Glow Up With Auckland’s Best Facials

Women in spa with under-eye skincare patches wearing a dressing gown and towel wrapped around head

We all need a little ‘me’ time every now and again - especially when life in the big smoke becomes a little too hectic. And what better way to remedy (or at least mitigate) the chaos than by booking a facial and giving your skin the TLC it deserves?

Words by: Nicole Mudgway

Photos by: Supplied

Fortunately, there are endless quality options to choose from in Auckland. Picking where to go and which treatment to have can be overwhelming, especially if facials aren’t something you’re overly familiar with. The options below cover treatments that target anti-ageing, inspire helpful new skincare regimes, or simply allow you to relax and be pampered with a face massage and sculpting session. Whether you want something quick and efficient or a session that will block out the entire morning in your calendar, we have you sorted! And don’t worry boys, we have you covered too.

East Day Spa

The Grand by SkyCity Level 3/90 Federal Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland

Tucked away on the ground floor of the Skycity Grand Hotel, East Day Spa offers a calming oasis in the centre of New Zealand’s biggest city. Featuring 12 treatment rooms to relax in, five of which are double suites, prepare to be pampered at what is widely considered one of the country’s premier day spas. There are around 20 different facial treatments available, and a treatment to cater for every skin want - one of the most popular is the Emma Lewisham Facial, a 100% natural treatment rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and vitamin A, designed to counter ageing. The pampering is hard to argue with, and so are those scientifically proven results! 

Skintopia

Herne Bay, Takapuna and Mt Eden

With three salons across Auckland (and two in Wellington), Skintopia knows what’s what when it comes to treatments that actually make a difference. Adopting the view that wellbeing and lifestyle are the building blocks of healthy skin, their treatments are results driven and scientifically based. It’s perfect for those who expect efficiency – in particular, the Dermalogica ProSkin 30 facial: a 30-minute facial offering maximum impact in minimal time. Skintopia also offers a modernised, open-plan treatment lounge at the Herne Bay location - meaning it’s not just the facials that are rejuvenating!

Spring Spa

228 Ponsonby Road/8A Turua St, St Heliers

For a more contemporary, innovative spa experience, visit Spring Spa. The refreshing open-plan design, polished concrete floors and wood finishing creates a calming, natural aesthetic - perfect for letting the zen vibes flow. If you’re unsure where to start with your skincare regimen, the Rethink your Skincare treatment includes a facial cleanse, skin analysis and personalised treatment plan. Spring Spa also offers an indulgent range of Codage facial treatments (we hear it’s hard to go past the Codage Hydration Facial), with the exclusive product line also available for purchase.

About Face

18 Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland

It’s about time it was all about the face, and the mantra here encompasses just that: great looking skin for a lifetime, without extreme measures. Understanding your skin is second nature to the team at About Face, who, with over 30 years in the business, are not just pioneers in the industry, but have also developed a reputation for quality, consistency and exceptionally high standards. They've grown to seven clinics across Auckland and, housed within their clinic in Ponsonby, is About Man, an opulent gentlemen’s lounge offering an ideal atmosphere to relax and rewind.

The Facialist

Shed 16.3/90 Wellesley Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland

Taking a holistic approach to skin health, you won’t find any needles or machines at this centrally serene studio. What you will find are some great hands, innovative techniques and a curated experience for every visitor who sets foot inside. Using carefully selected organic products, the friendly and knowledgeable team at The Facialist excel at meeting each customer’s needs and desires. The Bespoke Facial is their signature treatment for a decadent and transformative experience: products and massages are chosen based on personal concerns and skin type. The only decision you’ll have to make is how long you want the bliss to last.

Skinography

23A Jervois Road, Ponsonby, Auckland

Self-described as an antidote to the chaos of life, Skinography adopts a holistic approach to skin health and recognises that short term fixes are not a long term solution. The knowledgeable team combines consultation, treatments and products to create a customised regimen for each individual. Opting for a 30, 60 or 90 minute intuitive facial is the easiest way to leave it to the experts, allowing them to curate and care for your skin based on what it needs. Based out of Ponsonby, Skinography has numerous accolades to its name, as well as offering Buccal Massage Training - an ‘anti-gravity’ massage technique endorsed by many celebrities.

The Spa at Park Hyatt

99 Halsey Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland

The Spa is one of Auckland’s most luxurious spa retreats and one of our favourite places to indulge. Housed in the Park Hyatt down in Wynyard Quarter, it’s the perfect place to escape the everyday slog of life. There are a number of different facial treatments available, including a good range for the men, and each one is just as likely to leave you feeling fresh-faced and your skin restored and youthful. We love the 30 minute Men’s Express Hydrating Facial - where a lack of time should be no excuse!

Neat Auckland Places

Orphans Kitchen

Interior of restaurant.
Place Auckland
Bars key icon. Restaurants key icon.

Effortlessly cool and utterly lacking in pretension, Orphans Kitchen is one of the greatest contributions to the Ponsonby Road renaissance.

Apero Food and Wine

Place Auckland
Bars key icon.

Apero has quickly cemented itself as one of the coolest little wine bars in the city.

Checks Downtown

Interior image of Checks clothing store with a table of hates and shoes.
Place Auckland
Goods key icon.

There’s no other way to say this; Checks Downtown is just damn cool. New to the local streetwear label of the moment? We’ll catch you up.

Tanuki's Cave

A packed restaurant on a dark night.
Place Auckland
Restaurants key icon.

Tucked away on Queen Street (in the middle of Auckland’s arts precinct) lies Tanuki’s Cave: a not-so-secret, gem of a yakitori bar.