Over the last few years, Hydrafacials have gone from the occasional treat to a staple in the beauty world – and when you add JLO’s signature glow into the mix, it becomes very hard to resist. So when I heard that Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong was launching the JLO GLOW Deluxe Hydrafacial at The Mandarin Salon – powered by the Hydrafacial x JLO Beauty Booster – I knew I had to go and see what the hype (and the glow) was all about.
This isn’t a token add-on tucked into the treatment list. It’s a 60-minute, device-led facial that combines deep cleansing, exfoliation, hydration and LED light therapy – all supercharged by a quadruple-active formula taken directly from the That JLO Glow serum. I booked in, settled into the chair, and let the Hydrafacial do its thing.
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What Is The JLO GLOW Deluxe Hydrafacial?
On paper, this is a revitalising Hydrafacial that deeply cleanses, extracts and hydrates, using the Hydrafacial x JLO Beauty Booster in combination with Hydrafacial’s patented vortex fusion technology. In practice, it sits somewhere between a medi-facial and a classic spa treatment – enough clinical edge to deliver visible changes, but with all the comforting rituals you’d expect at Mandarin Oriental.
The hero is the booster serum, which blends olive leaf extract, niacinamide, a fermented adaptogen complex and a proprietary Hydracomplex. Translation: a lot of brightening, hydrating and barrier-supporting activity – all designed to leave skin bouncier, smoother and noticeably more reflective. The facial finishes with LED light therapy to soften the appearance of fine lines and calm the skin, pushing everything into that well-rested, slept-a-full-eight-hours look, even if reality says otherwise.
What’s Involved?
If you’ve had a Hydrafacial before, the overall flow will feel familiar – the difference here is that the booster steers the result towards a very specific outcome: glow.
My session began with a gentle cleanse and a quick chat about skin type, current concerns (seasonal dullness, in my case) and any recent treatments. The therapist then took a closer look at texture, congestion and sensitivity to decide how strong the exfoliation and suction should be.
From there, the classic Hydrafacial handpiece comes in. Using a spiral tip and controlled suction, it sweeps away dead skin cells and surface build-up while also delivering a hydrating solution. The feeling is more like a satisfying vacuum than a harsh extraction – a firm but comfortable pull as the device moves across the face, jawline and T-zone. The same tool is then used to clear out pores, especially around the nose and chin where congestion tends to linger. Because there’s no squeezing, you get the clarity of extractions without the usual redness or tender spots afterwards.
Next comes the JLO Beauty Booster. The therapist switches to the professional-strength serum and works it in with the Hydrafacial device. The texture is silky but light; you don’t walk out feeling smothered in product, yet the skin immediately looks more hydrated and subtly plumper. This is where the olive leaf extract, niacinamide, adaptogens and Hydracomplex really come into play – targeting brightness, firmness and moisture.
To finish, you spend a few minutes under LED light – chosen to help reduce visible signs of ageing and settle the skin after all the active steps. With eyes covered and the spa soundtrack in the background, your complexion gets a final nudge in the right direction. The whole appointment is about 60 minutes and feels unhurried: clear steps, no filler, with a calm, luxurious atmosphere throughout.
Who It’s Best For
I’d say this treatment is ideal if you need your skin to look better now – ahead of a party, event, trip or shoot – and you’re dealing with dullness, dehydration or that flat, grey tone that comes with stress, travel, late nights or constant air-con. It also suits anyone who likes results-driven facials but still wants hotel-level surroundings and a genuinely relaxing hour with minimal filler: no peeling, no obvious marks and no need to hide at home.
If your main concerns are deep-set wrinkles, active acne or significant pigmentation, this won’t replace other, more targeted clinical treatments. But as a radiance and hydration boost that leaves you looking fresher and more rested, it hits a very satisfying middle ground.
Before vs After
Straight after the facial, the first thing I noticed was the glow. My skin looked brighter and more reflective, yet not oily – more freshly polished than make-up shiny. Texture had improved too: the rougher areas around my nose and cheeks felt smoother, and fine dehydration lines around my eyes and forehead looked softened, giving a softly plumped, almost real-life airbrushed effect. Comfort-wise, there was no stinging, redness or tightness – just that very satisfying feeling of skin that’s deeply clean, cushioned and well-hydrated.
By the next morning, the glow had dialled down slightly but was still clearly there. My skin felt comfortably hydrated without any heaviness, which made it easy to go lighter on base make-up and lean into a more skin-first look.
Verdict
For me, the JLO GLOW Deluxe Hydrafacial at Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong sits firmly in the worth-it category if you’re after a noticeable reset in a single visit. It delivers on what it promises: boosting radiance, refining texture and leaving you with that expensive glow that reads as healthy and well-rested rather than heavily worked-on.
I appreciated that it feels indulgent without wasting time – 60 minutes of focused work, zero downtime and a setting that genuinely encourages you to switch off. It’s the kind of treatment I’d book before a packed festive calendar, ahead of a photo-heavy holiday, or simply when my skin (and energy) needs a lift. If you’re going to invest in one do-it-all facial this season – something that feels special with visible payoff from the moment you step out – the JLO GLOW Deluxe Hydrafacial makes a very strong case.
The Mandarin Salon, 24/F, Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, 2825 4800, www.mandarinoriental.com
Catherine Pun
A Hong Kong native with Filipino-Chinese roots, Catherine infuses every part of her life with zest, whether she’s belting out karaoke tunes or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. Her downtime often includes unwinding with Netflix and indulging in a 10-step skincare routine. As the Editorial Director of Friday Club., Catherine brings her wealth of experience from major publishing houses, where she refined her craft and even authored a book. Her sharp editorial insight makes her a dynamic force, always on the lookout for the next compelling narrative.
