1950s TWO WOMEN SITTING UNDER BEAUTY SALON HAIR DRYERS WEARING HAIRNETS TOWELS TALKING GOSSIP   (Photo by Debrocke/ClassicStock/Getty Images)
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Tried and tested: these are some of our favourite ways to pamper and prep ourselves

It’s been a whirlwind of festive occasions all the way since Christmas 2022 especially since Chinese New Year took place less than a month after that. Just when you thought that such celebrations are slowing down, the time has come for Valentine’s Day to dominate the month of February. For those of us who celebrate the occasion with our partners and loved ones, it’s the perfect excuse to prep ourselves and doll up.

Beauty salons tend to be at their busiest during such periods so make sure you start booking appointments at your go-to aesthetic clinics, hair salons, lash studios and more.

Can’t figure out what treatments to do or skip? Whether it’s a fresh set of nails or brand new highlights in your hair—here is one thing to bear in mind: Keep. It. Flawless. 

For the ones who still need tips on where to go or what to do for a complete glam-over, read on for a list of Tatler-approved beauty treatments worth trying.

Read more: Festive Gift Ideas for Every Type of Beauty Junkie in Your Life

1. Custom-blended Lift-radio frequency treatment at MTM Labo

From the age of 25 onwards, we lose between one to two per cent of our natural collagen each year. Fine lines and wrinkles set in as our skin loses its elasticity and firmness, resulting in a dull, tired complexion prone to various skin conditions. But fret not, because there is always a solution to most of your skin woes. Beauty brand MTM Labo’s Custom-Blended Lift-radio Frequency Skin Care Treatment is an effective facial treatment that tightens skin and restores the natural contours of your face to retain a toned, firm, healthy youthful glow. 

The lift-radio frequency treatment combines safe and effective radiofrequency technology with MTM Labo’s custom-blended skincare products. These extracts, which include Chinese, Western and Japanese ingredients, are selected based on how they can help to improve each customer’s unique skin condition. This custom-blended treatment is also non-invasive and gentle to the skin. As with all MTM Labo treatments, it incorporates the use of its custom-blended skincare products to address skincare concerns. Relaxing and enjoyable, customers who have undergone this facial treatment liken it to a hot stone massage for the face. With no downtime required, you can get back to your regular schedule feeling and looking refreshed.

2. TeslaForte at Illumia Therapeutics

If you want to get tight and toned but find yourself short on time, Illumia Therapeutics’s TeslaForte treatment is our top pick. Using Functional Magnetic Stimulation technology, the treatment claims to build muscle and sculpt the targeted areas of your body—it’s said to give the same effect as a high-intensity workout, with none of the extra sweaty effort needed. The best part? The treatment takes just 30 minutes with little to no downtime, but be warned: you may experience slight muscle soreness up to two days after the treatment (although our editor who tried the treatment did not).

In case you missed it: If You’re Worried About Expedited Ageing, These Treatments Are Sure To Save Your Face

3. Scalp cleanse at Coulisse Heir

Scalp health is constantly overlooked by most of us so perhaps it’s time to give it a little TLC. Introverts, rejoice—because there is a new hair salon that allows you to be completely hidden from the world as you indulge in some me-time. 

Featuring the first-of-its-kind fully private pod for scalp and hair services, Coulisse Heir offers a luxurious sanctuary for customers who want to treat their hair in utmost privacy. There are also couple rooms available, so you can get any hair treatment done with your partner or BFF. Plus, complimentary coffee, water and biscuits are also provided for customers.

Try the Co-Cleanse Soothe Scalp Therapy at Coulisse Heir, a five-step treatment that instantly hydrates and calms sensitivity and irritation, while relieving itchy and tense scalps. The treatment is specially designed to clear congested pores effectively while removing residual chemicals, leaving your hair looking healthier with a natural glow. Its clinically effective, skin-friendly, natural in-house products and treatments are specially curated to address mild to severe scalp and hair conditions. Prior to the treatment, you will also get a hair and scalp consultation with a therapist; look forward to seeing photos of your scalp before and after the entire process and you will likely be stunned by how just one treatment can instantly rejuvenate your scalp.

Did we mention that you won’t have to leave your cushy seat at all the whole time? Every step is done in the minimalist pod, including hair washing—how convenient and luxurious is this? At the end of the treatment, a hairstylist will also ensure you get the perfect blowout so that you can pop over to your next appointment with ease. 

4. Brightening facial at Kew Organics

This homegrown facial salon offers an intensive three-in-one facial that helps you achieve that coveted luminous pre-party glow. The Ultrareviv Booster Shots is an intensive instant brightening organic facial that works as a skin booster; its in-house signature Sugar K Organic Peel is used to remove excessive keratin and stimulate cell renewal and then topped off with microdermabrasion. This is a non-invasive treatment that gently exfoliates the skin to unveil fresh and healthy skin. The facial also comes with a pampering, cooling bespoke organic mask for extra hydration. Finally, Dynamic Pulse Light (DPL) is delicately used on the skin to reduce pigmentation and even out the skin tone. There is no downtime involved so you can get this facial done without having to worry about concealing your identity at the end of the treatment. 

5. Lash extensions at Smitten Beauty Studio

Beauty geeks with a penchant for dramatic lashes know where to go when in need of Kar-Jenner-inspired eyelash extensions. Housed in a shophouse in the enclave of Tiong Bahru, this cosy little salon is perfect for those who enjoy some quiet me-time as they’re getting their lashes done. Owner and founder Cassandra Lim is a certified lash therapist who will offer customers advice on the style of lash extensions that suit them the most. The lashes used here are lightweight and soft, so you won’t have to worry about any discomfort.

Want something to give the eyes a little extra oomph? The Foxx is a popular style among the studio’s customers, as it offers a sexy and lifted effect.  

Read more: The Best Lash Extensions Salons In Singapore

6. Hair removal at Sugar(ed)

Sugar(ed) is the first and only professional body sugaring studio in Singapore that is dedicated to the all-natural hair removal technique. While the studio specialises in Brazilian hair removal for women, it also offers additional body sugaring options for both men and women. Gala season is upon us so if most of your gowns are strapless or sleeveless, it may be a good idea to get any unwanted fuzz sugared right off. The process is gentle and straightforward; a therapist will use a 100 per cent natural and water-soluble sugar paste (which is completely edible!) directly onto the skin and flicked off, removing hair from the roots. As such, regrowth is slower, finer, softer and lighter in colour and leads to quick hair refinement and diminished hair growth.

It is less painful than common waxing methods and removes dead skin cells, leaving skin soft and smooth. Don’t worry about getting scalded because the sugar paste used is always at body temperature.

Read more: Meet Jasmine Yong, the Owner and Founder of Singapore's First Sugaring Studio

7. Spray tan at Tan @ Home

Want a gorgeous sun-kissed tan but without the harmful UV rays that normally come with it? Tan@Home is a mobile service in Singapore that can give you that coveted bronze glow in under 30 minutes. And because it’s mobile, you can get this done at home if you’re pressed for time this holiday season.

The treatment will be done using a fine mist containing tanning solution by Australian brand Moroccan Tan, and this will be evenly sprayed all over the body. It’s especially popular among those who want to achieve an even tan right before a vacation or special occasion; according to loyal customers, this natural-looking spray tan is long-lasting and apparently helps you look slimmer and much more toned. Your therapist will also be happy to advise you on whether you need a light or deep tan depending on your skin tone, so you can rest assured about achieving a natural glow after the treatment. 

The products used are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, alcohol-free and formulated with naturally derived and ethically sourced vitamins and organic oils to nourish the skin. 

8. Mani-pedi at The First Refresh

Pressed for time? We love a reliable and consistent mobile beauty provider and The First Refresh offers just that. This on-demand beauty studio offers a wide variety of beauty treatments—from manicures and pedicures to eyelash extensions, facials and styling services. And any of these can be done in the comfort of your own home. A trained and experienced beauty consultant will arrive with all the necessary tools needed so just pick the most comfortable spot in your home and get ready for a luxurious pampering session. The Nail Oasis treatment is a comprehensive option for those who need both a classic manicure and pedicure. This nail experience starts with a warming foot soak, followed by a cleansing scrub and the full mani-pedi process. There’s also a halal nail polish option that can be selected on The First Refresh’s booking website—a thoughtful and inclusive gesture that’ll surely be appreciated by many.  

In case you missed it: The First Refresh's Rachael Kam On Providing On-Demand Beauty and Flexible Work For Women

9. Teeth whitening at Brightside Dental

Tatler Asia

Would you believe us if we said you can get your teeth whitened in 60 minutes flat? In Singapore, this is possible but what's better is that this treatment is done by a fully qualified dentist.

Brightside Dental is the first dental clinic in Singapore dedicated to teeth whitening. The experience here is similar to a visit to the dentist's but also different in many ways. For starters, you won't have to fear or anticipate any form of pain. The space at this clinic is also a calm respite, instantly comforting the patients who walk in for their treatments. Once patients are settled into soft, plush reclined chairs, they will undergo a quick consultation and scaling and polishing. During the 45-minute session, you can choose to put on an eye mask and take a beauty nap or put on noise-cancelling headphones and watch your favourite Netflix series from the TV suspended above. The best part about this experience? It is done so efficiently that you can book yourself a quick lunchtime appointment and walk out with a brighter smile.  

10. Hair colour at Salon.B

Tatler Asia

There’s nothing quite like going to the salon for a fresh, new hair colour. No matter whether you’re going for a lighter or darker tone, changing your hair colour can give you that hair transformation you never knew you needed. For many years, Wella Professionals has been the go-to choice for veteran hairstylists in Singapore. The tried-and-tested Japanese hair colouring brand has also released a new range of trendsetting shades that suit Asian skin tones. The new Wella Professionals Illumina Color Japan palette features new shades that add depth, translucency and a unique sheerness to the final look. This new service also provides a modern take on the popular balayage technique. Perfect for those who want a new hair colour shade that’s subtle yet sexy.

For this service, customers can visit any Wella Professionals partner salon such as Salon.B at One Nassim in Tanglin. The quaint salon offers a relaxing experience for clients and is also armed with a team of professional hairstylists who hold years of experience.

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