Facials

By Rani Mirza

Price: £185 for two hours

Stockist: Rani Mirza

Best for: pre-party

Ever wondered how celebrities always look so radiant on the red carpet? Rani Mirza’s aptly named Red Carpet Facial is one of their secrets.
Created especially to meet the needs of her A-list clients, Rani has devised one of the most deluxe and effective facials money can buy. It’s the perfect pre-party fixer which includes intensive treatments like diamond dermabrasion, fruit masques, steam extraction and oxygen blasting as well as a super de-stressing and relaxing massage.
The facial lasts for 2 blissful hours and afterwards skin feels amazing. There’s no redness and no break-outs, just a plumped and glowing complexion making this ideal before a big event. Just try not to spoil all of Rani’s good work by piling on the make-up

By Espa

Price: £155

Stockist: Espa

Best for: congested skin

If you’re serious about skincare, then ESPA’s Advanced Super Active Calming and Soothing Facial (£155 at the Sequoia at The Grove) won’t disappoint.
Specially designed to address specific skin conditions, the 90 minute facial combines massage techniques and products formulated to target problems fast.
The Calming and Soothing Facial starts with a lymphatic drainage massage. Through placing pressure on certain areas of the face, purification and drainage of toxins are promoted to instantly brighten skin. It’s now that you’ll experience a strange sensation and have a slight metallic taste in your mouth caused by toxins being excreted. A combination of cold crystals are now used to massage skin before a soothing face mask is applied.
Post facial – redness is minimal and blemishes appear less visible. These facials make a perfect beauty treat but taken regularly will also help target problem skin.

By John Tsagaris

Price: £200 for 90 minutes

Stockist: Energy Bodies Clinic

Best for: A more holistic anti-ageing treatment

We’re regularly inundated with emails that say ‘A new alternative to Botox’ in the message subject line, some of which are pretty easy to ignore. This one, however, from acclaimed holistic doctor John Tsagaris, is more compelling. Describing a new acupuncture facial treatment, it promises a natural alternative to the undeniably effective but unfortunately toxic Botox. We had to give it a try.
How does it work? Well, it’s a bespoke treatment that aims to remove built-up toxins to encourage the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin. The result? Well, hopefully it will leave you with fuller, plumper and visibly less wrinkled skin.
The treatment begins with a detailed analysis of your skin and lifestyle, which enables John to tailor the treatment. He then gently inserts long, fine needles into strategic points across the face and head (such as your cheeks, jaw and forehead). Although not excruciating this process isn’t pain-free and can get quite uncomfortable at times. Once all the needles are applied, you’ll have a facial massage using shiatsu and reflexology techniques – more than just an added extra, this is supposed to increase the flow of oxygen to the skin and, ultimately, rejuvenate it.
So did it work? After two sessions my skin was definitely plumper and people commented on my ‘glow’, but I couldn’t see any improvement in my fine lines.

By Claudia Fallah

Price: £80

Stockist: Claudia Fallah

Best for: Illuminating

Facialist to the stars Claudia Fallah developed herbapeel without using any chemicals or synthetic agents. Instead the peeling treatment is made up entirely of herbs that work to remove the skin’s upper layer, stimulate blood circulation and induce the generation of new cells and collagen fibres for an all over skin resurfacing and renewing treatment. While the overall effect of herbapeel can be compared to chemical peels, Claudia claims that it is much kinder to the skin. Unlike with chemical peels - which can keep you hidden indoors for up to a week recovering – you can face the world blemish-free after the facial.

I tested the treatment and was extremely impressed with the results. Claudia used herbapeel light on me, a milder version of the original herbapeel formula, and a range of her own products all made using natural ingredients. The facial had a tremendous effect on my skin, making it softer and smoother, while also brightening my complexion.

The treatment room was very relaxing, with soft music and a large skylight, allowing me to either drift off or happily relax while watching the clouds drift by. After carrying out some extractions (which are annoying, but essential to avoid bringing out impurities under the surface of the skin), Claudia deep-cleansed, toned and moisturised my skin before applying the peel. It tingled slightly, but was in no way painful (and I am not brave!).  Once the peel was removed Claudia applied several creams which calmed any redness that might have occurred as a result of the treatment. Post facial, I had fresh, glowing skin and could go straight back to work without any embarrassment. Results last a week.