With so many beauty treatments out there nowadays, it can be hard to suss out which facials are actually the best. Within skin treatments, there is a real breadth of facials to choose from. You have the traditional spa facials, which typically include plenty of skin massage and pummelling—and maybe some aromatherapy oils— to get the skin’s lymphatic system moving for a sculpted finish and relaxed mindset. The kind of facial that relieves tension and leaves your shoulders a few inches lower as you walk out of the salon door.
On the other end of the spectrum, you have the high-tech, results-driven facials where several machines are used to achieve immediate and long-term results. Think radio frequency microneedling and LED light facials that work to plump skin from the inside out. They might not be quite as relaxing as the ones with twinkling music playing as you lie on the bed, but, you can bet your money that you’ll see some serious results.
Other facials combine the best of both for a tailor-made approach, as everyone’s skin is different. More and more salons are focusing on bespoke treatments for their clientele, so you can enter the treatment room and receive a custom facial, whether it be to address acne scarring, dryness or to give your skin an overall boost and healthy glow.
To find out what are the best facial treatments depending on your unique skincare needs, I recruited the Who What Wear UK editors to put them to the test—it’s a tough job, but someone’s got to do it, right?
What is the Exilis Elite London? Exilis Elite London™ is an award-winning device that glides across both face and body to smooth and contour through computer-controlled radio frequency and ultrasound which heats up the skin, melting fat cells and stimulating collagen. Elena’s salon on Fulham Road in London is particularly popular with girls such as Zara McDermott and the Made in Chelsea set.
What Are the Benefits of the Exilis Elite London™ treatment? The benefits are quite varied—Elixis can tighten pores, reduce cellulite and smooth skin, but it’s the overall contouring effect that people really come for—this one-of-a-kind radio frequency machine can be used on the face and body to stimulate the production of collagen in the dermis (the deeper layer under your visible skin) leaving the skin smoother, plumped and fresh-looking without any need for injections or more invasive techniques. It can help reduce facial lines too, but for someone of my age (37) it’s particularly popular for the jawline area.
How Should I Prepare for Exilis Elite London treatment? There’s nothing you really need to do beforehand but I would A) ensure that you’re with a trusted and reputable provider of Elixis as this is a medical grade piece of equipment, and B) be prepared to get feedback up-front on what Elixis will do to benefit you specifically. Every face is different! I went in assuming that my forehead wrinkles were the problem but actually Elena informed me that these were the kinds of lines related to my facial expressions and wouldn’t be as effectively treated through Elixis. Think more about lines associated with sagging or loss of that youthful plumpness and you’ll be more on the right track.
So, for me, it was all about combatting the effect gravity has been having on my jawline. It was something I had started to notice over the past few years but didn’t think it could be improved without a more extreme method.
Different areas can be treated within one session but it’s also quite common to begin the process by focusing on one particular area. It’s common that the area needs to be treated for around 15 minutes but this can vary. Prepare to feel the strong heat penetrating your skin, but if you’re someone like me who loves a sauna and enjoys being warm, then it’s quite a pleasant experience—one that many people can sleep through apparently! Be prepared to know that just one session won’t really have the greatest impact and that you’ll ideally have 4-6 on your target areas.
Does The Exilis Elite London Treatment Have Any Side-Effects? As with any facial aesthetics treatments there are always potentially more serious but rare side-effects that one needs to know about beforehand, and these are explained ahead of the appointment. There is an in-built heat control with the Elixis machine that monitors the skin temperature and pauses every 30 seconds. Afterwards, common side-effects includes temporary redness and potentially a tender feeling in the area treated because of the more vigorous facial massage required when gliding the machine over a layer of ultrasound gel.
Are There Any Aftercare Requirements? Not really. Just drink lots of water and stick to your normal skincare routine minus anything too harsh or abrasive straight after. Elena suggested to continue the good work by using a firming serum or moisturiser in the area.
What’s the Cost of a Exilis Elite London Treatment? Prices vary depending on which part of the face (or body) you tackle in the session. A jawline session is £250, a course of four would be £950.
The Verdict: For someone who would be far too terrified to try anything more invasive, I was pleasantly surprised to see such immediate results. The difference was subtle, but there was a difference. And the experience of it wasn’t overly painful, time-consuming or resulted in me feeling embarrassed to leave the salon afterwards—a little redness was all I experienced and it was soon gone.
It’s worth noting that although my skin responded well after just one session it is advised that you would have a series of at least 4-6 sessions to see the best results. Collagen production can take around three weeks to kick in, so although my jawline was more defined straight after the treatment, I will continue to check in on the results over the coming days.
What Is an EMFACE Facial? Well, first and foremost, it’s not a “facial” in the traditional sense. Rather than working on the surface of your skin for clarity and glow, EMFACE combines radiofrequency and high-intensity facial electrical stimulation to tighten skin and tone facial muscles–think of it like a workout for your face. “We lose around 8-10% of our muscle bulk a year as we age,” says Dr Galyna Selezenva, clinician and sculpting expert at The Dr Rita Rakus Clinic. “So this is the first treatment that addresses rejuvenating the muscle and the skin as well”. You may have already heard of EMsculpt Neo that works on the rest of the body with the same principles (in fact, Kim Kardashian is one of it’s celebrity fans, undergoing the treatment on an episode of Keeping Up With the Kardshians), but while it has been long established in the U.S., the facial counterpart is brand new, and only a handful of salons in the UK carry the technology for the procedure.
What Are the Benefits of an EMFACE Facial? In short, the EMFACE promises a firmer, sculpted, rejuvenated face without having to go under the knife, and in the age of the “buccal fat removal” procedure trending on TikTok, this is immediately music to my ears. Applicators are placed on the forehead and cheeks before using radiofrequency to tighten skin and electrical pulses to stimulate and tone the elevator muscles in each area of the face. And, having tried the EMsculpt technology on both my face and abs, I can assure you that the intensity on the face is pretty gentle in comparison. The sensation starts similar to a bizzy tingling and works its way up to the feeling of a slight spasm or a deep frown, a slight tug in the muscle that rights itself and relaxes before the pulse causes it to twitch again, and so the process goes on for 20 minutes. Once the applicators are removed your skin is finished with a peptide complex mist and a little SPF, as all of the best dermatologists would.
How Should I Prepare for an EMFACE Facial? Very little preparation needs to be done in advance. As I usually would, I went into the appointment without make-up and with clean skin, and before the applicators are applied, skin is gently cleansed first.
Does an EMFACE Facial Have Any Side-Effects The beauty of a facial treatment that works under the surface is that without any acids, peels or extractions, there are almost no visible side effects (even on sensitive skin), and, unlike a session at the gym, there was no tightness or cramping in the muscles after the session. Win, win.
Are There Any Aftercare Requirements? As you’d expect with any toning exercise, to get the most out of the treatments contouring and plumping effect, you’d have to complete a course (usually around four sessions), and most clients keep it topped up with regular appointments.
What’s the Cost of an EMFACE treatment? £3000 for a course of four sessions.
My Verdict:There’s something to be said about a procedure that uses no needles, knives or invasive techniques, and as an introduction to “tweakments” its a gentle, safe and easy method that you can feel (and see) working. After one session it is difficult to ascertain what the long term results will be, but I notice more definition around my jawline (which is exactly where I wanted it the most), and after trying the same technology on my stomach, there is an immediate difference in my upper abs that I immediately photograph and share with my friends and family out of sheer disbelief. Overall, the concept makes total sense, but just like a commitment to exercising and a better diet, to get the best contouring and wrinkle plumping effects be prepared to invest in this for the long term, it isn’t a quick fix that will change your look overnight.
What Is London Monthly Maintenance Facial & Skincare Plan? Rhian Truman is an independent (read totally un-biased) expert facialist based in the capital. I popped into her Notting Hill base to experience the London Monthly Maintenance Facial—a classic, albeit very thorough, facial with all the necessary and very valued steps to get deeply cleansed, and rejuvenated skin.
Trust me when I say it’s so much more than this. It involves a cleanse, skin consultation, exfoliation, steam and purifying extraction (painful in the most satisfying way). You’re then treated to antibacterial high frequency to reduce inflammation and encourage lymphatic flow (puffiness be gone!) followed by the most heavenly facial massage to plump and tone, masks, and a neck and scalp massage (dreamy, right?). Of course, the session is rounded off with the application of an expertly curated selection of creams, serums and moisturisers tailored specifically to your skin to leave you looking like you just came out of the womb again. Sorry for that visual, but it’s true.
Her tailored skincare plan can be undertaken alone or as a facial add-on—and is something I think is totally unique and a trick the industry has been missing. For this, Rhian takes the time to discuss with you your skincare needs, examine the skin and cut through the noise of the overwhelming beauty industry to offer non-biased expert guidance on the best products out there for you—totally tailored to your budget.
My Verdict: The only way I can describe Rhian and her hands is pure magic. I would recommend her (and have done many times) to anyone that’s in need of some serious pampering or honest and genuine help with what can seem like the overwhelming task of nailing down their skincare routine. As you can probably guess from the name, the London Monthly Maintenance facial is the holy grail of regular deep cleanses and facial attention, but it also works really well as a seasonal or one-off boost.
The Skincare Plan couldn’t be better for someone who would love to get to grips with their routine—whether you’re new to using products or simply looking for something more tailored like a pre-wedding routine (brides LOVE her). In my opinion? Worth every penny. This facial is best for beginners or anyone feeling overwhelmed with the beauty industry.
What Is an Aqua Tight Facial? The Aqua Tight facial is a bespoke and advanced version of a hydra-facial which uses more products and steps to tackle specific skin issues.
What Are the Benefits of an Aqua Tight Facial? The results of the facial can be noticed immediately because the skin does feel tighter and smoother straight after the treatment. However, the real results kick in a few days after with results from the radio frequency step of the facial lasting up to 12 weeks.
How Should I Prepare for an Aqua Tight facial? Not much needs to be done to prepare for an Aqua Tight facial, however, it’s worth remembering your current skincare routine and any key ingredients you might be using because your facialist will ask that. Since it’s a bespoke treatment, your main problem areas, and what’s missing from your routine will be considered in order to decide the best course of action for the facial.
Do Aqua Tight Facials Have Any Side-Effects? Side effects of the Aqua Tight facials are usually based on an individual’s skin type. I have sensitive skin and am usually very, very scared of trying new products due to fear of a reaction, however, I didn’t experience any side effects with this facial. The consultation was a handy step in the process because it helped my facialist understand my skin woes and cater the treatment to fit my needs. Straight after the treatment and the rest of the day, my skin was a little tight and red. I was also warned not to panic should I experience any an influx in spots. This is usually due to the toxins being flushed out and will clear up within days.
Are There Any Aftercare Requirements? I was given a couple of sachets of Shane Cooper’s Collagen Firming Cream and Hyaluronic Boosting Serum to use the day after the treatment and was advised to avoid using retinol for a few days after.
What’s the Cost of an Aqua Tight Facial? The Aqua Facial costs £95.
Keren Bartov is famous in the world of skin treatments, with clients including Gal Galdot it is no surprise that her clinic in Israel has received a cult-like status. She is opening up her new clinic in Notting Hill later in January, much to the joy of her regulars.
Keren Bartov provides a totally bespoke experience for each of her clients and has led to a four-week waiting list despite the doors not being open yet. Instead of booking a treatment, you book time with Keren where she will analyse your skin to tailor the experience to your needs. Keren has 15 of the best skincare devices to help repair, firm and glow your skin along with tackling skin conditions from acne to rosacea and for age maintenance. She uses different technologies of radio waves, ultrasounds and lasers combined with her own products that have individually taken over two years to develop.
What Is a Bespoke Facial? Keren and her team are so warm, genuine and welcoming, I instantly felt comfortable and relaxed when I walked into her clinic. The treatment started with a deep cleanse and massage of the face, neck and top of the shoulders to remove any make up, suncream, and any residual products.
Next she did a professional skin diagnosis, to focus on what my problem areas are. She identified acne scarring, melasma pigmentation and general sensitivity from using retinoids (something she told me is great for some people, but for me to stop as my skin type is thin and sensitive). She is renowned for clearing skin of scarring and pigmentation, however for this session she wanted to focus on a more gentle treatment using collagen and deep moisturising treatments. She recommends that everyone start using collagen treatments from the age of 25, as the elasticity of skin reduces significantly by the time that you are 40.
The first machine that she used on me was the Lumenis IPL machine, where the lights of the machine infiltrate through three layers of the skin to help with pigmentation and to help produce more collagen naturally. The sensation was a mixture of hot and cold as it moved over my skin, and was completely painless.
The next machine used is one used by many celebrities, including the Kardashians.The Exilis Ultra 360 laser is a radio-frequency and ultrasound device that delivers heat to the deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen and elastin. It will take a few weeks to see the results of this treatment while the new collagen is forming.
After that came the Pollogen Laser which encourages the natural processes of skin rejuvenation through another combination of radio-frequency and ultrasound. The repetitive movement of the wand on my cheeks, lips and forehead was so relaxing, I felt completely at ease on the table.
Next was the Alma Harmony XL Pro, which used a different radio-frequency to stimulate the collagen in my skin. By this time in the treatment I could feel the effects of the different machines on my skin, my face already felt fuller and tighter.
Finally she used the Alma Accent Prime machine combined with her own serums containing collagen and vitamin E to infiltrate the deeper levels of skin to finish the treatment, which was incredibly soft on my skin.
What Are the Benefits of Having a Bespoke Facial? The benefits of having a bespoke facial are endless. They will cater each treatment to skin type, problem areas and even if you are sick. After the diagnosis, Keren told me exactly what my problem areas were and exactly how she would tackle them. I have been using Differin, a doctor prescribed retinol, since I stopped using roaccutune to tackle my acne, however without Keren looking at my skin under a microscope, I wouldn’t have known that it was actually damaging my skin.
Almost all the treatments are noninvasive, except laser, and work to reach the deeper levels of your skin meaning longer lasting results. You can see the full results after three weeks, depending on your skin type as every skin type is different.
How Should I Prepare for a Facial? Best tips before you meet Keren and her team is to not use any retinoids or acids for at least 48 hours before your facial. If you do, it might determine which lasers and products that will be used on your skin.
Does The Bespoke Facials Have Any Side-Effects? As the treatments were non-invasive, and could be considered “lunchtime treatments” there were no side effects apart from a little redness. If I had one of the more extreme lasers to tackle the acne scars on my face, there would have been redness for five days after.
Are There Any Aftercare Requirements? You shouldn’t use any acids or harsh products for 48 hours after your treatment as the skin will still be sensitive. No hot water for four hours, but the day after you can wear makeup and continue on with my daily routine. Not so much a requirement for the facial, but a top tip from Keren, you should be reapplying factor 50 SPF every two hours for full coverage. Even if you have makeup on, you can just dab it (not wipe) on top to keep your face looking younger and healthier.
I got to take home a trio of Keren’s own brand of products to try after the treatment. While you can buy Keren’s products online, they would rather recommend the products in person once they know your skin type. To start is the Booster Peel & Glow Serum which was to be used five days after treatment. To be used in the morning for the face and neck. As it contains lactic acid, tricide acid and ceramides it should be introduced slowly into your routine, starting off with twice a week, and build up your resistance by adding a day each week.
The advanced pro-active serum is to be warmed in your hand before putting on your face, and should avoid the eye area.This product is great to reduce scarring, pigmentation and anti-ageing. The best result is when it’s combined with the Glow Booster Serum Peel.
The “Magic Serum” or “Saviour” in Israel, actually called Advanced Skin Repair Serum is for all types of skin. The oil can be used multiple times a day after the acids. I kid you not, after waiting a few minutes for it to settle my skin felt like pure silk.
What’s the Cost of a Bespoke Facial? Due to the bespoke nature of the clinic, typical treatments vary from £200-£800. It depends entirely on the type of facial that you and Keren decide upon as each appointment will use a different variation of the 15 machines that she has in the clinic. Once Keren has analysed what sort of treatment that is needed, she will share the cost and you can determine whether you want to do the treatment or a more affordable treatment if it is out of your price range.
My Verdict: Although it is meant to take three weeks for the results to show, my skin felt instantly tighter and firmer straight after the appointment. Since my facial, I have had compliments on how glowy my skin looks and my boyfriend (who notices nothing) thought my face looked tighter and had almost changed shape. I would recommend this to everyone who is looking to start their skincare journey and to those who get frequent facials. The process is so unique and personal to your own skin journey, you will see the benefits after one session or continuous results if you go back for multiple treatments.
As a facial novice, I was excited to try the Light Salon’s Collagen Boost LED facial. I’d heard a lot about the benefits of LED therapy, and hadn’t gotten round to trying it either myself at home or as part of a treatment. As the salon is in Selfridges, I headed there in between appointments.
What Is The Collagen Boost LED Facial? My facialist Chiara completely cleansed my skin and placed a sheet mask over it before putting me under the LED machine for 10 minutes. There wasn’t much sensation or feeling to this, just a little warmth after one minute. The LED wavelengths boost cellular performance and stimulate collagen, which reduces the appearance of fine lines, corrects the complexion and helps to heal any acne. After this finished I opted for a hydration mask, which Chiara messaged into my face and neck, concentrating on my driest areas.
What Are the Benefits of The Collagen Boost LED Facial? Different LED wavelengths help to kickstart collagen production, helping to plump the skin and boost the complexion.
How Should I Prepare for The Collagen Boost LED Facial? I was at first worried that as I was wearing makeup, I wasn’t really coming prepared, but Chiara assured me that no prep was needed.
What Is an Egyptian Facial? A modern take on Cleopatra’s own rumoured beauty routine of milk and fruit acid peels combined with face shaving, this facial uses a course of medical grade peels followed by dermaplaning to reveal brighter, fresher skin, followed by a nourishing vitamin treatment.
What Are the Benefits of an Egyptian Facial? At the Dr David Jack clinic in Harley Street, the Egyptian facial is the basis of all of their facials. The idea is that by gently exfoliating and removing dead skin, the Egyptian method allows products to deeper penetrate the skin for more effective results, and it is undoubtedly one of the most comprehensive facial treatments I have ever experienced.
The facial begins with a two step deep cleanse followed by a bespoke blend of Lactic, Mandelic and Azelaic acids depending on your individual needs. While my skin isn’t particularly sensitive, I was sceptical about using any acids that it isn’t necessarily used to, but Aesthetician Iris Maglanoc assures me that this method uses a micro rather than a stronger TCA peel, so instead of any burning or rawness, there is only the intense tingling feeling that comes with really clean skin.
Next is dermaplaning; something that people seem to either love or be wary of. “Most people think that it is shaving the face,” says Maglanoc, “but throughout the process dermaplaning is actually just scraping away dead skin cells, and with it it just so happens that an added bonus is the removal of the baby, vellus hair that people often call peach fuzz”. And, in the hands of a professional, the sensation is a light scraping (no pain, and no discomfort at all), before finishing with vitamin application and a thorough lymphatic drainage massage that actually encourages definition in my cheekbones and my jawline to reappear.
How Should I Prepare for an Egyptian Facial There aren’t prerequisites for the facial, but I recommend going in with plenty of questions and a basic knowledge of what your skin likes and doesn’t like, from there the team can better determine which acids to use and in which order to give you the best possible results. As someone who went in feeling like my skin was a little bit dull and congested, we started with a lactic acid that helps eliminate accumulated dead skin cells on the top layer of the skin.
Do Egyptian Facials Have Any Side-Effects? A post-peel neutraliser is applied to calm the effects of the acids, so you needn’t worry about any burning, its far more gentle than the term “acid” implies, but although my skin tone doesn’t tend to show any redness, those with fairer skin can expect to see a little bit of a flush after such a deep cleanse and stimulating massage–but this will settle after an hour or so.
Are There Any Aftercare Requirements? There aren’t any recommended aftercare steps, but I do leave the clinic with a new, entirely personalised routine from Iris that will continue to maintain that post-facial glow and look after my skin in the long term.
What’s the Cost of an Egyptian Facial? £250 per one hour session.
What Is an Oh My Cream! Tata Harper Custom Facial? On paper, this is ‘a complete, all-round treatment to discover the world of Tata Harper skincare’ as well as a chance to experience Oh My Cream’s pleasing on the eye skincare-haven-meets-salon space.
Although the French-born destination also offers facials with their own-brand products, as the name suggests mine used predominantly Tata Harper products—all 100% organic (and consistently recommended to me by experts, I may add) and thanks to the custom nature it was tailored completely to my own skin—something I always look for in a facial. Although it may differ depending on your needs, the process involved a skin consultation followed by all the usual loveliness—double cleanse, luxurious serums and a double mask to finish things off.
The best part by far, however, was the amount of massage included. My face, scalp, neck, shoulders and arms were all seen to, with so much attention paid to relaxation as well as stimulation to ensure you leave feeling sculpted and a lot less tense.
What Are the Benefits of an Oh My Cream! Tata Harper Custom Facial?
Tata Harper’s products are incredibly active (while still being gentle), so this is a traditional facial that really works if you’re looking to revive tired, dehydrated or
congested skin. With it being completely custom, you can tailor it to your specific wants and needs and if you’re after a bit of relaxing indulgence, too you’ll find all of that here.
How Should I Prepare for an Oh My Cream! Tata Harper Custom Facial? The Oh My Cream! experts walked me through the whole experience, and took time to really look at my skin and consider what it needed at the beginning of the facial, so there’s no real need to prepare anything at all. Of course, if you want to, it’s always helpul to think about what you want to get out of your time, or if there’s any Tata products you’re desperate to try, and mention this to your therapist from the outset.
Does the Oh My Cream! Tata Harper Custom Facials Have Any Side-Effects? It’s hard to answer this given the custom nature of the facial but, in general, no. There shouldn’t be any long-lasting negative side-effects, only good ones like glowing, smoother skin! I must be honest here and mention that one of the products (the resurfacing mask) was quite potent for my rosacea-prone skin and I left with quite a bit of redness. The therapist assured me it would settle quickly, though, thanks to the calming products she finished with and she was right. Within about 10-15 minutes afterwards I was left with only great results.
Are There Any Aftercare Requirements? No!
What’s the Cost of the Tata Harper Bespoke Facial at Oh My Cream! salon? £110
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