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 Rationale for a skin-soothing treatment designed to rebuild and resuscitate damaged skin barriers; a hydro facial that soothes and brightens; and an all-new facial from Porcelain meant to rejuvenate the skin’s barriers and facilitate deeper moisture penetration into the mien.
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
Northern Light Signature Facial, $260++ for 60 minutes at Auriga Spa, Capella Hotel
Who it’s catered for: Dull, listless skin in desperate need of hydration and radiance.
Vogue’s review: The Northern Light Signature Facial features skincare by Norwegian cosmeceutical brand, Nordic Formula. Created by Linda Jørgensen, aesthetician to royals and politicians, the brand is particularly focused on undoing the effects of sun damage and photo-ageing. And thanks to Auriga Spa, Nordic Formula’s simple yet efficacious products designed to treat inflammation, brighten the skin, and undo the signs of ageing are available for us here in Singapore.
Being a Nordic brand, this Auriga-exclusive facial is inspired by the Aurora Borealis, and is designed to help reawaken your skin’s natural glow and lustre. The soothing 60-minute experience begins with a deep cleansing silicone brush to purify and prepare the skin. Next, comes Nordic Formula’s vitamin C serum, made of antioxidant-rich sea buckthorn which is pushed into the skin using warm and cold techniques and a gemstone massage device. These hot-cold regulation echo the Nordic love for hot saunas and icy cold plunges, helping to amp up circulation for increased blood flow, exercising the mind, body and of course, complexion.
Next, a cooling eucalyptus mask is used to reduce skin inflammation and further enhance circulation. Sink deeper into the bed as your therapist performs a relaxing acupressure massage along the shoulders and neck, concluding with Nordic Formula’s daily skincare regime to boost your skin’s health and lock in the benefits of this relaxing treatment. Prepare to emerge luminous in face and lighter in step.
Auriga Spa at Capella Hotel, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297. Tel:6377 8888.
2 / 4
Smart Hydro Facial, $300 for 30 minutes, at Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic
Who it’s catered for: Time-starved individuals that are looking for something different in their facials to aid in dull and tired-looking skin.
Vogue’s review: Before you read on, let’s preface that this facial is only 30 minutes long. With no downtime, most might wonder what a hydro facial entails, given its quicker-than-usual procedure. At its core, is the Neauvia Zaffiro™ system, responsible for exacting targeted hydro-exfoliation, also known as water peeling.
What it does is exfoliate, cleanse and nourish the skin—with hydro-application that features a specific fluid or solution. This is determined after a quick consultation with Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, as to what your skincare wishlist entails. Whether it be brightening or acne-busting, your treatment will be more catered.
Each sweep around the face feels like a cold blast of dense air, but five minutes in, you start to get used to the light pressure. It’s almost refreshing especially around the cheeks and forehead. Post-facial, the skin feels like it’s just undergone a master cleanse—visibly brighter and refreshed.
Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic, 101 Irrawaddy Rd, #16-09 Royal Square at Novena, Singapore 329565
Tel: 6320 0152
3 / 4
Rationale The CryoGenic Resilience Facial, $280 for 60 minutes at Rationale
Who it’s catered for: Individuals dealing with a sensitised, inflamed complexion caused by a compromised skin barrier.
Vogue’s review: As someone who constantly struggles with skin reactivity and redness, Rationale’s CryoGenic Resilience Facial sounded like a godsend right off the get-go. Designed to calm, soothe, and clarify, I was informed by my therapist, Siti, that this would be achieved with a potent combination comprising LED-light therapy, a cooling device, and an enzyme solution—Rationale’s take on extraction, which is said to clear out congestions and cleanse pores without causing discomfort.
Thankfully, the procedure lived up to its promises. The treatment kicked off with a thorough double cleanse before my countenance was swathed in a halo of blue light—chosen specifically to eradicate existing bacteria on my face as well as to soothe and hydrate the skin of my ruddy cheeks; a side effect of my rigorous travel schedule just the week prior. I was later informed that the inclusion of the Enzyme Reactivation Complex was actually a complimentary initiative provided by the brand during the Chinese New Year period, which will be valid for all customers up until 23 February. Once that was done, it was followed by a facial massage utilising a cooling gadget and gel, all of which was bolstered by the skilled hands of my therapist who kneaded and rubbed away all signs of bloating and water retention from my visage.
I emerged with a significantly brighter and toned mien, with the few zits I had sprouted during my travels looking less inflamed and swollen than before. The cherry on top: the lack of downtime required, with my therapist assuring me that I could do rigorous exercise and put on make-up right after. The perfect, fuss-free pick-me-up for Lunar New Year festivities? No doubt about it.
Rationale Flagship Clinic, 252 North Bridge Rd, Unit #01-19 Raffles City Shopping Centre, Singapore 179103.
Tel: 6436 3567
4 / 4
Porcelain Barrier Booster+ Facial, $368 for 90 Minutes at Porcelain Spa
Who it’s catered for: Lacklustre, dehydrated skin types will be given the confidence to bounce back with healthier, more supple skin.
Vogue’s review: An afternoon with Porcelain’s Barrier Booster+ Facial promises rejuvenation, in more ways than one. For just your mien, the experience is targeted to reactivate one’s natural barrier functions and enhance hydration levels for healthy, more nourished skin overall. Yet, you’ll be glad to note that you’ll be walking out of there with a refreshed disposition from the pampering shoulder and face massages worked wonderfully into the hour as well.
For first-timers to the clinic, Porcelain ensures they are equipped with the knowledge of your personal pain points via a personalised survey and in-depth facial analysis of your skin. My own saw me realise that my under eye area was persistently dull due to excessive friction and potentially damaged capillaries in the epidermis. After said facial analysis, you’ll be led to one of the cosy, plushy rooms in their sprawling space, where an exfoliating scrub of jojoba, bamboo and cuateteco powder precedes various nourishing applications meant to promote skin elasticity and rehydrate the skin barrier: from power-packed oils filled with omega fatty acids to hyaluronic acid.
Then comes the magic: the delivery of a dermazulene ampoule— packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients—into the skin through high-voltage pulses that leaves your mien with a warm, buzzing sensation. A cooling sorbet mask follows, coupled with a deeply relaxing shoulder and face massage, where the therapist expertly kneaded out any existing knots and tensions that were permeating my form. As groggy as I was post-facial, my soft, glowing skin served as a crystal-clear sign that it had emerged bouncier, healthier and more plump to the touch.
Porcelain Spa, 290 Orchard Road, #04-48 The Paragon, Singapore 238859.
Tel: 6428 8980
