Life before the rise of sophisticated skin care tools feels like a distant memory. What began with simple jade rollers has evolved into an array of high-tech devices promising dermatologist-level results at home. From LED masks to microcurrent devices, the beauty market is flooded with gadgets claiming to rejuvenate and transform your complexion. But with price tags that can range from affordable to eye-watering, the crucial question arises: are these skin care tools actually worth the money?
Vogue beauty editors have rigorously tested a plethora of skin care tools, and we’re here to cut through the hype. We’ve explored everything from circulation-boosting rollers to advanced laser devices, assessing their efficacy, ease of use, and long-term value. Ahead, discover Vogue‘s favorite skin care tools that deliver real results, helping you decide which investments are truly worth it for your skin goals.
Top Skin Care Tools Worth Considering
This guide breaks down the best skin care tools across various categories, highlighting their benefits, key features, and why they might be worth the investment for you.
Best LED Face Mask: Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask
Why It’s Worth It: If you’re targeting fine lines and dullness, the Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask is a powerful tool worth considering. LED light therapy is a dermatologist-approved treatment, and this mask brings those benefits home. Dr. Melanie Palm explains that different wavelengths address various concerns, from acne and inflammation to aging signs and collagen stimulation. The Vogue Verified mask is FDA-cleared and clinically proven to reduce wrinkles in just four weeks. Its hands-free, flexible silicone design ensures ease of use, making it a worthwhile investment for consistent skin improvement.
Key Features:
- Type: Flexible silicone LED Face Mask
- Benefits: Improves skin tone, texture, and firmness, reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Specs: FDA-approved, red and near-infrared light wavelengths
- Best For: Brightening, fine lines, wrinkles, texture, pigmentation
- Usage: 10-minute treatment, 3-5 times per week
Best IPL Device: Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal System
Why It’s Worth It: For long-term hair removal at home, the Braun Silk Expert Pro 5 IPL system is a worthwhile investment. IPL is often recommended over traditional laser for home use, offering broader light wavelengths that can improve skin texture and tone alongside hair removal. Dermatologist Noah Gratch highlights its skin tone detection feature, ensuring safe and effective hair follicle targeting without skin damage. While best for lighter skin tones, this device provides a convenient and effective alternative to salon laser treatments, making it a cost-effective solution in the long run.
Key Features:
- Type: IPL device
- Benefits: Long-lasting at-home hair removal, potential skin texture and tone improvement
- Specs: FDA-approved, skin tone detection, three intensity levels
- Best For: Hair removal on legs, arms, underarms, bikini line, back, chest, and lower face (light skin tones)
- Usage: Shave area, select head, glide over skin
Best Skincare Wand: Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand with Red Light Therapy
Why It’s Worth It: The Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand streamlines your routine with multiple treatments in one portable device. Combining red light therapy, microcurrent, facial massage, and therapeutic warmth, this wand addresses fine lines, puffiness, and product absorption in just five minutes. Its portability and ease of use make it a valuable tool for maintaining skin health on the go. For those seeking a quick yet comprehensive at-home facial, the Solawave wand offers excellent value and visible results.
Key Features:
- Type: Skincare Wand
- Benefits: Reduces wrinkles, dark circles, blemishes, dark spots, decreases puffiness, enhances product absorption
- Specs: Red light therapy, microcurrent, facial massage, therapeutic warmth
- Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, dark spots, puffiness
- Usage: 5-minute treatment, glide over face with serum
Best Microcurrent Device: NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit
Why It’s Worth It: If facial toning and sculpting are your priorities, the NuFace Trinity+ is a worthwhile investment. Beloved by Vogue editors and celebrities, this microcurrent device stimulates facial muscles for a firmer, more toned complexion in just 5- to 20-minute sessions. The Trinity+ version offers smart microcurrents to smooth lines, lift, and sculpt. For those seeking a non-invasive way to achieve a more defined facial structure, the NuFace Trinity+ delivers noticeable and lasting results, justifying its price for dedicated users.
Key Features:
- Type: Microcurrent tool
- Benefits: Tones, lifts, and tightens facial muscles, smooths lines, provides instant and long-term results
- Specs: FDA Cleared, smart microcurrent technology
- Best For: Wrinkles, fine lines, sculpting
- Usage: 5-20 minute sessions, use with Microcurrent Activator
Best Face Massager: Joanna Czech The Facial Massager
Why It’s Worth It: For combating puffiness and enhancing product absorption, Joanna Czech’s The Facial Massager is a valuable tool. Inspired by her salon treatments, this durable, waterproof massager helps tighten, tone, and sculpt the jawline while promoting circulation and product penetration. Its simplicity and effectiveness in mimicking professional massage techniques make it a worthwhile addition to any skincare routine focused on lymphatic drainage and facial sculpting.
Key Features:
- Type: Facial Massager
- Benefits: Depuffs, tightens, tones, sculpts, aids product absorption
- Specs: Aluminum and zinc alloy, waterproof
- Best For: Lifting, firming, depuffing, fine lines, wrinkles
- Usage: Glide across face and décolletage daily
Best Cleansing Brush: Foreo LUNA 4 Face Cleansing Brush
Why It’s Worth It: If you prioritize effective makeup removal and deep cleansing, the Foreo LUNA 4 Face Cleansing Brush is a worthy investment. Combining Swedish design with sonic pulsations and bacteria-resistant silicone, this brush lifts impurities without harsh scrubbing. It simplifies makeup removal and clarifies pores, leading to smoother, glowing skin. For those seeking a more thorough cleanse than manual methods, the Foreo LUNA 4 offers a significant upgrade and long-term skin benefits.
Key Features:
- Type: Silicone Electric Cleansing Brush/Massager
- Benefits: Deeply cleanses, enhances skincare absorption, removes 99% of dirt, oil, and makeup
- Specs: Sonic cleansing technology, bacteria-repelling silicone
- Best For: Facial cleansing, firming
- Usage: Use with cleanser, glide in outward motions
Best LED Light Therapy Tool: Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite Dpl FaceWare Pro
Why It’s Worth It: For comprehensive skin rejuvenation targeting both aging and acne, the Dr. Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro is a valuable investment. This hands-free LED mask uses red and blue light to combat wrinkles and acne simultaneously in just three minutes a day. Its ease of use and quick treatment time make it easy to incorporate into a routine, delivering noticeable improvements over time. For those wanting a multi-benefit LED therapy solution, this mask is worth the splurge.
Key Features:
- Type: LED Mask with silicone strap
- Benefits: Smooths face, diminishes fine lines, prevents acne, firms skin, clears existing acne
- Specs: FDA-cleared, red, blue, infrared, and amber light wavelengths
- Best For: Acne, wrinkles, fine lines
- Usage: 3-minute treatment, place over face and secure straps
Best for Hair Growth: Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet
Why It’s Worth It: If hair growth is a concern, the Currentbody LED Hair Growth Helmet is a high-tech solution worth considering. Experts agree that red light therapy effectively stimulates hair growth. Dermatologist Dr. Lauren Penzi notes its ability to improve cellular energy production and blood supply to the scalp. While a significant investment, this helmet offers expert-endorsed red light therapy for hair growth at home, potentially reducing the need for salon treatments and therapies in the long run.
Key Features:
- Type: Red light therapy helmet
- Benefits: Stimulates hair growth, improves hair density and length
- Specs: FDA-cleared, red light at 620-660nm, hands-free
- Best For: Hair growth
- Usage: 10-minute treatment, place on clean, dry hair
Best Laser Device: Lyma Laser
Why It’s Worth It: For serious skin transformation, the Lyma Laser is a clinic-grade, FDA-cleared tool worth the investment. More powerful than traditional LED therapy, it uses low-level laser to encourage cellular repair and regeneration, improving wrinkles, sun damage, redness, and pigmentation. While a significant splurge, its powerful technology and ability to deliver professional-level results at home make it a worthwhile investment for those seeking substantial skin improvement and a long-term solution to various skin concerns.
Key Features:
- Type: Laser
- Benefits: Reduces fine lines, dark spots, improves texture and tone, encourages cellular repair
- Specs: FDA-Cleared, Near infra-red 500mW laser technology
- Best For: Wrinkles, texture, dark Spots, hyperpigmentation
- Usage: 3-minute spot treatment or glide across face and body
Best Depuffing: Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand
Why It’s Worth It: For those prone to puffiness, especially around the eyes, the Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand is a worthwhile tool. Utilizing cold therapy, it quickly reduces morning puffiness and provides a soft sculpt. It offers consistent cold temperatures without the inconvenience of ice rollers, and also provides heat therapy for product absorption. For targeted depuffing and quick facial refreshment, this wand offers practical value.
Key Features:
- What It’s Good For: Depuffing under-eye bags, reducing facial puffiness
- Specs: Cold and heat therapy, preset temperatures
- Best For: Depuffing, firming
- Usage: Glide across clean, dry skin
Best For Contouring: Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar
Why It’s Worth It: For facial contouring and toning, the Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar is a worthwhile tool inspired by Hollywood facialists. This 24-karat gold vibrating bar mimics massage effects, boosting blood flow, relaxing muscles, and sculpting features. For those seeking to enhance cheekbones, jawline definition, and overall facial sculpting at home, this tool offers a luxurious and effective solution.
Key Features:
- Type: Facial Massager
- Benefits: Sculpts cheekbones, jawline, chin, neck, tones facial muscles
- Specs: 24K gold plated, 6,000 rotations per minute
- Best For: Lifting, Toning, Contouring
- Usage: Moisturize skin, move upward along jawline towards temples
Best for Acne: OmniLux Mini Blemish Eraser
Why It’s Worth It: For targeted acne treatment, the OmniLux Mini Blemish Eraser offers a speedier solution than traditional spot treatments. Combining blue and red LED light with salicylic acid patches, this hands-free device eliminates bacteria and reduces inflammation and redness. For those seeking a fast and effective way to address breakouts, this mini device is a worthwhile addition to an acne-fighting regimen.
Key Features:
- Type: Silicone Mini LED device
- Benefits: Targets breakouts, eliminates bacteria, reduces inflammation and redness
- Specs: FDA-cleared, blue and red wavelengths
- Best For: Acne, inflammation, redness
- Usage: Use with hydrocolloid patches on blemishes for 10 minutes, 4 times a week
Best for Microneedling: BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Rejuvenation Tool
Why It’s Worth It: For pore refinement and skin retexturing, the BeautyBio GloPRO Microneedling Rejuvenation Tool is a cult-favorite worth considering. This microneedling tool promotes cellular turnover and collagen production, leading to plumper, more radiant skin. While it may seem intimidating, it is painless and enhances skincare absorption. For those aiming for smoother, tighter skin and improved product efficacy, the GloPRO is a valuable tool for consistent use.
Key Features:
- Type: Microneedling LED Light Tool
- Benefits: Smooths, retextures, enhances skincare absorption, promotes collagen production
- Specs: Red LED light, micro-needles
- Best For: Smoothing, retexturing
- Usage: 60 seconds a day, 3 times a week, apply serums immediately after
Best Dermaplaning Device: Dermaflash LUXE+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning Device
Why It’s Worth It: For exfoliation and peach fuzz removal, the Dermaflash LUXE+ Advanced Sonic Dermaplaning Device provides a two-in-one solution worth the investment. This sonic dermaplaning tool gently extracts blackheads, dirt, and oil while also infusing serum for enhanced product penetration. For those seeking smoother skin, improved product efficacy, and the benefits of dermaplaning at home, this device is a worthwhile addition to their routine.
Key Features:
- Type: Dermaplaning Device
- Benefits: Exfoliates, removes blackheads, dirt, oil, peach fuzz, enhances skincare absorption
- Specs: Sonic dermaplaning system
- Best For: Blackheads, skincare absorption, peach fuzz removal
- Usage: Use with Preflash Skin Prep, hold at 45-degree angle, apply feathery strokes
Best for Tense Muscles: Theraface PRO Microcurrent Facial Device
Why It’s Worth It: For relieving facial muscle tension and multi-treatment options, the TheraFace PRO Microcurrent Facial Device is a versatile and worthwhile investment. This 8-in-1 device offers percussive massage, LED light therapy, hot and cold therapy, and cleansing. Its customization and wide range of skincare benefits make it a valuable tool for relaxation, skin prep, and addressing various concerns in one device. For those wanting an all-encompassing facial tool, the TheraFace Pro is worth considering.
Key Features:
- Type: Facial Massaging Device
- Benefits: Relieves tension, cleanses, sculpts, reduces inflammation and acne, tightens skin
- Specs: 8-in-1 device, percussive massage, LED light therapy, hot and cold therapy
- Best For: Cleansing, sculpting, inflammation, acne, relieving tension
- Usage: Apply conductive gel, select microcurrent setting, glide upward
Best Gua Sha: Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
Why It’s Worth It: For lymphatic drainage, contouring, and tension release, the Mount Lai The Jade Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool is a worthwhile and accessible tool. This traditional Chinese tool boosts circulation, drains the lymphatic system, and tones the complexion. Its affordability and portability, combined with its visible and meditative benefits, make it an excellent and valuable addition to any self-care routine focused on natural facial sculpting and well-being.
Key Features:
- Type: Gua Sha Stone
- Benefits: Boosts circulation, sculpts face, releases tension, lymphatic drainage
- Specs: 100% jade, rose quartz, black obsidian, or amethyst stone
- Best For: Puffiness, contouring, releasing tension, lymphatic drainage
- Usage: Use with oil or serum, glide down neck, forehead, eye area, cheeks, jawline
Best Infrared Sauna Blanket: Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket
Why It’s Worth It: For full-body detox, relaxation, and skin radiance, the Higher Dose Infrared Sauna Blanket is a worthwhile investment for home wellness. This portable sauna blanket provides the benefits of an infrared sauna, promoting sweat, detoxification, calorie burning, stress reduction, and improved mood and skin. While a higher-priced item, its convenience and comprehensive wellness benefits make it a valuable tool for dedicated users seeking at-home sauna experiences.
Key Features:
- Type: Sauna Blanket
- Benefits: Detoxes, burns calories, boosts mood, promotes glowing skin, reduces stress, increases blood flow
- Specs: Infrared heat, water-resistant, adjustable temperature
- Best For: Detoxing, burning calories, boosting mood, glowing skin, reducing stress, increase blood flow
- Usage: Wear skin-covering clothes, preheat, zip in for 30-45 minutes
Best Face Roller: Herbivore Stone Facial Roller
Why It’s Worth It: For basic circulation boost, muscle relaxation, and reducing puffiness, the Herbivore Stone Facial Roller is an accessible and worthwhile tool. This classic jade roller promotes radiant skin and can help with sinus issues. Its affordability and ease of use make it a great entry-level skin care tool for those wanting to incorporate facial massage into their routine.
Key Features:
- Type: Jade Stone Roller
- Benefits: Boosts circulation, relaxes muscle tension, promotes radiant glow, reduces puffiness
- Specs: Jade facial roller
- Best For: Puffiness, fine lines, detoxing
- Usage: Apply face oil, roll from center of face outward and upward
Best Korean Skincare Tool for Glass Skin: Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
Why It’s Worth It: For achieving “glass skin” through enhanced product absorption, the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro is a Korean beauty innovation worth the investment. Utilizing Electroporation, it pushes products deeper into the skin, increasing ingredient absorption significantly. Its ease of use and noticeable plumping and glossiness make it a valuable tool for maximizing skincare product efficacy and achieving a radiant complexion.
Key Features:
- Type: Facial Treatment Device
- Benefits: Enhances radiance, elasticity, pore care, facial contouring, increases product absorption
- Specs: Electroporation technology, electrical stimulation
- Best For: Hydration, plumping
- Usage: Use after skincare application, choose watering, boosting, or focus method
Best for Big Events: ZIIP Halo
Why It’s Worth It: For immediate facial lifting and red-carpet-ready results before big events, the ZIIP Halo is a splurge-worthy tool. This microcurrent device delivers noticeable lifting and contouring effects instantly. Despite its higher price, its ability to provide quick, visible results makes it a valuable investment for those wanting a significant boost before important occasions.
Key Features:
- Type: Microcurrent tool
- Benefits: Immediate lifting effect, improves dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, texture
- Specs: Microcurrent technology, app with 26 waveforms
- Best For: Dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles, texture, immediate lifting
- Usage: Use with Electric Complex Gel, 3-5 times per week for 6 weeks for optimal results
Best Dry Brush: Goop Beauty Ultimate Dry Brush
Why It’s Worth It: For body exfoliation and circulation, the Goop Beauty Ultimate Dry Brush is a worthwhile and relatively affordable tool. Made from natural sisal, it gently exfoliates dead skin cells, revealing smoother skin. Its ease of use and effectiveness in improving skin texture make it a valuable addition to a body care routine focused on exfoliation and overall skin health.
Key Features:
- Type: Body Brush
- Benefits: Exfoliates dead skin, reveals smooth skin, boosts circulation
- Specs: Natural sisal bristles
- Best For: Exfoliation, circulation
- Usage: Use on dry skin before bath or shower, brush upwards towards the heart
Best For Skincare Absorption: Droplette Microinfusion Device
Why It’s Worth It: To maximize skincare product efficacy, the Droplette Microinfusion Device is a worthwhile investment. This device uses micro-infusion technology to deliver ingredients deeper into the skin, making them more effective. For those wanting to get the most out of their skincare products and see enhanced results, the Droplette offers a valuable solution for improved absorption and overall skin health.
Key Features:
- Type: Skincare Device
- Benefits: Enhances skincare absorption, delivers ingredients deeper into the skin
- Specs: Micro-infusion Technology, aerosol mist delivery
- Best For: Skincare absorption, plumping, hydration
- Usage: Place serum capsule, move mist in circles around face
Best for Skin Tightening: Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Device
Why It’s Worth It: For at-home skin tightening and collagen stimulation, the Currentbody RF Radio Frequency Device is a worthwhile investment. Radio frequency technology is known for its skin-tightening benefits, and this device brings that technology home. By heating the skin to an ideal temperature for collagen production, it helps tighten skin, reduce wrinkles, and improve texture. For those seeking a non-invasive way to improve skin firmness over time, this device offers valuable and consistent results.
Key Features:
- Type: Skin-care device
- Benefits: Tightens skin, spurs collagen production, reduces wrinkles, improves skin texture
- Specs: FDA-cleared, radio frequency technology
- Best For: Collagen production, firming, improving skin texture
- Usage: Apply RF gel, glide in circular motions across the face
Choosing the Right Skin Care Tool for Your Needs
Selecting the right skin care tool depends on your individual skin goals, concerns, and budget. Consider what you want to achieve – whether it’s anti-aging, acne treatment, hair removal, or simply enhancing your skincare routine. Research expert recommendations and read reviews to make informed decisions. LED masks are often recommended as a universally beneficial at-home tool, but exploring different technologies can address specific needs effectively.
Are At-Home Beauty Tools a Worthy Investment?
High-quality at-home beauty tools can indeed be worth the investment, offering convenience and consistent skincare benefits. However, remember that they are supplements to a good skincare routine, not replacements. Avoid invasive tools like dermaplaning and microneedling at home, opting for professional treatments for those. For safe and effective at-home skincare enhancement, the tools highlighted above represent some of the best options worth considering for your money.
