The Best Facials in Seoul
Every time I go to Seoul, I always make space in my schedule for a facial, usually before I fly back to London. I have tried a fair few facials during my trips but here are my top 4 favourites that I always come back to or recommend to friends.
What am I looking for in a facial?
- Cleanliness & hygiene
- Reputable products
- A lasting glow
- Friendly staff
- Relaxing / ideally inclusive of a massage
S Energy Facial – Shangpree Spa, Cheongdam
Who is it good for?
This is the facial for those looking for a touch of luxury and class! With hundreds of awards, this is the spa that consistently wins at the CIDESCO Esthetician awards each year.
What does it entail?
You will be offered a lovely cup of tangerine tea or similar as you enter this female only spa. Considering the reputation that Shangpree has, everyone in this spa is so friendly. Their S Energy facial uses the skincare line in the same name as well as their infamous Modelling Masks, Aroma Mask and concentrated serums to give your skin the ultimate glow.
Why I love it
I have had 4 facials now with Shangpree so you can probably see why this is my go-to’s. The lasting effects of this facial is way up there with the best, I can totally see why they have won so many awards. All the products feel and smell divine and you’ll be shocked at how chok-chok your skin is afterwards.
The details
Shangpree is one of those brands that I am so proud we carry. Not only was the brand founded by the ultimate girl boss Jun Hee-Hyoung who was merited the Gold Tower Order of Industrial Service Merit by the Korean President (a serious accolade which is made even better when it’s to a female-run business), but the fact that all estheticians are trained for 3 years before they can even lay hands on a face is testament to the high standards of Shangpree!
Address:
32, Dosan-daero 51-gil, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea
서울특별시 강남구 도산대로51길 32
Reservations: Email appointment@shangpree.com
Sulwhasoo Mix & Match Facial / Body Care – Balance Spa, Sulwhasoo
Who is it good for?
This is the facial for the gram! Beautifully decorated and sophisticated, this spa situated in their flagship store is stunning.
What does it entail?
For this particular mix and match package, you can choose between: Vitality or Calming Facial Care, and Back & Shoulder or Foot & Leg care. I usually opt for the Vitality which leaves skin feeling nourished and plump with a hit of hydration and the back and shoulder care (who can resist a shoulder massage?)
Why I love it
The Amorepacific brand, Sulwhasoo, is one of my favourite premium skincare lines and from the welcome ginseng drink to the room you’re taken to at the end to test out all of their products, this is a beautiful spa and such a treat. Furthermore, you can shop for Sulwhasoo products afterwards at their gorgeous Flagship Store.
The details
Sulwhawsoo has two spas at their flagship store at this address. One is their premium traditional herbal spa and the other is their Balance Spa. Both have a wide range of facials available ranging from 130,000 won (roughly $130 for this particular program of 60 minutes) to 650,000won ($650) and I have tried facials in both spas (previously I tried their White Ginseng and hade Brightening Treatment for 210,000). This was in a nicer room, included a ginseng foot bath and extra mask etc. That said, I think value for money this mix and match program is better. The massage is wonderful and you still leave with the same level glow!
Address:
18 Dosan-daero 45-gil, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Reservations: http://www.sulwhasoo.com/int/en/spa/programs/programs.html
Troiareuke Dry-Mela Facial, various locations inc. Dongdaemun, Sangam
Who is it good for?
This is the facial for the purists! This tailored programme based on your skin’s needs is great for those looking for the real deal when it comes to facials.
What does it entail?
I had the Dry-Mela facial with also included face and back therapy at their small Sangam treatment room. My esthetician was wonderful and does facials for some TV presenters as Sangam is where all the broadcast stations are!
This was a very thorough facial that included various ampoules and masks but most impressive was the care taken by the esthetician. The massage was exceptional and my skin felt amazing for days after this facial. The best part however was the porcelain facial massage which helped to lift, firm and also assist with lymph drainage.
Why I love it
The quality of Troiareuke products is what makes this facial amazing. Troiareuke was one of the first brands I discovered when I moved to Seoul and years later, I always have back ups of their products – why? Because they WORK. The facial incorporates some of my all-time favourite skincare products such as the Oil Cut Cleanser, Skin Complex Formula and AGT Hydro Essence. The aftercare is also great – my facial finished with SPF and a thin layer of the famous H+ Healing Cream.
The details
Troiareuke have several clinics however the main one is at the Skypark Hotel in Dongdaemun which has 55 concept rooms. I went to their ‘one-room only’ clinic in Sangam at their Areukesien Beauty Salon as the esthetician here came recommended by the Troiareuke staff. They also have a branch in Myeongdong as well. Considering this was a 90 minute treatment with a phenomenal massage, $100 is great value for money considering the quality of the skincare products used.
Address & reservation phone numbers:
http://mk-corp.co.kr/en/aesthetic-center/troiareukeseoul/
Dongdaemun Branch: Skypark Hotel King's town 14th floor - 20, Jangchungdan-ro 13-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Myeongdong Branch: 139 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Korea. Seoul Subway Line 4, Myeongdong Station Exit 9.
서울 중구 퇴계로 139
Sangam Clinic: 1653 Sangam-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
상암동 1654번지 3층 304호 DMC 이안상암1단지아파트 마포구 서울특별시
Skin Lab L Face and Body Treatment, Cheongdam
Who is it good for?
This is the facial for those skincare geeks that want to keep their finger on the pulse on up-and-coming skincare trends and techniques.
What does it entail?
As soon as you enter the Lab L Spa, you are greeted by the friendly staff and taken to what can only be described as the most impressive chair you’ve ever seen in a spa. Your face is analysed and the esthetician talks through your hydration levels, pigmentation levels, early-set wrinkles etc. Next, you are taking to a room where a variety of skincare techniques are used – some included a gold facial, facial ball pilates and a water jet to help clear skin and infuse it with goodness.
Why I love it
If you want a thorough skincare analysis and experience innovative techniques during your facial, this is the one for you. From gold plated masks to facial pilates, this facial incorporates many different techniques and tools to achieve the ultimate glow.
The details
The Eco Your Skin spa is situated in trendy Cheongdam and is a members only spa so possibly more suited for those staying a longer time in Seoul, unless a member can get you an appointment. Facial and body treatments cost around 100,000 won and take approximately an hour. More information on Skin Lab L or their skincare brand Eco Your Skin can be found on their website and social media.
https://www.instagram.com/skinlabl_official/?hl=en
Thank you to all the spas that allowed me to film! Thank you To Shangpree and Skin Lab L for kindly gifting me my facial treatments.