The nine best facials in Melbourne

Entering Hüd’s newest space on busy High Street in Northcote feels like stepping into a dreamy oasis – created in collaboration with Golden, it’s warm with rich terracotta hues and textured concrete walls (if you’re also looking for some interior design inspo, you’ve come to the right place). 

I’m welcomed with a cup of herbal tea, before being taken into my treatment room, where the chic minimalist vibes continue. I’m booked in for the Aerolase Neo Elite session, which is essentially a specialised laser treatment that promises to rejuvenate your skin with minimal side effects and recovery time. Hüd Northcote is one of the first clinics in Australia to offer it – sign me up indeed!

Emma is my lovely dermal clinician, and she tells me the beauty of this “no contact, no downtime” treatment is that it can target a range of skin concerns across all skin types, but I can still walk out radiant and ready for any social occasion. As someone who’s left a skin clinic before feeling red raw and like I need to go into hiding for a week, this is a total game changer. 

While I’m hoping to target fine lines and some hormonal pimples, as well as just wanting my skin to look and feel fresher and more glowy, the Aerolase Neo Elite is FDA cleared for 32 conditions. We’re talking rosacea, melasma, pigmentation, acne (huge bonus: it’s safe for those on Roaccutane), signs of ageing, scarring, stretch marks, psoriasis, eczema, bruising and hormonal hair removal.

I settle into my cosy cocoon of a treatment bed, and Emma talks me through what’s going to happen. Basically, the 650-microsecond pulse technology will deliver ultra-precise, targeted energy to my skin – and best of all, it’s so fast that your pain receptors won’t even register the sensation. For me personally, there were a few slightly sensitive spots where I experienced some tingling, but I wouldn’t call it anywhere near painful – I was able to chat and even zone out for a little while during the procedure. And it was all over in under 30 minutes.

Emma finished off my treatment with a LariMedical Cellular Regeneration Peel – more specifically, it was the pre-event peel which contains a mild salicylic acid to refine texture, increase healing and hydration, and dissolve any sebum still stuck in my oil glands. These peels have been designed to mimic the natural biological processes in the skin, rather than just peel away the protective layer that we actually need.

A calming mask was added to soothe, and I then spent about 20 minutes of bliss under the Healite LED. While I was doing my best not to fall into the most blissed-out slumber, the LED was doing its magic to reduce inflammation and energise the DNA in my cells to produce collagen and elastin.

When I caught a reflection of myself in my car mirror afterwards, I was surprised to see no redness – only plump, hydrated skin. If this is the result after one session, I can only imagine what the recommended four to six treatments will deliver. Guess I’ll just have to book in again and find out.

Good for: an all-round glow-up that caters for a myriad of skin conditions.

In the market for a lifted complexion with a side of tension relief? Try a massage for your face – also known as an April Brodie Buccal Fusion Facial. With more than 40 years in the beauty and wellness industry, Brodie has created a unique treatment that combines traditional gua sha techniques with the Vodder method of lymphatic drainage. The result? A naturally sculpted and glowing complexion. 

In addition to the cosmetic benefits of the treatment, the Buccal Fusion Facial works absolute wonders on easing TMJ pain and jaw strain, making it a great one for any tension headache sufferers out there. But, be warned the techniques used are not for the faint of heart. Brodie’s intra-oral massage targets muscles deep within the cheek, allowing the jaw to be released from the inside out. It can be a little on the intense side, but the results are worth it. Trust us when we say you’ll relax muscles you didn’t even know you had. 

Lymphatic drainage also plays a vital role in the facial – enhanced lymph movement reduces puffiness and boosts skin brightness, resulting in an immediate post-treatment contour. In addition to an impressive sculpt, increased blood flow to the skin facilitates a gentle and natural turnover of skin cells for an overall revitalised appearance. If you have any skin concerns such as sensitivity or acne, just let Brodie know and she’ll tailor the treatment to suit your needs. 

Good for: tension relief and a sculpted complexion.

If you’re looking for clinical white spaces and products with names that you need a chemistry degree to understand, Little Company is certainly not that. This holistic wellness space focuses on treating skin from the inside out – whether that’s gut or liver health, stress or just taking a second to chill out. The treatment centres (located in Collingwood and Cremorne in Melbourne) are a tranquil escape from hectic city life, with earthy tones, minimalist decor and warm, inviting textures. 

You only have the option of two treatments at Little Co – and that’s because both come highly personalised to each and every patient. The Ritual is designed as a full mind and body experience, designed to renew much more than just your complexion. You’ll get all the best parts of a facial here but with full body massage combined with meditative soundscapes and aromatherapy. 

The remedy is designed to treat more specific skin concerns. Your facialist will quiz you on your current skincare routine, skin history and what you’re trying to achieve in the appointment. From there, they’ll create a bespoke treatment that can include exfoliation and extractions if required. You’ll still get the Little Co signature massage and clearing breathing exercises. The remedy is perfect for all skin types and uses only natural ingredients – as is the company’s ethos. The clinicians can also refer you to a naturopath to continue your treatment plan if need be. 

Good for: Totally blissing out with a relaxing, transformative experience suitable for all skin types. 

Hidden on an unassuming street in Carlton is Grown Alchemist, a retail lab and clinic where you can indulge in a facial or body scrub and purchase the products used on the way out. The Grown team are dedicated to ensuring you have a luxury experience coupled with elite skincare that you are able to continue at home. 

At the clinic, minimalism is key – and that includes the furnishings. Walking into the dark treatment room, with nothing but a bed and floor-to-ceiling mirrors, you would be forgiven for feeling like you were in a sci-fi movie, but the ambience only adds to the experience. 

You can allow the distractions of the outside world to melt away in the treatment room as you are completely shut off from the outside world. If your skin needs a bit of extra love, opt for the hydra-restore facial. The hour-long session is designed for undernourished and dehydrated skin and includes a double cleanse, exfoliation, gel masque and a series of balms and creams that will leave your skin luminous and dewy. 

Good for: dehydrated skin and for pre/post-travel.

There's just something about the grandeur of a hotel like the Langham that contributes to a feeling of extreme luxury. And if you didn't know, the Melbourne hotel also houses one of the state's best spas – the Chuan Spa. Book in for any treatment and get access to saunas, spas and a pool, plus a deluxe fluffy robe.

The Chuan Spa's signature facial is the Chuan Yu, a 75-minute treatment that combines the ancient holistic techniques of Gua Sha and acupressure with high-end skincare tailored to your skin's specific needs. You'll be asked to fill out a questionnaire on arrival, which includes choosing a personalised essential oil blend to perfume the room, aimed at reducing your stress levels.

Over the course of the treatment, enjoy a neck, shoulder, scalp and facial massage. Hydrating and exfoliation treatments are applied and followed with a healing jade stone that is gently glided over the skin to visibly lift, tone and revitalise.

Good for: lifting, contouring and revitalising tired or dull skin.

Hüd is Scandinavian for skin, and it isn’t some sterile clinic where white-coated technicians poke you and shine lights in your eyes. The St Kilda treatment centre is akin to a Scandinavian oasis – snuggly and quiet, with a team of professional dermal therapists, cosmetic nurses and naturopaths on stand-by referral. The Hüd ethos is to fix the long-term, not just sell you the latest trends and fads. Come in, grab a chilled cucumber water and the highly trained staff will help you get to the root cause of your skin concerns.  

The DMK Enzyme Therapy comes as one of the brand's most beloved treatments. The gentle micro peel removes dead cell materials (which leads to rapid ageing caused by constant exfoliation) and rebuilds the skin, bringing it back to optimal functioning.  

The treatment is a two-step process. A deep cleanse is precedes a custom peel or pH treatment, followed by the Enzyme Therapy mask. During the mask expect a delicious scalp massage as you float away into Scandi skincare heaven – all while the treatment floods your cells with fresh nutrients via the lymphatic system. Leave with a newfound glow and healthy, fully functional skin. 

Good for: a refreshed, bright complexion – particularly for those with ageing concerns or oily/combination skin.

Comma Bath House is a moody, textural cavern where you can go to (literally) wash away your worries. A strict phone-free zone, the space is designed for a maximum of six people at any time. Combine your bathing experience with a facial for the ultimate relaxing detoxification.

The Calm Visage is Comma's signature facial. It's described as a facial 'without the new-age fancy', and you can expect a significant amount of massage as part of this treatment, in addition to deep exfoliation, vitamin infusing and a luxurious, hydrating masque.

Pre- or post-facial, make sure you oscillate between the mineral hot tub and cold pail shower to enliven your cells and get a natural energy boost. All bathhouse guests also have access to the infrared sauna, refreshments, robe, towel and locker.

Good for: Tension and muscle pain and bouncy, glowy skin.

Made By Self is an independent salon owned by practitioner and mum of three Richie. Richie's philosophy stems from a focus on nurturing oneself from the inside out – including gut health, nutrition and emotional health. As she says, "our skin is an indicator of all the things positive or negative we put on the inside and outside".

With 20 years of experience in the industry, Richie has created a menu of treatments that range from 90-minute intensives to quick lunch-break half-hour sessions for professionals and busy parents.

For those new to the facial game, go with the Tailor Made – a clever combination of varied techniques and custom blended products to suit your exact skin needs. The Tailor-Made treatment also includes specialised massage to ground your nervous system and leave you feeling radiant, calm and glowing.

Good for: problem skin and/or gut issues. Available in 45-,60- or 75-minute sessions.

If you're looking for the ultimate 'pre-event' facial, a Hydrafacial at Luminous Skin Clinic is a must. The facial is a multistep treatment that promises to exfoliate and rejuvenate your skin by using a combination of acids and serums delivered via a specialised ‘pen’ and hydrafacial machine. 

The seven-step process begins with a deep cleanse to remove any makeup products and surface dirt. Then, using a combination of acids including lactic acid and glycolic acid, the Hydrafacial pen works its magic vacuuming away your dead skin cells. The final few steps in the process are focused on the hydration of your face so that you are left looking fresh and dewy.

Owner Sarah Mamo's attention to detail – including the upper body and face massage that accompany the facial – makes for an unforgettable experience. You'll leave your treatment relaxed and rejuvenated.

Good for: preparation before a big event, to ensure a bouncy, glowy base for makeup application.