Do These Viral Beauty Gadgets Really Work?

By Lisa Desantis 

for Forza Digital

You don’t have to be a beauty expert to know that there are a lot of gadgets on the market. But how do you choose which ones are actually worth their hefty price tags or even pricier: your time? Especially when there are so many conflicting reviews of said gadgets. Luckily, as a beauty editor, it’s my literal job to test all of the buzziest beauty products and tools, so you don’t have to. If you asked me what I really use, here’s what I would tell you. 

1. Facial Rollers 

If you’re a beauty lover, chances are you have seen your fair share of facial rollers– from pink quartz dual-ended versions to larger metal rollers that are meant to be stored in the fridge. There are plenty to choose from and at a range of price points, too, which makes them accessible, unlike many others. While a facial roller can feel amazing, especially after a night of martinis and fries, they’re not necessarily going to be the game-changing gadget that levels up your beauty routine. There’s nothing wrong with using one, and if you see results such as depuffing, I’m all for it! But, derms will tell you they’re more of a temporary fix and not a long-term skin solution. I like the Skinny Confidential Mint Roller because it’s dual-ended– one side has a curved roller for a more contoured effect, but my favorite part is that it’s covered, so your roller isn’t just left in the open in your fridge or freezer– this makes it easy to travel with, too!

2. Gua Sha Tools

Another popular go-to is Gua Sha stones, chiseled into shapes meant to hug the contours of the face (this sets them apart from rollers). They’ve become a morning ritual that many of us look forward to– including me. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and beloved for centuries for pain relief, Gua Sha can help to increase microcirculation, reduce inflammation, and boost lymphatic drainage. While there’s not a ton of research and derms aren’t always on board with the efficacy, there are many people who swear by the benefits of Gua Sha, and I’m one of them! Personally, I find that it helps move stagnant fluid in my face when I wake up feeling puffy– I can literally feel it moving as I stroke the stone up my face and down my neck. Do you need some luxury stainless steel version that costs an arm and a leg? I don’t think so– my advice: look for one that has some weight to it and feels substantial in your hand, allowing you to use enough pressure to get things moving. I use the Cacti Wellness Gua Sha, which is made of Tiger’s Eye, so it has a pretty pattern on it, but also, some woo-woo benefits like grounding and clarity, if you’re into that like I am! There are plenty of helpful how-tos that you can follow along with to make sure you’re getting the most out of your Gua Sha sesh.

3. Light Therapy Masks

It’s impossible not to see someone wearing a red light mask on my social feeds these days. Maybe that’s just my algorithm– I’ve got the trifecta of standing on a vibration plate, wearing a red light mask/and or in front of a red light panel, and sipping on some sort of beverage– my drink of choice is a matcha– and yes, I do all three of these things daily. Who doesn’t love a habit stack?! 

Back to the red light masks, though. Drumroll, please…they are legit. But, they’re not all made equal. I interviewed a plastic surgeon for a piece on light therapy, who gave me this advice: “High-quality LED devices often have specific features that ensure efficacy and safety. Look for devices with clinically tested wavelengths (e.g., 630–660 nm for red light), FDA-clearance, and strong reviews.” And price plays a part, too, so it can be worth it to splurge if you’re after real results. “Cheaper devices may work but often lack power or durability, making results slower or less noticeable over time,” explains Michael Bassiri-Tehrani, MD. So, if you’re on the market for one, definitely do your research!

The two I’ve used and keep in rotation include TheraFace Mask Glo and Dr. Dennis Gross Spectralite Mask, both of which are FDA-cleared, feature different colored light treatments, and call for less than 15 minutes a day. 

As a cheat sheet, here are the concerns that each color light will treat:

• Red Light: Stimulates collagen production, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and improves skin texture.

• Blue Light: Targets acne by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.

• Green Light: Helps with pigmentation and skin tone.

4. High Frequency Wands

Breakout-prone? You simply need one of these. I know, it sounds too good to be true that you can “zap” your breakouts away, but as someone who’s suffered with cystic acne since puberty and has tried everything out there– including 10+ years of birth control and prescription Spironolactone to address acne-triggering hormones– the Skin Gym High Frequency Wand has become my first line of defense. While a trip to the derm or medspa for a cortisone shot is likely the quickest way to nip a breakout in the bud, it’s not always the most practical in terms of time, money, and ease. By having my high-frequency wand stashed right under my bathroom sink, I have the literal power to wave my ~magic wand~ whenever my skin starts to act out. 

How it works: a gentle electrical current is emitted through the device, allowing you to spot treat the exact area that you feel a zit coming on. You can adjust the level of power by turning up the dial until you feel a slight tingling sensation come through whichever wand tip you choose– my go-to is the dot point, specifically for breakouts. After a few quick buzzes around the affected area (they recommend moving the wand in a circular motion for 1-3 minutes), I notice a reduction in redness and inflammation unlike any other at-home treatment I’ve tried.

5. At-Home Facial Devices

Treating yourself to a monthly facial is self-care at its finest, but again, it’s not always in the budget, nor is it easy to get an appointment, especially at the last minute. For glowing skin from the comfort of your own bathroom, look no further. Compared to the luxe and ever-satisfying Hydrafacial treatment you can get from an esthetician, the Shark Facial Pro Glow is a DIY gadget that follows a similar idea, extracting gunk from pores while infusing barrier-repairing ingredients and hydration. Plus, it features a hot/cold feature for contrast therapy, which helps to depuff, leaving a more sculpted appearance behind. It’s definitely much more relaxing to go to the spa, but this does the trick when I need it. With four tips, two for the T-zone and two for the rest of the face (one set for extracting and the other for infusing hydration), you can really customize to what you need. Personally, I like using the T-zone attachment over my entire face because it feels less aggressive. The most satisfying part: the compartment with the “dirty” water and gunk that comes out of the pores. It features a light, too, so you can really see the gross stuff floating around.

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