Whether you're living and working in the city full time, or are in need of a bit of downtime, the best facials in London should be on your radar. While a topical skincare routine is a must for day-to-day upkeep, facial treaments are a fantastic way to take things up a notch from your usual in-bath face mask session. Whether you're after something mind-soothing and relaxing, lifting and sculpting, glow-boosting and clearing or you're after something a little more intense to tackle a specific skin concern, sometimes our skin (and mind) can benefit from a more intensive treatment.
But, much like hair salons, there are simply so many to choose from in London alone. Luckily for you (and, let's face it, us) as editors, we spend our days putting every facial and skin treatment this city has to offer to the test. We've scoured the city from north to south and east to west to bring you a definitive guide to the top facialists and treatment options in the London.
With decades of experience between us, we've tried hundreds of facials over the years. But in 2024, it's safe to say the facial market has become somewhat saturated. So, in a bid to separate the wheat from the chaff, we decided to rip up everything we thought we knew and start again. Over the past few months (and for the rest of the year), we're committing to listing here only the very best facials that London (and its surrounding areas) has to offer, to make sure you're never let down by a facial appointment ever again.
The bar that these facials set is high—they must deliver both immediate and long-term visual improvements to the skin, they must do exactly as they promise it, they must be the very definition of bang for their buck and, most importantly, they must be notably more impressive than any other facials of their kind.
So, without further ado, these are the very best facials in London (and beyond).
1. Sunday Riley Signature Sculpt and Glow Facial @ Soho Farmhouse
Need to knows
Best for: Lift and relaxation
Brand used: Sunday Riley
Location: Soho Farmhouse, Oxfordshire
Overview: Cleanse, glycolic acid exfoliation, vitamin C mask, lymphatic drainage and Japanese Kibodo and Korean massage techniques.
Availability: You must be a Soho House member to book this treatment. The residency lasts from June 7th until September 8th 2024.
Duration: 60 mins
Price: £160
Click here for more information
Setting
While Sunday Riley facials can be experienced at Hershesons (more on that later), this summer sees the brand take on a residency at the exclusive Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire, nestled in the picturesque Cotswold countryside. The treatment rooms sit within the Soho Farmhouse Spa, which contains an outdoor hot-tub-surrounded lake, cold plunges, steam cabins and infrared saunas situated amongst wildflowers, as well as private treatment rooms and an indoor swimming pool.
Review
"I'm all for a facial that focuses on science-led results, but sometimes you just really want to switch off. While LED devices, micro-needling and laser all have their place, there are some days when I just want a facial that's going to aid me in switching off from the world. This new treatment from Sunday Riley (which is exclusive to Soho Farmhouse) is a rare sort of treatment that delivers truly impressive results while also allowing your brain to totally switch off.
"The Sunday Riley products are, in my opinion, some of the most glow-boosting around, so I knew that I was going to leave the treatment room with an impressive glow. What I was not prepared for, however, was just how lifted my face would look. The 60-minute treatment champions a hybrid of Japanese and Korean massage techniques to really work the muscles, creating a lifted and tightened complexion.
"Essentially, the treatment starts with a super-relaxing cleansing ritual, followed by the application of a glycolic treatment. While that is getting to work, you're treated to a quite exceptional scalp and arm massage—which is something that usually takes place at the end, but making it the beginning step really relaxes you into the treatment entirely. Then it's time to work the muscles on the face itself. The facial massage technique is firm and thorough. I didn't know it was possible to teeter on the edge of sleep while having your face pummelled, but it turns out it is.
"I walked out of that treatment room high on relaxation. Truly, I've never experienced anything like it. If you're lucky enough to be a member at Soho House and find yourself at Farmhouse this summer, please don't skip this one. Under ordinary circumstances I would never feel inclined to include such an exclusive, limited-run, outside-of-London facial on this list, but it's simply so good I couldn't not include it." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Beauty Editor
2. Teresa Tarmey Advanced Skin Resurfacing/Alma Opus Plasma
Need to knows
Best for: Smoothing texture, evening pigmentation and scar tissue and tightening the skin.
Brand used: Alma
Location: Teresa Tarmey Clinic, Notting Hill
Overview: A non-invasive treatment which promoted new collagen stimulation to tighten, resurface and refine the contours of your skin.
Availability: Book your consultation and treatment through the Teresa Tarmey website. Note that online bookings with Teresa are limited, so be sure to call the clinic for more information.
Duration: 45 minutes
Price: £520 for a full face
Click here for more information
Setting
The Alma Opus Plasma treatment is available in a few different settings, including Skin by Sarah and Nurskin clinics. However, Teresa Tarmey’s Notting Hill clinic was, hands down, our destination of choice. Tarmey’s clinic is probably the most chic and contemporary beauty space we’ve ever set foot in. Spacious and minimalist, the decor resembles that of an expensive art gallery, complete with soothing music to get you in the mood for your treatment.
Review
“As someone with texture issues, acne scarring, pigmentation and redness, when I heard about the Alma Opus Plasma facial, I was intrigued to say the very least. The non-invasive treatment promotes new collagen stimulation to tighten, resurface and refine the contours of the skin. The result? Smooth, plump skin with the most incredible glow. Yes please.
"My facial was performed by Teresa Tarmey, super facialist and Alma’s Skincare Expert, at her Notting Hill clinic. Kate Hudson, Alma’s global brand ambassador, says, 'With aesthetics, it’s important to seek out the right environment, the right clinic, [and] the right doctor who can actually do the procedure'— and I couldn’t agree more. As a facialist to the stars, countless celebrities have trusted Tarmey with their skincare concerns, so I knew I was in excellent hands. Hudson, who has been a fan of Alma’s devices for 10 years, has seen impressive results from the facial herself: stating, 'For me, this is the great splurge for your skin. If you really want results, Alma treatments go just that bit deeper, and you can see the results instantly versus skin care that could take 3 to 6 months before you see an effect.' It goes without saying that I was excited to try the facial out for myself.
"So how does the facial actually feel? First, Tarmey applied a numbing cream for around 10 minutes before the treatment started, so I didn’t actually feel any pain or even discomfort. If you’ve ever had laser hair removal on your body or face, expect a similar experience—you will get up close and personal with your facialist and you will need to wear protective goggles. Once the numbing cream wore off, my skin felt sensitive and a bit raw – a bit like having sunburn – for a few hours.
"As I have pretty sensitive skin, Tarmey avoided the bonier parts of my face for my first session, focusing on my cheeks alone. My initial healing process was quick and without complications, so she went in over my forehead for my second treatment—and I definitely noticed a difference.
"Be warned: there is a little down time with this facial. Expect to look a bit like a tomato for the first few hours (the redness does go down sooner than you’d think though, promise), and you’ll need to avoid direct sunlight, exercise and hot showers for at least 24 hours. You might also have some *slight* scratches and texture for the first few days, but this fades away surprisingly quickly. The Alma Opus Plasma facial can be done on the face but also the chest and décolleté—but you should know that there’s more down time (and potentially more pain) with less ‘meaty’ areas of the skin.
"As for the results, I was astounded. After my first treatment, my texture issues were more than halved and after the second, almost nonexistent. My acne scarring and redness had been reduced significantly and I had a glow that I’d genuinely not seen since I was about 10 years old. I wasn’t just getting people who had known me for years telling me ‘how much better’ my skin looked, I was getting genuine strangers complimenting my skin, quite unprovoked. As somebody who has never considered themselves as having ‘good skin’, this was something I had never experienced. I've worked in beauty for years and no skincare product or facial has ever had quite this effect on my texture, scarring and pigmentation. I positively glowed, and the results haven’t faded with time.
"This is not a relaxing facial to fall asleep to by any means, but if quick and impressive results are what you’re after, the Alma Opus Plasma facial is the one for you.”
3. Mortar & Milk Consultation With Bespoke Skin Treatment
Need to knows
Best for: A total skin overhaul
Brands used: Exuviance, Mortar & Milk
Overview: A full skincare/lifestyle analysis with tailored advice, a bespoke treatment for your skin's needs, a recommended skincare regimen to follow
Availability: Pamela doesn't take on new clients often, but if you are lucky enough to nab a consultation, don't sleep on it—follow @mortarandmilklondon for updates on availability
Duration: 120 mins
Price: From £500 for your first appointment
Click here for more information
Setting
Situated inside a beautiful townhouse on Hoxton Square, Mortar & Milk provides a welcome haven in the middle of the city. Slip inside and experience an immediate sense of calm—as soon as you step through the door you feel right at home.
Review
"Mortar & Milk is known as the destination to visit for beauty editors who are disgruntled with their skin. Time on the treatment bed with Pamela Marshall is considered a total golden ticket—and Mortar & Milk has that sort of chilled out vibe that makes you want to stay and hang out all day.
"If you’re looking for a gigantic spa with pool and robe to change into, you’re in the wrong place, but if leaving with brighter, bouncier, clearer skin and a greater understanding of what's really up with your complexion then you’re in for a treat. Pam is the Queen of skin, what she doesn't know isn't worth knowing—specially if you experience acne, which would most definitely be Pam's Mastermind specialist subject. As a clinical aesthetician, her treatments are not so much beauty therapy, but are far more focused on the science of skin.
"Not for the faint hearted the consultation starts with a lifestyle analysis covering how often you wash your bed sheets to how regular your bowel movements are—and it’s this attention to detail that allows Pam to tailor the treatment to your specific needs. She believes gut health is the key to happy skin, and after spending time with her, I couldn't agree more! Don't be surprised if you start making notes on your phone as I did when she talks you through where you're going wrong with your skincare routine.
"After the chat, expect thorough scans and photos, showing everything from how dehydrated your skin is to existing damage and pigmentation. The whole consultation will blow. your. mind.
"Once it's time to jump on the treatment bed, you can expect something relaxing, sure, but also the sort of facial that really gets down and dirty—I'm talking extractions, acids and masks a plenty. Pam talks you through each stage in the most kind and calming way, making you feel totally at ease.
"You’ll come away with thorough notes on a recommended bespoke (but simple) skincare routine and much happier skin. It truly is a facial like no other—and I’ve had more than my fair share, let me tell you. Yes, the experience is on the expensive side, but it’s a completely bespoke treatment that is results-driven. The only downside is it sets the bar very high for any future facials you have—don’t say I didn’t warn you.' – Lucia Debieux, Freelance Fashion Editor
4. Su-Man Skin Reborn Sculpting Facial
Need to knows
Best for: Targeted massage, tension release and sculpting
Brand used: Su-Man Skincare
Location: Sofitel London St James
Overview: Full facial routine heavy in massage techniques to sculpt, minimise fine lines and boost glow
Availability: Wednesdays-Saturdays at Sofitel St James
Duration: 60 mins
Price: £260
Click here for more information
Setting
Su-Man is currently based at the spa inside London luxury hotel, Sofitel St James. With a Turkish Hammam, a jacuzzi, a relaxation room and treatment rooms, the spa is a haven in the centre of the city.
Review
"'Su-Man's facial is legendary' – that’s the opening line on the about section of Su-Man's website. Punchy? Yes. Hyperbole? Absolutely not. In fact, it's impossible not to verge on hyperbole territory when talking about this facial. 'This was a life changing experience,' 'Su-Man has magical hands/is a wizard' – all words that have left my mouth after having this treatment.
"That’s it for me now. I keep thinking, ‘How will I ever go to a normal facial ever again?’ I’m truly done for.
"Su-Man’s background is in Shiatsu, dance and pilates. So as you’d imagine, the facial is peppered with targeted massage and relaxation tailored to your individual needs. After my neck and shoulders were worked on – all the tension builds up to your neck and jawline – my ears were massaged to stimulate lymphatic drainage, using the most beautiful products. It was all divine.
"Su-Man gives you a mirror to marvel at the results yourself. It’s like time stops still. And, if you’re anything like me and hate looking in the mirror, you’ll take the mirror with reservation. But anyway, there you sit, mirror in hand and you really look at yourself. Like, really look at yourself. Part of the Su-Man philosophy is not only looking good but feeling good. Maybe it was her super-calming and caring nature rubbing off on me, or maybe it was because she told me my skin is great, but looking in the mirror I think: Okay, I look alright. Actually, scratch that, I look good.
"On the day of my great awakening, I did a double take after walking past my bathroom mirror. Hang on, does my jaw look more defined? I stroke my jawline to make sure it’s real. Later I’m sitting at the dinner table and my hand grazes my chin. 'What has she done to my face?' I think to myself. 'Maybe she is a wizard?' Can a facial be a life changing experience? I think so…" – Sunil Makan, Editor
5. Wildsmith Radical Botany Facial
Need to knows
Best for: Deep relaxation and seriously increased skin radiance with clinically-trialled results.
Brand used: Wildsmith Skin
Location: Liberty, Fortnum & Mason and Heckfield Place
Overview: A seriously deeply relaxing treatment carried out by clinically-trained therapists that targets both mind and skin. Expect cleansing, exfoliation, myofascial release, craniosacral holds and breathwork.
Availability: This facial in hot demand, and you can't book them via any form of online booking form. However, following the booking link on the website to email the team, who will get back to you with their availability.
Duration: 60 minutes
Price: £220, with a non-refundable £120 booking fee to be redeemed against Wildsmith Skin products.
Click here for more information
Setting
The best place to experience a Wildsmith treatment is, without doubt, at the brand's home of Heckfield Place. However, a stay at Heckfield can really dent the bank balance, and the Radical Botany Facial is how to get a slice of relaxation in the city.
Review
"Wildsmith Skin is, without question, one of my favourite skincare brands out there. Not only does it feel luxurious, sensorial and perfectly marry up the links between mind and skin, but they really work, and are scientifically and clinically backed. It is, in essence, the perfect example of skincare that leans on both nature and science to deliver unbelievably good results. My favourite thing about Wildsmith, though, is the treatments.
"Ask any beauty editor lucky enough to have tried one of the brand's treatments and they will absolutely agree with me that they are some of the best (if not the best) that money can buy. And while the brand's treatments at Heckfield Place are, indisputably, in a league of their own, the London-based Radical Botany Facial is still my favourite facial in London—without a shadow of a doubt.
"I'm not claiming that this facial is going to totally change the state of your skin forever (no topical facial will), but it is the single most relaxing and soul-restoring facial I have ever experienced. A combination of breath work, gentle lymphatic massage, pressure point focus and full-body stretching takes your mind to another planet, all while the therapist gets to work on your skin.
"Each Wildsmith product has seriously impressive claims, and your complexion is left radiant beyond compare and oozing good health. In fact, the reset it delivers to both mind and skin is so impactful that I remain glowing for weeks afterwards. Every time someone asks me which relaxing facial I can recommend in London, this one always wins." – Shannon Lawlor, Executive Health Editor
6. Sunday Riley Ice Lift Facial
Need to knows
Best for: Cryo, sculpting, depuffing, glow
Brand used: Sunday Riley
Location: Hershesons, Fitzrovia
Overview: Cleansing, vitamin C massage, lymphatic drainage, LED therapy, cryotherapy, moisturiser
Availability: Monday-Saturday
Duration: 60 mins
Price: £145
Click here for more information
Setting
Hershesons Fitzrovia is a one-stop shop for all things luxury beauty. Sprawled across a huge salon floor, you'll find some of the top hairstylists in the game seeing clients, a The Hagen Project café offering delicious food and drinks, a small DryBy nail salon and, hidden away, some wonderfully cosy treatment rooms—one of which is occupied by Sunday Riley. While the salon itself is bustling and exciting, the treatment rooms are beautifully secluded, peaceful and cosy, feeling a far cry away from the busyness of the West End, just the other side of the wall.
Review
"There are two reasons why you should go and get a Sunday Riley facial at Hershesons salon. 1) Because you walk out with skin so happy, bouncy and glowy that it’s practically singing. 2) Because this is the only place in the world (yah huh) where you can get a Sunday Riley treatment.
"This facial gives good – no, GREAT – results, but I have to tell you that the therapist had me at hello. She asked me about every product that I use, wanted to know the brand name, how often I use them and when. She does this because she wants to know what your skin is used to and what it can and can’t handle.
"The facial itself is part relaxation – the cleansing, the mask, the lymphatic facial massage, the hilarious chatter with my therapist, and part punch – a combination of red light LED and cryotherapy. Don’t worry at all about the LED, which boosts collagen – you can’t feel a thing, and while went going on, the therapist is at the bottom of the giant bed relieving all of the tension from my toes.
"But the cryotherapy? The cryotherapy took my breath away. Not because it was painful, but because it’s so damn cold and my body does this funny thing when it’s super cold – it’s like it's confused and forgets how to work. I’ve done cryotherapy chambers before and the same thing happened then, I couldn’t regulate my breath. I had to close my eyes and tell myself to breathe in and breathe out. But don’t panic, because the therapist is there the whole time making you laugh and making you feel so comfortable.
"Once she’s finished blasting your face with sub–zero air, give your face a little touch, you won’t believe how cold it is. But that chilliness fights signs of inflammation, so it’s all good. She then applies your favourite Sunday Riley products and you’re good to go. When you sit up, you’ll notice the change. You’re a little pinker (in a good way) and a little tighter. And you’ll be smiling." – Katie Thomas, Senior Beauty Editor
