The 5 Best Facials To See You Through The Party Season

“Dr. Barbara Sturm products may be famous for their high-science skincare, but it’s also the textures that are so good. And when generously layered up in a facial like this, you see why they work so well – because after a Face Mask, Rich Face Cream, four serums (including the Hyaluronic and Glow Drops) and an SPF, my skin looked and felt velvety and glowy, not greasy. In fact, it made the perfect base for makeup before I went straight out to dinner. The Signature Massage also deserves a mention – with the focus on lymphatic drainage, it concentrated on the sides of the face, jawline and neck, and the results were astounding. While much is said about firming up the muscles, when you shift any puffiness (which we all have to some degree), the face looks instantly more refined.” Newby Hands, contributing global beauty director

Facialist Heena Mahatma’s tip “Draining the face makes such a difference – here is a technique that does it quickly: apply your cream, then hold your hands together in prayer and put the sides of the index fingers on either side of the nose with thumbs under the chin. Sweep the hands apart as you press them outwards under the eyes and over the cheeks to the side of the face. Do this 10 times to define your features.”

“As winter and the party season fast approach, and the glow from my Tuscan holiday fades, a visit to 111Skin for its renowned Celestial Black Diamond Face Lift facial was much needed. This luxurious and transformative 10-step treatment includes surgically inspired masks and exfoliating acids, using products that are enriched with retinol – and even fine-diamond particles. Facialist Milena contoured my face with 111Skin’s signature sculpting massage techniques, which left my skin looking taut and my cheekbones appearing more prominent. I particularly enjoyed the Wand massage; it made the skin around my eyes look completely revived. Milena advised doing the facial the same day as an event, but it was when I caught sight of my reflection the day after (sadly, just doing the grocery shopping) that I was blown away by my radiant, smooth complexion. Not one to add to your regular facial calendar, this is one to save for a major event, when you really want to turn heads.” Alice Casely-Hayford, content director

Facialist Milena Naydenov’s tip “Mix the Rose Gold Brightening Booster with a favorite body lotion and use on shoulders, back and bare legs – it makes the skin look amazing, especially in photographs.”

“This 60-minute treatment from Augustinus Bader really amps up the effects of this bestselling product line, with a heavy focus on manual massage to sculpt and lift, as well as a wonderful lymphatic massage to de-puff. Plus, there’s more massage with gua sha and jade rollers, both chilled from a pre-soak in an ice bath to tighten muscles, while soothing hot compresses boost blood flow and make skin glow even more. With every product, tool and technique also worked down your neck, chest, upper back and along the tops of shoulders, it’s also ideal preparation for any skin-baring necklines. The result is an instantly glowing, plumped up, lifted effect, which I was assured would last a week – a bonus for a full-on party schedule. But although the effects are pretty instant, it’s best to book in the day before going out, as it also includes a scalp massage, so you may well want to wash your hair before heading out.” Malena Harbers, acting beauty editor

Facialist Deeppal Kaur Bal’s tip “Keep your tools in the fridge or soak them in ice water before you use them – it really helps with tightening skin and muscles for a more lifted, sculpted look.”

“‘Diffusing the grace of golden hour’ is the aim of La Prairie’s luxurious 60-minute treatment, by recreating the skin’s beautiful soft glow when basking in the sun at dusk. But rather than relying on subtle lighting, this facial uses a combination of massages, a gentle yet potent peel, a hydrating mask and a cocktail of rejuvenating serums and creams. The result? In just one hour, my skin was revitalized and refreshed, looking plumper and feeling softer. As this indulgent treatment includes the neck, chest and shoulders, it’s particularly good pre-event if you’re going to be wearing a low neckline or something strapless. But it’s not just your skin that’s renewed: this is a deeply relaxing, holistic sensory experience that soothes the mind, too. Perfect for either the day before or the morning of any big event.” Victoria Newton-Syms, content manager

Facialist Beata Mizak’s tip “Use a pre-serum essence, as this prepares skin to absorb the ingredients in the serums and creams that follow – and will create a better base for makeup.”

“The joy of these FaceGym facials is that you can customize your session to whatever you need, or what your aesthetician thinks your face needs. So, while I had booked in for a Signature Sculpt, I ended up with a mix of the Signature Hands incredible massage, Radio Frequency to tighten up the skin, the Cryo Contour to hydrate (while hyaluronic acid is blasted into the skin with oxygen; it’s cold but painless), and a final bit of sculpting with the famous FaceGym Pro muscle-stimulating device. It sounds busy, but the massage is so good and all-encompassing (face, neck, shoulders) that I found it all deeply relaxing as my wonderful aesthetician beavered away firming, draining and tightening my face to a new glowing, sculpted luminosity. Best of all, I left with bouncy hair (if you ask, they won’t use the hair-flattening band) and plumped-up but grease-free skin, making a session here perfect for even a last-minute pre-party revamp.” Suzanne Scott, contributing beauty editor

Facialist Bandara Pathmasri’s tip “For a more defined face and hydrated skin, make time to massage in your skincare. Then use a micro-current instrument to firm, and finish with a cryo device, or anything cold – ideally over a hydrating serum. It leaves skin looking super-glowy.”

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