NOTE: This post has been updated as at October 2018 to reflect the current La Mer Spa facial locations. It remains my go-to facial place and has been since 2014 when the original post was written.
It’s been months since my last facial, which is quite a big deal for me, as I love my facials. I had a teaser experience at La Mer back in 2014 and I fell in love! Ever since then, I’d been a loyal customer of their Spa de La Mer.
Here in Malaysia, the La Mer Spa Experience started out at Metrojaya Mid Valley Megamall, where you can make your appointment just to have a 75 minute facial, without having to buy the products. The counter at Metrojaya has since closed and today, the La Mer facial experience can be found at Robinson’s The Gardens, Parkson Pavilion KL and the first standalone La Mer store at Suria KLCC.
I’ve been going for La Mer facials since 2014 and they have been consistently impressive. Let me share with you what you may expect.
It is highly recommended that you make an appointment in advance, because space is limited at each of the places. My go-to is the La Mer store at Suria KLCC, because it offers the best ambiance and comfort. My favourite facial therapist is also based there, so I steel myself to go every now and then. I otherwise do not go to KLCC that often because parking costs is murder on the wallet! 😛
My experience which I will relate is based on the Spa de La Mer at Suria KLCC, and their La Mer The Custom Facial Intense.
When you arrive, you are led into the inner sanctum, with its almost sound-proof doors, soft music and lovely scent wafting through the air. Almost immediately, you feel relaxed, as you shut out the hustle and bustle of the busy mall outside. Some sound does filter through from outside, but it is comfortable.
You exchange your shoes for soft comfy slippers, and change into a terry towel tube top, before getting down under the covers. The room is kept at a comfortable temperature – not too warm and not too cold. The bed is luxuriously laid with a soft, fluffy topper that you sink into like a cloud. A comfortable lightweight comforter/duvet is laid over you, its weight keeping you cocooned and comfortable.
The 75 minute Facial Treatment Experience starts with the facial therapist evaluating your skin before advising you on what sort of facial you could do. I was told that my skin was generally well hydrated (whew!) but I could opt for the whitening/brightening facial if I wanted, but I opted for the Regenerating facial instead which is the regular facial. I also opt for something hydrating now and again, to change things up. The lights are then turned down, to signal the start of 75 minutes of sheer pampering bliss!
The facial therapist then applies some calming fragranced water on her hands and encourages you to breathe in the relaxing scent. Thereafter, she removes your makeup and continues with the facial treatment and massage.
What I noticed was that the whole facial treatment employed a long and very relaxing facial, neck and shoulder massage without using any facial steamer or machines or gadgets. The therapist only uses her warmed hands and forearms to work the Creme de la Mer in a very comfortable and invigorating facial massage. The touch is firm and stimulating, and loosens your tight neck and shoulder muscles even as you feel your skin warm up from increase circulation.
The eye massage uses the Eye Concentrate, and cool metal ball spatulas kept on ice, to massage around the eye area which is at this point that I fell asleep.
After the first round of facial and eye massage, a layer of Lifting and Firming Mask is applied to the face while you doze, and the therapist then performs a lovely hand and arm massage. The mask is removed, to be followed by another lovely face, neck and shoulder massage with another round of Creme de la Mer! Depending on the type of mask that is used, sometimes, the mask is massaged right into your skin, before a warm towel is laid over your face and neck.
I was told that during each facial treatment, they use about 15ml of Creme de la Mer, which is a quarter of a 60ml jar that costs over RM1000! They definitely do not stint on product, because you can feel the slip and the texture as the therapist works her magical hands over your face.
At the end of 75 minutes, I felt absolutely refreshed, and my skin was glowing. I kid you not! The glow lasted well into the week, and the almost magical thing about using the Lifting and Firming Mask is that the next day, your skin looks almost poreless. Again, I kid you not. This was my second time experiencing it, and it’s wonderful! I notice that the La Mer facial glow usually lasts well into a week, unlike most facials that only give you a day or two of gratification. I believe it may be due to the intensive facial massage that your skin receives.
I have recommended the Spa de La Mer facials to many people, and most people who have experienced it are in agreement with me. The facial massage is excellent bar none, and the glow on your skin has to be experienced to be believed!
It is naturally quite pricey. I believe it is now RM425 for 75 minutes, and they also sell them in packages of 3 or 6 for a special price. In a package, the price per facial usually drops to something more affordable, so if you like, you can always share with a friend. Or buy it as a once a year treat, as I do, and make it last the whole year – it forces you to go and enjoy yourself once every 2 months. And I think that isn’t too hard to do 😉
IN A NUTSHELL
The La Mer The Custom Facial Intense Facial Treatment is a 75 minute pampering treat for the skin. The facial does not employ any extractions or machines nor steaming and only uses facial massage using La Mer products and focusing on generous amounts of the Creme de la Mer to stimulate the skin. The facial experience was comfortable and relaxing and there was little to no time wasting, which is something I appreciate in all spa services. You are also given a neck and shoulder massage, the product is applied and massaged all the way to your decolletage, and you also have a hand massage while your mask is at work. The therapist almost never leaves your side! The facial massage was relaxing and comfortable and left my skin glowing long after the treatment was over. Absolutely worth the experience!
WHAT I LIKED: Generous use of products, Comfortable and stimulating face, neck and shoulder massage, Little to no time wasting during the experience, Comfortable temperature and lighting, Skin glows for days after the facial
WHAT CAN BE IMPROVED: None at the La Mer KLCC store
PRICE: RM425 for 75 minutes. Also sold in packages of 3 or 6 sessions (Price as at Oct 2018)
WHERE: La Mer KLCC Lot G-08 Level G, Suria KLCC, Jalan Ampang, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: +603 2181 4648
My skin now tolerates regular use of the Creme de la Mer moisturiser but it seems to behave well enough after the facial with no breakouts. I am always quite comfortable and happy to walk around the mall after, with no makeup (although I do that anyway) and the skin just looks bright and glowing.
This is my one major pampering indulgence, and thus far, I have nothing but praise for their service. No hard sell, no pressure, just a beautiful, pampering, relaxing, invigorating experience. What’s there not to love?! (except the price? 😛 )
Have you been for the La Mer Facial Treatment before?
I’d read about it for a long time before trying it and I’m now wondering what took me so long. Tsk! Absolutely worth the splurge, if you’re thinking about trying. Don’t wait as long as I did! 😀 My next goal is to try the 2 hour Ultimate Experience at the La Mer Spa at Harrod’s in London. Ah, a girl can dream can’t she? 😉
Paris B
Sze Ling says
August 15, 2014 at 10:47 amI’m so tempted!!! It has been 1.5 years since my last facial. Oops! 😛 Will definitely be going for one at La Mer when I’m back.
On the topic of facials at cosmetic booths, I’m not a real fan of those. Usually, I can still hear the hustle and bustle around the store, and it just really take away the relaxing atmosphere of the facial.
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 9:58 amHaha then you will love this one! It’s so incredibly relaxing and the facial massage is awesome. Oh I too dislike facials at those temporary booths! I’d been for some but given a choice, I prefer not to anymore. The noise is very distracting and the piped in music too. Always spoils the mood.
Tass says
August 15, 2014 at 10:51 amTotally agree! I fell asleep too as soon as soon as they roll cool metal spatulas on the eyes!! 5 star it is~
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:02 amYay, another fan! 😀 I don’t know what’s in those metal spatulas but they’re magic 😀
Maria says
August 15, 2014 at 11:45 amAs long as after the facial they don’t push you to buy the products or “force” to sign up.. definitely will try soon !!
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:03 amNope, no hard sell at all! Perhaps it’s because the products are so pricey to start with, so it’s hard to hardsell those (although some salons try it) They may tell you what options are available or what products you can try, but I didn’t get any pushy service at all 🙂
FireAngel says
August 15, 2014 at 2:14 pmoh man. I totally wanna try it but caveat is the midvalley’s pain in the behind parking. 🙁
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:08 amTotally agree with you about MV parking! But if you go early in the morning or later in the evening e.g. 5 or 6pm then I find it’s usually easier to get parking, especially on the lower floors of The Gardens mall. I never park in MV anymore – it’s just a mad house.
Lana says
August 15, 2014 at 3:55 pmWow…this sounds really amazing ^_^
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:08 amIt felt pretty amazing too Lana 😀
Jennifer says
August 15, 2014 at 9:57 pmLovely review! I felt like I was there lol. Facial is my terror for the first 20 minutes or so until extraction is over, then it’s blissful. I do appreciate better looking skin after each facial session but I’ve been so naughty and snowed lately. Your excellent review made me feel like splurging for this facial. Admittedly it’s double or more price wise from my usual session, but life’s too short not to try luxury skincare facial once in a while right? 😉
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:09 amOh you will love then this Jennifer haha! Absolutely no pain and no extractions and the facial massage is sublime! I Haven’t been going for facials in a long while actually. I actually do find that my skin behaves better after a good facial massage, even if it may not last a long time. This one’s a luxury splurge, so maybe save it for a special occasion, like a birthday or when you get your bonus and enjoy! 😉
Angelina says
August 15, 2014 at 10:28 pmI love La Mer Spa Facial Treatment. The brightening effect after the facial is wow. The effect can last up to a week plus. It’s money well spent. On the downside, my skin doesn’t like their original version of moisturiser. Breakouts, and the $ spent on correcting treatment is far more expensive than the one I spent at La Mer. Pros and cons.
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:11 amGood to know you enjoy this one too, Angelina! The glowing effect is absolutely wonderful, I agree! Like you, my skin doesn’t like the CDLM either. In fact, it can’t handle any of the moisturisers in any formulation! I can use most of the other products, but just not the creams. The ones at the facial don’t really break me out, thankfully! Do you break out after the facial though?
sasha says
August 16, 2014 at 12:13 amWow i’m so tempted! my skin does not do well with the typical extraction facials, as more pimples will come up after each session!
So i have stopped going to facials for 1 year now and my skin has improved.
But since this one is more skin stimulation, i am a bit inclined to try.
Thanks for the review Paris!
Now i wish it was at a more convenient area! Midvalley is the central jam area in my dictionary hehe
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 10:13 amHey Sasha, I must confess I sometimes like the extraction process because my skin looks so much cleaner thereafter but oh, the pain! 😛 This one’s nice thanks to the facial massage – not many places do such a long massage 🙂 Like you, I don’t go to MidValley often too! But I’ve found that if you avoid the regular busy times e.g. between 12-2pm and 4-6pm it’s usually ok, and easier to get parking then too 🙂
Jotsdots says
August 20, 2014 at 3:09 amIf you have breakouts from La Mer products it means either:
1) You are one of the rare ones (there were 10% of people) who are highly allergic to seaweeds.
2) Skin cannot absorb/compatible with such high amount. Since it’s rich, you can only apply a small amount.
Although all types of skin can use their product but it’s most well known with older ladies as it’s ingredients are very rich.
Paris B says
August 28, 2014 at 11:29 amThing is, I’m probably in their age demographic now! haha! I think it’s just to do with composition of ingredients. I can use most of the other La Mer products, most of which work quite well for me, but just not the creams and moisturisers.
iza says
August 21, 2014 at 5:34 pmmore or less the same experience i had with my monthly facial at Estee Lauder, (also in Metrojaya Midvalley). My therapist uses shiatsu massage during the facial, no extraction & steamer. My friends always compliment me for the radiant skin after the facial ..
but, i want to give it a try on la mer facial .. 🙂
Paris B says
September 1, 2014 at 4:58 pmOoh you know what? One of my earliest experiences at a proper facial salon was the Estee Lauder salon at MidValley! I didn’t realise they were still there haha! I can’t remember why I stopped going though but I remember it was quite nice. Thanks for reminding me of it.
Bugs says
October 24, 2018 at 11:22 amI miss the therapist so much T_T, the location and the parking fees there are not my friend.
Maybe I should follow your tip and force myself to go every 2-3 mths 😉 since the parkings fees is no big deal compared to the glow and relaxation from the facial.
One thing about their facial packages, as I’m aware they have discontinued packages but using a pay per visit system where 3 paid facials and get a free facial on the 4th visit. But this info is before the new SST implementation and price increase next month. It’s been few months since I had facial at La Mer Robinsons, because I’ve completed my facial package.
Paris B says
November 1, 2018 at 8:53 amI totally feel you re: parking! What you can do is take the LRT there, so it’s not so painful. For me, if I drive, I time myself so I get out within an hour (if I can help it) or if not, within 2 hours. It’s far too expensive to browse there which is why I rarely go anymore 🙁 And thanks for the update about the packages. I was told recently that it’s a Buy 3 free 1 offer now. I think it’s a lovely treat, if you like facial massages, but the pricing has become a little prohibitive 🙁