I can’t remember what life was like before incorporating the best facial tools into my routine. What started with a humble jade roller that I admittedly never used has somehow transformed into a full-on collection of high-tech gadgets that I power on to treat an array of skin concerns—sans a trip to my dermatologist’s office. These Must Have Skin Care Tools have revolutionized my approach to beauty.
Vogue’s Favorite Skin Care Tools
While I still keep the aforementioned jade roller on hand—it works wonders to boost blood flow, particularly during a sheet mask session—I have graduated my beauty product assortment quite a bit. Joanna Czech’s angled roller boasts similar circulation benefits but is also apt for sculpting the cheekbones and jawline. The NuFace takes it up a notch, powered by strong microcurrent technology that delivers visible results with consistent use. When I’m after overall skin rejuvenation (think: improved radiance and smoothed fine lines), my trusted LED face mask by Dr. Dennis Gross does the trick—it simultaneously provides anti-aging benefits with acne-fighting ones. And just when I thought I didn’t need another gadget, new innovations hit the market—like the Hailey Bieber-approved Medicube Age R Pro which helps deliver skin-care ingredients deep into the skin, or Therabody’s wand which depuffs the face via cold therapy. Since incorporating this range of gadgets, my skin has never looked better—more on that below. Ahead, these and more of the best skin care tools, as tested and reviewed by Vogue beauty editors. Read on to discover which items could supplement your regimen and become your own must have skin care tools.
Best LED Face Mask: Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask is a must have skin care tool for addressing wrinkles and improving skin tone.
- Why We Love It: If you’re battling fine lines and lackluster skin, the Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask is a must have skin care tool. LED lights, celebrated for their remarkable results, offer a quick and effective solution for various skin concerns in just 10 minutes daily. Dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm explains, “LED light therapy is a safe skin treatment using low-level light available in different colors and wavelengths,” highlighting its effectiveness in treating conditions like “acne, inflammation, swelling, signs of aging, stimulating collagen, and even minor wounds.” The Vogue Verified Currentbody LED face mask is designed for ease of use with its flexible silicone that comfortably fits the skin, allowing for hands-free movement. FDA-cleared and clinically proven to diminish wrinkles in four weeks, it’s a powerful addition to your beauty arsenal.
- Editor’s experience: “Hands-free skincare devices are essential for me because I’m always on my phone. Using the Currentbody mask, I’ve noticed brighter skin throughout the week. While I don’t have deep wrinkles yet, I’m proactively addressing fine lines. For Emily in Paris fans, this is the mask seen on the show. J’adore!” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Flexible silicone LED Face Mask
- What It’s Good For: Patented flexible silicone LED face mask to improve skin tone, texture, and firmness.
- Specs: FDA-approved, two light wavelengths: red (633nm) and near-infrared ((830nm)
- Best For: Brightening, fine lines, wrinkles, texture, pigmentation
- How to Use: Cleanse and dry skin. Secure the mask with straps. Activate for 10 minutes, repeat three to five times weekly.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the CurrentBody LED Mask for face.
Video: Courtesy of Sam Ravin
Best IPL Device: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System
The Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System is a must have skin care tool for smooth, hair-free skin at home.
- Why We Love It: For at-home laser hair removal, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System is a must have skin care tool. Experts often recommend IPL over traditional lasers because it uses a broad spectrum of light wavelengths that can also enhance skin texture and tone. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch advises choosing an IPL device that “can detect skin tone and automatically adjust the light intensity accordingly,” a key feature of this Braun device. This ensures effective hair follicle removal without skin damage. Dr. Gratch notes IPL devices are suitable for “legs, arms, underarms, outer bikini line, back, chest, and lower face,” particularly for those with lighter skin tones. It’s important to note that “IPL is not suitable for darker skin tones because it targets melanin in hair follicles, which can increase the risk of burns or discoloration.”
- Type: IPL device
- What It’s Good For: Long-lasting, at-home hair removal
- Specs: FDA-approved, three intensity levels (Standard, Gentle, Extra Gentle)
- Best For: Hair removal
- How to Use: Shave hair from treatment area, select head (underarms, precision, wide), glide on desired area.
Best Skincare Wand: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand is a must have skin care tool for convenient and effective facial treatments.
- Why We Love It: The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Wand is a must have skin care tool, making at-home facials simpler than ever. This season’s essential beauty tool combines four treatments into one portable device. Red light therapy reduces fine lines and scars, microcurrent tones facial muscles, low-vibration massage reduces puffiness, and therapeutic warmth enhances skincare product absorption—all in a quick five-minute treatment.
- Editor’s experience: “The Solawave’s portability and ease of use are fantastic. It’s travel-friendly, ensuring I maintain my skincare routine on trips. The quick treatment time is realistic for any routine – who has extra time?” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Skincare Wand
- Specs: One light wavelength: red (630nm)
- What It’s Good For: Reduces wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes, and dark spots, decreases puffiness, and aids product absorption.
- Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, puffiness
- How to Use: Wash face, apply serum or conductive gel. Glide wand upwards from forehead, cheeks, under eyes, jaw, neck, to upper lip.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand for face.
Video: Courtesy of Sam Ravin
Best Microcurrent Device: NuFace Trinity+
The NuFace Trinity+ is a must have skin care tool for sculpting and toning facial muscles effectively.
- Why We Love It: The NuFace Trinity+ is a must have skin care tool for anyone seeking a firmer and more toned complexion. This pronged microcurrent massager, favored by Vogue editors and celebrities like Cynthia Erivo and Madeline Petsch, stimulates facial muscles in short 5- to 20-minute sessions. It’s designed to visibly firm and tone skin with consistent use. Apply a conducting gel for smooth roller glide. Many users describe the Trinity+ as game-changing, smoothing lines, toning, lifting, and sculpting facial muscles using smart microcurrents.
- Editor’s experience: “When I need to look instantly snatched, I always reach for my NuFace. It’s the quickest, easiest, and most pain-free way to tone my face. Just a few passes along my cheekbones and jawline, and I’m camera-ready in minutes.” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
- Type: Microcurrent tool
- Specs: FDA Cleared, 340 microamps at maximum intensity
- What It’s Good For: Stimulates facial muscles to tone, lift, and tighten, providing both instant and long-term results.
- Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, sculpting
- How to Use: Cleanse with oil-free cleanser, apply serum. Brush on Microcurrent Activator, gently glide device over skin.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden using the NuFace Trinity+.
Video: Courtesy of Ingu Chen
Best Face Massager: Joanna Czech The Facial Massager
The Joanna Czech Facial Massager is a must have skin care tool for a spa-like facial massage at home.
- Why We Love It: The Joanna Czech Facial Massager is a must have skin care tool to bring the expertise of a salon facial into your home. Using this massager for a few minutes daily can effectively reduce puffiness, tighten and tone skin, and sculpt your jawline. Its durability, waterproof design, and ability to enhance product absorption set it apart. Pair it with your favorite serums, creams, or masks to maximize product penetration.
- Editor’s Experience: “One facial with Joanna Czech, and I was hooked. While daily treatments aren’t possible, this roller mimics her massage technique. It boosts blood flow, depuffs, and relieves tension. I love it!” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
- Type: Facial Massager
- Specs: Aluminum and zinc alloy
- What It’s Good For: Facial massager designed for home use, sculpting, depuffing, and aiding product absorption.
- Best For: Lifting, firming, depuffing, fine lines, wrinkles
- How to Use: Glide massager across face and décolletage to boost circulation and firm skin.
Best Cleansing Brush: Foreo LUNA 4 Face Cleansing Brush
The Foreo LUNA 4 Face Cleansing Brush is a must have skin care tool for effective makeup removal and deep pore cleansing.
- Why We Love It: The Foreo LUNA 4 Face Cleansing Brush is a must have skin care tool, combining Swedish design with sonic cleansing. Its pulsating silicone disc is covered in bacteria-resistant nubs that gently lift impurities from pores without harsh scrubbing. Ideal for simplifying makeup removal, it effectively eliminates sweat, oil, and dirt, resulting in smoother, clearer skin and a radiant complexion.
- Editor’s experience: “Even after double cleansing, I’m never sure if I’ve fully removed makeup and city grime. The Foreo provides peace of mind. It’s easy to use, silicone-based, so no germ worries in the shower where I keep it.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Silicone Electric Cleansing Brush/Massager
- What It’s Good For: Enhances skincare absorption and is clinically proven to remove 99% of dirt, oil, and makeup residue.
- Specs: Battery Powered (1 Lithium Polymer required)
- Best For: Facial cleansing, firming
- How to Use: Apply cleanser, press power button for cleansing or double press for firming massage mode. Glide outwards following face shape until it turns off.
Best LED Light Therapy Tool: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro
The Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro is a must have skin care tool for effective LED light therapy at home.
- Why We Love It: For effective and convenient LED light therapy, the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro is a must have skin care tool. This hands-free mask offers three treatment modes to rejuvenate skin. Using both LED red and blue light, it targets bacteria and smooths wrinkles in just three minutes a day. Despite its futuristic look, it’s designed for comfort and ease of use during your Netflix sessions.
- Editor’s experience: “I don’t always make the healthiest choices, so I value this mask. Using it feels like an investment in future skin health. The three-minute treatment time is easy to incorporate into my routine, unlike longer masks. It’s also great for jump-scaring people on FaceTime!” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: LED Mask with silicone strap
- What It’s Good For: Smooths face, diminishes fine lines, prevents acne, firms skin. Treats existing acne with blue and red light.
- Specs: FDA-cleared, four light wavelengths: red (630 – 700nm), blue (400 – 470nm), infrared (800 – 1200nm), and amber (590nm – 630mm)
- Best For: Acne, wrinkles, fine lines
- How to Use: After cleansing, place over face and secure straps. Hold button for two seconds to select light. Remove after timer shuts off.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden trying on the Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro for face.
Video: Courtesy of Sam Ravin
Best for Hair Growth: Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet
The Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet is a must have skin care tool for those seeking to improve hair density and length.
- Why We Love It: The Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet is a must have skin care tool for stimulating hair growth. Experts agree that red light therapy is effective for hair growth by “improving energy production at a cellular level as well as increasing blood supply to the area,” according to dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi. This helmet is highly endorsed by experts as one of the best beauty devices for hair growth. Dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose notes patients have seen results, especially “when used in conjunction with topical and/or oral therapies.” Vogue contributor Danielle James tested it for six months and observed significant improvements in hair density and length, detailed in her review.
- Editor’s Experience: “Currentbody guarantees results within 16 weeks, or money back—changes took about 12 weeks for me. Shedding decreased by week 6. By week 8, hair health improved: shinier, stronger, better feel. New growth by week 20. Daily use might have shown results sooner.” —Danielle James, contributor
- Type: Red light therapy helmet
- What It’s Good For: Hands-free red light therapy for scalp for a hi-tech approach to hair growth.
- Specs: FDA-cleared, emits red light at 620-660nm, protective charging base, USB-powered, two sizes for fit.
- Best For: Hair growth
- How to Use: Place helmet on clean, dry hair, turn on. 10-minute treatment, helmet turns off automatically.
Best Laser Device: Lyma Laser
The Lyma Laser is a must have skin care tool representing a clinic-grade laser for at-home use, offering powerful skin transformation.
- Why We Love It: The Lyma Laser is a must have skin care tool if you are serious about skin rejuvenation. This FDA-cleared, clinic-grade tool is more potent than LED light therapy. Lyma transforms skin by delivering a painless, low-level clinical strength laser (500mW power at 808nm wavelength) deep into the skin to promote cellular repair and regeneration, improving wrinkles, sun damage, redness, and pigmentation. Though a significant investment, its effectiveness is undeniable. Joanna Czech recommends using it as a spot treatment to reduce dark spots over time.
- Editor’s Experience: “By week five, my skin improved noticeably. Others complimented me, asking what changed—Lyma was the only difference. It traveled to three countries with me, helped with jet-lagged skin, and sunspots started fading. My skin looked plumper and brighter overall.” —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
- Type: Laser
- What It’s Good For: Reduces fine lines and dark spots, improves texture and tone
- Specs: FDA-Cleared, Near infra-red 500mW laser technology
- Best For: Wrinkles, texture, dark Spots, hyperpigmentation
- How to Use: Hold laser over treatment spot for three minutes or glide across face and body.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden using the Lyma Laser.
Video: Courtesy of Ingu Chen
Best Depuffing: Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand
The Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand is a must have skin care tool for reducing puffiness and enhancing skincare routines.
- Why We Love It: The Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand is a must have skin care tool for those prone to puffiness. It quickly reduces morning puffiness around eyes and cheeks, providing a quick lift and soft sculpt. Its depuffing power comes from cold therapy, offering three temperatures (57°, 54°, 50°) to tighten skin like an ice roller, without freezer burn risk. It also offers heat therapy (95°, 100°, 108°) to boost skincare product absorption.
- What It’s Good For: Depuffing under-eye bags, reducing morning or post-flight puffiness.
- Specs: Plastic wand with copper/aluminum alloy head for cold and heat therapy
- Best For: Depuffing, firming
- How to Use: Glide wand on clean, dry skin on under-eyes, cheeks, jaw, and forehead.
Best For Contouring: Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar
The Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar is a must have skin care tool for achieving sculpted cheekbones and jawline definition.
- Why We Love It: The Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar is a must have skin care tool that mimics Hollywood facialist techniques at home. This sculpting and facial toning device contours cheekbones, lifts jawlines, and massages heavy eyebrows. Its 24-karat gold vibrating bar, with 6000 rotations per minute, boosts blood flow, relaxes tense muscles, depuffs, and sculpts the face—enhancing your gua sha routine.
- Type: Facial Massager
- What It’s Good For: Sculpts and defines cheekbones, jawline, chin, and neck areas
- Specs: 24K gold plated vibrating bar with 6,000 rotations per minute
- Best For: Lifting, Toning, Contouring
- How to Use: Moisturize skin, move upward along jawline towards temples for up to five minutes.
Best for Acne: OmniLux Mini Blemish Eraser
The OmniLux Mini Blemish Eraser is a must have skin care tool for effectively targeting and treating acne breakouts.
- Why We Love It: The OmniLux Mini Blemish Eraser is a must have skin care tool for fast acne treatment. Instead of waiting days for pimple patches or spot treatments, this mini Blemish Eraser speeds up the process. Use with hydrocolloid patches infused with salicylic acid and green tea, and place the device on top. Blue light (415nm) eliminates surface bacteria, and red light (633 nm) reduces inflammation, pigmentation, and redness. It’s hands-free for uninterrupted daily activities.
- Type: Silicone Mini LED device
- What It’s Good For: Targets breakouts, clinically proven to target acne-causing bacteria
- Specs: FDA-cleared, two wavelengths: 415nm (blue) and 633nm (red)
- Best For: Acne, inflammation, redness
- How to Use: Stick hydrocolloid patches on blemishes, adhere device for 10 minutes, four times a week until blemish subsides.
Best for Microneedling: BeautyBio GloPRO Regeneration Tool
The BeautyBio GloPRO Regeneration Tool is a must have skin care tool for at-home microneedling to enhance skin texture and radiance.
- Why We Love It: For pore-less skin in 2024, the BeautyBio GloPRO is a must have skin care tool. This cult-favorite microneedling tool stimulates cellular turnover and collagen production through wound healing. Just 60 seconds of use daily promises a plumper, more radiant complexion. Despite its intimidating appearance, it’s painless and enhances skincare absorption, contributing to tighter, smoother skin with three-times-a-week use.
- Type: Microneedling LED Light Tool
- What It’s Good For: Red LED light enhances skin appearance via pulse stimulation.
- Specs: One light wavelength: red (620-625nm)
- Best For: Smoothing, retexturing
- How to Use: Clarify skin with alcohol pads, gently use device on face for 60 seconds. Immediately apply serums.
Best Dermaplaning Device: Dermaflash LUXE+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning Device
The Dermaflash LUXE+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning Device is a must have skin care tool for achieving smooth skin and enhanced product absorption through dermaplaning.
- Why We Love It: The Dermaflash LUXE+ is a must have skin care tool for those seeking facial-like results at home. This two-in-one sonic extractor features a stainless steel spatula for effective skin treatment. Its Extract mode gently removes blackheads, dirt, and oil, while Infuse mode enhances serum penetration. Used with your favorite active ingredients, it significantly improves product effectiveness.
- Type: Dermaplaning Device
- What It’s Good For: Exfoliates dead skin cells and eliminates blackheads, dirt, and oil buildup.
- Specs: Sonic dermaplaning system
- Best For: Blackheads, skincare absorption, peach fuzz removal
- How to Use: Prep skin with Preflash Essential Skin Prep. Hold device at 45-degree angle, use short feathery strokes on taut skin. Finish with skincare products.
Best for Tense Muscles: Theraface PRO Microcurrent Facial Device
The TheraFace PRO Microcurrent Facial Device is a must have skin care tool for relieving facial tension and providing versatile skincare treatments.
- Why We Love It: The TheraFace Pro is a must have skin care tool for those tempted to use a Theragun on their face. This device offers eight treatments and various heads for customized skincare. From gentle percussive massage to LED light therapy, hot and cold sessions, and cleansing, it addresses diverse needs. Its versatility makes it ideal for relaxation or glam prep, favored by celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles.
- Editor’s experience: “With TMJ, relaxing facial muscles is hard. No tool relieves tension like TheraFace Pro. The massage is soothing, perfect for multiple treatments at once. I add LED light during massaging for extra benefits.” —Kiana Murden, beauty shopping writer
- Type: Facial Massaging Device
- What It’s Good For: An 8-in-1 device featuring facial massager, kit, and sculpting tool, with LED Light Therapy for tightening and anti-aging.
- Specs: Three light wavelengths: red, blue, and infrared
- Best For: Cleansing, sculpting, inflammation, acne, relieving tension
- How to Use: Apply conductive gel, select microcurrent setting. Glide upward on face areas. Rinse skin and pat dry.
Best Gua Sha: Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
The Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool is a must have skin care tool rooted in traditional Chinese medicine for natural face sculpting.
- Why We Love It: The Mount Lai Gua Sha tool is a must have skin care tool for reducing puffy under-eyes. It’s available in jade, rose quartz, black obsidian, and amethyst, allowing you to choose based on your needs or mood. This traditional Chinese tool increases blood flow, drains the lymphatic system, and tones skin when used in quick motions. Daily practice offers visual and meditative benefits, enhancing any self-care routine.
- Editor’s experience: “I don’t have naturally defined cheekbones or a sharp jawline, so gua sha is essential for definition. Initially skeptical, I quickly changed my mind after seeing the difference. Consistency is key—daily routine is essential, and it’s portable for on-the-go use.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Gua Sha Stone
- What It’s Good For: Boosting circulation and sculpting the face.
- Specs: Made of 100% jade, rose quartz, black obsidian, or amethyst stone
- Best For: Puffiness, contouring, releasing tension, lymphatic drainage
- How to Use: Prepare skin with oil or serum, glide down neck, smooth forehead, massage eye area, contour cheeks, and sculpt jawline.
Best Infrared Sauna Blanket: Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket
The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket is a must have skin care tool for full-body detox and radiant skin from home.
- Why We Love It: The Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket is a must have skin care tool for at-home sauna benefits. Ideal for those lacking space or funds for a traditional sauna, this blanket folds away for easy storage. It uses far infrared rays to detoxify the body, mimicking a light workout by increasing heart rate. Beyond detox and calorie burn, it reduces stress, boosts mood, increases blood flow, and promotes radiant skin.
- Editor’s experience: “I’m obsessed with my sauna blanket, using it for four+ years. For relaxation or focused work, it’s my go-to. As I don’t sweat much, I use it with magnesium spray and body oil after rinsing. Hydrate well before and after to avoid dizziness.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Sauna Blanket
- What It’s Good For: Water-resistant, elevated Polyurethane and infrared heat for full-body sweat, charcoal boosts and crystals for enhanced benefits.
- Specs: Blanket ranges from 68 to 158 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Best For: Detoxing, burning calories, boosting mood, glowing skin, reducing stress, increase blood flow
- How to Use: Wear skin-covering clothes and socks or blanket insert. Preheat for 10 minutes, lay on flat, heat-resistant surface. Zip in for 30-45 minutes. Rinse in a cool shower.
Best Face Roller: Herbivore Stone Facial Roller
The Herbivore Stone Facial Roller is a must have skin care tool for enhancing circulation and achieving a radiant complexion with a simple massage.
- Why We Love It: The Herbivore Stone Facial Roller is a must have skin care tool, a classic face roller known to enhance circulation, ease muscle tension, and promote radiant skin. Made from ethically-sourced, high-quality jade, it’s both chic and effective. It can also help drain congested lymph nodes, remove toxins, and relieve sinus issues, especially beneficial for those prone to sniffles.
- Type: Jade Stone Roller
- What It’s Good For: Boosts circulation, relaxes muscle tension, and promotes radiant glow
- Specs: Jade facial roller
- Best For: Puffiness, fine lines, detoxing
- How to Use: Apply face oil, roll from face center outwards and upwards/down neck sides. Store in fridge for cooling effect.
Best Korean Skincare Tool for Glass Skin: Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
The Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is a must have skin care tool from K-beauty innovations for achieving the coveted glass skin look.
- Why We Love It: The Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is a must have skin care tool, bringing Korean beauty innovation to your routine. Utilizing Electroporation, it effectively delivers products deeper into the skin without needles, increasing ingredient absorption by 785% according to clinical trials. With four modes and safe for all skin types, it transforms daily skincare into a spa-like experience.
- Editor’s experience: “Hailey Bieber’s TikTok introduced me to the Medicube Age-R Booster, and it’s now a staple. This K-Beauty tool is easy, painless, and makes my skin look plumper and glossier after each use. Perfect for vacation prep!” —Kiana Murden, senior beauty shopping writer
- Type: Facial Treatment Device
- What It’s Good For: Enhanced radiance, elasticity, pore care, and facial contouring
- Specs: Electrical stimulation
- Best For: Hydration, plumping
- How to Use: Wash face, apply skincare. Turn on device, choose watering (circle), boosting (slide), or focus (press) method.
Best for Big Events: ZIIP Halo
The ZIIP Halo is a must have skin care tool for achieving an immediate lifting effect before special occasions.
- Why We Love It: The ZIIP Halo is a must have skin care tool, especially before big, photographed events. Extensively tested for two months, it proves its worth, delivering noticeable results. Microcurrent technology, while sounding intense, is painless, feeling like gentle vibrations. With 26 waveform and intensity combinations via an app, frequent use ensures consistent results and variety.
- Editor’s experience: “First use of Ziip Halo gave immediate results that explain its celebrity red carpet use: eyebrow lift and instant cheek lifting effect.” — Veronica Cristino, Contributor
- Type: Microcurrent tool
- Specs: 50 Hz frequency, 900 nanoamps to 400 microamps power levels
- What It’s Good For: Immediate lifting effect for important events like weddings or red carpets.
- Best For: Dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, texture
- How to Use: Apply Electric Complex Gel on clean, dry skin, activate device via globes or ZIIP App. Use three to five times weekly for six weeks for best results. Sensitivity test recommended before first use.
Best Dry Brush: Goop Beauty Ultimate Dry Brush
The Goop Beauty Ultimate Dry Brush is a must have skin care tool for body exfoliation, revealing smooth and glowing skin.
- Why We Love It: The Goop Beauty Ultimate Dry Brush is a must have skin care tool, unlike cheap or harsh dry brushes. This “Ultimate” brush, made from natural sisal, gently exfoliates dead skin cells without irritation. It features an easy-grip handle for reaching all areas.
- Editor’s experience: “As a Gwyneth Paltrow disciple, I’m a dry brushing fan. This Goop brush feels great, not too harsh, and effectively removes dead skin. My skin feels baby soft afterward. I love the ritual and following up with body oil.” — Iman Balagam, Contributor
- Type: Body Brush
- What It’s Good For: Exfoliates and sweeps away dead skin for glowing, smooth skin.
- Specs: Brush made from pure natural sisal
- Best For: Exfoliation, circulation
- How to Use: Use on dry skin before bath or shower. Brush upwards towards heart from feet, using small strokes or circular motions for three to five minutes.
Best For Skincare Absorption: Droplette
The Droplette Microinfusion Device is a must have skin care tool for maximizing the effectiveness of your skincare products.
- Why We Love It: The Droplette Microinfusion Device is a must have skin care tool, integral to Brooke Shields’ beauty routine. This device enhances ingredient penetration at a molecular level, making them more effective than topical application. It uses an aerosol mist to deposit tiny droplets past the skin barrier. Capsules include collagen, glycolic acid, growth factors, and retinol to address various skin concerns.
- Editor’s experience: “I never considered product wastage until Droplette improved my skin (hydration, less redness, plumpness, firmness). Skincare is expensive! The hyaluronic acid lip plumping capsule is great before events – I avoid lip fillers.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Skincare Device
- What It’s Good For: Needle-free technology delivering ingredients like collagen and retinol 20 times deeper into the skin.
- Specs: Micro-infusion Technology, Charging Adapter
- Best For: Skincare absorption, plumping, hydration
- How to Use: Place serum capsule in chamber. Tilt head back, position device half inch from skin. Turn on, move mist in slow circles around face, starting from right cheek to chin, then left, and forehead.
Best for Skin Tightening: Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Device
The Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device is a must have skin care tool for at-home skin tightening and collagen production.
- Why We Love It: The Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device is a must have skin care tool, bringing radio frequency technology to home use. Radio frequency heats skin to stimulate collagen, tighten tissue, and improve skin quality, as dermatologist Brendan Camp explains. While commonly used by professionals, Currentbody makes it accessible for home use, maintaining skin at 104 degrees Fahrenheit to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve texture.
- Editor’s Experience: “It delivers gentle heat and never gets too hot. The sensor keeps skin at 104 degrees, ideal for collagen production. I focus on forehead, 11s, crow’s-feet, and laugh lines.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Skin-care device
- What It’s Good For: At-home radio frequency to tighten skin and spur collagen production with consistent use.
- Specs: FDA-cleared
- Best For: Collagen production, firming, improving skin texture
- How to Use: Apply radio frequency gel to clean, dry skin, glide device in circles across face for up to 70 minutes, or use a five-minute regimen.
Understanding Beauty Technologies: A Guide to Must Have Skin Care Tools
- LED Light Therapy: Esthetician Elizabeth Hand explains LED light therapy as a non-invasive treatment using specific light wavelengths for skin concerns. “Look for devices with both red and blue lights,” she advises. Red light boosts collagen and repair, while blue light combats acne bacteria. These are must have skin care tools for comprehensive skin health.
- Microcurrent: Microcurrent technology, Hand explains, “delivers low-level electrical currents to tone and shape facial muscles,” mimicking natural impulses to improve muscle tone and firmness. These are must have skin care tools for facial sculpting.
- Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy, according to Hand, “involves exposing the body to freezing or near-freezing temperatures for therapeutic benefits,” reducing inflammation and swelling for a refreshed look. Depuffing wands utilize this technology as must have skin care tools.
- Facial Massage: Facial massage, using hands or tools, “stimulates blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients, promoting a healthy complexion,” Hand says. It also aids lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness. “Easiest at-home treatment,” she notes, highlighting facial massagers and gua sha as must have skin care tools.
- Laser: Lasers, like the Lyma Laser, are FDA-cleared at-home devices, clinically proven to reduce aging signs, wrinkles, redness, blemishes, scarring, and pigmentation. “The laser reaches the dermis base, triggering cells to regenerate and repair, not die off,” Hand explains. “Light energy instructs cells to produce more proteins against free radicals, increasing collagen and elastin,” making laser devices powerful must have skin care tools.
- Microneedling: Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is minimally invasive, using fine needles to create tiny skin punctures. “Micro-injuries stimulate natural wound healing, increasing collagen and elastin production,” Hand clarifies. Microneedling tools are must have skin care tools for skin texture improvement.
- Dermaplaning: Dermaplaning, using a surgical blade, “removes vellus hair (peach fuzz) and dead skin cells, smoothing skin and improving product penetration,” Hand explains. Frequency depends on hair growth, typically once every two to four weeks. Dermaplaning devices are must have skin care tools for smooth skin and product efficacy.
- Radio Frequency: Radio frequency devices use low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat, stimulating collagen and improving skin firmness. Aesthetician Athena Hewett notes that while at-home devices are less intense than professional machines, “with consistency over several months, you could achieve similar results to medical RF treatments.” RF devices are must have skin care tools for long-term skin firming.
Choosing Your Must Have Skin Care Tools
Elizabeth Hand emphasizes that selecting the right beauty tool depends on individual goals, concerns, and timing, such as wedding or holiday preparation. Consulting with an aesthetician and researching expert-recommended tools for home use is crucial, especially for sensitive skin. “I always recommend an LED mask as the number one at-home tool that everyone can benefit from,” she advises, making it a universally beneficial must have skin care tool.
Are At-Home Beauty Tools a Worthwhile Investment?
Hand affirms that at-home beauty tools are valuable investments. However, she stresses, “No tool substitutes a good skincare routine.” For home use, she advises against dermaplaning and microneedling due to risks like bacteria and broken blood vessels, recommending professional treatments for these procedures. Focus on safe and effective must have skin care tools that complement your existing routine.
