Everyone wants the insider information when it comes to the best beauty gadgets to buy. That’s why I relished the challenge of testing some of the best on the market, to seek out the truth behind the hype.
I have included a range of beauty tools here including lasers, LED and cleansing brushes with the hope that everyone can find something to elevate their at home skin care regime.
Beautifect HeatSonic cleansing brush £129
Beautifect sees you trying to juggle your career, home admin and the school run and responds with a well thought out device to fast track you to better skin. Founded by fellow dentist Dr Tara Lalvani, Beautifect claims this revolutionary cleansing brush will change the way we cleanse. Pretty high bar, which they’ve pole vaulted straight over!
You can tell instantly, the level of clever engineering that has gone into creating this cleansing brush. By heating up to 42 degrees – optimal cleansing temperature, it opens pores, allowing a deeper cleanse than with products alone. Super-speedy charging via USB-C and a gorgeous little magnetic travel case ensure travelling is a breeze. The teeny, tiny silicone bristles give you a much deeper cleansing experience, balancing your skin by reducing excess sebum, whilst maintaining hydration.
What was the verdict?
I was thrilled to incorporate this cleansing brush into my current skincare routine. By heating up my cleanser, the HeatSonic ensured a really thorough cleanse, even when I was in a rush. For those of us who are time poor, this is a game changer. Make-up melted away with the sonic pulses and pores looked and felt clean as a whistle, without feeling tight. I loved the feel of the device on my skin, those teeny tiny bristles are soooo satisfying. I challenge you to cleanse your nose without sneezing though.
I can instantly tell some serious thought has gone into the HeatSonic, as it doesn’t just perform well during use but also fits seamlessly into my life. I travelled abroad whilst testing the HeatSonic and I loved the simplicity of taking it with me. It already came with its own lockable case and the charger folded neatly away inside (meaning evenI couldn’t leave the charger abandoned somewhere in a hotel room). The inbuilt magnetic hold meant it wasn’t rattling around anywhere either, thus avoiding any suspicious looks in passport control.
Beautifect also have a whole range of other exciting, innovative beauty tools and products such as mirrors and beauty cases as well as butter soft bamboo cleansing cloths and I honestly can’t wait to try them all out!
Desee pro Sculpta – EMS, radiofrequency and LED in one £499
If you fancy an “at home facelift” (who doesn’t?), then this device is for you. I love a multi-tasking beauty device and the Sculpta ticks plenty of boxes for me. Tri Energy Facial Rejuvenation Technology incorporates EMS (Electrical muscle stimulation), Radio-frequency and red LED light therapy. Over time, muscle tone and volume is increased, sculpting the face. Perfect for lifting those jowls and drooping brows or sculpting cheekbones and jawlines.
Radiofrequency has been used by aestheticians all over the world to boost and improve the quality of collagen. Having this technology available in an at home device is superb. It works by producing rapidly oscillating electromagnetic waves, which generate heat as they pass through to the dermis, triggering those collagen boosting mechanisms. This is visible as a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and an improvement in skin texture and tone.
The final mode, red light therapy is a type of photobiomodulation (try saying that after a few glasses of Rose). This specific light wavelength, 630nm to be precise, wakes up lazy fibroblasts and prompts the production of new ones. These vital cells are responsible for the production of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid which improve strength, elasticity and hydration of the skin.
What was the verdict?
I love a device that you can see and feel working and the Sculpta certainly packs a punch in this department. My daughter was in hysterics, laughing at the mini muscle contractions in my face from the EMS. Mildly “spicy” at first, I was soon totally invested in the process and it is super satisfying to use and one of my favourite beauty tools. This is my kind of muscle toning…one you can enjoy from the comfort of your bed, whilst catching up on the latest episode of Nobody wants this – which incidentally everybody wants. Sculpta must be used with a water based product to function correctly and I found it amazingly easy to incorporate into my existing skincare routine. I used it with IS clinical Hydra Intensive cooling mask which was heavenly.
Using all three modes on alternate days, I could visibly see results within just two weeks of use. People commented on my skin and I felt fresher and younger. I am looking forward to seeing the results after longer term use. My patients were soon queueing up to have this incorporated into their regular facials in clinic.
Hayo’u Beauty Restorer Quartz – facial massage tool
I loved the tagline “Ancient wisdom for modern life” as I often feel that we benefit from looking into the wisdom of our ancestors when it comes to skincare and treatments. Cleopatra and Nefertiti feature strongly today in our treatment offerings. Many “current” trends in skincare and aesthetics are founded from a basis of centuries of skincare research – think honey in your cleanser.
At home facial massage is a brilliant way of increasing facial microcirculation, improving lymphatic drainage and releasing muscle tension. Gua Sha’s are one of the more budget-friendly beauty tools which can help achieve this. I love them for their visible lifting and sculpting effects on our faces and that once you get the hang of them they are so easy and pleasant to incorporate into your skincare routine.
What was the verdict?
I loved how soothing this felt on my face after a long day. You can feel the daily dramas ebbing away whist it works to reduce any puffiness and muscle tension. My patients will tell you that I have long been a fan of Gua Sha and we regularly incorporate them into clinic treatments. The true benefits of facial massage are only now being realised in western culture. The noticeable lift given with regular use and the improvement of microcirculation in the skin gives visible glow to my skin. All round fan girl!
Hayo’u Beauty Restorer – Jade Precision £45
What attracted me most to this facial contouring tool, was the element of pin point accuracy, perfect for those more delicate and hard to reach areas. In contrast to the Gua Sha, the Jade Precision tool is perfect for use near the eyes and lips. Designed to relax muscles, increase microcirculation and smooth fine lines and wrinkles. The brand is on point – one minute to self-care, it really is a quick worker. The wellness benefits of taking the time to use these beauty tools is an often overlooked advantage.
What was the verdict?
Perfect for dealing with my frown lines, which were resembling the Grand Canyon after a stressful week. I found with both of Hayo’u’s tools, that the wellbeing benefit was just as important as the results. The cooling touch of Hayo’u’s contour tool is a welcome relief after a busy day and such a gorgeous ritual to incorporate into an evening routine. This was definitely the tool I didn’t I know I needed and I look forward to it becoming a regular part of my home and clinic routines.
Lyma laser £1999
Everywhere I’ve looked recently, Lyma has been jumping out at me, so I was beyond excited to actually get the chance to try one out. My colleagues and I were as excited as Angela Raynor in an Ibiza DJ booth when the package landed on my desk. The packaging itself was divine and I am not afraid to say I am a total packaging nerd. So what did it actually do? I was ashamedly unaware of the full extent of indications, as the hype had already got me thinking I’d look younger than I did the first time Tamagotchi’s were a thing.
So are you ready? Lyma can address the following concerns:
- Pigmentation
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne
- Scarring
- Texture changes
- Rosacea
- Collagen and elastin boosting
- Killing “zombie cells” – I know, cool right?
Lyma uses the LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy) which is the leading global technology for rejuvenation of skin. Cutting edge cold beam laser technology uses light energy to induce tissue repair without causing thermal injury to tissues like other lasers types. This means results without any downtime. So how does it work? Lyma delivers 4 joules every 60 seconds of laser light which is scientifically proven to stimulate, repair and regenerate. The light energy is transferred to wake up sleepy skin cells, prompting them to function just like they would have done when we were younger. Over time, as new skin cells come to the surface, their quality is improved, showing visible results. Think back to the days of smooth, clear skin with a fabulous collagen glow. Zombie cells are those that have stopped functioning correctly and Lyma energises our own immune cells to clear these out, making way for new, super-boosted collagen producing cells. Lyma can be used on all skin tones, is suitable for both face and body, painless and safe.
What was the verdict?
Initially the Lyma laser felt very sci-fi and also a little bit ‘Emperors new clothes’, as the cold laser technology means that the device feels skin temperature. The mist and glide prep is super fast to apply and it couldn’t be any easier to use. I held for 3 minutes on each “problem area” and slowly glided over my whole face and neck area. I also zapped an annoying scar on my leg, some acne scarring on my forehead, some mild pigmentation and anything else that took my fancy along the way (including my husband).
To say I love it, is an understatement. The device itself is super sleek and small, meaning travel (which I seem to do a lot more often than I thought) is a dream. I definitely saw results much quicker than the 12 weeks recommended use. People commented on my skin and asked if I had been taking collagen supplements, which I took to mean I looked younger and glowing. Wrinkles around my eyes were softened and my skin texture improved greatly. The wait for results is totally worth it. The most noticeable and vastly appreciated benefit for myself was the improvement in rosacea, which is life changing for those who suffer from the condition.
Mina Lee – Facial Comb £42
“Your tissues hold your issues” explains Mina Lee, an aesthetic therapist and the founder of Mina Lee.London. Ever had a tough day and woken up the following day with a sore back or neck? Mina spreads the message that our traumas, can manifest as physical tension within our bodies, face and scalp. Mina is South Korean, and incorporates her life-long knowledge and experience of beauty and wellness into her products. Crafted from the finest quality green sandalwood, the comb combines acupressure to target stress points and massage to promote microcirculation and relaxation. But “What do I do with it?” I hear you ask. Mina posts regular routines on her Instagram page, guiding you through tips and techniques.
What was the verdict?
This was definitely a tool I didn’t know I needed and I look forward to this becoming a regular part of my at home routine. Those stress points I mentioned, were surprisingly easy to locate. My husband weirdly didn’t seem surprised by this. I have first hand experience of Mina’s messaging, as I can always feel the tension in my patients’ faces when they are experiencing stressful life events. I enjoyed tapping into Mina’s Instagram and particularly enjoyed the “Shake it, shake it method” which felt like I was releasing my issues into the wild.
Whichever of these beauty tools find their way into your holiday suitcase, I’m sure you will not be disappointed.
Written by Dr Sophie Denny from Honesty Aesthetic Lounge @honestyaestheticlounge
Images supplied
