If you’re in search of silkier skin then it’s about time you booked in for a facial. But where does one start? There are anti-wrinkle treatments, chemical peels, radiance inducing facials, serums with peptides, treatments to fight hyperpigmentation and hydrafacials, to name a few. So, to make the process of choosing a facialist and a treatment that suits your individual skin needs a little less daunting, we’ve assembled a curated list of the best skin clinics who do our favourite facials in Sydney—each of them Gritty Pretty tried, tested and approved.

What do Georgia Fowler, Gemma Ward, Phoebe Tonkin and Jessica Gomes have in common? Good genes, duh, but they’re also fans of celebrity skin whisperer Melanie Grant. At her Double Bay salon, Melanie dishes out her signature radiance-inducing treatments, including clinical and organic facials, uber-luxe experiences (she’s the official skin expert for Chanel Australia) and high-tech therapies. There’s also a bespoke service, where you can work one-on-one with Melanie to prep for a big event. And the skin love doesn’t stop there: her online store stocks cult brands including Biologique Recherche and Vintner’s Daughter (Gwyneth is a fan), so you can get your glow on at home, too.

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If European interiors, neutral colour palettes and ultra-luxurious architecture sound like your cup of tea, look no further than Self. A new concept salon located just a few doors down from it’s famed big sister, The Parlour Room, the space is an escape like no other. From bespoke facials to invigorating body scrubs and a rejuvenating infrared sauna, this Sydney spot is bound to have something to tickle your fancy. Whether you need a gift for a loved one who is impossible to buy for, or you’re due for a day to yourself, you’re guaranteed to leave this haven with glowing skin, a relaxed body and perhaps even a new lease on life. Think we’re being dramatic? One visit and you’ll understand our love.

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With fresh, neutral interiors and French provincial touches throughout, Estética Cosmetic Clinic and Medispa is warm and welcoming, helping you to feel completely relaxed prior and post treatment. Praised for the incredible level of customer service, the team are extremely knowledgeable and professional, with no question too difficult to answer. They offer an array of skin treatments and non-surgical cosmetic procedures that target your key concerns, including wrinkle reduction and facial contouring, and use product ranges from Cosmedix, Obagi and Aspect Dr. We tried the lip enhancement, and the Estética team guided us throughout the entire process, imparting their knowledge for the best possible tailored result. They also offered a follow-up appointment to ensure that the procedure is a complete success.

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After doing her thing at Sydney’s swanky Fifty Four Park Street Private Health Club and Spa, where regulars included the city’s in-the-know beauty editors and celebrities alike, Joanna Newham branched out and set up her own digs in Newport on the Northern Beaches. Subscribing to the “we’re all going to age, so we might as well do it gracefully” theory (our kinda girl), Newham sticks to non-invasive methods, relying instead on results-oriented treatments and products from Elizabeth Arden Pro, Sodashi and Hydropeptide. After just one visit, expect your skin to give off that she-must-have-light-bulbs-under-her-skin glow. You know the one we’re talking about.

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Situated in Surry Hills, this clean, airy medispa means business. It offers a comprehensive menu of hardworking services, including skin-tightening Ultraformer, microneedling, medical-grade skin peels and laser resurfacing, and stocks cutting-edge cosmeceutical brands like Aspect Dr and Cosmedix. We opted for a Hydrafacial, a non-invasive three-step treatment that includes exfoliation and extractions (we LOVE professional extractions), before flooding the skin with good stuff like antioxidants, peptides and hyaluronic acid. The whole thing took just thirty minutes, so it’s totally do-able during a lunch break, and the results were apparent for at least two days after. Our verdict: the glow is real, guys.

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It’s easy to miss the street entrance to this cult skin salon. Tucked away on the first floor of a building in Woollahra, it’s where Miranda Kerr, Megan Gale and beauty editors (including Gritty Pretty’s own) go to get seriously good skin. Celebrity facialist Jocelyn Petroni is renowned for her holistic approach to beauty, and incorporates reiki and meditation into her treatments. You simply can’t go wrong with the Complete JP Experience in the stunning new Gallery space, where you’ll have a team of three therapists tend to your every beauty need, leaving you with a refreshed, glowing complexion and polished-looking digits. It’s also one of the few remaining places in Sydney where you can get extractions (we’re big believers in the pore-clearing power of a good squeeze). Joss, as she’s known to her devoted clients-slash-friends, is also the official Australian nail expert for Chanel. If it’s good enough for them …

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When you’re entrusting a clinic with your skin concerns, you want to know that you’re in good hands. Which is exactly what we felt when we stepped inside Clear Skincare Clinics in Sydney’s CBD. Located in close—and convenient—proximity to public transport, the sleek interiors and white coat-clad skin specialists really know their stuff, which is why we felt confident trying the anti-wrinkle treatment Dermapen Skin Needling. Designed to stimulate collagen and elastin, our friendly and knowledgeable skin specialist talked us through Dermapen both prior and during the treatment, and while the treatment itself was a little uncomfortable, we were able to head straight back to the office afterwards. After only one Dermapen treatment (you typically need three to six sessions) we started to see positive results, so we’ll definitely be going back to experience further benefits!

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Balance is a rare commodity these days, but if there is one thing that Lisa Rush Skin Clinic nails, it’s the delicate harmony of both professionalism and warmth. The space, located in Sydney’s leafy eastern suburb of Paddington, will make you feel right at home. As for the staff? They obviously know their stuff. We opted for The Hydrafacial: a standout treatment. Immediately afterwards, our skin was smooth, hydrated and glowy-as-can-be. Before leaving, we had a thoughtful consultation with Rush herself to ensure we left with the right products to keep our skin in tip top condition. With quality skin care brands on hand – including Cosmedix, Aspect Dr, Universkin and Jane Iredale – the clinic is a one-stop skin shop. We will definitely be back.

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If you’re looking for natural, ethical skincare meets spiritual inner healing then look no further. Located in the heart of Avalon Beach on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Chakana Day Spa & Wellbeing will help realign your celestial self. You’ll find rustic timbers combined with natural linens and earthy colours which create a luxury haven that immediately relaxes the senses. Known for curated sound therapy, healing touch and holistic skincare, not only will your skin glow but your soul, body and mind will find balance and harmony too. The Ascend Treatment in particular is otherworldly and unlike any other spa treatment you will ever experience.

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