From bespoke holistic rituals to innovative non-surgical treatments, these are the best advanced facials to invest in for visible results, either to achieve an instant glow for a special occasion or a complete skin overhaul with transformative results.
With a roll call of famous faces discreetly disappearing into their salons, here’s Selina Julien’s pick of London’s most in-demand facialists…
Su-Man
She’s long been the go-to facialist for those in the know: Naomi Campbell, Sienna Miller, Juliette Binoche and Jenna Coleman are devotees who’ve all sought her holistic, face-changing treatments.
Su-Man’s latest innovative treatment is the Digital Damage Resculpt Facial, designed to reverse the effects of hours scrolling on our phones as it restores skin brightness and improves definition around the face and neck. It’s a clever spin-off of her signature facial thanks to a rise in drooped jawlines and saggy skin, courtesy of our co-dependent relationship with the digital world.
The 10-step treatment includes a double cleanse, extraction, exfoliation and electric muscle stimulation (EMS). But the real magic happens during Su-Man’s legendary face massage as she uses the Shiatsu technique to reconnect the physical and emotional energy. Su-Man manoeuvers your head into various positions and stimulates the bone structure as she firmly kneads under your cheekbones – rigorous but not unpleasant. As her custom-blend facial mask works its way into the skin, Su-Man’s deep tissue massage melts away the knots in your neck and shoulders.
After 70 minutes in the Su-Man bubble at Sofitel SPA, the results are astounding. Expect to emerge feeling deeply relaxed, with youthful, glowing skin that looks at least ten years younger.
Su-Man’s Digital Damage Rescult Facial, £350 for 70 mins. Visit sofitelstjames.com.
Shane Cooper
The chauffeur-driven cars outside Shane Cooper’s South Kensington mews address hint at the elite clientele who discreetly slip inside the chic sanctuary filled with healing crystals and Bella Freud candles.
His USP? Former mental health nurse Shane shuns the likes of Botox and fillers in favour of innovative non-surgical face treatments. His exclusive 90-minute Red Carpet facial combines personal techniques and state-of-the-art technology to curate bespoke results – and who are we to argue with the likes of Maya Jama, Ellie Goulding, Vicky McClure and Phoebe Dynevor?
One man and his machines, it’s high-tech gadgets from the start with a radio frequency tool to encourage collagen production and LED light therapy to smooth out wrinkles and plump out fine lines. The Cryo-Cool lifting gun – the marmite of the machines – oxygenates the skin and improves tone with excellent results, but leaves a weird, tingling sensation as freezing CO2 and hyaluronic acid are blasted onto your face. The sticky finishing serum means the results aren’t immediately startling, but the next day is the game-changer as moisturiser glides on like silk to showcase a smooth, brightened and gloriously even skin tone.
And the best bit? Shane has curated his custom skincare range for clients to retain that healthy, rejuvenated glow between appointments – and we’re already hooked!
The Red Carpet Facial, £600 for 90mins. Visit shanecooperuk.com.
Vaishaly Patel
Twenty years ago Vaishaly Patel set up her eponymous salon in London’s Marylebone and the rest is history. The beauty maven is no-nonsense like her signature facials, delivering impressive results in under an hour.
Perfect for time-poor clients who want an immediate boost to their complexion from the wellness favourite who Gywenth Paltrow adores, her philosophy is straight to the point: “You don’t need a lot of different products to achieve great skin.”
And she practises what she preaches. Cleanse and extractions ensure the base is clear, before microdermabrasion to remove dead skin cells – it’s Vaishalay’s preferred method to target specific areas of the face and easier to control that peels.
A high-frequency tool closes the pores and eliminates any bacteria on the skin, ideal for those who suffer from oily complexions or occasional breakouts.
There’s just enough time for a bespoke cranial massage, where Vaishaly instinctively uses subtle but effective movements to release tension and increase blood circulation. A powerful relaxation technique, floating out of the salon, the receptionist remarked that I’d have the best night’s sleep and she was spot on. Even more impressive, days later there were still comments about my glowing skin – and armed with Vaishlay’s night nourishing serum (packed with essential oils), let’s hope they long continue.
Signature Facial with Vaishlay, £220 for 55 mins. Visit vaishaly.com.
Chelseé Lewis
She’s been the name whispered among beauty editors for the last two decades and slipping into Chelseé Lewis’ practice on Wigmore Street feels like joining an exclusive club.
Loyal patrons including royals have a dedicated weekly appointment with the go-to skin connoisseur and it’s not hard to see why.
A firm believer that beauty starts on the inside, she credits her flawless complexion to a cocktail of daily vitamins. And Chelsee’s knowledge and know-how are unparallel. Gentle questions cover her client’s lifestyle, diet, mental health and exercise, and she’s so perceptive that she can spot if someone has overindulged in cheese or too many G&Ts during her initial analysis.
Taking skin pampering to the next level, her custom signature facial features deep cleansing with pore extractions and an AHA/BHA micro peel for the ultimate skin revival and detoxification. Holistic treatments are a mixture of tech and Chelseé favourite products – plus the toxin-draining massage as a fitting finale.
As luxurious as facials go, this one sets the bar high but it’s results-driven as indulgent. Not only do clients leave with noticeably radiant skin and decongested pores, but also The Chelseé Prescription – brilliant bespoke tips for your best skin goals. Sage advice as Chelseé is the best walking advert there is!
Le Visage Signature Facial, £170 for 75 mins. Visit chelseelewis.co.uk.
