You’ve probably lost count of the number of times you’ve watched yourself on a Zoom call and thought how badly you want a facial. Luckily, technology has made it a lot easier to bring the skincare techniques from our facialists and derms during our pandemic times without ever leaving the house. However, when some devices cost as much as a couple of sessions at your favorite spa, you wonder if they’re worth the investment. We put a few of the buzziest skincare tools to the test, so you don’t have to go through any trial and error. Whether it’s a futuristic-looking LED face mask or a sculpting wand that targets wrinkles, we break down the most innovative ones that are perfect for supplementing your existing skincare routine.
Foreo UFO 2
What it is: An app-guided full-facial treatment device.
What it does: This device combines LED light therapy, T-sonic pulsations, cryotherapy, and thermotherapy to help you reach your skincare goals in two minutes a day.
How it works: After downloading the Foreo app, you remove the attachment ring from the device and clip on the mask of your choice. Depending on your skin goals, you can pick from mask options like the Cannabis Seed Oil Mask (infused with 200 mg of cannabis seed oil to help achieve a clear, hydrated complexion), the H2Overdose mask (which nourishes skin with hyaluronic acid), and more. You glide the device across your skin, and the mix of eight LED technology with hot and cold sonic waves boost the powers of your mask ingredients. The process takes about 90 seconds. The best part? Easy clean-up and quick results.
What fans say: “The heat feature feels so soothing coupled with red light therapy. The cooling feature is a great way to minimize my pores after a hot shower. This sleek device accomplishes so much!” “The variety of masks gives my skin everything I need at any moment, any condition or phase. Perfect for traveling and using anywhere.” “My skin is so happy. I like to put a little bit of the treatment that’s left in the mask envelope on the back of my hands.”
NuFACE Trinity
What it is: An FDA-approved facial toning device that uses microcurrents.
What it does: It improves the tone and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on your face and neck in as little as five minutes a day.
How it works: Created by aesthetician and co-founder Tera Peterson, this Allure Best of Beauty award-winning device sends electrical currents through your skin — sort of like putting your face through a strength-training workout. The microcurrent energy stimulates the production of collagen to help your skin appear smoother and firmer. After cleansing, use the included hyaluronic acid gel primer (your skin should look “wet”) to glide the device across your face and neck in an upward motion. It’s suggested to use the Hydrating Aqua Gel or the Firming + Brightening Silk Creme, which are uniquely formulated with a concentration of ions that optimize the microcurrent device’s performance. Use it five days a week for the first two months, and then you can reduce it to two or three days per week to keep up with your results.
What fans say: “It is the first face product I have ever used in my 63 years that I could see a difference on day one!” “I have been using this product for a month now, and I am in love. I use my NuFace every morning for toning and de-puffing, and this new activator brings my treatment to another level. My skin feels more tight and so soft.” “I am 55 years old, and it really made my skin firm, and I am seeing fine lines disappear.”
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro
What it is: An FDA-approved, hands-free LED mask that fights acne and reduces the look of fine lines in three minutes.
What it does: The patented design of this reusable mask shapes the contours of your face. A combo of 100 red lights and 62 blue lights evens out your skin tone, blurs out wrinkles, and shrinks blemishes.
How it works: This futuristic-looking mask contains blue light that destroys bacteria, which reduces acne and prevents future breakouts, while red light boosts collagen production. After the full 10-week course of treatment, clinical studies by the brand showed 97% of users showed an improvement in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
What fans say: “My esthetician, who I’ve gone to for years, commented on my great elasticity after a couple of months of use, and she had no idea I was using this device!” “I have noticed a definite improvement in the texture and tone of my skin. It’s a lot smoother. I love that this only takes three minutes!” “I use this every night and have noticed a big difference in my skin. I no longer have deep and painful cystic acne.”
Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand
What it is: A sculpting wand that uses sound wave technology.
What it does: It creates firmer-looking skin and rejuvenates the loss of elasticity in just 10 minutes a day.
How it works: Aesthetician and brand founder Shani Darden has always incorporated 10 minutes of vibration therapy in her signature facials to target wrinkles. Now, you can bring those same tightening effects to the comfort of your home with this Women’s Health award-winning wand. It transmits acoustic sound waves up to six centimeters (2.4 inches) below the skin’s surface. These gentle vibrations stimulate your body’s natural circulation in a way that can’t be attained with a traditional massage using just your hands. Each wand comes with two attachments — one is for larger areas like your cheeks, forehead, and neck, and another targets smaller areas like crow’s feet, brows, and the areas around your nose and lips.
What fans say: “I am an esthetician, and I love this wand — my skin feels plumped after using it. The muscles in my face feel less strained and more relaxed.” “I got this product after watching Hailey Bieber’s morning skincare routine, and she mentioned that it helped her jaw (because she clenches her jaw at night). I am in the same boat, and it has helped relax my jaw while giving me ultra benefits for my skin and fine lines.” “I’ve only had the wand for 10 days, but the results are real. My face looks firmer, more sculpted, and glowing.”
Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
What it is: A 24K gold-plated vibrating facial bar.
What it does: This sleek facial T-bar massager wakes up your complexion in 15 minutes a day by stimulating blood flow and helping with lymphatic drainage.
How it works: Sourced exclusively from Japan, celebrity makeup artist Jillian Dempsey calls this her number one tool to give her clients a fresh-faced and depuffed look. It has a similar result as a jade roller or gua sha tool, making the process faster. The tool moves at 6,000 vibrations per minute and contours your forehead, cheeks, and jaw bones within 15 days. The 24K gold not only makes the device look extra luxe but it’s also believed that gold increases blood flow and combats inflammation.
What fans say: “This gold bar is perfect for days when you wake up with a puffy face. I love how refreshing and cold it feels on the face, and it gently vibrates to drain that excess fluid and make my face more sculpted.” “It feels like you did yoga for your face. I’m in love with this bar. It’s waterproof, so you can use it in the bath, which is so amazing.” “This beautiful little golden tool helps active skincare ingredients penetrate into the deeper layers of your skin — enhancing the overall efficacy of whatever products you’re using in your current skincare regimen.”
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