What was your best facial ever? Our editors share theirs

Biologique Recherche Paris

“I had this treatment at the brand’s flagship on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. It’s tailored for your skin based on how it is that day, but it never includes extractions, steam or hot towels; those are totally against their philosophy. Very specific massage techniques are a huge aspect of the treatment but there were two things I remember the most about the experience. One was the way half my face looked compared to the other side after they used a microcurrent device for toning and sculpting: they make a point of showing you so you can see the slight lift, and I’m telling you it’s crazy.

Then there was the mask they used: it had yeast in it, so it smelled like beer. They don’t use fragrance in any of their products and many of them smell weird, but it’s made up by the fact that the effects are seriously noticeable.

But most memorable of all was that it introduced me to their cult product P50 Lotion. It’s a toner you dab on with a cotton pad that gently exfoliates and brightens the skin. It sounds hyperbolic to say, but it changed my life. I would buy it by the case if possible.” —Lesa Hannah, Beauty Director

Clé de Peau Beauté Salon and Spa

“Japan is like another planet (there are no public garbage cans and no litter, the cab drivers wear gloves and you pay by putting money on a tray you pass to them) so of course a facial there was unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

At this spa above the Shiseido flagship store in the Ginza district of Tokyo, the room was spotless; not a single product was out, everything neatly put away in the cupboard, except for one small towel rolled tightly on a tray. The hand movements were BEYOND and knocked me out completely. At the end they raised the table up on an incline to dust iridescent powder across your collarbones and shoulders.

Then you’re escorted to a makeup room where you sit at a vanity with a disposable smock to protect your clothes from any falling bits of powder as you re-apply. Finally, a giant inflatable Hello Kitty ferried me back to my hotel. (Okay not really).” —Lesa Hannah, Beauty Director

The SPA at Andaz Wall Street

“15-minute oxygen facial at the Andaz Spa on Wall Street. My skin is thin, (literally and figuratively) so it doesn’t handle facial treatments of any kind well. Plus allocating time for ‘self-care” is never easy with my lifestyle. But this treatment was downstairs from my hotel room, gentle, hydrating and New York City lay beyond the spa’s sliding doors.

This treatment began with a quick cleanse of the skin. Next the facialist held a small wand, the size of an electric toothbrush and lightly sprayed oxygen over my face in a circular motion.” Jacquelyn Francis, Executive Director

Four Season’s Spa

“When it comes to facials, I’ve only exclusively gone to my aunt’s house (who’s a facialist btw). It’s not particularly glamorous, but it does the trick (and is easy on my wallet). But after hearing great reviews of the Four Season’s Spa, I decided to spoil myself with their Illuminating Facial.

I love how you’re taken care from the moment you enter the room. Not one second did I feel unattended. While my face was enjoying the mask, my legs were getting pampered with a massage. Needless to say, I left the room feeling more relaxed and looking more radiant. It definitely won’t be a monthly thing, but every so often when I’m in need of some TLC, Four Season’s Spa is where I’ll be.” —Renee Tse, Online Contributor

Jane Nyland Aesthetics

“Jane Nyland’s facial is one of my favourites. I went to check out the referral-only holistic spa she runs out of her Summerhill home nearly five years ago, and I still think about it! When I arrived, I met Jane, a British expat who is lovely and warm, and considers a lot of her clients (Rosedale mums and Bay Street execs) her friends. She offered me a cup of hibiscus tea while I waited for my treatment on the couch next to Monty, her cat.

The facial doesn’t involve extractions, so it’s completely relaxing. She misted my face with these really beautiful-scented waters several times throughout, and massaged my skin with essential oils. I left completely relaxed and glowing, which is typical of most facials, but this one felt like I’d been at a friend’s house, who happened to be an exceptional facialist.

I contacted Jane recently to say hello. She’s using a new Italian skincare line now called Rosactive, and has a micro current wand that delivers results she says rival botox. I’d love to try it. Can I book an appointment? “I’ve just escaped to the cottage for the last few weeks of summer with my darling Monty,” she writes. Thankfully, she’ll be back in time for TIFF.” —Sarah Daniel, Beauty Editor

Tata Harper

“The best facial I’ve ever had was the Tata Harper Red Carpet Facial at sweetgrass spa in Toronto. It was 90 minutes long (but honestly felt like 20) and featured a quadruple (!!) mask system. After cleansing and exfoliating my skin, the first mask (Sea Kelp and Bladderwrack extract) was applied to really detoxify and lift out impurities.

Next came extractions (painful, obviously, but so satisfying and worth it). Then a floral essence toner was applied right before mask #2: Instant Firming. This one “contains Gotu Kola and Calcium extract to firm skin and boost elastin for an instant tightening effect. This masque also includes an Instant Recovery Eye Treatment of warm tea bags infused with lavender, comfrey and arnica to reduce signs of fatigue, minimize dark circles and tone the eye area.” Believe me when I say my dark circles are always in need of some TLC.

Masque #3: a warm raw honey crystal masque (my favourite). This one acted as an antibacterial moisturizer. While this mask was on, a lymphatic face massage is performed using Rosehip oil, so that was super relaxing.

And finally, I finished off with the Intense Hydration Therapy Masque, containing Silver ear Mushroom extract, which holds a million times (a million. not a typo) its weight in water to hydrate skin.

And thus concluded the best 90 minutes of my life (probably).” — Suzie Michael, Associate Digital Editor