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Hi-Tech Beauty Tools: Do They Really Work?

From massagers to microcurrents, marie claire investigates whether the new guard of beauty gadgets are really worth the investment.

How effective are skincare beauty tools and devices, really? In an anti-ageing obsessed world, we’re constantly being sold new beauty products that promise to change our lives.

Whether it’s a new-market skin cream being touted by celebrities near and far, or a bizarre facial technique popping onto our radars by way of Korea or Japan’s skincare culture collective, the revolving door of beauty recommendations can be confusing.

The latest round of cosmetic crazes are in-home beauty gadgets.

What Are The Best Skincare Tools And Devices?

Promising to tighten wrinkles, fight under-eye circles and reduce acne, these tools—wands, masks, and handheld devices—have some very inviting selling points.

But not all tools are created equal. To sort the worthwhile from the ineffectual, we’re breaking down each device.

LYMA Laser

lyma

The sell: If the long list of celebrity fans (Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber…) isn’t enough to convince you this tool is worthy every penny, the before-and-after photos will.

The effect: One hundred times more powerful than LED, this cold laser treatment is one of the most powerful at-home treatments on offer and works to target wrinkles, skin tone, elasticity and texture in as little as 30 minutes a day.

The tip: Apply 6 pumps of the Oxygen Mist to the face or area of skin requiring treatment, follow with 6 pumps of the Oxygen Glide. Only use as instructed.

LYMA Laser, $2,499; LYMA 

NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning System 

nuface

The sell: One of the most promising beauty gadgets, the Nuface Trinity, is a sleek handheld device, designed to target “facial contour, skin tone, and wrinkle reduction”. The at-home tool uses soft wave microcurrent technology (also known as Micro-current Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation) and should be used with skincare regimens for five minutes everyday.

The effect: According to the website, the NuFace is designed to mimic a facelift by tightening and lifting the skin. It counts Miranda Kerr, Jennifer Aniston, and Jessica Alba as fans.

The tip: Like any device, always read the instructions carefully before using the device. Electrical currents, no matter how mind, have the potential to cause damage if used on the same spot for too long.

NuFACE Trinity Facial Toning Device, $319; MECCA

FOREO Iris Eye Massager 

foreo

The sell: The Foreo Iris Illuminating eye massager is a semi-suspect looking device that uses “alternating T-Sonic™ technology to diminish the appearance of dark circles, bags under the eyes, and fine lines”. To use the device, you hold under the eye and over the brow bone to gently massage the area.

The effect: According to fans of the product, the Foreo Iris reduces puffy eye bags, lightens dark circles surrounding the eye, and smooths away fine lines. The gentle movement of the wand is meant to imitate Asian fingertip tapping motions that help to reduce puffiness.

The tip: Your eyes and the skin around your eyes is very sensitive, so make sure not to press the device into the area too hard.

Foreo Iris Eye Massager, $179, SEPHORASEPHORA

Talika Light Duo Device 

talkika

The sell: Apparently “inspired by NASA,” the Talika Light Duo is a sleek oval-shaped device which emits three anti-ageing wave lengths, each a different colour and each with a different purpose. The green light targets discolourations; the red light is for redness and inflammation, and the orange light is used to stimulate collagen production.

The effect: The Light Duo claims to target “all the signs of age (wrinkles, dark spots, loss of firmness, etc.)” with the use of light technology. The skin becomes smoother, more even and less red with regular use.

The tip: Like all light devices, make sure to only use each setting for the recommended time and don’t focus the tool on any one spot for too long.

Talika Light Duo Device, $328, CurrentBody

Talika Pigment Control 

talika

The sell: A wand-like device, the Pigment Control promises to “specifically target dark spots”. Utilising a “525-nm wavelength”, along with Ionotherapy, “imperceptible ionic micro-currents increase skin permeability”, the wand reduces pigmentation and makes your creams more effective.

The effect: Aiming to lighten and soften the face, regular use of the device promises to “take back control over dark spots on the face, hands and neckline.”

The tip: Like all light therapy and microcurrent technology, only use the recommended dose.

Talika Pigment Control, $142, CurrentBody

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