From The Straits Times    |

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Suitable for women in their mid-30s and above, these treatments target signs of ageing such as fine lines and sagging, and promise to plump and firm skin. While you’re at it, check out our 3 new secrets to looking good as the big 3-0 approaches.

 

BEST FIRMING FACIAL (massage-based)

Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice

Timetreasure Renovating Treatment ($300 for 80min)
At Sulwhasoo Beauty Lounge, #B2-02 Ion Orchard (tel: 6509-9979)

Photo: Sulwhasoo

Get ready to feel extra pampered with double doses of facial massages, serums and masks from South Korean luxury skincare brand Sulwhasoo. The first facial massage kick-starts relaxation, and the second uses warm amber stones, along with an anti-ageing face moisturiser, to help firm skin and restore its elasticity. The brand’s First Care Activating Serum Ex helps improve skin’s absorption of subsequent skincare, while the Timetreasure Renovating Serum Ex works to enhance radiance. A brightening mask imparts a translucent glow, while a remodelling one is meant to give an all-round lifting effect. Not only did our skin appear firmer and suppler, we also left the spa feeling reinvigorated.

 

BEST FIRMING FACIAL (machine-based)

Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice

LPG Intensive 30.90 Facial ($642 for 90min)
At Elements Wellness, #B1-30 Ion Orchard (tel: 6738-3788)

Photo: Elements Wellness

This involves the use of a machine that generates suction pulses – a patented technology – to stimulate the production of collagen, which helps firm skin. The production of hyaluronic acid and elastin in skin cells is said to increase after just one session. The 30-minute machine-based session is weaved into the spa’s signature facial, where the therapist will analyse your skin condition before recommending the appropriate treatment (hydrating, anti-ageing or acne-targeting). Our tester’s wrinkles looked less obvious, and she found the shoulder and décolletage massage that followed very relaxing too.

 

BEST LIFTING FACIAL (machine-based)

Editors’ Choice and Readers’ Choice

Senze Renewal Proionic Facial ($480 for 90min)
At SK-II Boutique Spa, #02-06 Shaw Centre (tel: 6836-9168)

Photo: SK-II

A machine delivers radiofrequency waves into the skin to stimulate cell metabolism and circulation. The heat produced by the waves is also said to help the SK-II skincare penetrate deeper into skin, while a cold ball compress applied after that prevents skin from overheating. A massage (scalp, neck and shoulders) completes the pampering and relaxing experience. Post-treatment, our skin felt firmer and facial contours looked more lifted.

 

READ MORE: My 6-month Accutane journey and Your office beauty stash isn’t complete without these hydrating facial mists

 

BEST LIFTING FACIAL (non-machine-based)

Editors’ Choice

Organic Lift Up And Firm Facial (from $255 for 90min)
At Organicsbeauty, #04-27 Delfi Orchard (tel: 6734-2224)

Photo: Organicsbeauty’s Facebook

The use of acupressure and upward massage strokes boosts blood circulation, which in turn works to stimulate collagen and elastin production. Aside from the 30-minute facial massage, aromatic oils are used for the neck, shoulder and décolletage massage to relieve tension. A seaweed mask is then applied to pamper and revitalise the look of skin. Our eyes appeared less tired and the fine lines around them, less obvious, after the facial.

 

Readers’ Choice

Heavy Lifting Facial ($321 for 90min)
At Spa Esprit, #05-10 Paragon (tel: 6836-0500)

Photo: Spa Esprit

The treatment uses Doctor Babor skincare with active ingredients such as collagen-boosting peptides and hyaluronic acid. These are combined with an intensive 15-minute face massage to help firm and plump skin. Two masks are used: first, a cream mask that is said to boost skin regeneration, followed by a warm, face-sculpting Ultra Comfort Modelage Mask in the form of compress strips. These are layered over the face one at a time, and harden to enhance the lifting effect. Our tester reported tauter and smoother-looking skin after.

 

BEST ANTI-AGEING FACIAL

Editors’ Choice

Advanced Youth Booster ($268 for 60min)
At Bellezza Aesthetics, #04-13 Wheelock Place (tel: 6223-2533)

Photo: Bellezza Aesthetics

Mature skin will benefit from this non-invasive treatment, where a handheld wand is used to deliver “cooling” technology to boost circulation, as well as stimulate collagen and elastin production. The wand also pumps nano-sized collagen essence into the deeper layers of skin to help improve firmness. After that, an enzyme mask is applied to remove dead skin cells. This is followed by a Nano Marine Collagen Mask, which is said to boost collagen production. Our skin appeared brighter (complement your new glow with these beauty picks) and felt much firmer immediately afterwards.

 

Editors’ Choice

Thalion Youth Perfection ($280 for 90min)
At St. Gregory Spa, Level 4 Pan Pacific Singapore (tel: 6826-8140)

Photo: St. Gregory Spa

The key element here is the highly concentrated marine peel treatment that exfoliates, removes impurities and boosts skin cell renewal to help reduce the look of fine lines. The serene setting of the spa (it reminded us of a forest shrine), combined with the pampering face, scalp, neck, shoulder, arm and foot massages, completed the experience and left us feeling rejuvenated in every sense. Twelve hours after the session, we were still reaping the benefits of the treatment – hydrated, clearer, smoother and more radiant-looking skin. You might want to load up on these nuts too to upkeep your skin’s radiance.

 

READ MORE: 8 surprising things to know about sun protection and 6 tips for flawless makeup without sacrificing any sleep

 

Readers’ Choice

Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Treatment ($260 for 80min)
At Sulwhasoo Beauty Lounge, #B2-02 Ion Orchard (tel: 6509-9979)

Photo: Sulwhasoo

Jade rings aren’t just accessories that elevate your #OOTD. Here, they’re used as special applicators to massage the Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream and Eye Cream into skin. This is said to balance your yin and yang energies to bring about skin renewal and a more lifted appearance. Next, Capsulized Ginseng Fortifying Serum is applied using finger massage techniques (such as “twist pinching” and “pick up and lift” actions) to supposedly boost lymphatic drainage and firm skin, delivering an instant pick-me-up effect. The facial also includes an invigorating scalp-and-shoulder massage that made our tester feel completely relaxed.

 

BEST LUXURIOUS ANTI-AGEING FACIAL

Editors’ Choice

Illumination Facial ($294.25 for 90min)
At Heavenly Spa by Westin, Level 35 The Westin Singapore (tel: 6922-6977)

Photo: The Westin Singapore

This facial uses products from Themae, a Parisian brand known for blending different types of teas that have strong antioxidant (read more on foods that are high in antioxidant content) and skin-repairing properties with pure spring water. Post-treatment, our skin felt smooth and plump. Bonus points for the impeccable services and spa facilities, such as the Experience Shower and Aromatherapy Steam Bath. The post-treatment lounge has great city views yet doesn’t compromise on privacy – we took a nap there before leaving the spa. All that R&R completed the luxurious experience and contributed to the radiant glow we had afterwards.

 

Readers’ Choice

Harmonizen Regenerating Treatment ($340 for 80min)
At Sulwhasoo Beauty Lounge, #01-72/73 Capitol Building (tel: 6844-9766)

Photo: Sulwhasoo

Delivering extracts of danshen (a herb commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine) and red ginseng into skin using obsidian stone applicators, this treatment supposedly helps to repair skin’s structure and boost its regeneration. The sessions tarts with a foot ritual to relieve fatigue, followed by the brand’s signature Sulwhajeong Facial Massage. Besides two face masks, décolletage, hand and scalp massages are included too – indulgent indeed. Click here to learn more about the traditional treatments and ancient foods you need for radiant skin.

 

 

ALSO READ: The low-down on the hottest Korean hair salons in Singapore and 10 super hydrating face masks to plump up your skin

 

This story first appeared in the July 2017 issue of Her World magazine.