When it comes to your face, there’s no room for trial and error. If you’re after results that you can actually see, it takes a lot more than a Google search to find Auckland’s best.

Lucky for you, our team has already wrapped up our search after weeks of visiting facial clinics in the city! It took plenty of in-clinic observations and interviews, but the results are worth it.

Whether you’re heading to a brunch at Ponsonby or getting ready for a date in Britomart, here are the only experts to trust for your glow! 

1. The Facialist

The Facialist earned our favour with their quality services, particularly their popular bespoke facial that combines deep cleansing with other relaxing treatments. For $225, clients can enjoy facial massage, lymphatic drainage, and light therapy too. 

According to the clients we’ve interviewed, this treatment is among the most relaxing they’ve ever tried. Apart from the procedure, it’s also the cloud-soft treatment beds and calming ambience that completes the vibe.

While the clinic isn’t too keen on revealing their exact range of products, they did assure us that they use organic, professional skin care products. Relying on results alone, we can say the products are gentle and ideal for first-timers or those with sensitive skin.

Another key strength was how easy it was to book appointments, with flexible availability across dates. The staff even follows up with reminders and post-procedure care tips – all with a nice, friendly attitude.

It’s important to note, though, that last-minute bookings and walk-ins can be a challenge. You may get lucky on an early weekday, though. 

Reservations are best made at least a day before to secure a slot.

Divine facial 

“The facial was absolutely divine. Restorative for my skin and so lifting with the beautiful massage absolutely will go back ❤️”

Geraldine Hannaford | Google Reviews

Rejuvenating, relaxing, and calming 

“Amazing facial.  This is a whole new level of facial creating both visible skin results and a rejuvenated, relaxed, calm feeling.  WOW!!!”

Pauline Hanton | Google Reviews

2. Skin Moment

Skin Moment has a good range of services, but it’s their sculpt facial that really takes the cake. According to clients, the entire procedure feels like a workout for the face. This results in a slimmer, naturally lifted look in just 60 minutes.

We also appreciate that they use high-quality botanical products in their treatments, making them friendly for a wide range of skin types. Based on their success stories, we can say clients often see the glow in just a few days after the first session. 

To achieve this, the ritual facial is a good choice. It covers double cleaning, facial massage, and scalp massage. The rates for this (and for other options too) are reasonable, with nothing going over the city’s average. 

The studio itself was beautiful too. There’s a nice incense in the air and calm lighting. Clients even get herbal tea after the treatment. To complete the stress-free experience, their online booking system is a breeze to go through.

What’s not a breeze, though, is finding a date that best suits you. Due to their existing loyal clientele and boutique size, you may have to book weeks ahead before your target treatment – many say the wait is worth it.

Relaxing experience 

“I had the best facial experience in NZ ever!  Bonnie was absolutely incredible.  The whole experience was most relaxing and special.  The technique that Bonnie was incredible and the beautiful soft tranquil background music played was also superb.  I was there for over 2 hours and thoroughly enjoyed all the treatments that were given to me.  This holistic beautiful place is truly exceptional. I highly recommend Skin Moment – and would definitely return for more treatments.  Thanks very much Bonnie.”

Pratima Patel | Google Reviews

Professional, knowledgeable, and welcoming

“Had my first facial + scalp massage with Lola … WOW …. ABSOLUTE HEAVEN … Lola has an amazing ability of being super knowledgeable, professional, welcoming and has just the right pressure to send you into total relaxation❤️ beautiful smells, quality products used. Purchased their hand made Gua Sha – can’t wait to make this part of my routine + a non greasy sunscreen. You leave feeling very pampered! Thank you x Highly recommend!”

Rebecca Kruger| Google Reviews

3. Skintopia Mt Eden

Skintopia offers a tiered menu of facial treatments, ideal for various skin types and budgets. For quick, targeted care, we find their 30-minute skin Disciple option to be a good choice as a basic starter for beginners.

For more in-depth treatments, we appreciate that they have longer sessions based on the package. Rates go up with each tier, but what’s nice is that they have membership pricing that offers generous discounts to regular clients.

Their therapists are also very personable, and we appreciate that they take the time to go through current concerns. Even after the treatment, we find their advice thoughtful and practical, without the need to upsell other procedures.

Beyond facials, we definitely loved that they also offer more advanced treatments such as LuminFusion, Pro Power Peel, and IPL. This makes them a one-stop shop for various needs, ideal for clients who prefer sticking to one provider.

However, the overall customer experience has a bit of a negative. While appointments are seamless, waiting times can be long, sometimes requiring a reschedule. 

Fortunately, this doesn’t appear to be a consistent issue, happening only a handful of times.

Friendly and amazing staff

“Wow! This was my first facial in 4+ years, and I feel like a new woman! I loved the knowledge the staff have! They are very friendly and have amazing customer skills. I had the most amazing therapist! Thank you Thai❤️”

Natalija Mason | Google Reviews

Absolutely amazing personalised facials

“Absolutely amazing. I love my monthly facials here at Skintopia with Becca. She’s a gem. Great facials, great banter. I love that my facials are personalized to my needs at the time of the visit. And great advise on aftercare as well. Highly recommended. I’ve been with Skintopia for over a year now, and still go there despite having moved further away.”

Sunhani Chaudhaery | Google Reviews

4. Kumo® Skin Spa

The experience at Kumo really sealed the deal for us. During our visit, we were warmly welcomed with herbal tea, which immediately set the tone for us. What’s nice is that they give you a questionnaire too, which help them suggest the right treatments.

One of their signature offerings is their buccal facial, a deep-tissue massage that targets the muscles inside the cheeks. Compared to basic facials, this one helps with cheekbone sculpting, lymphatic drainage, and eye puffiness.

Another popular option is the anti-gravity facial, a 90-minute session that features organic products from Kumo’s own range. Looking at the post-treatment results, we see how the client had that immediate glow in their skin tone and texture.

Their personalised care is clear in their detailed consultations and custom product recommendations, explaining every step and proper usage. Plus, the prices are within the city’s average too, so you don’t have to break the bank here.

If there’s one thing we want to take note of as a downside, it’s that following up with inquiries or concerns can be tough once you have a personalised plan in place.

Fortunately, ever since changing their business model, they’ve been working on refining their offerings like this. 

Skilled team and relaxing experience

“The best facial I’ve ever had. Love the treatments here, the team is so skilled and I always leave feeling so relaxed.”

Greta van der Star | Google Reviews

Good products and a perfect experience

“The most amazing facial from Francie! I had the Anti-Gravity facial – 90mins of bliss. Their products felt so good, smelt heavenly, and along with the Buccal massage made my face so toned, glowy and beautiful!! Francie gives a mean massage 😀 The whole experience was 10/10. Thank you Francie & Kumo, I’ll definitely be back for more facial magic.”

Amy Laidler | Google Reviews

5. Tonic Room

At Tonic Room, we were impressed with their customisable treatment that begins with a detailed consultation and skin assessment. Their past clients agree that the process was in-depth and clear, helping them make the right choice.

Their bespoke facial takes 60 to 75 minutes and combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, massage, and masks. Looking at before and after photos, we can also say that clients leave with visibly glowing skin after one session.

Surprisingly, their offering for this is slightly cheaper than other options, but of course, more advanced treatments cost more. On the good side, we noticed that they don’t do any upselling or pressure to purchase products after the service.

We also loved how personable the staff and technicians are, explaining their use of natural, ethical skincare (Sodashi) to every client. Combined with the premium location, the level of service really makes every penny worth it.

The only downside we can tell as of writing is that there are clients who find the results unsatisfactory. We recommend going through realistic expectations during consultations to ensure you get the appropriate procedure.

As if floating on a cloud

“I had the most AMAZING experience with Andrea. She made me feel very at ease from the very beginning. This was a Christmas present from my son and daughter in law. I thought I was just having a facial, but this was so so much more! I left feeling like I was floating on a cloud. Thank you so much. I highly recommend the Bespoke facial!”

Michele McArthur-White | Google Reviews

Made me look 10 years younger

“Andrea is amazing. Booking a 75 min facial with her is my favourite luxury treat my self thing to do. I feel like I taken a weeks holiday and look 10 years younger every time I see her. This was my 3rd visit. I highly recommend both Andrea and The Tonic room.”

Justine Copley-Smith | Google Reviews

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