The Best Facials In London – Tried And Tested!

Shane Cooper

Location: South Kensington
Treatment Tried: The Exclusive Face Treatment
Downtime: None. Immediately event-ready.
Bottom Line: High-tech sculpting meets real results. Lifted cheekbones, tighter jawline, and stunning glow.

Shane Cooper is known and loved by his A-list clientele (which includes all the girls with the snatched jawlines on TV) for his wonderful sculpting facials that literally leave your cheekbones razor sharp. I first met Shane about 6 years ago, who was recommended by a friend. This was my first real understanding of just how important facials truly are – he magicked my jawline. His bespoke approach is machine-led, and in a way, he feels like a technologist, pairing the most innovative machines and treatments and tailoring them precisely for different needs. Shane is deeply intuitive and uses this asset to read each client’s face and maximise the results. My treatment began with an oxygenation pod infused with pure gold, which obviously was a yes.  From there, it was all about the lift: microcurrents and light therapy to re-educate facial muscles using medical-grade machines, followed by his infamous radiofrequency gadgets to tighten and tone. A peptide-drenched mask and ultrasound followed to seal it all in, before finishing with LED.

The Result: Honestly, this is the facial that changed the way I saw facials. He is all about results and immediate lift. I left the clinic with what felt like a new set of cheekbones. As a returning customer, I can absolutely confirm that alongside your chisel, your skin will be immediately clearer, brighter, and firmer. The glow was immediate, but the contouring effect held for weeks. If you can invest in 2-3 sessions, the long-term lift is worth it! And if you have a big event coming up, Shane is your guy!

Shane Cooper, By Appointment Only. Contact here.

Teresa Tarmey

Location: Notting Hill, Claridges
Treatment Tried: Bespoke Facial
Downtime: Minimal – depends on the skin and tech used.
Bottom Line: A-lister skin wisdom meets scientific calm.

Teresa is the kind of facialist who doesn’t overpromise, and yet somehow overdelivers. Her Notting Hill clinic is stunning, demonstrating her deep love and understanding of beauty and exquisite taste. Teresa also now treats regularly at Claridge’s stunning new spa, which just makes sense. Her taste level infiltrates all aspects of her work, and her skin philosophy is pared-back and precise. She follows the ‘less is more’ approach and doesn’t try to oversell or over-treat. In fact, she is more excited about cleaning and extracting your skin to give you the best baseline possible than simply layering on top. Though don’t be fooled by her back-to-basics approach, as she is known for her incredible work with lasers, and her testing and research in this area is second to none. You can trust her with your skin, so it’s no wonder her loyal clientele, including celebrities, models, and women who know, continually come back. My treatment began with a gentle lactic acid peel, followed by targeted extractions and IPL to treat tiny broken veins I hadn’t even noticed. She added microneedling with vitamin-rich infusions to deliver a deeply effective treatment. She is thorough and views your skin as a long-term treatment, not a quick fix.

The Result: My skin felt amazing, I had some slight redness immediately after, where she had zapped away those faint capillaries around the nose, but this lasted a couple of hours only. The results lasted longer than expected. It’s the kind of facial that builds over time, consistent. Thorough and steady wins the race.

Teresa Tarmey, 206-208 Kensington Park Rd, London W11 1NR, 020 3983 4100. [email protected]. Book here.

Skin Design London

Location: Selfridges, Marylebone
Treatment Tried: The Face Tight Infusion with Glow Pen
Downtime: Slight redness from microneedling, but next day glow!
Bottom Line: Stunning all-in targeted facial – incredible results.

I had heard about Skin Design over the last couple of years, but it hadn’t yet crossed my path. Thank god it finally did. Founder Fatma Shaheen’s reputation is infamous in the London skin world, but this facial was even more exceptional than expected. I am talking about genius contouring, lifting and collagen-enhancing results. It’s basically a remix of a facial’s greatest hits – microneedling, radio frequency, thorough cleanse, and lymphatic massage – and this is just their entry-level facial. The treatment combines cutting-edge methods in conjunction with the company’s exclusively formulated brand cosmeceuticals – potent yet gentle actives that deliver tremendous results. This is absolutely one of my now very favourite facials in London!

The Result: My skin slightly flushed when I left, quickly turned into a sculpted glow that lasted for a couple of weeks. I had a lot of people comment on my skin the week following this facial; the results were so noticeable. If you can afford to do so, make this part of your regular routine; it’s truly amazing – and you will thank me. It’s also a major plus being treated in a calm and luxe back room of Selfridges (for some retail therapy to top it off afterwards), location 10/10.

Skin Design London, Selfridges, Marylebone, + 44 7554 180 884. Contact here.

Dr Karen Doherty

Location: Stoke Newington
Treatment Tried: NeoGen Plasma
Downtime: Mild to moderate. 2-3 days of dryness and redness.
Bottom Line: Focus on regenerative skin science.

Dr Karen Doherty is no doubt East London’s chicest and most sought-after facialist. It’s worth visiting her just to see her jaw-droppingly gorgeous clinic – a level of taste that isn’t often seen in the beauty rooms. Originally working as a dentist, Dr Karen’s cosmetic understanding of the face and structure brings an unwavering expertise to her work. She is all about rebuilding the skin from the inside out. I tried her NeoGen Plasma treatment, which uses thermal energy to create tiny micro-wounds that trigger deep collagen production without ablating the skin. The sensation felt like warm pulses, a slight sting, but not intense discomfort (though I did a low-level version). Post-treatment, my skin felt tight and a little dry, but manageable. After about a week, I felt an improvement in my skin texture. It’s less aggressive than traditional lasers but still on the more aggressive side for facial treatments. Karen shared that the deeper you go with this particular treatment, the more wow the results, which I guess is what her fashion crowd clientele keep coming back on repeat for.

The Result: Texture improved, fine lines softened, and my skin felt genuinely stronger. A great option for those looking for long-term structure and repair, not just a glow. Downtime varies depending on treatment strength, but I would say allow 1-2 days for a medium strength, and a little longer for a deeper treatment.

Dr Karen Doherty, Basement, 19 Club Row, London E2 7HR. 07784 885969. Book here.

The Clinic Holland Park

Location: Holland Park
Treatment Tried: Skin Storm Facial
Downtime: None – clear skin and glow guaranteed.
Bottom Line: A breath of targeted Oxygen for your face, cooling, calming, clearing and instantly revitalising.

The Clinic Holland Park is all about science and tech. They are not a typical ‘facial’ salon, as their focus lies more within aesthetic treatments; however, this particular facial, which by the way, was brought to the UK exclusively via The Holland Park Clinic, is truly effective. This facial is a sensory experience. It begins with an icy oxygen jet cleanse, followed by microdermabrasion using oxygen-charged crystals. There’s an Oxy Ice Peel (as tingly as it sounds), microneedling with oxygen, and LED therapy – all enhanced with targeted serums. The treatment was not your typical spa facial; this one wakes up the skin and totally refreshes and boosts. It is an incredibly effective and easy facial.

The Result: My face looked smooth, fresh, and clean. That “just-cleansed” glow lasted well into the next week. I loved the microneedling mixed with oxygen – adding an extra oomph to an already genius treatment.  If your skin has been feeling dull or congested, this will reset everything. This is the kind of facial you will want every 4-6 weeks. It will keep your skin in stunning, clear, regenerative condition without compromising your barrier at all.

The Clinic Holland Park, 142-144 Holland Park Ave, London W11 4UE, 020 3998 2600, Book here.

Skin Lab by Augustinus Bader

Location: Mayfair
Treatment Tried: The Ultimate Facial
Downtime: None – plumped and flawless instantly.

Bottom Line: A super gorgeous luxury facial with real substance.

The crème de la crème of facials. This exceptionally transformative experience combines lab-grade microcurrents, oxygen therapy, and Biosonix Ultrasound for immediately healthier-looking skin and long-lasting benefits alongside AB’s award-winning cell renewal formulas. This treatment is like the greatest hits of skincare – double cleanse, diamond-tip microdermabrasion, stunning fascia massage, ultrasound infusion, LED light therapy, microcurrent for lift, and a finishing oxygen + ozone blast. Each step is deliciously indulgent and deeply effective. The use of the most advanced machines, with such intentional hands-on massage, is honestly one of the most relaxing and rejuvenating facials I have tried in a while – plus the heated beds and luxurious products make this treatment an exquisite experience. The therapists are trained with such precision and care – the facial massage was a huge factor for me, (so good I fell deep asleep!) And the fantastic results are the cherry on top.

The Result: My skin felt plumper, dewier, and more lifted, especially around the jaw and brow. The next morning, my skin looked amazing! It’s an ideal red-carpet prep or just a full reset for tired skin, and a gorgeous, results-driven yet relaxing facial from a team of the most wonderful beauty therapists. If you want to give someone special a deeply nurturing gift, this is the one.

Skin Lab by Augustinus Bader, 07921350884, Contact here.

Sarah Chapman

Location: Chelsea
Treatment Tried: Skinesis Bespoke Facial
Downtime: None
Bottom Line: Hands-on, holistic, and truly relaxing – a rare gem in the high-tech age.

Sarah Chapman’s facial focuses on the importance of pampering and relaxation. There is light use of machines: a little LED and some microcurrent, but the real magic is the massage: fascia release, lymphatic drainage, sculpting of the cheekbones and jawline. It feels totally indulgent, like a nod back to why facials were invented: nurturing, releasing, and nourishing. It was one of the most relaxing treatments I have had. The therapists are trained meticulously and are tested by Sarah herself, who is famous for her precise facial massage execution. It was no wonder the clinic was heaving – popular by obvious demand.

The Result: I left feeling so rested, and sculpted – two of the best things a facial can deliver! Skin was calm, lifted, and glowing, not from tech – but from touch. For those who miss the human side of skincare, this one is not to be missed.

Sarah Chapman, 259 Pavilion Road London SW1X 0BP, 0207 589 9585. Contact here.

The ASAYA by EviDenS de Beaute Sculpting Facial

Location: The Rosewood Chancery Hotel, Mayfair
Treatment Tried: The ASAYA by EviDenS de Beaute Sculpting Facial, 90 min

Downtime: None – immediate hydration and contour 
Bottom Line: A spa experience facial that is second to none. 100% Pamper

This facial is all about hotel-spa luxury at its finest. From the moment I stepped into ASAYA at the stunning new Rosewood Chancery hotel, I could feel that indulgence was the focus here. The setting and the space make it easy to chill out and let yourself be totally pampered. The facial is delivered by EviDenS de Beauté – an exquisite skincare line based on French and Japanese skin science. The products are rich and beautiful, giving spa in a bottle. Everything about the facial was unhurried, intentional, and beautifully executed. I left feeling incredibly supple and immaculately clean. A true pamper experience. My only regret was not having longer to enjoy the facilities that come with the treatments – this is very much a place you want clear your diary for to linger.

The Result: Pampered, glowing skin reset. The perfect gift or treat for an indulgent spa moment facial.

The ASAYA, 20 Grosvenor Square, London W1K 6JP. [email protected]. Book here.

Skin Wisdom by Ingrid Raphael 

Location: Marylebone
Treatment Tried: Bespoke Holistic Facial
Downtime: None – unless microneedling is included, then mild redness.
Bottom Line: A facial that heals beyond the surface.

Ingrid Raphael offers something most clinics don’t: a truly holistic experience. She sat me down and delved immediately into big questions about my life and stress levels to understand exactly where my skin health was at. I have never experienced a facial like this before -a whole-rounded approach to understanding that in fact, everything is connected. Ingrid is known for magically treating skin issues like acne and rosacea and has a huge reputation for solving women’s skin woes. Her practice is grounded in Chinese medicine and years of skin therapy training. I was recommended to her by a friend who swears that Ingrid has completely changed her skin. The treatment itself was gorgeous – mixing her deep understanding of skin, intuitive touch, with her result-driven approach alongside products that actually work. My skin was brighter, and I felt lighter.

The Result: You will leave the treatment feeling like you have left a therapy session – floaty and glowing. If you have any type of skin issues like acne or rosacea, Ingrid truly is your lady! Good luck getting an appointment, though- the waitlist is unsurprisingly very busy!

Skin Wisdom by Ingrid Raphael, 384 City Rd, London EC1V 2QA, 07889 428922. Contact here.

Barbara Sturm

Location:  Mayfair
Treatment Tried: The Signature Molecular Facial
Downtime: None
Bottom Line: Science-meets-luxury skincare with radiant results

Barbara Sturm’s facials focus on anti-inflammatory science and deep hydration. I tried her Signature Molecular Facial, which blends gentle cleansing, exfoliation, and cooling massages with potent serums designed to calm redness and boost radiance. My facialist, who was also a trained doctor, was so informative and passionate about her work.  She could see exactly what my skin needed, and as much as I had an idea about what I wanted, she helped direct me in a way that was actually more responsive to what would benefit my skin. They treat skin as a whole science here – this isn’t just about indulgence, they want to see results – as do we!

The Result: Absolute luxury, and skin genius. A top level of quality that Barbara Sturm continually delivers on. This is a safe bet if you want the best, luxury facial out there. This is also a go-to option for anyone with sensitive or reactive skin looking for an effective glow-up. My skin was so clear, bouncy and replenished after, I can’t wait to go back!

Barbara Sturm, 125 Mount St, London W1K 3NS, 0207 959 0840. Contact here.

Jasmina Vico

Location: Marylebone
Treatment Tried: Ultra MD with Polynucleotides
Downtime: Moderate – expect redness and tightness for 2-3 days.
Bottom Line: Cutting-edge skin regeneration with an exclusive cult following.

Jasmina’s love and passion for the latest in skin science is what makes her treatments so exciting. You can trust that she will know exactly what’s next in the world of aesthetic beauty, as she follows the global industry with detail, often travelling to Korea to enhance her trade. She has a nose for sniffing out what is truly effective, and wants to give her clients the best. Her clientele includes global celebrities, models and industry heavyweights – expect to see your favourite designer or actress leaving their appointment as you arrive. Jasmina blends clinical expertise with global skin science, particularly Korean technology. I tried the Ultra MD laser, which creates microchannels in the skin, followed by topical polynucleotides – that work wonders without the need for injections. A warm, slightly spicy laser sensation (not painful, but slightly uncomfortable), followed by a soothing serum application. No needles, just tech doing its thing.

The Result: Redness lingered for a couple of days, but by day four, my skin was definitely smoother, tighter, and clearer. A month later, the benefits were even more obvious. If you want the best in skin pop culture, Jasmina knows her stuff!

Jasmina Vico, 6 Percy St, London W1T 1DQ, 07908 929552, Contact here.

Big Beauty

Location: Victoria Park, Hackney
Treatment Tried: The Bio-Sculpt 360 by REOME with LED

Downtime: None, immediate Sculpt.
Bottom Line: This sculpts like nothing else!

Ok, this facial is the one if you want your cheekbones up by your eyebrows! No joke. The treatment itself was stunning. The facialist Rebecca truly has magic hands, and her whole approach is to rid the face of tension and restore the natural shape and bounce that you may never have known you had! It focuses completely on hands-on techniques, including a strong buccal massage, which I have to admit, bloody hurt at times, but was so so worth it. Over an hour of pure massage and pamper and ending it all with LED was heaven. The face tingling with muscle release and skin – absolutely ignited.

The Result: Honestly, I feel like I looked like I had a facelift after this facial – in the best way possible. I had people all day comment on my skin. The results were outrageously obvious. Sculpt, glow and structure. If you have an event and want to look like the most snatched version of yourself – hit up Big!

Big Beauty, 219 Victoria Park Rd, London E97HD, 07852 851236, Contact here.