It can be argued that the myriad of advancements in technology is a double-edged sword. With heightened convenience and efficacy comes job displacements brought about by the advent of A.I. tech; ethical concerns surrounding online privacy; and even a dehumanisation of certain services and interactions. And while the relationship between tech and the beauty realm proves to be just as layered and complex, there is something to be said about the innovations, devices, treatments, and that have emerged within the realm as of late. From full-body muscle relaxation utilising specific colour waves to painless extractions, it is safe to say that 2023 is brimming with promise when it comes to full-body massages, facials, and the like. Bearing this in mind, Vogue Singapore‘s editorial team ventured out into the beauty scene to review the best treatments designed to address a variety of concerns.
This month, we look to Guerlain for the ultimate skin-nourishing experience employing their luxurious Orchidée Impériale range; Strip for a thermal face lift that helps grant snatched contours as well a defined jawline; Acclaro BBL Hero’s complexion-refining treatment that addresses signs of ageing, acne, skin laxity, and more.
Whether you’re dealing with sensitive, sagging, or dry skin, or simply craving a well-deserved sensorial pampering session for the day, peruse the best beauty facials, treatments, and more to try in Singapore, as recommended by Vogue Singapore’s beauty desk.
1 / 4
Acclaro BBL Hero with Exosomes Therapy, $690 for 1.5 hours
Who it’s catered for: Those in need of luminous, glass skin within 7 days or less. The multi-step treatment helps to minimise the look of enlarged pores, while refining and brightening skin marked by acne scars and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We love it for pre-party rejuvenation, seven days before any big night out.
Vogue’s review: This skin-refining treatment is best performed at least 7 days before any party or big event. It delivers the power of BBL Hero and SkinTyte for a complexion overhaul. BBL uses broadband light, and is an award-winning phototherapy technology that addresses signs of ageing, acne, skin laxity, melasma, and textured skin with open pores.
The process begins with a deep cleanse before a cold gel is applied to the skin. While you are goggled up, a key hallmark of BBL Hero are the pulses of intensely bright, flashing light—something to note if you are sensitive to light. In addition to the lights, expect a warm yet comfortable sensation on the skin and facial contours. Next up: the application of numbing cream before microneedling and/or dermoelectroporation (DEP) to assist in the penetration of exosomes—a win for anyone with concerns of texture, fine lines or roughness. Used for regenerating the skin, exosomes heal repair the skin by sending signals to inactive cells, stimulating the production of collagen and elastin while reducing inflammation and inhibiting melanin production. They contain proteins such as cytokines and growth factors, lipids, amino acids and peptides to initiate skin healing and rejuvenation.
While you may find your skin flushed, taut and a little sensitive to the touch two days post-treatment, expect to see clearer, brighter skin, with a more even skin tone, reduction of fine lines, and improved hydration by day 5 to 7. Mine appears to look airbrushed in some places. For better, sustained results beyond party season, Acclaro recommends repeating this combination three to four times a month apart, and every three months thereafter. And given my skin is now the best it’s looked in a long time, I can’t wait for my next session. Priced at $380 for the first visit, and $690 thereafter.
Acclaro Clinic, 583 Orchard Road, #01/07/08/09 Forum Galleria, Singapore 238884. Tel: +65 8813 5778
2 / 4
Strip Thermal Face Lift, from $220 for 60 minutes
Who it’s catered for: Anyone who yearns for firmer skin, a snatched jawline and contoured features.
Vogue’s review: So you want smoother, tighter-looking skin without invasive interventions or even aesthetic procedures such as threads—and you want it now with zero downtime. Strip’s Thermal Face Lift delivers thermal-O2 technology, a combination of frequency and heat energy to the dermis to stimulate collagen production, improve blood circulation and promote cell turnover on the area. The pain-free treatment comfortably warms the dermis to 40 to 45°C, creating a subtle skin tightening and lifting effect which is perfect for your pre-party prep. For sustained results however, Strip recommends anywhere from eight treatments and up.
Do note that you’ll be charged per treatment area. Laugh lines are charged at $220, whereas the double chin and neck are charged at $365 respectively.
Visit Strip for information on outlets.
3 / 4
Guerlain Ultimate Black Orchid Age Reverse Treatment, $280 for 60 minutes
Who it’s catered for: Individuals seeking a smoother, more refined canvas just in time for this season’s festive fiestas. It is also a great option for anyone dealing with facial volume loss and fine lines.
Vogue’s review: The newly opened Guerlain ION boutique offers a comprehensive menu of services that is sure to please even the most discerning of skincare savants. I was escorted to the lounge area upon entry; a charming enclave situated deeper into the recesses of the boutique separate from the hustle and bustle of the main shop area. Once seated, my therapist requested I fill out several forms detailing my lifestyle habits and skincare routine so as to determine the best course of treatment for me. I opted for the Ultimate Black Orchid Age Reverse Treatment after some deliberation; a highly-nourishing and hydrating option designed to rid my complexion of pesky bumps and dry patches that have emerged thanks to one too many cocktails at holiday parties.
The facial that followed was both deeply sensorial and relaxing, with it kicking off with a light shoulder massage as well a thorough double cleanse that left my skin feeling clean and moisturised. This is largely credited to the brand’s decadent Orchidée Impériale range, which has been dubbed the ultimate talisman of youth— its thick, generous formula cocoons the skin in a protective veil throughout the treatment, eradicating flakiness and skin tightness in a matter of minutes. A serum, eye cream, and moisturiser from the Orchidée Impériale line-up soon followed, accompanied with an upper-body massage employing Guerlain’s signature techniques. The end result: significantly reduced tension in my shoulders and back, as well as a brightened visage radiating with good health. The ultimate pick-me-up for anyone feeling short on rest and rejuvenation, indeed.
Guerlain ION Orchard boutique, 2 Orchard Turn, #B2-32, Singapore 238801 Tel: +65 6509 3922
4 / 4
Spa by JW x Skin Inc Supplement Bar Pop-Up Tri-Light +SABI AI Facial Treatment, $125++ for 30 minutes
Who it’s catered for: Should congestion and clogged pores be a key concern, look no further than the Tri-Light Facial hosted by the Spa by JW x Skin Inc Supplement Bar Pop-Up, which employs a combination of light therapy as well as sonic and hydro-sensor tech to thoroughly cleanse and purify the skin.
Vogue’s review: Make a trip down to the JW Marriott from now until 31 January to enjoy a rigorous skin detoxification aided by the extensive capabilities of Skin Inc’s AI technology, +Sabi. This highly-bespoke process begins with the downloading of the Skin Inc app, which identifies your key complexion issues through a comprehensive survey and selfie.
What follows next: an exhaustive cleanse with the deployment of Skin Inc’s DeepCare O2 Hydro-Facial Pore Refiner, which gently vacuums out blackheads and excess sebum. I didn’t experience any discomfort beyond a light pressure, with the sensation being subtle enough that I was lulled to sleep soon after. The device was quickly replaced by the brand’s signature Tri-Light +Sabi, which comes equipped with five different modes that can be customised according to your needs. For my end, a blue light was used to tamp down inflammation and sensitivity—a common occurrence that crops up when my immune system isn’t at its best. It’s safe to say that I emerged at the end of the 30-minute session with an immaculate, radiant complexion, that was only further bolstered by the complimentary usage of Spa by JW’s facilities including the sauna, steam bath, and jacuzzi.
Spa by JW, 30 Beach Road Level 2, East Tower, South Beach JW Marriott, Singapore 189763, Tel: +65 6818 1939