35 best skincare tools for tighter, brighter skin – reviewed
We live in an era of heightened excitement around skincare tools. There was a time when words like “red light therapy”, “LED” and “microcurrent” were only ever uttered in the presence of facialists or dermatologists – but no longer. Thanks to the ever-evolving innovation within the beauty tech industry, today's skincare devices offer impressive results at home.
Whether you're a hardcore skintellectual or if you've only just started to dip your toes into the world of LED face masks, microcurrent devices, cleansing brushes and gua sha stones, the good news is that there is no shortage of options to suit a variety of skin types and adhere to specific skincare concerns. That said, we're not here to deny the obvious – quality skincare devices aren't known for being affordable, and while it's an important factor to keep in mind, let us reassure you that their effectiveness and long-term benefits certainly make up for the hefty price tag.
Think about it: if you actually calculate cost per use, compared to what you would normally pay for an in-salon facial every now and then, most at-home skincare tools end up being a lot less expensive than you'd think. Plus, it's less time-consuming too – considering most tools call for daily or weekly use at just 10 minutes at a time.
Of course, not every product is worth the splurge, so to help you narrow down your choices, we've put together a round-up of the very best options on the market – all serving different purposes and desired results. We also went above and beyond to test some of the most coveted skincare devices first-hand, having individually reviewed them on various skin types. Here goes our honest verdict.
- Best LED tools
- Best beauty tools for cleansing
- Best beauty tools for lifting
- Best beauty tools for sculpting
- Best skincare tools for hair removal
- Best beauty tools for acne
- Best beauty tools for pore refining
- Best cryotherapy devices
- Best laser skincare tools
- What are the best skincare tools?
- Why should I use a skincare tool?
- What kind of skincare tool should I start with?
- What skincare should I use alongside my skincare tool?
- Is there anyone who should avoid skincare tools?
- How often should I use my skincare tool?
- How long will it take to see results from my skincare tools?
- How to clean skincare tools
How I tested the best skincare gadgets
Before any beauty tool earns a place in this guide, it goes through weeks of real-life testing by members of the Glamour team. We trial each tool as it’s intended to be used, integrating it into our daily routines to get a true sense of its performance over time.
For every device, we evaluate ease of use, comfort, build quality and how intuitive it is straight out of the box. We check whether brands are transparent about their technology and safety (including CE marks, FDA clearance where relevant, and clear usage guidelines). Where tools claim to lift, sculpt, smooth or brighten, we assess whether these promises are realistic and backed by consistent results.
We also pay close attention to practicality: battery life, charging time, noise level, weight, and how much we want to use a tool (because nobody has time for a device that’s fiddly, uncomfortable or breaks after two weeks). Only the one that deliver visible results, feel good to use and genuinely elevate your routine make it into this edit.
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Why you can trust me
I’ve spent my career putting beauty products and tools to the test. As a freelance editor, I’ve reviewed everything from facial massagers to hair stylers and LED devices for publications including Glamour, HELLO!, Marie Claire and Women’s Health. I regularly speak with dermatologists, facialists, trichologists and product developers, and I attend industry events and expert panel talks to ensure I’m up to date with the latest technology, studies and innovations in the beauty space.
I don’t just unbox a tool and write about it – I live with it. Every product featured here has been used by myself or a Glamour writer consistently over several weeks so it can be given a fair, honest and experience-led assessment. I pay particular attention to results (or lack thereof), whether a tool feels safe and comfortable, and whether it genuinely improves skin, hair or overall user experience. If something doesn’t perform, I don’t recommend it. Ultimately, these are the tools that actually earned their spot by delivering on their promises – and that’s why you can trust the recommendations in this guide.
Meet the experts
- Laurence Newman, founder and CEO of CurrentBody
- Dr Arora of The Face Bible (GP, NHS aesthetics doctor and skincare expert in association with FOREO)
- Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist
- Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto
- Carley Musheh, cosmetic scientist
- Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, of Beauty Lounge Med Spa
1. Best LED tools
LED devices are undeniably expensive, which explains why so many people approach them with a healthy dose of skepticism. Still, they remain one of the beauty industry’s most fiercely debated – and most transformative – tools. From at-home LED face masks to targeted LED eye masks and even LED lip masks, these gadgets use clinically studied wavelengths of light to help reduce inflammation, brighten dullness, support collagen production and improve the appearance of fine lines.
“The benefits also include an increase in the amount of collagen in the skin, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and other stigmata of ageing,” Laurence Newman, founder and CEO of CurrentBody, previously told Glamour.
Different light colours serve different functions, with red and near-infrared wavelengths often associated with anti-ageing, while blue light is typically used to help reduce acne-causing bacteria. If you’re curious about the science behind all of this, our full guide to the best red light therapy devices breaks down how these wavelengths work and what results you can realistically expect from consistent use.
Below, we’ve rounded up the LED tools that stood out in testing for their ease of use, comfort, safety credentials and, most importantly, the visible improvements they delivered.
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Tester:
Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it:
An LED face mask is arguably the best at-home beauty investment, especially considering the long-term benefits. And when it comes to choosing the best one, we cannot recommend Currentbody enough. Our recent obsession? The brand's newly released Series 2 LED Light Therapy Face Mask. Featuring a comfortable liquid silicone shape, this LED face mask packs all the latest LED technology to help stimulate collagen production, improve skin texture and help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It's incredibly effective at what it does, considering in-house research found it to reduce wrinkles by 35% in just four weeks.
Tester:
Georgia Brown, Glamour's Freelance Commerce Writer
Why we love it:
At 28, anti-ageing isn't a huge concern of mine yet, however, I do have a few light hyperpigmentation spots around my lips that I kept noticing when applying lip liner. After a month of consistently using the CurrentBody Skin LED Lip Mask, they had faded to the point where they’re now almost unnoticeable.The design of the device itself feels luxe: it’s shaped like a moulded lip mask, so the light is concentrated exactly where you want it. I loved that it doesn’t slip or move during treatment, which makes it easier to commit to regular use.
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Tester:
Ali Pantony, Glamour's Website Director.
Why we love it:
Offering red light therapy, therapeutic warmth and microcurrent facial massage technology all at once, the SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand is an extremely versatile skincare tool that's also compact enough to take with you when travelling. This beauty tool is our go-to for getting rid of puffiness and improving the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and blemishes. It's also reasonably priced, considering most red light therapy tools are usually well over £200. A win.
2. Best beauty tools for cleansing
A simple cleanse is the backbone of any skincare routine, using a cleansing brush can level-up the results you'd expect by using your hands. As Dr Arora of The Face Bible (GP, NHS aesthetics doctor and skincare expert in association with FOREO) explains, “Skin cleansing is important for the removal of dirt, debris and sebum… a facial cleansing brush can enhance this, provided the device is gentle and used correctly.”
Notably, she warns that traditional nylon-bristle brushes can cause over-exfoliation, irritation and even harbour bacteria. Silicone-based devices, however, are far more hygienic and kinder to the skin. “I recommend the LUNA 3 by FOREO to all of my patients,” she says. “The silicone bristles combined with T-sonic™ pulsations help shift up to 99.5% of dirt while staying gentle enough for twice-daily use.”
Tester:
Samantha Reynolds, PA to Acting Executive Editor at Glamour.
Why we love it:
Cleansing is one of – if not the most – important step of any skincare routine, and no tool does it better than Foreo. Available in 3 different iterations to fit various skin types: including combination, balanced and sensitive skin, this OG skincare tool is known for its ability to remove up to 99% of oil, makeup and dirt. Choose from 16 intensities and between three cleansing modes (gentle, regular and deep) and your pores will thank you.
3. Best beauty tools for lifting
When it comes to at-home lifting, the best microcurrent devices remain the gold standard. These tools use low-level electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles, essentially giving them a mini workout - which explains why so many users see that instant lift. As Michelle Henry, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, puts it: “They’re safe, noninvasive, and effective for improving facial contour and firmness.”
Beyond the immediate sculpted effect, microcurrent delivers long-term benefits, too. The technology mimics the body’s own natural bioelectrics to help increase circulation and support collagen production, meaning skin can appear tighter, brighter and more defined with consistent use. Below, we've spotlighted four of the best microcurrent devices, all tried, tested and approved by Glamour's beauty team.
READ MORE: My honest Medicube Age-R Booster Pro review, Hailey Bieber's favourite microcurrent devices.
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Tester:
Denise Primbet, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer.
Why we love it:
After a quality microcurrent tool that genuinely delivers results? Look no further, because this skincare system from NuFac is the one to get if you want to improve the look of your facial contour, even out your skin tone and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. The Trinity+ tool also comes with a micro-current attachment for the face, plus an ELE precision head and gel primer to complete your routine.
Tested by:
Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour's Beauty Commerce Writer
Why we love it:
Designed to lift, tone, and contour, this device uses five personalised microcurrent intensities to target everything from fine lines to sagging skin. “I found that the lower settings were effective yet gentle, and the higher settings matched the experience I’ve received during professional treatments,” says Glamour's Kilkeary. “The slim design is easy to manoeuvre around your face, and it didn’t feel uncomfortable at any point. I liked the silicone grip, as well, because I felt that it gave me a ton of control and flexibility as I moved it around my face. I really felt that my skin looked less puffy and more snatched after my treatment.”
4. Best beauty tools for sculpting
When it comes to achieving that freshly sculpted, post-facial look at home, facial massagers are unmatched. The best face massagers like the Ziip Halo bring the soothing, contouring power of pro-level techniques straight to your bathroom shelf — and dermatologists are firmly on board. Whether you’re working with a classic gua sha stone, a stainless-steel roller or a high-tech device, these tools are designed to boost circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage, helping to depuff and define the face in minutes.
According to Geeta Yadav, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto, “This helps skin look glowier and gives the face a more sculpted look.” She adds that benefits can extend further depending on the device, whether you’re using radiofrequency, LED or exfoliating tech for an even more targeted result.
Tester:
Sophie Donovan, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer.
Why we love it:
Designed to tone your face muscles and encourage collagen production, the ZIIP Halo Facial Toning Device is great for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps define your natural contours and de-puff any water retention, making it one of the most effective sculpting devices around. Its sleek and compact design makes a great travel-friendy skincare companion too. Need we say more?
5. Best skincare tools for hair removal
At-home hair-removal tools have come a long way, and whether you’re targeting full-body smoothness or simply keeping peach fuzz in check, today’s devices make the process faster, easier and far less intimidating. From intuitive facial shavers to powerful IPL machines, these tools slot seamlessly into your routine - and many offer results that rival in-clinic treatments with consistent use.
“While IPL devices for home use are generally less powerful than in-clinic lasers, they’re great for maintenance and still deliver impressive results with consistent use,” says Kimberley Medd, Head of Clinic at Face The Future. If you’re curious about long-term smoothing, our best at-home laser hair removal guide breaks down the top devices and what to expect. For precision work - shaping brows, removing upper-lip hair, or tackling fluff along the jawline - our tried-and-tested best face shavers for women edit has everything you need to know.
Below, you’ll find four of our favourite hair-removal tools, each tested by the Glamour team.
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6. Best beauty tools for acne
When breakouts flare up, the right beauty tools can make all the difference, especially when paired with a consistent routine. Today’s acne-focused devices go beyond basic cleansing, targeting everything from excess oil and congestion to redness and inflammation. Blue light LED tools like the CurrentBody LED Blue Light Mask: Series 2 in particular are having a moment, thanks to their ability to address acne-causing bacteria without stripping or irritating the skin.
As Georgia Brown, Glamour’s Freelance Commerce Writer, adds: “I was suddenly hit with acne in my twenties after breezing through school without a blemish, and if I’ve learned anything, it’s that in my personal experience, the only thing that gets rid of acne is patience.” She notes that one of the only times she saw a visible overnight difference was after a facial that used blue light therapy - a treatment known for helping calm active breakouts and support clearer skin over time.
Below, we’ve highlighted four of the best acne-tackling tools to try at home, spanning LED masks, spot-treatment wands and manual extractors — all tested, trusted and editor-approved.
Tester:
Georgia Trodd, Glamour's Senior Commerce Writer
Why we love it:
CurrentBody released this LED face mask in 2025, just after they dropped the Series 2. It's the first LED face mask on the market that is specifically designed to help with mild acne, using blue light to eliminate bacteria and breakouts, and red light to calm redness and soothe irritation. Blue light is emitted at 415nm, and red LED light at 633nm, which is a combination clinically proven to be more effective than blue light alone.
132 LED lights are spread evenly across the face (almost 50% less than the facial mapping mask, FYI) diffused with the same patented pillow technology as CurrentBody's other two devices, so you never miss a spot.
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Tester:
Sophie Cockett, Glamour's Senior European Commerce Editor.
Why we love it:
Want to achieve clearer-looking skin by reducing existing acne and preventing future breakouts? This is the device for you. It uses blue light therapy to reduce oiliness, minimise pores and target blemishes – plus, portable and suitable for all skin types to boot. And unlike most skincare tools, you can easily pop it on and go about your day without the need to stay in one spot or to perform any specific movements.
7. Best beauty tools for pore refining
Refining pores is one of those beauty wins that makes skin look instantly smoother, more polished - and with the right tools, you don’t need to wait for good lighting or a pro facial to see results. The best pore-refining devices help deeply cleanse, detoxify and tighten skin, clearing out excess oil, grime and dead skin that can leave pores looking enlarged. Some work via gentle exfoliation or suction, others through sonic vibration or combined cleansing/light therapy, but all aim to leave the skin looking refined and fresh.
If you’re after a device that gives your skin that post-facial glow without leaving your bathroom, our Shark FacialPro Glow feature reviews exactly that - showing how a powerful at-home tool can transform dull pores into a smooth, luminous canvas.
Shark FacialPro Glow
What it is: A compact at-home facial tool that deeply cleanses, exfoliates, hydrates and depuffs with hot-and-cold therapy.
Device type: Handheld skincare tool.
Target treatment area: Face.
Treatment time: 10 minutes.
Wireless: Yes.
Why we love it: The Shark FacialPro Glow is as close to a professional HydraFacial as you’ll get without leaving the house. It combines gentle exfoliation, deep cleansing, and serious hydration in one clever device - complete with a “gunk tank” that shows exactly what’s been pulled from your pores (oddly satisfying). You can switch to the Depuffi attachment after, which uses hot and cold therapy to calm redness, boost circulation and sculpt. It’s easy to use, self-cleaning, and genuinely delivers that just-had-a-facial glow.
8. Best cryotherapy devices
Cryotherapy has fully entered the beauty-tool chat - and for good reason. These devices use controlled cold therapy to depuff, soothe inflammation and instantly wake up tired, dull skin. Think of them as a fast track to looking fresher in the morning: the cooling effect helps tighten the appearance of pores, boost circulation and calm redness without the harshness of traditional icing.
Cosmetic scientist Carly Musleh is clear on one thing: “If you’re using ice, stop. It can cause ice burns and broken capillaries,” she warns. “Instead, try ice globes, which are very cold but not frozen. These facials are based on cryotherapy.” And if you’re curious where to start, our full guide to the best ice globes breaks down the top tools worth adding to your routine.
Below, we’ve rounded up four of the best cryotherapy devices to try at home - from stainless-steel tools that stay cold for ages to next-gen wands designed to sculpt, soothe and refresh in seconds.
9. Best laser skincare tools
Laser beauty tools bring professional-grade treatments into your at-home routine, whether you’re aiming to improve skin tone, remove hair, target pigmentation, or stimulate collagen production. By delivering concentrated light energy beneath the surface, these devices can support smoother, brighter, more youthful-looking skin - but not all lasers are created equal when it comes to different skin tones.
According to Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, of Beauty Lounge Med Spa in Southern California: “Historically, laser treatments weren’t always inclusive when it came to different skin tones, particularly for melanated skin. Lasers work by targeting pigment, so with darker skin, there’s naturally more melanin and pigment. Some lasers can’t distinguish well between the pigment in the skin and the treatment target — like hair follicles, age spots, or blood vessels. This can lead to complications.” So just be cautious and always research any laser tools before investing.
With the right guidance and carefully chosen devices, laser tools like the Lyma Laser can still be an effective addition to your skincare arsenal.
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Tester:
Fiona Embleton, Glamour's Associate Beauty Director.
Why we love it:
An at-home laser tool might sound scary, but this LYMA device is far from it. It provides low-level laser treatments by supporting your skin elasticity, targeting fine lines and preserving collagen levels. A pricey but worthy investment that comes endorsed by dermatologists and celebrities, including none other than Sofia Richie herself.
Nooance Laser and LED Hair Helmet PRO
Nooance Laser and LED Hair Helmet PRO
- Type: Helmet.
- Uses: 82 lasers + 200 LEDs emitting 650nm wavelength light.
- Treatment time: 25 minutes per session, every other day.
Why we love it: The NOOANCE Laser and LED Hair Helmet PRO isn’t your average at-home hair device. With 82 lasers and 200 red LEDs working together, it’s designed to wake up tired follicles, boost circulation, and give your scalp the kind of energy it needs to encourage thicker, healthier-looking hair. Think of it as a little workout - but for your roots.
Ideal for anyone dealing with thinning from alopecia, postpartum changes, menopause, or everyday shedding, this helmet combines dual laser and LED technology with a pulse mode inspired by aesthetic medicine practices. The result? Hair that looks fuller, feels stronger, and sheds less. Sleek, hands-free, and simple to fit into your routine - what more could you wish for?
Your Skincare Tool FAQs, Answered:
What are the best skincare tools?
The best tools truly depend on your skin goals. If you're going by Glamour's recommendations, the guide above highlights the best microcurrent devices for lifting, facial massagers for sculpting, LED and spot-treatment devices for acne, pore-refining gadgets for smooth skin, cryotherapy tools for depuffing, and lasers for tone and texture. All are tried and tested by our editors.
Why should I use a skincare tool?
Skincare tools help you achieve results that topical products alone often can’t deliver. They boost circulation, support lymphatic drainage, decongest pores, and enhance product absorption - which is why so many dermatologists now treat them as staples, not extras. Facial massagers, for example, don’t just lift and de-puff; they can also make skin look noticeably brighter.
More advanced devices go even further. Microcurrent tools can improve facial contour and firmness, cryotherapy can calm inflammation without risking ice burns, and LED can support breakouts without stripping the skin. Whether you want lift, clarity, calm, or a smoother canvas, tools give you a level of precision — and visible payoff — that your hands simply can’t match.
What kind of skincare tool should I start with?
If you’re new to beauty tools, start with something gentle and non-electric. A classic gua sha or facial roller is beginner-friendly, helps boost circulation and lymphatic drainage, and gives you that sculpted, de-puffed look without any learning curve. As dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, explains, these kinds of tools can “help skin look glowier and give the face a more sculpted look,” and they don’t require specialist knowledge or expensive refills.
If you’re ready to level up but still want simplicity, LED is another smart entry point because it’s non-invasive and doesn’t require pressure or technique — just clean skin and consistency. From there, you can move towards more advanced devices like microcurrent, pore-clearing tech or cryotherapy wands once you feel confident and understand how your skin responds.
The key rule for beginners: start slow, avoid anything overly strong or abrasive right away, and build up only when your skin agrees.
What skincare should I use alongside my skincare tool?
Always pair your tool with clean skin and appropriate facial serums or moisturisers. For example, microcurrent and massagers work best with conductive gels, and LED devices benefit from non-irritating, hydrating products.
Is there anyone who should avoid skincare tools?
People with active skin infections, open wounds, or certain skin conditions should check with a dermatologist first. Laser devices, for instance, can cause burns or hyperpigmentation on darker skin tones if not used carefully, as Shawnda Dorantes explains.
How often should I use my skincare tool?
It depends on the tool category, but consistency is key. Even the most advanced at-home device needs repetition rather than intensity. Most experts agree that 2–4 times a week is the sweet spot, especially for microcurrent, LED masks, pore-refining wands, and sculpting tools. Anything designed to stimulate collagen, lymphatic drainage or cell turnover works best when layered into your weekly routine, not crammed into one ambitious Sunday session.
If you're using something more active, like at-home lasers, radio frequency or micro-needling, the cadence slows down. These pro-grade styles are typically used:
- At-home LED / microcurrent: 3–5x per week for best results
- At-home laser tools (e.g. LYMA): daily or near-daily, but in short, consistent sessions
- Dermarolling / micro-needling tools: every 2–4 weeks depending on needle depth
How long will it take to see results from my skincare tools?
Some effects, like depuffing or a lifted look from a microcurrent session, are immediate. Others, such as smoother pores, improved texture, or clearer skin from acne tools, usually take several weeks of consistent use. As Georgia Brown, Glamour’s Freelance Commerce Writer, notes from her personal experience, patience is key: “The only thing that gets rid of acne is time.”
How to clean skincare tools
It's recommended to wipe down your beauty tools with a gentle, alcohol-free cleanser after each use. Devices that touch the skin directly - like rollers, microcurrent probes, or cryotherapy globes - should be disinfected to prevent bacteria buildup.
Feeling inspired to upgrade your skincare routine? Check out our guides for the best moisturiser for dry skin, best moisturiser for combination skin and the best moisturiser for oily skin. We can also help you pick the best face masks, night creams, hyaluronic acid serums and vitamin C serums.
For more from Glamour UK Beauty Commerce Writer Denise Primbet, follow her on Instagram @deniseprimbet, and for more from Glamour UK's Freelance Commerce Writer Georgia Brown, follow her on Instagram, @geeleighbee.
