Look good, feel good: 9 best beauty treatments to try for a festive season glow-up

Award-winning French biotech skincare brand Orveda has arrived in Singapore, making it possible for us to try its luxurious facials at the new Orveda Le Studio in Raffles Hotel Singapore. First founded in 2017 by Sue Nabi, the chief executive officer of global beauty company Coty, and Nicolas Vu, an entrepreneur, Orveda is an award-winning French Green Biotech brand. 

I tried the 90-minute Omni Solution facial at Le Studio, a transformative experience that was a beautiful introduction to Orveda. The facial promises to address the multifaceted needs of all skin types, delivering not just immediate results but also long-term benefits. The treatment began with a thorough skin analysis, allowing the skilled therapist to customise the session to my unique skin concerns. The facial employs a powerful combination of energetic techniques (no machines were used in this facial—which made it extra therapeutic) designed to enhance radiance while providing lifting and toning effects.

The application process of all the products was both soothing and invigorating. The therapist’s expert hands glided over my skin, utilising gentle yet effective techniques that left me feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. I was impressed by how the facial not only addressed visible signs of aging but also focused on strengthening my skin barrier—an essential aspect of modern skincare philosophy.

Post-treatment, my complexion was visibly brighter and more radiant, with a noticeable reduction in redness and fine lines. Plus, the effects lasted well beyond the session as I felt it was much easier to apply my make-up in the days that followed. I also appreciated the skincare tips offered by my therapist—which were particularly useful for my skin concerns. 

If you’re keen on trying a slightly more intensive treatment for the holidays, lasers may be an ideal choice. I recently tried the PicoSure laser at Freia Aesthetics and was pleasantly surprised by the results. For those who are hesitant to try lasers, fret not because this laser treatment is painless. My doctor offered plenty of advice and support prior to the treatment (which took no more than 10 minutes) and he did an exceptional job for me. The PicoSure laser at Freia Aesthetics is a cutting-edge picosecond laser technology designed for various skin concerns, including uneven skin tone, pigmentation, enlarged pores, and fine lines. It emits ultra-short pulses in the picosecond range, which allows for more efficient pigment removal with minimal thermal damage to surrounding tissues. This reduces the risk of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and other side effects commonly associated with traditional laser treatments.

Tatler Tip

What’s special about my experience is the use of exosomes as a post-treatment add-on. This extra step allows for a much faster recovery time and enhance the effects of treatments. In my case, I had almost no downtime. I didn’t even require a face mask to hide under before heading out of the clinic. Other than the significant reduction in downtime, I also saw an improvement in skin texture and noticed that my skin looked more radiant and rejuvenated over time. For those who seek a non-invasive skin rejuvenating treatment, the PicoSure laser is highly recommended—and don’t forget to add on the exosomes! 

The Probiotic Treatment at Caring Skin is a comprehensive facial that aims to combat acne while restoring the skin’s natural balance. As someone with sensitive skin, I opted for this facial as I was battling a minor bout of acne that was mostly due to a variety of reasons—from late nights to daily stress. 

This facial involves a series of steps designed to reduce acne and restore skin balance. It begins with a relaxing welcome massage, followed by double cleansing to remove impurities. Gentle exfoliation is performed using a Microderm Exfoliator, and painless extraction of clogged pores is conducted. The treatment also includes a face massage with an anti-inflammatory cream, and ends with a clay mask application to draw out impurities.

Those with compromised skin barriers will find this treatment particularly beneficial as it can help with avoiding other skin issues like dryness, itching, and increased sensitivity.

Gone are the days when semi-permanent eyebrow treatments feel painful and appear unnatural. I used to believe that I wouldn’t need to try any form of eyebrow embroidery treatment but I was proven wrong after trying Browhaus’s new BR Blend treatment.

The BR Blend is a sophisticated semi-permanent eyebrow treatment that combines the best aspects of traditional brow techniques with modern advancements. This treatment is part of the Browhaus’s famed Brow Resurrection range, which has been meticulously developed to create natural-looking brows that enhance your facial features. It specifically offers a soft powdered gradient effect, providing a defined look without the harshness often associated with more traditional brow-enhancing methods.

This technique uses finer strokes to achieve a delicate yet impactful finish, making it ideal for those who desire a subtle makeup effect that mimics the appearance of filled-in brows.

With a downtime of approximately seven days, clients can expect their brows to heal into a soft, natural shape that requires minimal upkeep. The BR Blend is particularly suited for individuals looking for a low-maintenance solution to achieve fuller brows that can last up to 18 months with proper care. I personally find that this treatment saves me a little more time in my daily beauty routine as I no longer need to apply any brow make-up. 

For the hair

At Chez Vous: Private Space, I had the chance to experience their Liquid Hair Treatment, specifically designed to combat the challenges of Singapore’s hot and humid climate. This treatment is particularly appealing for those of us who struggle with frizz and damaged hair, offering a tailored solution that nourishes while effectively managing unruly locks.

Unlike conventional bond-repair hair care treatments available in the market, the Liquid Hair Treatment at Chez Vous represents a groundbreaking approach to hair restoration. This innovative therapy harnesses advanced oil-based nano-technology, specifically engineered to deliver a comprehensive solution for damaged hair. Thus, it’s a worthwhile indulgence for those seeking sleek, healthy-looking hair amidst Singapore’s humidity. 

Plus, the Liquid Hair Treatment offers instantly visible results that can last up to six weeks if you choose to do the Advanced Treatment and up to six months for the Supreme Treatment. With proper maintenance, this bond repair treatment offers a transformative solution for anyone looking to elevate their hair care routine ahead of the festive season.

At Jo:Hwa Hair & Living in Singapore, the Chapter 2 Head Spa is also known as the “Growth” spa. As most of us should know by now, healthy hair is only achievable by maintaining a healthy scalp. This Korean hair salon’s unique treatment offers a luxurious and tailored experience designed to rejuvenate both the scalp and hair. I tried a 70-minute treatment that begins with a one-to-one consultation with a trained spa manager. These consultations involve assessing your scalp type and specific needs, ensuring a personalised approach.

Overall, customers can look forward to not only an invigorating scalp massage during the treatment but also an additional back and neck kneading, which truly elevates the overall relaxation experience. The result is a revitalised scalp and glossy hair that feels so much healthier. 

For the body and nails

One of the most neglected parts of our bodies are our toes. You may think that a simple pedicure will suffice as a pampering beauty treatment for your feet but think about it: how long do you spend on your feet each day? Shouldn’t we be spending a little more time offering our feet some TLC? I learnt that at Raffles Spa, where I experienced the Bastien Gonzalez Pedicure, a treatment that seamlessly combines medical expertise with beauty.

I appreciated the meticulous approach taken by my podiatrist who began with a gentle cleansing of my feet. The use of specialised tools from the Révérence de Bastien product line ensured that my skin was treated delicately with care.The treatment progressed with a thorough buffing of my nails, revealing a natural shine that felt both healthy and revitalised. Following this, a luxurious moisturiser was applied, and I enjoyed an indulgent foot massage that extended from my toes to my knees. This part of the ritual was particularly noteworthy, as it not only enhanced circulation but also helped alleviate any muscle tension I had been carrying.

Each aspect of the pedicure felt like a thoughtful blend of relaxation and rejuvenation, making it an ideal pre-festive indulgence for anyone looking to pamper themselves while prioritising their well-being. 

Tatler Tip

Before you start your pedicure, be sure to carve out some time to enjoy the hydrothermal facilities within Raffles Spa. The thermal facilities include an aroma steam bath, a sauna and an ice fountain.

For those seeking a sleek and sculpted silhouette with minimal effort, Strip’s Thermal Shape may be a true game changer. This revolutionary non-invasive treatment is ideal for anyone looking to tone up without breaking a sweat, specifically targeting stubborn areas such as the buttocks, tummy, and thighs—regions that often resist even the most dedicated workout routines.

It offers a shortcut to a smoother, more contoured look by focusing on the body’s most challenging areas.

But of course, as with all wellness treatments, the Strip Thermal Shape is not a weight loss treatment. While it assists with the
breakdown of stubborn subcutaneous fats and tone the areas at the same time, it does not burn the fat. A healthy diet and regular exercise are still necessary for those on a journey to achieve their goal weight. 

Going fuzz-free is getting increasingly convenient as beauty technology continues to improve. Take the AFT (Advanced Fluorescence Technology) treatment offered by homegrown beauty salon chain Strip, for starters. Unlike traditional Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) methods that use broad wavelengths, AFT employs a narrower wavelength, allowing for more precise targeting of hair follicles. This results in an even distribution of energy, which minimises the risk of skin damage and increases treatment efficiency. 

For me, AFT is a game-changer. Although I tried it long after going through rounds of IPL treatments on different parts of my body, the AFT treatments have proven to be worth my time (and money) all thanks to its efficacy and comfortable hair reduction. Plus, the treatment is a painless experience. It is designed to be comfortable and also requires a shorter treatment time as it features 
an applicator that covers a larger area compared to the standard ones used in IPL. For optimal results, clients are advised to undergo six sessions with intervals of four to six weeks between each session, achieving up to an 80 per cent reduction in hair growth. 

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