17 best facials, aestheticians and clinics to have on your radar
Knowing where to go for the best facials feels like winning the lottery. The nation is saturated with stunning spas, award-winning dermatologists and specialists – which is a good thing, by the way – but nailing exactly who to go to for each skin concern can be a bit of a shot in the dark. A necessary one though, in your no-doubt comprehensive skincare regime.
Visiting a pro for a deep cleanse, a sculpting facial massage and a few necessary extractions every once in a while is always a good idea. How we treat our skin now can impact its condition for years to come so seeking a pro treatment can actually save you time and money in the long run – especially with sensitised skin on the rise (directly thanks to us meddling with potent skincare at home) as well as conditions such as acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation.
You're about to find out.
When it comes to facials, not all are made equal. You can get one that feels nice, but doesn't really make a huge amount of difference to your skin. You can get one that's all frills and no substance (aka heavy on dolphin music, but light on the active ingredients that kick-start cell renewal and rebuild compromised barrier functions). Or, you can get one with an experienced and exceptional aesthetician who can identify the issues particular to your skin and put together ingredients and techniques that leave your skin in peak condition.
Really, when it comes to facial treatments and tweakments, you're paying for the expertise. But finding someone who really knows what they're doing can be a minefield. But if there's one thing we know at Glamour, it's where to find the most highly-trained, qualified beauty experts in the business.
These are the best facialists and aestheticians in London…
The Skin Investment ClinicThe Skin Investment Clinic
10 Harley St, London, W1G 9PFWith five locations – the most recent of which opened this autumn and is located on the Hampton Estate between Guildford and Farnham in Surrey and includes a dedicated minor surgery theatre – The Skin Investment Clinic offers more than just the usual treatments. Founded by Holly Mason, the clinic specialises in personalised solutions with a strong focus around people suffering with acne.
“That's exactly why I paid them a visit,” says Georgia Trodd, Glamour UK's Senior Commerce Writer. “I had acne when I was a teenager and went on the contraceptive pill which cleared it up, but when I came off of it just over two years ago it all came flooding back. Luckily it's calmed back down again now, though I'm left with a lot of scarring. I went to Holly for one session just days before my wedding and it made the world of difference, so I can only imagine what a few would do.”
“My facial was completely bespoke, so she really took note of my problem areas before taking action, which I've never had before – usually it's a one-and-done treatment. She used specialist tools and devices and informed me what skincare I should be using more of (plus how to actually use it) and those I should probably steer clear of,” she adds. “I experienced minimal downtime – by downtime I literally mean I couldn't wear makeup for 24 hours which, actually, was a blessing – and I'm already looking at booking my next session.”
The rest of the clinics’ team of dermatologists, doctors, nurses and aesthetic practitioners also offer and specialise in a full range of treatments and procedures designed to enhance wider skin health and appearance. So they really do it all.
James McDonaldMontrose Clinic
19 West Eaton Place, W1X 8LTYou'll find some of London's most experienced dermatologists and aestheticians at Montrose, a beautifully-designed clinic tucked discreetly around a quiet, gated corner in Belgravia. The clinic was co-founded in 2023 by three NHS plastic surgeons and experts in facial and body aesthetics: Dr Georgina Williams, Dr Shaimaa Jamshidi and Dr Jonathan Dunne.
Frequented by a roster of celebrity clients, you'll find bespoke, all-encompassing treatments at Montrose: from the very best in medical-grade non-invasive tweakments (Morpheus8, Profhilo) to high-tech facials and treatments (don't miss the Glass Korean Bespoke Facial), and of course, the most subtle and natural-looking Botox and filler.
Dr David Jack
59 Ebury St, London SW1W 0PBOne of Harley Street's finest aesthetic and skincare doctors has recently opened this new clinic in the heart of Belgravia. Renowned for his A-list clientele, Scottish charm and incredible vitamin C serum, Dr Jack's new clinic is not only visually stunning, (lots of Marble and Italian furnishings) but it also has its own dedicated facial bar: SkinTechStudio. The studio's secret weapon is Iris Maglanoc, whose Hands Only Facial (£130) will not only remove tension and muscle bulk in your jaw, but also redefine your facial structure. Yes really. Using Korean Golki bone massage, Iris gets inside your cheeks, vigorously massaging the bones from the inside out and employing lymphatic drainage massage. She even works your eye sockets! Combined with a deep cleanse and a signature Dr Jack micropeel and finished with a dose of LED light therapy, after 45 minutes, your face will be redefined, revealing cheekbones you haven't seen for years!
Radiance London
12 Charlotte Place, London W1T 1SLThey call the Radiance London x Decléor Ultimate Glow treatment the ‘ultimate glow’ for a reason because this exclusive 90-minute experience is guaranteed to make you feel like a glowy goddess when you step out of the clinic. Made up of a 30-minute targeted massage, to sculpt, tone and get deep into your muscles, and a 60-minute sculpting facial using a range of luxurious Decléor products to smooth and tone your skin, this treatment is the most relaxing workout your body will ever experience.
Dr Michael Prager
52 Beauchamp Place, London, SW3 1NYAs well as being the ultimate authority on injectable treatments such as Botox, Dr Michael Prager Clinic also offers a range of non-invasive, high-tech facial treatments like their Hydrogen Facial, which uses hydrogenated water to jet wash the skin and suction to remove dead cells, cleanse skin pores, and black heads to reveal a radiant, cleansed complexion.
Dija Ayodele
77 Fernhead Road, Maida Vale, London W9 3EAIf you're after a results driven-facial, Dija's evidence-based treatments are aimed at identifying and resolving skin problems. Her ethos is all about promoting healthy skin using clinically-proven products. She's also GLAMOUR's skincare columnist and the founder of The Black Skin Directory and she specialises in the needs of dark skin tones.
@drbarbarasturm / InstagramDr Barbara Sturm
125 Mount St, Mayfair, London W1K 3NSDr Barbara Sturm has some of the world's most high profile clients (Hailey Bieber, Kim Kardashian, Kate Moss and Irina Shayk to name a few) and almost every time we interview celebs for their top beauty recommendations, Sturm's skincare line comes up. Now she's opened up a spa in London's Mount Street so that Londoner's can access her high-performance facials via the very capable hands of her meticulously trained expert aestheticians.
Annee de Mamiel
The Ned, 27 Poultry, London EC2R 8AJAnnee is a leading authority on high-performance natural skincare, tackling the effects of stress on the skin. Annee treats faces like roadmaps, since our skin can speak volumes about our health and wellbeing. Her Urban Warrior Facial is exclusive to The Ned and draws on all of these principles. The holistic 90-minute treatment was created with city girls in mind. Why? Because it's been designed to calm, sooth and deeply cleanse skin that's encountered the harsh effects of pollution, whilst simultaneously releasing locked in tension from stressed facial muscles. Our favourite part? The use of the gua sha crystals at the end to unlock all that tension. Pure zen.
Vaishaly
51 Paddington St, Marylebone, London W1U 4HRAn advocate of less is more, superfacialist Vaishaly believes that you don't need endless amounts of creams to achieve beautifully healthy skin. Every facial is tailored to meet the needs and concerns of each client but Vaishaly focuses the treatment on skilled extractions, micro-dermabrasion, high-frequency tools to kill harmful bacteria and her signature massage technique that sees beauty insiders flocking from all corners of the globe.
Anastasia Achilleos
The Lanesborough Club & Spa, 2 Lanesborough Place, London, SW1X 7TAAnastasia's magic hands will reveal cheekbones you didn't even know you had - FACT. She uses a combination of facial massage to drain away fluid build-up and revive a tired complexion alongside cranial sacral alignment to rebalance the body and mind, leaving everyone who visits looking and feeling like a total supermodel.
Abigail James
The Beaumont Hotel, 8 Balderton St, Brown Hart Gardens, Mayfair, London W1K 6TFAbigail's 15 years of expertise and knowledge of all the muscles, connective tissue and lymphatic systems in the face and body means that her hands-on sculpting, microneedling, as well as LED light therapy and high-tech innovations, will address every manner of skin concern, leaving the complexion clear and radiant.
Sarah Chapman
259 Pavilion Road, London, SW1X 0BPRumoured to have given Meghan her pre-wedding facial, Sarah is one of London's most sought-after facialists. Trained in cosmetic science, Sarah has her own brand of high-performance skincare that she uses in her facial treatments, as well as 'gymnastic' massage techniques that are so amazing, her hands have been insured for £1 million.
Fatma Shaheen
50-54 Wigmore St, London W1U 2AUAfter a decade of providing her clients with expert, results-driven facials, Fatma knows exactly how to treat the skin and tackle any type of concern. So much so, in fact, that she formulated her own game-changing cosmeceutical skincare brand Skin Design London. While Fatma herself now focuses on her formulas, she's kindly trained a whole team of experts to deliver her coveted facials at the brand's Peel & Lift Bar in Fortnum & Mason.
Chelseé Lewis
12 Bolton Street, Mayfair, London, W1J 8BDChelseé has over 22 years of experience in the beauty industry, and it shows; with celebrity clientele including Stella McCartney, Gwyneth Paltrow, Suki Waterhouse and Erin O'Connor. Her signature facial 'Le Visage' is a tailor-made treatment that really figures out what you personally need - you'll come away feeling rejuvenated and glowing.
Dr Barbara Kubicka
32 Clabon Mews, Chelsea, London SW1X 0EHTrained in aesthetic medicine, Dr Kubicka set up her Knightsbridge clinic to offer patients and clients a broad range of health and lifestyle therapies in addition to cosmetic and medical skincare treatments. Her facials are science-led and the result of studying skin for years. Her medical-grade peels give the word "glow" a whole new meaning.
Dr Sam Bunting
41 Harley St, Marylebone, London W1G 8QHDr Sam is of the firm belief that all skin concerns should be taken seriously, especially if they're affecting your confidence. If you're struggling to see eye-to-eye with your skin, she's your woman. Rather than a traditional facial, an appointment involves a thorough (and non-judgmental!) exploration of your skin issues, including a detailed analysis of your current skincare routine, and how this can be improved. A personalized skincare and make-up plan will be put together for you at the end of your visit, all designed to work harmoniously with your specific skin type.
Shane Cooper
85 Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London, SW7 5BWIf you’re looking for that celebrity glow, look no further than Shane Cooper. His bespoke red carpet facial has been hyped-up by regular clients of his including Rita Ora, Laura Whitmore and Maya Jama. Shane’s approach to skincare uses cutting-edge technology that gives lifting and firming results - the next best thing to botox. The fact that you’ll walk out the clinic with a new BFF is an added extra.
