorbing into your newly smooth complexion. Also, the glass jars of Werther's Originals.
One of the final steps of the facial is the cryo gun. Designed to force chilly CO2 into your skin, it helps stimulate blood flow and collagen production in your skin, aka an ideal way to leave with a bouncier face than when you arrived. So far, so normal. The weirdness comes when you hear the noise the cryo gun makes. Quite the shock after being lulled into a hazy half sleep by ten minutes of LED.
Unlike other acid-based facials this one doesn't require you to hide out watching Netflix in the dark for three days while your skin peels off, however, we would say the final serum that's applied to your skin is thick and quite sticky. It sinks in after about 20 minutes but in the meantime your face will look like a slick seal. Not necessarily a bad look, but not one to go straight to dinner with either.
BOOK YOUR SHANE COOPER FACIAL HERE
An unassuming little location in a side street behind one of London’s trendiest nightlife destinations, The Box, Soho’s Skinwork flagship salon might be humble in exterior, but the services on offer pack a serious punch. Stepping into the clean, bright and chic salon - stuffed with utterly covetable Ikon København tile console tables, complete with green grouting in the brand’s signature shade – you’ll be met by a ‘Skin Coach’ ready to perform your treatment, as well as provide you with homework, longer term after care and product recommendations.
Skinwork specialises in detoxing your skin, which means ridding it of all the pollution, chemicals, irritants and other filth that city-living tends to generously heap on your face. So, if you’re looking for a deep clean, some black and whitehead removal and to come out feeling scrubbed, rubbed and new, this is the facial place for you. If you’re looking for just a relaxing light touch, a bit of lavender and some soothing whale sounds, then probably seek a treatment elsewhere.
The signature facials at Skinwork are all about deep cleansing and, in the more advanced treatments, peeling. Both the signature facial and the very popular ‘City Cleanse Facial’ offer a comprehensive step-by-step journey to getting rid of all the toxins of metropolitan life. The ‘City Cleanse Facial’ is something of a supercharged version of their classic signature treatment, which as well as anti-bac pore extraction, also offers microdermabrasion, as well as a Lactic and Mandelic acid perfecting peel in order to seriously break down and remove your facial clutter, as well as resurface and rebuild the skin barrier.
Well firstly, there is something seriously satisfying about knowing that you’re helping your skin get back to its uncongested best self, so in that sense, the whole 55 minutes is enjoyable. But if you pushed us to pick a moment: some of the steps of the treatment take a little while to soak in and begin working. In the meantime, your skin coach will treat you to a little neck, shoulder or scalp massage – a seriously relaxing and enjoyable moment to tide you over while the active ingredients do their job.
There are some strange tingling sensations, which can affect some people more intensely than others. The peel can have a prickly effect on the skin as it does its work and the antioxidant infusion you can also make you feel a little a little tingly, and it can also leave a metal taste in your mouth as it helps with collagen production. These might not be the most pleasant sensations as they’re occurring, but they’re soon over, and worth it for the after-effect.
Absolutely no downtime required. You can pop some make-up on and go about your day as soon as you leave. But given that you’ve just had all the pollutants removed from your face, you may not want to put anything back on it! Enjoy the fresh, clean feeling for as long as you’ve got it, we say.
Zen, zen and more zen. Think dim lighting, blankets, rose water and face massage using Akwaterra sandstone pods designed to provide a continuous flow of heat. The result? If you're not lulled into a comforting state of relaxation and manage to stay conscious for the entire facial, we applaud you.
Yes! This isn't a hardcore facial full of techy treatments or harsh active ingredients. In fact, this is the opposite. A sensory experience designed to lift, tone and soothe skin using the Akwaterra face massage tools and a range of hot and cold treatments, your face will look as relaxed as you feel.
If dramatic transformations or treating specific skin issues is what you're looking for, this isn't the facial for you. But, if sinking into an hour long series of delightful rose water mists and facial massages is for you, then it doesn't get better than this. Focussed on lifting, toning and plumping skin using the specialist Akwaterra pods, this facial harnesses the benefits of hot and cold temperatures to leave your face well-rested and glowing.
The whole thing. We know, we know. But when a facial submerges you in a cocoon so relaxing you'll forget Bank tube station is only a few floors up the entire experience is the best part.
If you haven't seen an Akwaterra pod before then its bumpy bottom vial appearance might not be too familiar. But trust us when we say its face-sculpting credentials outstrip any rose quartz roller.
BOOK YOUR AKWATERRA FACIAL HERE
Short and oh-so sweet. This 20 minute facial is briefly but brilliant, adding instant brightness and ongoing clarity to congested or dull skin. Highly recommended for brides who, the day before the big day, want a skin-boosting facial but haven't got an hour or two to spare for it.
It's tailored to your skin type, so definitely. In fact it's perfect if you've been wary of facials due to sensitivity, as you can test the water without too much investment. Generally speaking, Sarah's products are soothing and caring, but your facialist might opt for a milder exfoliation or less active ingredients if they don't think your skin can handle it.
In just twenty minutes, quite a lot. Following a lovely cleanse, a light peel or exfoliation will be applied, and then the best bit. Sarah Chapman's signature massage techniques - pummelling, pinching and pulling but in the loveliest possible way - to sculpt and lift, using the delicious Skinesis serums.
The fact it's so quick. Because yes, we all love a chance to lie, eyes closed, horizontal for an hour or so, but we don't all have the luxury of time. This gives results on par with other full facials, in less than half the time.
The facial massage is pretty... surprising, if you're not expecting it. Hands move at the speed of light around your face, and although not at all painful it can be quite unexpected. Just relax into it and you'll enjoy it.
Immediately and definitely, yes.. it's a brilliant pre-event option as, thanks to the mad massage, the lifting and contouring effects are long lasting. As is the glow.
You could be a little tomato-ish afterwards due to the peel and hyped up blood circulation to your face. If you can spare the time and money (an extra 20 minutes and £45) some post-mini-facial LED will take down redness and help to further boost collagen.
Considering Sarah Chapman is such a household name (Meghan Markle is a big fan soooo...) and the results are so good, we think it's a sound investment. You won't get the full spa experience (the facial is done on a reclining chair in a little section in the back of the swanky Skinesis store, not on a bed in a separate room) though.
BOOK YOUR SKINESIS MINI-FACIAL HERE
The spa, situated on one of the fanciest streets in London, Mount Street, is a heavenly haven of skincare: white walls, white display units, all sparkling clean. Warm lighting and friendly staff stop it from teetering into the unapproachable, but you might want to leave dirty-handed toddlers at home. You'll be taken downstairs for your appointment, to one of the spacious, sparkling treatment rooms. Although it's more white on white, luxurious finishes stop it from feeling clinical but do give a hint that the treatment is going to be a proper job.
This specific facial concentrates on soothing the skin barrier and boosting hydration (resulting in an instant and ongoing glow) so, yes, because everyone wants that. Your therapist will consult you and analyse your skin to curate any extras you may or may not want or need, such as extractions or deeper exfoliation.
The multi-stepped facial aims to reset and reboot the skin, leaving you sculpted, smooth and shining afterwards. It's all about results, so don't expect any holistic or essential oil elements, but still relaxing, with anti-aging lymphatic massage around the face and a little shoulder release while a face mask is on.
The combination of the many steps (cleansing, exfoliation, serums, massage, masking, LED and micro-needling if you wish) increase blood flow to the face, deeply hydrate the skin, and tone the facial muscles for instant lifting.
Without sounding geeky, the brilliance of the products and the fact you can carry on the regime at home. If you do stay awake throughout, your therapist will explain the importance of the ingredients and formulas and you can keep seeing results by using them yourself. The hyaluronic serum and calming serum are especially brilliant, especially for dry or sensitive skin types.
The facial massage is pretty thorough. Don't be alarmed if your face gets pinched or lightly pummelled by some fast-moving fingers. It's all part of the process!
With the word 'glow' in the title you'd be annoyed if you didn't, right? 'That Sturm glow' aside, the sculpting is sensational. It's a great option the morning or day before an event. Carry on the hydrating regime at home and the results will last even longer.
If you opt to add microneedling you will likely be a little red afterwards, but otherwise you should leave with no need for large sunnies or a quick dart into a cab.
Sturm's products aren't exactly cheap, so the fact that so many are used in this facial mean you really get your money's worth. Plus it's seriously thorough, with gadgets and expertise you couldn't get at home. We also love that extractions are included (sometimes they can be extra).
BOOK YOUR SIGNATURE STURM GLOW FACIAL HERE
Known for their seriously considered and classy approach to aesthetic transformations (that's injectables to you and me), The Prager Clinic is one of the most trustworthy skincare destinations in London, backed by leading cosmetic dermatologist Dr Michael Prager himself. Whether you're going for lip fillers or their new Hydrogen Facial, you'll be in expert hands.
If totally detoxed, super clean and refreshed skin is what you're after then yes. More of an all round pollution purge for your face than a targeted treatment, it's suitable for almost everyone.
Once your face has been thoroughly cleansed, the Hydrogen Facial treats your skin with hydrogenated water via a techy wand-like device that 'jet cleans' your complexion. More than just a power shower for your face, the hydrogenated water clear pores of dirt, excess sebum and accumulated environmental aggressors such as pollution. You can even ask your facialist to show you all the grime they've collected once the facial is finished. We can confirm it's surprisingly satisfying and only a little gross.
Aside from the deep clean that feels a little tickly, a solid dose of LED light to reduce inflammation and lymphatic drainage help to polish off your newly refreshed face.
If you haven't had a tiny jet of hydrogenated water fired at your skin before then it might feel a little unusual at first.
Our skin felt immediately cleaner, de-clogged and overall less grey.
Although it fades after a few hours, our face was a little red directly after the facial so it's possibly not one for a post-clinic dinner date. But, it's totally understandable when a year's worth of grime has been blasted out of our pores.
If a total face refresh in under an hour is what you're looking for then this is the best facial around. Think of it as a power hour for your face, rather than a relaxing spa experience. For less than £150 your skin will thank you.
BOOK YOUR PRAGER HYDROGEN FACIAL HERE
Nestled below the Corinthia Hotel in arguably London's most luxe spa, this facial might be the closest you get to a true escape from the traffic above. We can't think of a better word to sum up the glass vaulted ceilings, all white interiors and stone fireplaces than exquisite. And that's just the reception. Come for the facial, stay for the boujiest retreat you can get without leaving Embankment.
In short, yes. Designed to give your skin a much-needed post-lockdown glow with a dose of relaxation, this facial is all about using effective products and techniques without going too hardcore. Think results minus the slightly scarier acid peel/dermaplaning/microneedling that can be too harsh for more sensitive or acne=prone skin types.
We'll get straight to the point: this facial gives good skin. Like, really good skin. Like, go straight out without make-up on because your skin looks plump and clear as heck. A combination of deep cleansing with the techy FOREO Luna 2, face steaming and ESPA enzyme peels gently slough away dead and dull skin ready for a hit of hydration from a mix of face masks. So far, so great. Then the gua sha happens. We're not just talking gua sha face massage, but across your arms, chest and, most importantly for our WFH posture, down your neck too.
The gua sha neck massage was everything our tense shoulders needed and more. From now on we vote all facials come with a rose quartz neck massage. We're actually still not over it.
Not necessarily weird but definitely unexpected, ESPA's Pink Hair and Scalp Mud is applied to your roots to soothe and condition your hair while your skin gets a good overhaul. So that's our faces, posture and scalp sorted. Is there anything this facial doesn't do?
Definitively, yes. Our facialist used a skin scanner to show up areas of sun damage and dehydration before the facial. After? Let's just say the bad patches were significantly smaller.
None whatsoever. If anything go out immediately and show your new glowy fresh face off to anyone who'll look.
Between the next level spa setting, the indulgent ESPA products, the face steaming, gua sha neck massaging and clay scalp treatment, this facial delivered over and above our expectations. We even snuck in a little nap between masks.
BOOK YOUR ESPA FACIAL HERE
La Mer, La Mer and more La Mer. Step down to Harrods' recently opened oasis under their Knightsbridge store and you'll find a spa haven complete with private treatment rooms dedicated to the best beauty brands in the biz. Trust us, the La Mer room doesn't disappoint. Larger than our London flat with more marble orbs and plush furnishings in La Mer's signature shades of green and gold, we could stay here all day.
We're yet to meet someone who's skin doesn't love La Mer to be honest... But, rest assured your face will fall head over heels with the full roster of La Mer's iconic skincare that feature in their Signature Facial. Designed more to soothe than to gain visible results, if you're looking for a high-tech all singing all dancing facial complete with lasers, this isn't for you. But, if you're up for over an hour's escape from the world where your face is treated to endless skin-softening lotions, sheet masks and moisturisers infused with La Mer's legendary Miracle Broth, in a room that feels more like a comforting cocoon minus the spa music (just wave sounds here), then this is very much the facial for you.
Hold tight for the hero part of the facial where pure Miracle Broth is applied to your face. So major is this application of La Mer's concentrated elixir that the therapist chimes bells to announce its arrival on your skin. Packed full of fermented vitamins and minerals derived from sustainably-harvested giant sea kelp, this direct dose is designed to rejuvenate and nourish your skin. Expect plushy, plump and perfectly hydrated skin that looks like it just got some really good news.
Everything. The head massage, the arm and hand massage, the face massage. Mainly, the massage. Favouring bespoke massage techniques over machines, La Mer's facials utilise unique movements and strokes to move your face and ease in their skincare. Combine muscle-soothing massage and La Mer lotions and potions and you've got the best half nap you ever took.
Chiming to proclaim the arrival of the pure Miracle Broth could have been startling in our semi-conscious state, but a gentle warning from the therapist introduced the change of pace perfectly.
If the theory that stress, or lack thereof, is good for your skin, then consider this facial your complexion's new (calming) best friend. The most restorative hour we've spent in Zone 1, well, ever, expect glowy, hydrated skin with a satisfying sheen from all the La Mer goodness that's been comfortingly kneaded into your face.
Almost nothing. Yup, this is the ultimate facial direct to dinner situation. We went straight to after work drinks and skipped the make-up altogether.
With the sheer amount of La Mer products being liberally applied to your skin, it's hard not to consider this luxurious radiance-boosting facial more than worth the price tag. Add to that the instant 'spa skin' we walked out with and this is definitely one for gifting yourself or treating your favourite people to. Because, when it comes down to it, can you really put a price on escapism?
BOOK YOUR LA MER FACIAL HERE
Chanel as hell: luxurious and chic in spades, but also with very trustworthy skincare. Down a sweeping staircase in Harrods' newest beauty space, the room is all white and gold and serene and super private. The therapists are as lovely as they are knowledgable, and the focus is as much on you having some serious downtime as it is about you leaving with gleaming skin (which you will).
The products used are catered to each skin type, so yes. Nothing is going to be too crazy active, but always let your therapist know if you're super sensitive. Because Chanel skincare is all hydrating, it's especially good for dry skin and anti-ageing.
The techniques, tools, and Chanel skincare used have been chosen to reactivate and re-oxygenate the skin, which will result in firmer and hydrated skin. It will also, importantly, send you into a deep, deep nap. Especially the hand massage given while masks are doing their work. Heavenly.
Without sounding too on-the-fence, the whole experience is really the best part. From the CC logos on the sarong, hair band, mirror, ok everything, to the incredibly plush bed, to the gleaming Harrods staircase that leads you to the room, everything is swanky and sophisticated. The fact the facial is thorough and effective is almost an added bonus.
Icy balls. This is the only way to describe them we're afraid. Two spheres that, harnessing the power of cryotherapy, are rolled up and around your face to tighten things up. If you are in a deep sleep at this stage, it's a rude awakening, but quickly feels refreshing and invigorating.
The Chanel-y glow is impossible to ignore, and although you shouldn't be putting your hands on your freshly cleaned skin if you DO, it's bouncy to the touch. The cyro aspect means your cheekbones will be poppin' too.
None. In fact not only will your glow go from zero to one hundred, but your therapist can add some light, skin-friendly coverage with Chanel's make-up afterwards if you're not off home to continue your napping.
It's over £200, so we can't say it's a bargain. But considering the length (and ability to add a make-up touch up on), the cost per minute isn't so bad. Like anything Chanel, it's an indulgent treat, and we all deserve those from time to time.
BOOK YOUR CHANEL PRIVÉ FACIAL HERE
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