Back in my heyday, I used to proudly proclaim that I had a hide like an elephant, and bravely volunteer to go for any facials that everyone else in the CLEO team turned down – alas, how times have changed. These days, I find that my skin is more sensitive, and outbreaks are almost as frequent as Miley Cyrus sticking out her tongue. I’d love to attribute it to the haze, but I have no choice but to grudgingly admit that it’s cos of old age. Ah well. What better place to get my anti-ageing fix than at one of the foremost anti-ageing skincare experts – SK-II?
SK-II Boutique Spa
SK-II Boutique Spa1 Scotts Road, #02-06 Shaw Centre Shopping Centre, Singapore 228208
T: 6836 9168
Operating hours: Mon – Fri, 10am – 9pm; Sat/Sun/PH, 10am – 7pm
Now this used to be the one located along the stretch of little townhouses at Scotts Road, but it has moved into Shaw Centre.
Walking in, the first thing that greets you is the plethora of SK-II products including its skincare and some makeup items.
Now if only my home dressing table looked like this. Alas.
Doing my registration at the counter…
… and being led to a cosy lil corner to fill in the forms
Once your skincare concerns/types have been addressed and the consultation is over, you’ll be led to your treatment room down this long corridor (which surprisingly belies the size of the Boutique Spa – it looks a lot smaller from the outside).
And helloooo, room for the next 2 hours!
Clambering into the cosy cocoon that was going to envelope me for the next 2 hours as I underwent the Senzational Facial.
Here’s a little background on the facial:
Since it was launched, the SK-II Senzational Facial ($260/85 minutes) has been one of the spa’s most popular treatments. Specially created to tackle multiple skin concerns, the treatment includes the SK-II signature 55-step relaxing face massage, an eye treatment, as well as a soothing scalp massage. Guaranteed to have you stepping out of the spa feeling like a brand new you.
Those looking to restore a youthful glow to their skin should try the SK-II Aura Lucency Facial ($320/100 mins). The perfect combination of masterful technique and premium SK-II Cellumination products, this treatment includes a triple-mask care for the face, eyes and neck to for translucent, porcelain skin that glows from within.
Hold up now – did you see what I saw? A 55-step relaxing face massage? Like woahhhhh. Let it commence!
I know that facials are supposed to be a relaxing experience, but for the sake of my blog entry, I always have my phone in hand, which allows me to take notes on the entire process :D Here’s what went on during this facial:
- Inhalation of scents (pick from lavendar, geranium and eucalyptus)
- Gentle head massage
- Cleansing oil to remove makeup (beauty tip learned is that cleansing creams are more suitable for dry skintypes)
- Double cleanse with SK-II Gentle Cleansing Foam
- Warm towel to refresh
- Therapist will check your skin condition
- Sonic cleansing (with a high pitched hum. It doesn’t hurt but it’s vaguely ticklish heh)
- SK-II Skin Refining Treatment is applied to soften the clogged pores
- SK-II Skin Rebooster is applied to deliver intense hydration to the skin
- Steaming (for about 10 minutes)
- Extraction (for about 20 minutes – my skin had plenty of gunk. The therapist was pretty thorough in extraction, and it can get slightly painful. But hey, better out than in I say)
- SK-II Whitening Source Toner is applied (presumably to help tighten the pores)
- Lights off + the usage of SK-II Massage Cream – this is where the 55-step facial massage comes in! I daresay it’s pretty damn effective, cos I dozed off at this point. heh. Let’s just say it’s super comfortable, soothing and relaxing, and made me a very happy girl. It lasted for about 20 mins (or more?).
- Next up was the application of a face and eye mask, and the therapist went over it with the ultrasound machine. Me likey too.
- Last but not least, a head and shoulder massage before the masks were removed, and some basic skincare was applied before I was sent on my way.
L-R: At the start, in the middle (just after extraction, hence the expression) and after the facial
Heading over to the dressing/makeup room to touch up – I know it’s a pity to pile on the makeup immediately after a facial, especially one that extracted so much gunk from my skin, but the red splotchiness was definitely a no-no cos I still had to head to work. Thankfully, there’s a host of products for me to use. (For those who prefer a treatment that doesn’t result in redness (but has no extraction), try out South Bridge Aesthetic’s Carbon Laser Peel)
The Verdict: Great for those in need of relaxation (the massage is dabomb!) and for those who love their extractions. I daresay this is one of the most thorough extractions I’ve experienced, but note that it -may- result in some minor outbreaks in the week or two after. Otherwise, I left the spa feeling refreshed, while the skin was visibly brighter (after the redness subsided), softer, and smoother, Results lasted for about 2-3 weeks after, and then the skin lapsed back into the Dark Side again. Meh. I need a facial againnnnn.
For those interested in this SK-II Senzational Facial ($260/85 minutes), you’ll get 20% off just cos you read it here!
Here are the deets:
Exclusive promo code: BG002
- 20% off minimum spend of $200 for new customers.
- You can use the code on the spa’s website at www.mysk2spa.com.
- Promotion is valid from now till October 31, 2015
SK-II Boutique Spa
1 Scotts Road, #02-06 Shaw Centre Shopping Centre, Singapore 228208
T: 6836 9168
Operating hours: Mon – Fri, 10am – 9pm; Sat/Sun/PH, 10am – 7pm
