The questions everyone should ask a beautician before booking a facial

Finding the perfect facial often relies on word-of-mouth or an internet search, and asking the right questions before you book. Are you after a medi-spa option that involves some reparative laser or needling? Are extractions top of mind? Or do you want to sink into a facial “coma”?

For Sydneysiders, facialist Vaia Pappas is gaining recognition for her transformative Cleopatra (aka Pro2Lift) facial ($330), which aims to lift and sculpt the face, leaving you with “baby soft skin”. Pappas uses her hands as well as radio frequency to help firm the skin, ultrasound to infuse product, and oxygen therapy to boost circulation and give a faux facelift result.

For a medi-spa treatment, try the iS Clinical Fire & Ice Resurfacing Facial ($350). This 60-minute facial starts with a deep cleanse, before a resurfacing mask, then a hydrating mask before finishing with LED light therapy. It’s all about brightening, smoothing and refreshing skin texture. This is a great facial to have before a special event (it’s nicknamed the “red carpet” facial for a reason), and is available at multiple locations across Sydney.

For Melburnians seeking a Korean-style treatment, try Healing by J, which is known for its customised facials, lymphatic drainage and “glass skin” treatments, which target dehydrated skin, puffiness and skin-barrier repair. It aims to boost skin health and promote long-term skin resilience and our favourite treatment there is the 90-minute Advanced Age-Defying Facial Program (from $150), which aims to improve circulation, cell turnover and elasticity. It starts with a laser treatment to stimulate collagen production, followed with radio frequency to help with skin tightening and contouring, while endermologie (a massage treatment that utilises rollers and suction) improves microcirculation, lymphatic drainage and collagen and elastin production. Finally, LDM (local dynamic micro-massage) helps reduce inflammation.

For a facial with a difference, April Brodie is your go-to. Her 90-minute intense Buccal Fusion Facial (from $495) involves working inside your mouth (with gloves) and on the inner jaw to release tension, boost lymphatic drainage and create “lifted” skin. Also on offer is her unique Bee Venom (Abeetoxin) Facial that targets collagen and elastin production.

Of course, no matter where you choose to get your facial, there are some universal salon rules to follow. Remember to put your mobile on flight mode; arrive 15 minutes early for any paperwork, so that you don’t eat into your time on the bed; and be vocal about what you want. For me, that is definitely no talking once the facial begins.

ASK STEPH

How do I achieve the “blurred lip” trend?
Winter is a great time to play around with more intense lip colour and the blurred lip is a great way to keep lips looking on trend. Place lipstick in the centre of the lip and blend it out towards the edge to create a softer perimeter. The idea is to keep lips looking smudgy with an undefined cupid’s bow. Try a berry version like Dior Addict Glass Lipstick in Talk My Dior ($72).

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