The Beauty Insider: Lisa Potter Dixon’s Beauty Rules

I’ve only really started having facials over the past two years. Before that, I’d just do my own at home. But I have to say, my skin has never been better since I’ve let the pros take over. 

But why should you spend your own, hard-earned cash on a facial? And which are the best ones to have? Over the past 12 months, I’ve been out and about, road testing multiple facials, just so I could discover the ones which are worth the dollar. 

I also reached out to a friend of mine, and one of the UK’s top skin experts, Fiona Brackenbury, to get her opinion on the best facials out there. With over 30 years of experience, her wisdom is definitely worth taking on board.

"First of all, a qualified facialist not only diagnoses any skin issues, they understand your skin needs on the spot, which allows them to make the facial bespoke to you. Combined with professional strength formulas, their services can deliver results which are more than just skin deep. A facial massage will also help sculpt and contour over 40 muscles in your face, to relieve facial tension and leave behind a complexion that looks like it’s had 10 hours sleep. Just don’t be surprised if your skin expert recommends regular facials for up to six weeks to begin with, particularly if you have sensitivity or congestion which needs addressing.      

Although you can’t truly replicate the results of a professional facial, one done at home on a Sunday is the perfect way to set you up for the week and turbo charge your daily skincare routine. Start by double cleansing and incorporating a gentle massage, using small circular movements with your fingertips. Follow with an exfoliation and once those dead, grey cells have been banished, ensure you infuse newer cells with moisture-loving humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin - perhaps by using a sheet mask."

Finally, think about the fact that facials aren’t just good for your skin, they’re good for your wellbeing too. An hour of pampering is always lovely. 

Here are my 3 favourites...

Murad’s Method facial, £110 at Harrods or House of Fraser

This is a bespoke facial using a five-zone analysis of the skin. I love Murad products: my favourites are the Vitamin C Cleanser and the Retinol Youth Renewal Serum. As for the service, my favourite part was the lymphatic and acupressure massage. It’s amazing how much tension we hold in our face. After the facial, my skin looked smooth, hydrated and glowing for weeks. 

Image Hydra facial, £200 at Beyond Medi-spa, Harvey Nichols

Image is a skincare brand that I was introduced to about six months ago and I’ve been really impressed with their products. Especially the Vital C Anti Age Serum and their Prevention Plus SPF50. Expensive, yes, but the 90 minute treatment was incredibly detailed to properly detoxify the skin, remove dead skin cells, extract debris and provide lasting hydration. The hydra facial treatment uses advanced, patented vortex technology to deliver the most desirable nutrients and antioxidants to the skin, while the vacuum-based tip removes skin impurities and dramatically increases skin hydration. I could literally see the dead skin cells in a pot after the treatment which was fascinating.

QMS O2 Boost and recharge facial, £80 at Liberty

QMS Medicosmetics is a unique skin care range scientifically perfected through years of clinical research. I notice such a difference in my skin when I use their gentle cleanser. I’m always busy too, so this 45-minute treatment is great for anyone who is time poor. I had this facial the day before I was going to a wedding and I couldn’t believe the difference. It added such a glow and helped take down redness from my cheeks. I have slight rosacea and I didn’t have to cover it with makeup for at least two weeks afterwards. 

Love & Lipstick,

Lisa x

Lisa Potter-Dixon is a presenter, make-up artist and SheerLuxe beauty contributor. Follow her @Lisapotterdixon, tag her in your beauty pics with #LearnwithLisa and @Sheerluxe on Instagram.