Where to go to get your glow on.

If the world of make-up sounds as difficult as entering the boutique Chanel on Bond Street, then you are in the right place.

We’ve put together the best face masks that are really worth wasting hard-earned money (and asking questions that you really want to know)

Su-Man Skin Reborn Sculpting Facial At The W Hotel Away Spa,

The vibe?

After travelling up through the disco ball-bedecked W Hotel lobby, arriving in the seriously zen Away Spa is a welcome escape from the manic Leicester Square location. The treatment room is your typical all-white slightly clinical situation but Su-Man’s fun personality immediately puts you at ease. Although this is a major investment facial, Su-Man’s legendary status and face transforming powers make a must-try. Think a facelift minus the needles.

Is it for my skin?

Su-Man is the queen of facial massage and skin sculpting, rather than treating specific skin concerns, which means it works on everyone. Because who doesn’t want higher cheekbones?

What does it do?

Although a teeny tiny person, Su-Man’s hands hold serious strength, which is ideal for massaging and sculpting your face into its most gravity-defying self. Your face will look firmer, lifted, luminous and seriously healthy once Su-Man is done with you.

Best part?

In short – all of it. There’s nothing better than the feeling of someone who truly knows what they’re doing cleansing, massaging and generally pampering your face. The crazy thick mask might feel unsettling at first, but once we got used to it (and enjoyed the shoulder massage in the mean time), the peeling off of the thick, rubbery texture was surprisingly satisfying.

Weirdest part?

Prepare to take your socks off, yup, this facial includes a foot massage, amongst everything else. Su-Man believes that in order to re-invigorate and sculpt the skin on your face, you need to massage the soles of your feet. Also, it’s super relaxing.

Can you actually see results?

If brighter, smoother, firmer skin is what you’re after, then it’s a strong yes. De-puffed, glowy and with a stronger jawline than Allison Williams, we set off through Leicester Square completely make-up free.

Downtime?

None at all. If anything, our sudden lack of eye bags and fresh complexion made us want to go for drinks, if only to show off our lack of concealer.

Bang for your buck?

Although the location isn’t necessarily the most luxe for the amount of money you’re paying, what you do get is Su-Man’s years of experience and a pair of hands that work wonders. Make the most of the splurge by getting Su-Man to prescribe a bespoke skincare routine for you whilst she’s doing her thing.

 

Valmont Energy Ritual at The Dorchester

The vibe?

First of all, the Dorchester Spa is beautiful and so welcoming. You get a personalised note in a locker, along with a robe and slippers. It’s very posh. The treatment room is dark and traditional, sterile white but not unwelcoming. Tools used for the facial are predominately towels and the facialist’s hands, but there is an option to steam if you want extractions.

Is it for my skin?

It’s a gentle facial suited for everyone, but lacklustre, dehydrated or ageing skin would particularly benefit.

What does it do?

It’s a cellular renewal booster treatment which is essentially like a vitamin drip for your face, really worked into your skin with expert hands so the blood rushes to the surface of the skin and absorbs the nutrients quickly.

Best part?

The cooling mask – you can feel the hydration hit instantly, I never wanted to take it off.

Weirdest part?

This is a very traditional facial, so it’s kept fairly tame. Part of the treatment involves a ‘butterfly’ massage technique, where the facialist massages your face in butterfly like motions. Our verdict? It felt great.

Can you actually see results?

This isn’t the facial for you if you have problematic skin, but if you are looking for a gorgeous glow and lift pre-night out, I’d book in ASAP.

Downtime?

None – you literally walk out glowing.

Bang for your buck?

It’s certainly on the expensive side, but for good reason. This is a seriously luxurious experience that leaves you with the skin to prove it.

Beam Facial By Dr. Joney De Souza

The vibe?

The salon is so chic, think luxurious textures, ambient lighting and beautiful brocades. It feels expensive and intimate.

Is it for my skin?

Helpfully, there are different settings for different skin sensitivities so you can have a bespoke facial. The therapist scans your face showing you your skin at several different levels. They then read the melanin in your face, which determines what setting of the facial is most appropriate. On our visit we had some pigment around the sides of our face and heavy oil production in the t-zone, so that’s what the therapist focused on.

What does it do?

There are two steps: light and laser. The light therapy (IPL) tackles pigmentation, broken capillaries and excessive redness, while the following laser refines texture, regulates oil production and stimulates collagen. If you have fine lines, pigmentation, blemished skin, redness or dull skin, this is a miracle treatment.

Best part?

The results – they are undeniable.

Weirdest part?

Cards on the table, light therapy is not overly pleasant. It’s like a hundred rubber bands being flicked against your face. But, if you’re in the ‘no pain, no gain’ camp, you’ll love it. You can literally feel any broken capillaries being zapped away.

Can you actually see results?

Yes! Immediately afterwards your skin is so much smoother and deeply radiant. Over the next few days pigmentation will surface and disappear, leaving you with a bright, clear complexion and younger looking skin.

Downtime?

Depending on the intensity of the facial (there are different settings) it could be a few hours or a few days. We tried one of the highest settings which left us with redness for a few hours, with pigmentation surfacing over the next two days. After that, all gone.

Bang for your buck?

1000%. You could invest and invest and invest in incredible brightening serums but pigmentation is a hard skin condition to remove without light and lasers.