Hello my long neglected readers! I hope you're still enjoying my blog. Today, I will be reviewing the popular facial and aesthetics chain Shakura in Singapore! Come on in for more~

There are three main facials chains in Singapore, New York Skin Solutions, Shakura and Victoria Facelift. I have tried the trial session in all three and gotten the package at NYSS (in 2018) and Shakura (in 2026). I would say these three all have very similar store layouts and ambiences except their focus is on different aspects of facials. NYSS is more mixed, whereas Shakura focuses on pigmentation/whitening and Victoria Facelift uses machines more for the facelift effect. I would say their prices has really stabilized from about 5-8 years ago where they were doing aggressive promos to keep their business flourishing. Back then, there was this $50/facial promo at Shakura which I tried to find out if it was still available and it was not. Read onwards to find out how much I paid and the freebies given to me for my package!

So the package I got was the Refreshing Facial package which cost about $75-$78 per facial after GST for 10 sessions. The difference from this facial from others that cost about $200++ is that for example, the expensive facial would use premium French skincare like Skinceuticals or Cle de Peau. Shakura uses their own inhouse researched and produced line of skincare and facial solutions. Their claim to fame is the Miroko [TM] roselle and milk whitening essence, which is an active ingredient extracted from milk essence, which creates that whitening and smoothening effect.

When you first step in, there is the consultation with the sales executive. However, they gave a promo whereby if you sign up before the first session, you would be able to claim a cheaper price if you got 10 sessions. However, this was slightly counterintuitive as how am I supposed to buy the facial without first knowing the effects of the first session?? NVM, I just chalked this up to a sales tactic.

The room was small, with a locker, a bed with a plastic sheet for your shoulders, a sink and a mirror. You changed into a tube and your facialist, which would be attached to you for all the sessions, will be announced over the PA system to attend to you in your room. Surprisingly, a more junior facialist did the cleansing for me while the main facialist did the extraction and the application of the Miroko essence. These were the steps undertaken:

1. Foam cleanser: The facialist lathered up a mildly soapy, very gentle cleanser and did a cleansing of your face. There was also like a little massage for your face here. She then wiped it off with two small pieces of damp cloth.

2. Gel cleanser: She then applied a gel cleanser to my face and also did a small massage including my shoulders and neck. Gently wiped off with two small pieces of damp cloth.

3. Softening Sheet Mask: She used a skin softening sheet mask to my face and left the room for 10 minutes while my face absorbed the mask.

4. Extraction: The facialist changed to the main one at this point. She used a needle to prick the whiteheads and also finger pressures on your forehead, jaw, cheeks and nose. It was slightly unbearable to me so I always look forward to the end of the extraction.

5. Milk essence: A spicy, tingly milk essence is applied to your whole face. This is for lightening of pigmentation and acne scars. The tingly effect is the essence working on your skin to nourish the underlayers and scrub away the dark spots.

6. Miroko essence: Immediately after, the Miroko essence is applied on top of the previous essence. It was thick and very cooling. It was not tingly however.

7. Specialized essence: The facialist would have concocted an essence, gel and serum mix beforehand after inspecting the condition of your skin. The process is top secret because she cannot share with you what's inside the gel concoction other than the numbered bottled she uses.

8. Nourishing Sheet Mask: After the triple-powered essences applied, a sheet mask is applied to your skin. This is to lock in the essences and gels applied previously. The facialist then leaves you for another 10-15min to rest.

9. Wipe-off: The facialist wipes off the excess essence on your face. She also massages your neck for a little while.

10. Moisturiser: She applied moisturizer and if it's in the morning, an UV sunblock.

On my birthday month, I also claimed a free $388 trial facial with the machine that (sort of) eliminated my nasolabial folds (the smile lines near your nose and mouth). However, the facialist was sort of trying to sell me more packages which I think I didn't need so I spent 5 min rejecting her sales pitch.

Cleanliness: 5/5 stars - Very clean and hygienic environs. The facialist was also well-groomed.

Friendliness: 3/5 stars - The facialist can chat with you during the session or she can also leave you to be to rest. The sessions didn't feel rushed and the facialists were really attentive. However, there is periodic upselling like during your birthday or every 3-5 sessions which was rather harassing.

Technique/Technology: 4.5/5 stars - I can only say this for the package I got, which is the most basic one (with an upgrade to customized facial). The finger massage techniques from the facialists were very relaxing and the Miroko essence I feel is something you can't get anywhere else. My face is always very bright after the sessions. 

Overall I think the amount I paid was quite worth and I can definitely notice my skin becoming smoother after about 4-5 sessions now. I'm doing with Plaza Singapura's Shakura branch as I feel town area would have better service and technique. I will post pictures of before and after once I get the photos!

(This is a non-sponsored post of Shakura Singapore in 2026.)