As mask-fishing finally becomes a thing of the past and we’re finally free to step out with our faces unhidden from the world, the most hard-hitting beauty trend of the past two years continues to leave its mark: that skincare comes above everything else. In recent times, however, said notion has been compounded with yet another point of focus within the beauty realm—full-body pampering. Think massages, spas, and nifty devices that allow for a multitude of benefits such as muscle relaxation and light therapy. Bearing this in mind, Vogue Singapore‘s editorial team ventured out into the beauty scene to review the latest and greatest in treatments designed to address a variety of concerns. This month, we look to JW Marriott for a stress-busting massage that deftly incorporates ancient South-East Asian techniques to eradicate all manner of muscle tension; Sulwhasoo for a decadent facial experience focused on skin soothing and recovery; as well as Freia Aesthetics for a bespoke experience utilising products from skin-minimalism label, Ayuna.
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 treatments to try in Singapore, as recommended by Vogue Singapore’s beauty desk.
1 / 4
Ayuna Facial, $420 for 105 minutes before GST at Freia
Who’s it catered for: Mature or dry skin types in need of hydration, brightening and an overall youth-inducing boost.
Vogue’s review: Let’s get this out the way: a facial at Freia will always have you floating out the door looking brighter, clearer than before. Their Ayuna facial, created by the Spanish niche beauty skincare label, takes this to the next level. Armed with Ayuna’s “less is beauty” approach, this personalised facial is all about re-awakening stressed and lacklustre skin to its youthful radiance. With products developed by green technology expert and chemist, Dr Isabel Ramos, your therapist first initiates you into stillness with an aromatic steam and breathing exercise.
Next, fluffy white clouds of Ayuna’s iconic soap cleanse the skin, removing impurities and grime as the skin is then infused with oxygen in a process called carboxigenation. This novel way to promote microcirculation and skin soothing simultaneously unclogs pores and residue, priming the skin ahead of manual extraction of pores by your therapist. Next comes the heart of the treatment: soothing waves of pure oxygen are delivered to the skin in a bid to increase cell turnover, minimise inflammation and boost collagen production. Armed with Freia’s special touch, your therapist then performs an acupoint massage. Using her skill and intuition, she silently determines whether to awaken the skin and calm the mind with her touch, or calm the skin and awaken the senses. As your skin absorbs the goodness of each serum, you will be treated to a sumptuous face, scalp and shoulder massage, followed with a custom double mask to truly restore and heal the skin. Just when you couldn’t be more relaxed, your therapist delivers the finale, using the relevant holistic products by Ayuna to seal in all the goodness your complexion and senses have been treated to. A masterful facial of textures, science and skill—from that of your therapist and tech-led machines, prepare to emerge a new person.
Freia Aesthetics, 435 Orchard Rd, #19-03 Wisma Atria Office Tower, Singapore, 238877. Tel: +65 9109 1574
2 / 4
Sulwhasoo Signature Ginseng Treatment, $330 for 80 minutes
Who’s it catered for: Those looking for overall facial rejuvenation and relaxation while focusing on wrinkles.
Vogue’s review: If diminishing the signs of ageing is you main concern but you’re more inclined towards an ultra-pampering facial than a wham-bam tech-led treatment at an aesthetics clinic, this is for you. Here, Sulwhasoo’s new Signature Ginseng Treatment delivers the best of ginseng science in one deeply relaxing, four-step journey.
The improved spa offers advanced massage techniques and a horn-shaped jade massager to drive ginseng-led formulations into the skin. Your therapist will first perform the steps of Sulwhadong and Sulwhajeong to open up meridians in the face, moving waste and draining lymph. Sulwhajeong will see you select a delicate Korean-inspired botanical scent of your choice, each draw from either the ginseng flower, ginseng root or ultimate, before delivering a brief acupoint massage. Next, in the act of sulwhadong, a singing bowl is placed on your core to, emptying out your mind and ushering you deeper into the present moment via gentle yet deep vibrations. This purifying step initiates you into a face cleanse followed by an activating workout of the face in the form of warming hot stones, masks and massages to tone and firm the skin. It’s important to note that there are no extractions at Sulwhasoo.
Next, your therapist delivers a targeted treatment drawing from five different programs to target specific concerns. Your mien will yet again experience the benefits of various massage tools and enhanced hands-on techniques to give the skin and facial muscles a relaxing work out. The facial concludes with a focus on skin recovery which includes a second mask and soothing hand treatment with meridian massage. Emerge well-rested with skin that feels and looks completely overhauled in just 80 pampering minutes.
Sulwhasoo Beauty Lounge, 2 Orchard Turn #B2-02, Singapore 238801. Tel: +65 6509 9979
3 / 4
JW Marriott Nourish The Soul Spa Package, $280 for 90 minutes
Who is it catered for: Individuals in search of a full-body detox, and whom are striving to boost both their immune health as well as blood circulation.
Vogue’s review: Tranquility is the word that comes to mind upon entering the recently revamped Spa by JW; a sprawling space painted in creams and whites punctuated by hints of cerulean to evoke the calm and serenity of the ocean. Each session begins with a consultation within their Relaxation Lounge, whereupon you will be able to luxuriate in zero-gravity chairs while discussing the possible treatment options. 90-minute massage aside, add-ons are also available in the form of face, hand, and foot masks to maintain optimal hydration levels after your body has been kneaded and rolled into complete submission—a welcome addition to the menu of services, seeing how the manipulation of muscles can lead to a depletion of moisture levels in skin.
The 90-minute session kicks off upon ironing out your preferences with your therapist. The first item on the agenda: a full-body massage utilising stimulating oils meant to foster calmness and mental clarity. The soothing scent and consistent pressure provides a lulling effect sure to pacify even the most strung-out of guests, allowing for a sense of stillness that is bolstered by the soundproof space.
This is followed by a hot stone treatment, where heated stones are are strategically twisted against your acupressure points at specific intervals to work out knots and tension. Your therapist will then manoeuvre your limbs to conduct some light stretches to wrap things up; a fitting end to ensure muscles stay loose and relaxed as you pad on over to reception to receive a signature mocktail.
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore South Beach, 30 Beach Road, Nicoll Highway, Singapore 189763. Tel: +65 6818 1888
4 / 4
Ensoul Signature Acne Medi Facial, $198 for 90 minutes
Who is it catered for: Acne-prone types looking for customised treatment programmes using medical-grade technology.
Vogue’s review: Every session at Ensoul Medical Clinic leaves you in full confidence that you’re in good hands. A consultation with its medical director Dr. Kenneth Thean is comprehensive; within minutes of a face-to-face meeting with him, one gleans a robust understanding of the breadth and depth of his tech-forward treatment programmes—each one meant to target various concerns different individuals might find themselves troubled with. Rest assured then, that even the clinic’s Acne Medi Facial will be customised according to exactly as he deems fit for your troubled skin, whilst ensuring you’ll leave feeling rejuvenated after a deep cleanse.
First things first: the double cleanse. With their non-comedogenic cleansing gel, the therapist first removes any stubborn residue, dirt and make-up; the cloudy foam a lilting experience where you’re immediately privy to the gentle care you’re in. Then comes the scientifically-designed chemical peel—which is surprisingly minimal on the usual stinging sensation—formulated specifically by Ensoul’s team of doctors to target dead skin cells and remove excess sebum. The peel sets the stage for the most in-depth aspect of any acne treatment process: the manual extraction. All in order to unclog your pores and eliminate comedones. For those who enjoy a treatment peppered in an arsenal of devices, next comes the light therapy, where Ensoul’s new generation IPL technology is not only a direct counter to acne-causing bacteria but is also designed to combat hyperpigmentation, minimise inflammation and boost collagen production. This is followed by an ultrasound treatment; one that utilises a hydrating serum blend formulated to deeply nourish the skin and kickstart the natural recovery process from within. Of course, there would be no better way to round off a facial than to allow your countenance to seep in the goodness of an organic cooling mask—packed with vitamins, anti-inflammatory ingredients and the welcome addition of refreshing algae. A fitting finale for you to catch a wink, before awakening to healthier, more radiant skin—reaping the full benefits of Ensoul’s medical-grade treatments.
Ensoul Medical Clinic, 360, 08-01 Orchard Rd, #08 International Building, Singapore 238869. Tel: +65 6836 2833
