Diamonds, placenta, bee venom: 5 of the world’s most bizarre facials

Weeks of celebrations filled with countless glasses of bubbles, indulgent serves of nanna’s Christmas pudding and sugary treats may be part of the festive spirit, but it won’t do your skin any favours.

While many take to a pampering spa day in a desperate attempt to undo the effects of a boozy Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties, why not ring in 2019 with a unique facial.

Using your own blood for skin massages, injecting bee stings into your face and rubbing sheep placenta deep into your pores are just the start of the slightly creepy efforts taken by dedicated beauty fanatics to maintain a youthful appearance.

1. Ruby and diamond facial, US$7,000

   If wearing the glittery gems isn’t quite enough, why not have them crushed and applied to your face. Used by the likes of Mila Kunis, the HD Diamond and Ruby Peel (invented by Scott-Vincent Borba) gives an antioxidant boost while exfoliating dead cells to leave your skin glowing.

2. Vampire facial, A$1,700

   This one is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Blood is extracted from your arm, spun in a centrifuge before it’s injected and massaged into your face to help with acne scarring, enlarged pores and wrinkles – a personal favourite of Kim Kardashian.

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   Collagen induction therapy is also known as (CIT) or microneedling. It can treat everything from scars to skin laxity to ageing and sun damage, with relatively little down time. It uses micro-fine needles to stimulate collagen production and skin rejuvenation. Especially effective for scarring or fine lines under the eyes 💕 . . Price: 65 pounds . . @aestha_clinic #aesthaclinic #beautybloger #skinclinic #london #facialslondon #londonclinic #dermapen #scartreatment #finelines #linesundereyes #vampirefacial #halloween #londonmua #londonfashion #harleystreet #skindoctors

   A post shared by Aestha Clinic (@aestha_clinic) on Oct 31, 2018 at 2:44am PDT

3. Bee venom facial, A$300

   Dubbed the natural alternative to botox, bee venom is said to stimulate collagen growth.The natural toxin smooths, plumps and moisturises to work wonders for your face. If it’s good enough for Victoria Beckham and Kate Middleton, it’s more than good enough for us.

4. Caviar facial, US$1,000

   La Prairie’s Ultimate White Caviar Illuminating Facial promises younger, smoother skin after smothering fish eggs all over your face.

   As a solution to ageing, the little antioxidant-filled balls hydrate skin cells, boost collagen production and improve skin elasticity and muscle tone for deeply sumptuous results.

5. Sheep placenta, US$500

   Yes, you read correctly. Beauty fanatics (ie, Hollywood celebrities) are turning to the nutrient-rich afterbirth sack in the attempt to reduce visible signs of ageing.

   Sheep placenta is thought to regenerate cells, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, lighten age spots and plump skin for a radiant glow.

If you're looking for a way to stay healthy in the New Year then these five bizarre wellness trends may just help you stay at the top of your game.