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. Discover Vogue’s curated selection of favorite skincare tools that can revolutionize your face care regimen and bring professional-level treatments into the comfort of your home.
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 adept at 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 skincare 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 Tools For Face Care, as tested and reviewed by Vogue beauty editors. Read on to discover which items could supplement your regimen and elevate your face care routine to the next level.
Best LED Face Mask: Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Why We Love It: Are you struggling with fine lines and dull skin? LED light therapy, long praised for its powerful results, addresses a multitude of skincare issues in just 10 minutes or less per day, making it one of the best tools for face care. “LED light therapy is a safe skin treatment using low-level light available in different colors and wavelengths,” dermatologist Dr. Melanie Palm tells Vogue, noting that different wavelengths of light can effectively treat various skin conditions “including acne, inflammation, swelling, signs of aging, stimulating collagen, and even minor wounds.” The Vogue Verified Currentbody LED face mask easily straps on—its flexible silicone material fitting snugly onto the skin, allowing you to move around your home without worrying about slippage. The most compelling feature is that it’s FDA-cleared and clinically proven to reduce wrinkles in just four weeks, solidifying its place among the best tools for face care.
Editor’s experience: “Hands-free skincare devices are essential for me because I’m attached to my phone and need my hands free. I’ve noticed brighter skin throughout the week, and while I don’t have any fine lines or deep wrinkles yet, I’m proactive about prevention. Also, for Emily in Paris fans, this is the same 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 designed 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 your skin. Secure the mask using the straps. Activate the mask for a 10-minute treatment, and repeat three to five times per week for optimal face care.
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
Why We Love It: When considering at-home laser hair removal, many experts recommend IPL over traditional laser as it emits a broad-spectrum of light wavelengths that can also improve skin texture and tone, making it a versatile tool for face care. “You should choose an IPL device that can detect skin tone and automatically adjust the light intensity accordingly,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Noah Gratch previously told Vogue, highlighting a key feature of this Braun device; this ensures hair follicle removal without skin damage. “IPL hair removal devices are suitable for use on the legs, arms, underarms, outer bikini line, back, chest, and lower face,” Dr. Gratch continued. However, it’s important to note that IPL is best suited for those with lighter skin tones. “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 and improved skin tone.
- Specs: FDA-approved, three intensity levels (Standard, Gentle, Extra Gentle)
- Best For: Hair removal
- How to Use: Shave hair from the treatment area, select the appropriate head (underarms, precision for bikini and upper lip, and wide for larger areas), then glide over the desired hair removal area as part of your face care routine.
Best Skincare Wand: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
Why We Love It: At-home facials have become incredibly convenient, thanks to the Solawave Radiant Renewal Wand, a standout among the best tools for face care. This skincare wand is a must-have beauty tool, combining four treatments into one ultra-portable device. Red light therapy deeply penetrates to diminish fine lines and scarring, microcurrent tones facial muscles, low-vibration facial massage reduces puffiness, and therapeutic warmth enhances the absorption of your skincare products—all in a quick five-minute treatment, making it an efficient addition to your face care routine.
Editor’s experience: “The Solawave is incredibly portable and easy to use, which are my favorite features. It’s compact enough to travel with me, so I can maintain my skincare routine on trips. Plus, it only takes a few minutes, fitting seamlessly into a busy schedule.” —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 skincare product absorption for comprehensive face care.
- Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, puffiness
- How to Use: Wash and dry your face, then apply a thin layer of Renew Complex Serum or a conductive gel. Glide the wand upwards across your face, starting from the forehead, moving along the cheeks, under the eyes, jaw, neck, and upper lip for effective face care.
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+
Why We Love It: NuFace’s pronged microcurrent massager—beloved by Vogue editors and celebrities alike—stimulates facial muscles in 5- to 20-minute sessions, resulting in a firmer and more toned complexion, making it one of the top-rated tools for face care. Slather on a conducting gel pre-use to ensure smooth roller glide. Described as game-changing by users, the Trinity+ version works to smooth lines, tone, lift, and sculpt facial muscles through smart microcurrents, solidifying its status as a best-in-class tool for face care.
Editor’s experience: “Whenever I want an instantly snatched look, I reach for my NuFace. It’s the quickest, easiest, and most pain-free way to tone the face. A few passes along my cheekbones and jawline makes me 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 for comprehensive face care.
- Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, sculpting
- How to Use: Cleanse with an oil-free cleanser, apply a serum, and then brush on the Microcurrent Activator before gently gliding the device over your skin as part of your regular face care routine.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden using the NuFace Trinity+.
Video: Courtesy of Ingu Chen
Best Face Massager: Joanna Czech The Facial Massager
Why We Love It: While a personal visit to Joanna Czech’s salon may not be feasible, her products bring the experience home. Joanna Czech’s The Facial Massager, used for just a few minutes daily, combats puffiness, tightens, tones, and sculpts your jawline, establishing itself as a premier face care tool. Its durability, waterproof design, and product absorption assistance distinguish it from other massagers. Pair it with your favorite skincare serums, creams, or a face mask to enhance product penetration into your skin, maximizing your face care benefits.
Editor’s Experience: “One facial with Joanna Czech was all it took to get me 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 Joanna’s clients to use at home, sculpting, depuffing, and aiding product absorption for effective face care.
- Best For: Lifting, firming, depuffing, fine lines, wrinkles
- How to Use: Glide the facial massager across your face and décolletage to boost circulation and firm skin as part of your daily face care routine.
Best Cleansing Brush: Foreo LUNA 4 Face Cleansing Brush
Why We Love It: Foreo’s pulsating disc, combining Swedish design with sonic cleansing technology, is covered in bacteria-repelling silicone nubs that lift impurities from pores without harsh scrubbing, making it a superior tool for face care. If makeup removal feels like a chore, a Foreo could be transformative. It simplifies the process and effectively removes sweat, oil, and dirt, leading to smoother, clearer skin and a radiant complexion, making it an essential tool for face care.
Editor’s experience: “I can never be sure if I’ve fully removed makeup or city grime at night, even after double cleansing. The Foreo provides peace of mind. It’s easy to use, and the silicone material prevents germ collection in the shower where I keep mine.” —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, vital for effective face care.
- Specs: Battery Powered (1 Lithium Polymer required)
- Best For: Facial cleansing, firming
- How to Use: Apply a thin layer of cleanser, press the power button to turn it on, and double press for firming massage mode. Glide it outwards following your face shape until it turns off as part of your face care regimen.
Best LED Light Therapy Tool: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro
Why We Love It: Dr. Dennis Gross’s hands-free mask is incredibly user-friendly, offering three treatment modes to rejuvenate skin, making it a top choice among LED light therapy tools for face care. This hands-free facial mask utilizes LED red and blue light to eliminate bacteria and smooth wrinkles in just three minutes a day! Despite its futuristic appearance, it’s surprisingly comfortable to wear and delivers noticeable results over time, making it a highly effective tool for face care.
Editor’s experience: “I don’t always make the best lifestyle choices, so I love this mask. Each use feels like an investment in my future skin. Because it’s only a three-minute treatment, it’s easy to incorporate into my routine, unlike longer masks. It’s also great for jump scares during FaceTime calls.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: LED Mask with silicone strap
- What It’s Good For: Smooths the face, reduces fine lines, prevents acne, and firms skin. It also clears existing acne using blue and red light, offering comprehensive face care benefits.
- 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 the button for two seconds to select the light choice. Remove after the timer shuts off as part of your face care routine.
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
Why We Love It: Experts agree that red light therapy is a top mechanism to stimulate hair growth by “improving energy production at a cellular level and increasing blood supply to the area,” according to dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi, making it a beneficial tool for face care extending to the scalp. Among beauty devices for this purpose, Currentbody’s helmet is highly endorsed. Dermatologist Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose notes patient success with it. “Best results are achieved when used with topical and/or oral therapies depending on the cause of thinning,” she adds. Vogue contributor Danielle James tested it for six months and saw significant hair density and length improvements—see her review for details.
Editor’s Experience: “Currentbody guarantees results within 16 weeks—or your money back—and I saw changes in about 12 weeks. Less shedding was noticeable within 6 weeks. By week 8, my hair looked shinier, stronger, and healthier. By week 20, new growth appeared. I believe daily use would have shown results sooner.” —Danielle James, contributor
- Type: Red light therapy helmet
- What It’s Good For: Hands-free red light therapy designed for scalp hair growth, a unique face care tool.
- Specs: FDA-cleared, emits red light at 620-660nm, protective charging base, USB-powered, and available in two sizes.
- Best For: Hair growth
- How to Use: Place the helmet on clean, dry hair and turn it on for a 10-minute treatment daily for effective face care and hair growth. The helmet automatically turns off.
Best Laser Device: Lyma Laser
Why We Love It: The Lyma Laser is worth considering—an FDA-cleared, clinic-grade tool more powerful than traditional LED light therapy, positioning itself as a premium tool for face care. Lyma transforms skin using a painless, low-level clinical strength laser (500mW power at 808nm wavelength) deep beneath the skin to boost cellular repair and regeneration. The results include improved wrinkles, sun damage, redness, and pigmentation appearance. It’s an investment, but justified. Joanna Czech endorses it, recommending it as a spot treatment for dark spots.
Editor’s Experience: “By week five, I noticed skin changes, and others complimented me, asking what was different—the Lyma Laser was the only change. It traveled to three countries with me and helped with post-jet-lag face. My sunspots started fading, and my skin looked plumper and brighter.” —Margaux Anbouba, senior beauty editor
- Type: Laser
- What It’s Good For: Reduces fine lines and dark spots, improves texture and tone, making it a comprehensive face care solution.
- Specs: FDA-Cleared, Near infra-red 500mW laser technology
- Best For: Wrinkles, texture, dark Spots, hyperpigmentation
- How to Use: Hold the laser over the treatment spot for three minutes or glide it across the face and body for targeted face care.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden using the Lyma Laser.
Video: Courtesy of Ingu Chen
Best Depuffing: Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand
Why We Love It: If puffiness is a concern, the Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand is a valuable tool for face care. It quickly reduces morning puffiness around eyes and cheeks, providing a fast pick-me-up and gentle sculpt. Depuffing comes from cold therapy—using three preset temperatures (57°, 54°, or 50°) to tighten skin like an ice roller, but without freezer burn risk. It also offers heat therapy—at 95°, 100°, or 108°—to enhance skincare product absorption, offering dual benefits for face care.
- What It’s Good For: Depuffing under-eye bags, reducing morning or post-flight puffiness, an essential tool for face care.
- Specs: Plastic wand with a copper/aluminum alloy head for cold and heat therapy
- Best For: Depuffing, firming
- How to Use: Glide the wand across clean, dry skin on areas like under-eyes, cheeks, jaw, and forehead for targeted face care.
Best For Contouring: Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar
Why We Love It: Emulate Hollywood facialists with Jillian Dempsey’s sculpting and facial toning device, designed to contour cheekbones, lift jawlines, and massage heavy eyebrows, making it a premier tool for face care. Jillian Dempsey’s 24-karat gold vibrating bar mimics massage effects (6000 rotations per minute) to boost blood flow, relax muscles, depuff, and sculpt your face—supercharging your morning gua sha routine for enhanced face care.
- Type: Facial Massager
- What It’s Good For: Sculpts and defines cheekbones, jawline, chin, and neck areas, making it a targeted tool for face care contouring.
- Specs: 24K gold plated vibrating bar with 6,000 rotations per minute
- Best For: Lifting, Toning, Contouring
- How to Use: Moisturize skin, then move upward along the jawline towards temples for up to five minutes as part of your face care sculpting process.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden using the Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar.
Video: Courtesy of Ingu Chen
Best for Acne: OmniLux Mini Blemish Eraser
Why We Love It: Instead of waiting days for blemishes to disappear with patches or spot treatments, the mini Blemish Eraser speeds up the process, making it an efficient tool for face care. Apply the brand’s hydrocolloid patches with salicylic acid and green tea antioxidants, then place the device on top. Blue wavelength lights (415nm) eliminate surface bacteria, and red wavelength lights (633 nm) reduce inflammation, pigmentation, and redness. It’s hands-free and allows you to continue your day uninterrupted, making it a convenient tool for face care.
- Type: Silicone Mini LED device
- What It’s Good For: Targets breakouts, clinically proven to target acne-causing bacteria for effective face care.
- Specs: FDA-cleared, two wavelengths: 415nm (blue) and 633nm (red)
- Best For: Acne, inflammation, redness
- How to Use: Stick hydrocolloid patches onto blemishes, adhere the device, and use for 10 minutes, four times a week until blemishes subside as part of your acne-focused face care.
Best for Microneedling: BeautyBio GloPRO Regeneration Tool
Why We Love It: If pore refinement is your 2024 goal, consider BeautyBio’s GloPRO, a cult-favorite microneedling tool, promoting wound healing to boost cellular turnover and collagen production, making it an advanced tool for face care. Using micro-needles for just 60 seconds a day promises a plumper, more radiant complexion. Though it looks intimidating, it’s painless! Used three times a week, it enhances skincare absorption and tightens and smooths skin, maximizing your face care results.
- Type: Microneedling LED Light Tool
- What It’s Good For: Red LED light technology enhances skin appearance through pulse stimulation, supporting overall face care.
- Specs: One light wavelength: red (620-625nm)
- Best For: Smoothing, retexturing
- How to Use: Clarify skin with alcohol pads, then gently use the device on your face for 60 seconds. Immediately apply serums to maximize results as part of your intensive face care.
Best Dermaplaning Device: Dermaflash LUXE+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning Device
Why We Love It: For time-saving facials at home, Dermaflash’s two-in-one sonic extractor is essential for face care. Featuring a stainless steel spatula, its Extract mode gently removes blackheads, dirt, and oil, while Infuse mode pushes serum into the skin. Used with active ingredients, it enhances product penetration, maximizing your face care routine’s effectiveness.
- Type: Dermaplaning Device
- What It’s Good For: Exfoliates dead skin cells and eliminates blackheads, dirt, and oil buildup, crucial for maintaining healthy face care.
- Specs: Sonic dermaplaning system
- Best For: Blackheads, skincare absorption, peach fuzz removal
- How to Use: Prep skin with Preflash Essential Skin Prep to remove surface oil. Hold the device at a 45-degree angle and use short, feathery strokes while keeping skin taut. Finish with your skincare products for optimal face care.
Best for Tense Muscles: Theraface PRO Microcurrent Facial Device
Why We Love It: For those tempted to use a Theragun on their face, the TheraFace Pro is designed for you, offering eight different treatments and heads for customizable face care. Unlike many tools offering only massage, the TheraFace Pro provides percussive massage, LED light therapy, hot and cold sessions, and facial cleansing, meeting diverse skincare needs. Its versatility is ideal for unwinding after stress or prepping skin for makeup—celebrity makeup artist Fiona Stiles is a fan, highlighting its effectiveness as a tool for face care.
Editor’s experience: “I have TMJ and facial muscle tension. No tool relieves tension like the TheraFace Pro. The massage is soothing and perfect for multiple treatments at once. I add LED light therapy 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 massage, a facial kit, and sculpting tool with LED Light Therapy for skin tightening and anti-aging, offering a comprehensive face care solution.
- Specs: Three light wavelengths: red, blue, and infrared
- Best For: Cleansing, sculpting, inflammation, acne, relieving tension
- How to Use: Apply conductive gel, select the microcurrent setting, and glide upward on all facial areas. Rinse skin and pat dry for a complete face care treatment.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden using the TheraFace Pro.
Video: Courtesy of Ingu Chen
Best Gua Sha: Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
Why We Love It: For puffy under-eyes, Mount Lai’s gua sha tool is unmatched, offering four stone options: jade, rose quartz, black obsidian, and amethyst, providing choices for personalized face care. This traditional Chinese tool increases blood flow, drains the lymphatic system, and tones complexions with quick motions. Daily use has visual and meditative benefits, an excellent addition to any self-care regimen for enhanced face care.
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 yields results, and it’s portable, perfect for on-the-go face care.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Gua Sha Stone
- What It’s Good For: Boosts circulation and sculpts the face, making it a versatile tool for face care.
- 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, then glide down the neck, smooth forehead, gently massage eyes, contour cheeks, and sculpt jawline as part of your gua sha face care routine.
Best Infrared Sauna Blanket: Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Why We Love It: For those lacking space or funds for a home sauna, this sauna blanket is equally effective, foldable, and storable, offering full-body benefits that indirectly enhance face care. It uses far infrared rays to induce sweat and detoxify from environmental toxins. It acts like an at-home workout, increasing heart rate like a light jog. Besides detox and calorie burning, it reduces stress, boosts mood, increases blood flow, and promotes radiant skin, contributing to overall face care.
Editor’s experience: “I’m obsessed with my sauna blanket, using it regularly for four+ years. For relaxation or focused work, I use the blanket. I don’t sweat much naturally, so I pair it with magnesium spray and body oil after rinsing. PSA: Hydrate well before and after; dehydration can cause dizziness.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Sauna Blanket
- What It’s Good For: Water-resistant, elevated Polyurethane and infrared heat promote full-body sweat. Charcoal boosts and crystals deepen benefits and generate negative ions for holistic face care support.
- 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 a blanket insert. Preheat for 10 minutes, lay on a flat, heat-resistant surface, zip in for 30-45 minutes, and rinse off in a cool shower afterwards to maximize the benefits for your face care routine.
Best Face Roller: Herbivore Stone Facial Roller
Why We Love It: Classic face rollers, such as Herbivore’s, are known to boost circulation, relax muscle tension, and promote radiance, making them timeless tools for face care. This jade tool is made from high-quality ethically-mined stones, combining chic design with effectiveness. For those prone to congestion, facial rollers aid in draining lymph nodes, eliminating toxins, and alleviating sinus issues, enhancing overall face care.
- Type: Jade Stone Roller
- What It’s Good For: Boosts circulation, relaxes muscle tension, and promotes radiant glow for enhanced face care.
- Specs: Jade facial roller
- Best For: Puffiness, fine lines, detoxing
- How to Use: Apply face oil, then roll from the face center outward and upward/down the neck sides. Store the roller in the fridge for a cooling effect to amplify your face care routine.
Best Korean Skincare Tool for Glass Skin: Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
Why We Love It: Korean beauty innovation shines with the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro, a valuable addition to face care routines for achieving glass skin. It uses Electroporation to effectively push products deeper into the skin without needles. With four modes and safety for all skin types, clinical trials show a 785% increase in ingredient absorption! Daily use makes every day feel like a spa day, enhancing your face care regimen.
Editor’s experience: “Hailey Bieber’s TikTok introduced me to the Medicube Age-R Booster, and it’s now a permanent part of my routine. 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, contributing to overall face care.
- Specs: Electrical stimulation
- Best For: Hydration, plumping
- How to Use: Wash your face and apply skincare products. Turn it on and choose between watering (circle motions), boosting (sliding), or focus (pressing) methods to enhance your face care routine.
Vogue senior beauty writer Kiana Murden using the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro.
Video: Courtesy of Ingu Chen
Best for Big Events: ZIIP Halo
Why We Love It: The ZIIP Halo is highly recommended—a go-to tool before big events for photographed moments, making it a crucial tool in your face care arsenal for special occasions. Editors tested it for two months, confirming its worth. Microcurrent technology is painless, feeling like gentle vibrations. With 26 waveform and intensity combinations via the app, frequent use ensures results without monotony, making it a versatile tool for face care.
Editor’s experience: “The first time I used Ziip Halo, I saw immediate eyebrow lift and cheek lifting—understanding why celebrities use it pre-red carpet. It provides instant, visible results for face care.” — 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, making it a specialized face care tool.
- Best For: Dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, texture
- How to Use: Apply Electric Complex Gel on clean, dry skin, activate the device via globes or the ZIIP App. Use three to five times per week for at least six weeks for optimal results, and do a sensitivity test before first use to ensure safe face care.
Best Dry Brush: Goop Beauty Ultimate Dry Brush
Why We Love It: Many dry brushes are flimsy or harsh, but the Ultimate Dry Brush from Goop Beauty stands out as a high-quality tool for face care extending to the body. Made from pure, natural sisal, it’s gentle yet effectively exfoliates dead skin cells. Its easy-to-grip handle ensures you reach all areas.
Editor’s experience: “I’m a Gwyneth Paltrow fan, so I love dry brushing. This one feels great, not too harsh, and really eliminates 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, contributing to overall skin health and indirectly supporting face care.
- Specs: Brush made from pure natural sisal
- Best For: Exfoliation, circulation
- How to Use: Use on dry skin before bathing or showering. Brush upwards towards the heart from feet, using small strokes or circular motions for three to five minutes to enhance skin health as part of your extended face care approach.
Best For Skincare Absorption: Droplette
Why We Love It: Droplette’s Microinfusion Device is essential to Brooke Shields’ beauty routine, designed to enhance skincare absorption, a key aspect of effective face care. This egg-shaped device better penetrates ingredients at a molecular level, increasing their effectiveness. It uses an aerosol mist to deposit tiny droplets past the skin barrier. While Shields uses the collagen supplement, other capsules like glycolic acid, growth factors, and retinol treat various concerns, making it a versatile tool for face care.
Editor’s experience: “I never considered product waste until I tried Droplette and saw improved skin (hydrated, less red, plumper, firmer). Skincare is expensive! The hyaluronic acid lip plumping capsule is great before big events—I’m too afraid of lip fillers.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Skincare Device
- What It’s Good For: Needle-free technology delivers ingredients like collagen and retinol 20 times deeper into the skin, maximizing benefits for face care.
- Specs: Micro-infusion Technology, Charging Adapter
- Best For: Skincare absorption, plumping, hydration
- How to Use: Place a serum capsule into the chamber until it clicks. Tilt your head back and position the white side about half an inch from your skin. Turn on the device and move the mist in slow circles around your face for enhanced face care product absorption.
Best for Skin Tightening: Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Device
Why We Love It: Radio frequency benefits are becoming mainstream. “Radio frequency devices heat skin to trigger reparative processes, stimulating collagen, tightening tissue, and improving skin quality,” says dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, highlighting the technology behind this effective face care tool. While professionals often use this treatment, Currentbody’s launch makes it accessible at home. It maintains skin at 104 degrees Fahrenheit to tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve texture, making it a leading tool for face care.
Editor’s Experience: “It delivers gentle heat as you glide it, never uncomfortably hot. The sensor keeps skin at 104°F, ideal for collagen production. I focus on my forehead, 11s, crow’s feet, and laugh lines.” —Iman Balagam, contributor
- Type: Skincare device
- What It’s Good For: At-home radio frequency tightens skin and boosts collagen with consistent use, a cornerstone of anti-aging face care.
- Specs: FDA-cleared
- Best For: Collagen production, firming, improving skin texture
- How to Use: Apply radio frequency gel to clean, dry skin, then glide the device in circles across the face for up to 70 minutes or follow a five-minute regimen to incorporate into your face care routine.
What is the difference between different beauty technologies for face care?
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LED Light Therapy: Esthetician Elizabeth Hand explains LED light therapy as a non-invasive face care treatment using specific light wavelengths for various skin concerns. “Look for devices with red and blue lights as they penetrate differently and have distinct effects,” she advises. Red light boosts collagen and healing, while blue light combats acne bacteria, both crucial for comprehensive face care.
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Microcurrent: “Microcurrent technology delivers low-level electrical currents to tone facial muscles,” Hand explains. These currents mimic natural impulses to improve muscle tone and firmness, key for facial contouring and face care.
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Cryotherapy: “Cryotherapy involves exposing the body to freezing temperatures briefly for therapeutic benefits,” says Hand. “Cold decreases inflammation and swelling, refreshing appearance,” beneficial for depuffing in face care.
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Facial Massage: Facial massage uses hands or tools to manipulate skin and muscles, stimulating blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients, and promoting radiance. It also removes toxins and fluids via the lymphatic system, reducing puffiness, making it a fundamental aspect of face care. Hand states, “This is the easiest at-home face care treatment.”
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Laser: Lasers, like the Lyma Laser, are FDA-cleared for at-home use, clinically proven to reduce aging signs, wrinkles, redness, blemishes, scarring, and pigmentation, offering advanced face care. “The laser reaches the dermis base layer, triggering a genetic switch in skin cells to recharge, regenerate, and repair,” Hand explains. “Lyma Laser light energy instructs cells to produce more proteins to fight free radicals, increasing collagen and elastin,” essential for anti-aging face care.
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Microneedling: Microneedling, or collagen induction therapy, is minimally invasive, using fine needles to create skin punctures. “These micro-injuries stimulate natural wound healing, increasing collagen and elastin production,” explains Hand, vital for skin rejuvenation in face care.
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Dermaplaning: “Using a surgical blade, dermaplaning removes vellus hair (peach fuzz) and dead skin cells, smoothing skin and improving product penetration,” explains Hand. Dermaplaning frequency depends on hair growth, typically recommended every two to four weeks for effective exfoliation in face care.
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Radio Frequency: Radio frequency devices use low-frequency electromagnetic waves to generate heat, stimulating collagen and improving skin firmness. “Noninvasive devices heat tissue less than in-office RF machines, but consistent use over months can yield similar results to medical RF treatments,” explains aesthetician Athena Hewett, providing a long-term approach to face care.
How do you choose the right beauty tool for your face care needs?
Hand advises that tool selection depends on your goals, concerns, and timing. Consider events like weddings or holidays. Consult your aesthetician and research expert-recommended tools for home use, especially for sensitive skin. “I always recommend an LED mask as the top at-home tool for universal face care benefits.”
Are at-home beauty tools worth investing in for face care?
Hand approves of at-home beauty tools for face care, but emphasizes, “No tool replaces a good skincare routine.” For home use, avoid dermaplaning and microneedling due to risks (bacteria, broken blood vessels)—“leave these to professionals!”
