London is home to some of the best beauty treatments in the world, but which ones are actually worth your hard-earned cash?
From kneading, needling and cupping to high-tech topicals and glow-giving lasers, we round-up the capital's most sought after facial treatments for beautiful skin.
READ: The best spray tans in London 2023, tried and tested
How we chose:
- Personal testimony: Each of the London-based facials listed below have been tried and tested by a member of our team and received the Hello! Fashion seal of approval.
- Performance: Quality is paramount, and all the facials listed below delivered exceptional results. Individual techniques (spanning from microdermabrasion and cryotherapy to lymphatic massage and LED light therapy) and specific skin targets vary. But the overall uniting factor is that these treatments left our skin looking plumped, more refreshed and with a lasting glow.
Hello! Fashion shares the best facials in London for radiant, lit-from-within skin:
Advanced Facial, Aman Spa
Why we love it: The luxurious Aman Spa, tucked inside The Connaught hotel uses innovative therapy tools so that each treatment embodies a decadent sensorial experience. Their indulgent ‘Aman Advanced facial’ uses powerful Japanese ingredients expertly blended with the latest technology to create a 90 minute facial.
Hello! Fashion's Digital Editor Natalie Salmon says: "Rice bran and indigo extract are used to achieve noticeably lifted, radiant, healthy and glowing skin. An ultrasonic scrubbing device removes cellular debris from pores, while their EMS device stimulates targeted muscles, lifting and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, finally cryo bulbs and a manual lifting technique restore and plump the skin. The facial culminates in three sumptuous masks; a mineral mask to hydrate, an Aman x111 Skin nourishing gold algae sheet mask to brighten and a 15 minute LED to enhance the complexion. This is Aman’s most functional and results-driven facial to date, and I am here for it."
How long: 90 minutes
Price: £300.00
Where: Aman Spa, The Connaught Hotel, 16 Carlos Place, W1K 2AL
Ultimate Facial, Su-Man
Why we love it: Want a non-surgical alternative to botox? Sofitel London St James has welcomed world-renowned facialist Su-Man as its resident spa practitioner. Before her Sofitel residency she took pride of place at the W Hotel and attended to private clients. She was previously the personal facialist of Juliette Binoche, no less. Now her regulars include the likes of Freida Pinto and Anne Hathaway.
Hello! Fashion's Digital Editor Natalie Salmon says: "Su-Man was known as London’s best-kept beauty secret, and for excellent reason. Her technique blends her unique fusion of TCM, Asian wisdom and Western science to her facials which are beloved by A-listers. Su-Man’s ‘skin sculpting’ method is based on shiatsu massages and delivers an ‘instant face lift’ effect."
How long: 45 minutes
Price: £220.00
Where: Sofitel St James, 6 Waterloo Place, St. James's, SW1Y 4AN
Andrassy Facial, Omorovicza Institute
Why we love it: Nestled within Mayfair's luxury district, Omorovicza's new London location is a veritable treat to behold. Inspired by both the brand's signature Budapest Institute and the Rácz Fürdő, the Omorovicza family's historic thermal bath, the space provides the perfect slice of respite within the busy capital.
Hello! Fashion's SEO Content Writer Orin Carlin says: "Party season started a little early for me this year, and sadly the alcohol-induced dehydration spoke for itself. Dullness and fine forehead lines were my main concerns when I swung by Omorovicza's achingly elegant Mayfair location, but they were no match for the brand's 'Andrassy' treatment. The approach is totally bespoke, including a thorough questionnaire beforehand so you can communicate to your therapist exactly what it is you want to focus on. I'm totally here for an in-depth extraction, although I'd point out that this requires a little downtime for your skin to recover. I also loved the rigorousness of the Hungarian massage technique, giving my skin a noticeable temporary lift."
How long: 90 minutes
Price: £250.00
Where: Omorovicza London Institute, 60 South Audley Street, Mayfair, W1K 2QW
The Brilliant Signature Facial, Noble Panacea
Why we love it: Discover Noble Panacea's The Brilliant skincare range via its first-ever spa partnership. Fusing LED light therapy with the brand's radiance-boosting products, as with practically all excellent facials, the treatment can be modified (through the different wavelengths of light) to account for your skin type.
"Skincare junkies will likely already be familiar with the brand responsible for Jodie Comer's lit-from-within glow," says Hello! Fashion's SEO Content Writer Orin Carlin. "But if you haven't yet heard of Noble Panacea, rectify the situation immediately. The Brilliant Signature Facial is a guaranteed fast track to gorgeous, radiant skin. Combining LED light therapy with stimulating massage techniques, my skin looked visibly refreshed and the glow lasted for several days. A no-brainer."
How long: 60 minutes
Price: £280.00 (or £365.00 for 90 minutes)
Where: Nobu Hotel, 22 Portman Square, W1H 7BG
Cryotherapy Facial, ESPA
Why we love it: Cryotherapy can transform the skin in a matter of mere minutes, easing puffiness and inflammation. This treatment by ESPA Life uses targeted cold vapour to refresh the skin alongside potent actives.
"Granted, a blitz of cold doesn't necessarily sound like the most relaxing treatment," says Hello! Fashion's SEO Content Writer Orin Carlin. "But this facial did wonders for my skin. After a thorough cleanse, my skin was analysed and the treatment adapted accordingly. The high-performance cryotherapy device (not at all unpleasant to bear) gently constricted my blood vessels, allowing a de-puffed, more energised look."
How long: 90 minutes
Price: £285.00
Where: ESPA Life at Corinthia, Whitehall Place, SW1A 2BD
The Detox Facial, Augustinus Bader
Why we love it: Victoria Beckham's favourite skincare brand has just opened a spa in London. Professor Augustinus Bader, has launched a spa for his devotees to get an even more tailored experience of the cult-favourite products.The company’s very first brick & mortar destination, which officially opened its doors in January 2023, is the next step in the brand's commitment to "state-of-the-art healing and optimising well-being through clinical innovation, all in beautifully designed surroundings".
Hello! Fashion's Digital Editor Natalie Salmon says: "I recommend 'The Detox Facial'. The profound experience utilises microdermabrasion, lymphatic massage, LED light technology alongside a gentle extraction and the brands first detox mask, exclusive to the location."
How long: 60 minutes
Price: £350.00
Where: Lanserhof's The Skin Lab, 17-18 Dover Street, W1S 4LT
The Hydrafacial, Elenique
Why we love it: Need a deep clean right into the nooks and crannies of all your pores? Elenique’s spa located in the heart of London’s trendy Fulham area delivers on the ultimate HydraFacial. Combining six treatments into one, it is every beauty editor’s best kept secret.
Hello! Fashion's Digital Editor Natalie Salmon says: "The treatment has no down time and is highly effective yet painless. The procedure employs advanced vortex technology, using water to extract dirt and oil, then hydrates with antioxidants and peptides. The treatment then finishes with LED light therapy to stimulate cell renewal and provide a relaxing finale. An unbeatable glow, and watch all your blackheads disappear. Ask for facialist Elena if you can, she is a master at her craft."
How long: 60 minutes
Price: £180.00
Where: Elenique Skin Clinic, 957 Fulham Road, SW6 5HY
Skinesis Bespoke Facial with LED Therapy, Sarah Chapman
Why we love it: Who does the Duchess of Sussex visit when she needs a refresh? The answer is Sarah Chapman, who tended to Meghan’s famously freckled visage during the Platinum Jubilee and countless times before. Her inimitable results have earned her a long list of loyal clients, from A-list celebrities and beauty editors to socialites. The facialist and founder of the Skinesis Clinic on Chelsea's swanky Pavillion Road has over 20 years of knowledge and expertise.
Hello! Fashion's SEO Content Writer Orin Carlin says: "At Sarah's Skinesis Clinic, bespoke treatments are tailored to the needs of the individual. London's most sought-after facialist has curated a first-rate team of skilled therapists who embody the brand's 'luxury meets efficacy' ethos. Dullness and dehydration are my current skin vexations, and after a much-needed combination of powerful antioxidants and a glow-inducing LED sesh, I left the clinic looking (and feeling) more radiant and energised."
How long: 90 minutes
Price: £210.00
Where: Skinesis Clinic, 259 Pavilion Road, SW1X 0BP
Advanced Facial, Soho Skin
Why we love it: Luxury members club Soho House has now forayed into the world of skincare, and we couldn’t be more glad. Its 'Advanced Facial' delivers a radiance boost, recommended in particular for those with tired, lacklustre, and stressed-out skin.
"This hour-long treatment combines microdermabrasion and high-frequency technology with Soho Skin’s hardworking product range, leaving you with a complexion that is visibly more glowy," says Hello! Fashion's SEO Content Writer Orin Carlin. "I suffer from dehydration and sallowness, especially during the unforgiving winter months. This facial is excellent at banishing dullness, and if you're not already part of Soho House that's totally fine - the treatment is available to non-members too."
How long: 60 minutes
Price: £130.00
Where: Shoreditch House, Ebor Street, E1 6AW
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