Her World Spa Awards 2017: 10 Best Brightening Facials For A More Radiant Complexion

Everyday exposure to environmental aggressors such as UV rays and pollutants can result in dull skin, which makes you look older and more tired. Here to help: peels and exfoliants that remove surface dead skin cells to reveal a more radiant complexion – and help skin better absorb skincare.

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Intense Brightening Opulence Facial ($179 for 60min)

This treatment tackles UV-ray-induced dark spots, enlisting the help of botanical extracts and concentrated vitamin C to brighten and even out skin tone. Antioxidants and hyaluronic acid also help to plump skin and reduce the look of fine lines. Our makeup went on more easily as our skin was smoother, and we had a healthy “post-exercise” glow right after the facial.

Purovel Spa & Sport, Level 2 Swissotel Merchant Court (tel: 6239-1780/1783)

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Perfect Touch Solution ($680 for 90min)

Move a little closer to your #iwokeuplikethis goal with this treatment that uses products and a microneedling machine imported from Korea. An ampoule for hydration and a lotion-like BB Covered Solution are used to reduce the look of scars, and make your complexion look smoother, suppler and plumper. Effects are said to last up to four months.

Mirage Aesthetic, #04-08 Orchard Parade Hotel (tel: 6262-3358/3378).

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Elemis White Brightening Pigment Perfector ($218 for 75min)

Using products by award-winning British spa brand Elemis, this treatment targets dull skin, an uneven tone and irregular pigmentation such as age spots. The result: a brighter and more luminous-looking complexion with an enviable youthful glow. The therapist used just the right amount of pressure for the neck, arm, hand and foot massages. Bonus: the spa’s tranquil setting (it’s located in a park), which really ups the relaxation factor.

Aramsa – The Garden Spa, 1384 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1, Bishan Park 2 (tel: 6456-6556).

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Mask To Perfection ($168 for 45min)

To ensure maximum penetration of a customised serum, the treatment starts off with the Oxy Miracle

Peel, which removes surface dead skin cells, unclogs pores and improves microcirculation. Next, two masks are applied: Get Glowin’ Brightening Mask, used on the T-zone, and Pure Deepsea

Hydrating Mask, used from the under-eye area right down to the decolletage. Our tester’s skin looked more supple and radiant after.

Skin Inc Concept Store, #03-14/15 Scotts Square (tel: 6536-6789).

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Crystal Lymphatic Facial ($211.86 for 60min; $294.25 for 90min)

The spa’s signature facial involves a deep cleanse, an AHA exfoliation, a seaweed mask and a collagen-boosting mask – all-natural and organic products from The Organic Pharmacy. The session also includes a lifting acupressure massage, a lymphatic massage and mini massages for the scalp, arms, hands and feet. Well-stocked with snacks such as fruits, nuts, tea and magazines, the post-treatment lounge offers individual beds where we can rest for as long as we like before leaving.

Auriga Spa, Level 1 Capella Singapore (tel: 6591-5023).

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Organic Herbal Brightening Facial ($255 for 90min)

Besides using 100 per cent natural ingredients that help brighten skin (such as rosehip oil and edelweiss extract), the peel and mask treatments are blended right before application to ensure optimum freshness. Another standout: the aromatherapy oils and facial scrubs are all created in-house to ensure that this facial is suitable for those with sensitive skin. Expect a clearer-looking, more even-toned complexion with less-obvious dark spots. The homemade tea served added a nice touch to the all-natural treatment.

Organicsbeauty, #04-27 Delfi Orchard (tel: 6734-2224).

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Dewy Glow Booster ($268 for 40min)

Talk about a great quickie – this lunchtime express facial left us feeling refreshed and looking well-rested after a mere 40 minutes. The “Dewy Glow Technology”, which involves the use of a machine imported from Korea, emits light and heat energies via a handpiece to boost the skin’s absorption of Dewy Glow, a skin booster with a potent cocktail of minerals, vitamins and natural light-reflecting elements said to impart radiance to the skin.

Bellezza Aesthetics, #04-13 Wheelock Place (tel: 6223-2533).

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Facial In A Flash+ Treatment ($65 for 30min)

Make this your pit stop when your skin needs a quick perk-me-up. The 30-minute treatment comprises a customised three-step programme; the use of the Pure Serum Mist to help strengthen the skin’s barrier; the Optimizer Voyage Tri-light Treatment to boost skincare penetration, lighten blemishes and dark circles, and improve skin elasticity; and a tension-relieving shoulder massage. Post-treatment, our tester felt energised and ready to take on any task. Her skin also looked less tired and more radiant.

Skin Inc Concept Store, #03-14/15 Scotts Square (tel: 6536-6789/8218-0668)

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Ultra Glow Signature Treatment ($340 for 120min)

Gentle enough for sensitive skin, the organic products used in this facial target dull, saggy skin and an uneven tone. It includes the use of two masks – the first to hydrate and help improve skin elasticity, and the second to even out skin tone and reportedly provide a lifting effect – and LED light therapy, which helps reduce the look of dark spots for clearer, more dewy skin. The highlight: a cold stone eye massage – so shiok! – that stimulates the lymphatic system and helps reduce puffiness.

Pure Tincture Organic Beauty, #02-01, 68 Tras Street (tel: 6222-0267/9105-2345).

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin

Radiance Smoother Tri-active Facial ($250 for 75min)

No machines are used, and there’s no extraction work done either. Instead, Clarins’ signature massage techniques as well as its spa-exclusive Clarinspro products with plant-based formulas work together to help revive tired-looking skin. Post-facial, our tester’s dull and stressed skin appeared fresher and more radiant.

Clarins Skin Spa, #05-05/06/07 Wheelock Place (tel: 6838-5060).

READ MORE: Check out 3 new secrets to looking good as you hit your 30s and our beauty writer’s pick of vitamin C skincare for brighter and clearer skin