I don’t know about you, but my mom isn’t the type to go for facials. That meant that my first facial wasn’t at the expense of mother dearest, but my own wallet. Being a student, I was determined to find an affordable facial. Boy, did I look hard. Other than taking advantage of first-trial offers, which were also tiring in itself (hard-selling, ahem), I’ve researched the internet extensively, noting down the places with the lowest prices. However, as I’ve gotten older and my disposable income has grown (by a meagre portion, however), I began thinking if there was value in more expensive, atas places. As a result, I tried 3 different facials at 3 different price points, from cheap to expensive.
Skosk Beautique
Located in NUS UTown, Skosk Beautique touts itself as a one-stop shop for all things beauty. The team here is extremely versatile, specialising in almost every service in the market. Priced at an affordable $73, the New Experience Facial promises to have you walking out with your skin glowing.
It starts with a double cleanse — they use products from both Germany and Japan. There’s an option to top up for Dermalogica products. I’ve always dreaded extractions. However, on the multiple times I’ve been here, the extractions were bearable. Not pleasant, but yes, bearable. They are very thorough, which means that no blackhead is left unsqueezed! Afterwards, your skin is sanitised with a high-frequency device, something that has always worked wonders for any nasty headless pimple I have at the time. You’ll be treated to a facial massage, and then finally, a mask to top it all off. Though you may look like a red, splotchy mess when done, it’ll all be better a few nights later.
The ambience is perhaps not the most conducive, with noises from the neighbouring hair salon sometimes flowing into the shop. However, for $73, I’m not really complaining. This facial is the perfect no-frills maintenance facial. Plus, you even get a relaxing back massage at the end of the session. Bonus for NUS students — flash your matriculation card here for an additional 20% off! (Tip: If you're not an NUS student, booking a session through Vaniday also gets you an extra 10% cashback to use on your next booking.)
Address: 2 College Ave West, Stephen Riady Centre, Singapore 138607
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 10am–8pm, Saturday, 10am–7pm, Closed on Sunday
Phone: 9169 5037
Peachy Skin Bar
A hybrid between the traditional salon and skincare clinics, Peachy Skin Bar aims to stand out in the salon scene with their flexible membership schemes and attractive facials. They use pharmaceutical-grade skincare, accompanied by medical aesthetic-grade equipment. The premise is decked out in hues of pink, reminiscent of cult beauty brand Glossier-esque aesthetic.
Things here work a little differently, with memberships getting you different discounts and perks on your regular facials. However, you’ll still be able to nab their signature Omakase Facial at around $90 for your first-time — full prices depend on their promotions and offers at the time. The Omakase Facial started off with a skin analysis to determine the best machines and products to perk your skin up. Like all facials, it started off with cleansing. I was then given a diamond peel, which worked to remove excess dead skin. Lucky for me, I didn’t need an extraction — however, I could still feel some blackheads at the end. Honestly, I can’t really remember what happened after that because...I fell asleep. However, when the treatment was done, the therapist thrusted a mirror in my hands for me to have a look at my skin, and truly, it was dewy and bright.
Privacy isn’t its strongest feature — being a small premise, a curtain is all that separates you from the customer next door. However, if you’re there with a friend, they are able to draw aside the curtains for you to spend some quality time with her, which is nice! As a cute perk, all customers will be able to enjoy a drink from their Bar Tub, which features a selection of bubbly drinks, alcoholic and non-alcoholic alike!
Address: 371 Beach Rd, #01-13 City Gate, Singapore 199597
Opening Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11am–9pm
Phone: 6970 4194
SW1 Spa
Founded by Dr Low Chai Ling, one of the pioneers in medical aesthetics in Singapore, SW1 Spa is the spa to go to for the ultimate facial experience. SW1 Spa promises an experience one-step short of an actual visit to the doctor’s. Don’t be too taken aback that the spa doesn’t have a door — you’ll have to pick up the phone, and the nurses will buzz you in. You’ll find a range of facials available, from simple pick-me-ups to more comprehensive, elaborate rituals. Customise your very own bespoke facial with their facial cocktails — be it shaken or stirred, they’ve got one for everyone out there.
I went for the Fresh Faced Martini. Starting with SW1 Spa’s signature Aqua.Dermabrasion, a skin-specific peel was first applied to prime my skin. After that 3 different vitamin-enriched salines were delivered to my skin. Afterwards, a Magnetic Detox Peel was applied to draw impurities and the nasties out of my pores. I was honestly thrilled as a magnet was run over my face to remove the particles — it’s a first for me. Lastly, I was given a brightening Pearl Éclat Mask to seal in and build on the glow.
At $235.40, it’s definitely on the higher end of things, but unlike salon facials, clinical facials address the problem at its root. I have to say, my skin has honestly never felt that good, and looked that good. It’s not going to be a monthly affair for me, but whenever I feel like a treat, it’s where I’ll be heading on over to. (Take note that the facial cocktails are only available at the OUE Downtown outlet.)
Address: Two outlets, including one at 290 Orchard Road, #13-01/2/3/4/5/6, Paragon, 238859
Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–8pm, Saturday–Sunday, 9am–4pm
Phone: 6817 8888
My conclusion? Price does matter, to a certain extent. While all 3 facials were great, for my skin, which is mostly clear and occasionally congested, I’m still going to stick to my cheaper, maintenance facials for the larger part. However, if you’re looking to address deep-seated skin issues or if you’re in need of a good glow without the downtime, a clinical facial is the way to go.
