Our 3 favourite at-home beauty devices
Natural beauty and non-invasive devices and tools have come a long way in the last five years. During the COVID lockdown, I invested in a few at-home tools, and several of my favourites are still part of my routine today. If you're looking to save money and time, consider making a few smart investments for your at-home skincare.
1. Dr. Dennis LED Mask
This is one of those home investments that is fast, easy to use (you don’t have to do anything other than put it on and turn the lights on), non-invasive, and effective both quickly—within days—and long-term.
Benefits
This mask includes both red and blue lights. Red and blue light therapy have become game-changers in modern skincare, with light masks offering a simple and effective way to treat a range of skin concerns at home. Red light therapy, often praised for its anti-aging benefits, uses red and near-infrared wavelengths to boost collagen production, improve skin elasticity, and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It also enhances circulation, helping your skin heal faster while giving it a natural, healthy glow. Plus, its anti-inflammatory properties can calm issues like rosacea and acne. For those looking to brighten their complexion, it even helps even out skin tone and refine texture.
Blue light therapy tackles skin concerns from a different angle. It targets acne-causing bacteria, making it a go-to solution for reducing breakouts and keeping future ones at bay. Blue light also soothes redness and irritation, which is great for sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Application
I use the third function, which uses both the red and blue lights at the same time. The treatments are painless, non-invasive, and safe for all skin types, with Dr. Dennis mask sessions lasting just 3 minutes! It’s great to pop on while you’re choosing your outfit for the day or getting dressed. Bonus points—entertain the baby if you’re multitasking! Regular use—about three to five times a week—can lead to noticeable improvements over time.
I always apply hyaluronic acid to my wet face right after I hop out of the shower or after I’ve cleansed, before I pop on the mask. Sometimes I run two cycles of the lights.
This brand is expensive, but it has a lot more lights compared to other masks and fits the face well. The strap is a little annoying as it can slip off, but I tied it off, and now it’s fine. It would be worth comparing it to other brands, as there have been a lot of new releases since I purchased this.
2. NuFACE Trinity Device
The NuFACE Trinity device has become a go-to tool for anyone looking to lift, tone, and firm their skin at home. Using gentle microcurrent technology, it offers a non-invasive way to sculpt and rejuvenate your face, delivering professional-level results without the need for an appointment. By stimulating the facial muscles beneath the skin, the device helps to lift areas like the jawline, cheeks, and brows, giving your face a more contoured, youthful appearance.
Benefits
One of the standout benefits of the NuFACE Trinity is its ability to improve skin elasticity. Microcurrents boost cellular energy (ATP production), which supports collagen and elastin production, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles over time. It also enhances circulation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the skin. This not only gives your complexion a healthy glow but also reduces puffiness, making it a great addition to your morning routine.
Application
What’s even better is how easy it is to use. The device is lightweight, ergonomic, and requires just 5 minutes a day. You can add additional attachments, like the ELE attachment for precise work around the eyes and lips, or the Wrinkle Reducer, which incorporates red light therapy for tackling deeper wrinkles. I personally can’t be bothered, as I already use the LED mask, but some may enjoy this! With consistent use—five times a week to start, then just two or three times for maintenance—you can achieve and maintain a firmer, more lifted look over time.
The downside is you do need to physically stand there and apply it for 5 minutes, which isn’t always a priority for me in the morning or at night. However, the results are instant as well as long-term, so although I find it hard to keep up with it a few times a week, I love using this device before an event for an extra lift. Perhaps this one is a good addition to my habit tracker.
3. Gua Sha or Hand Massage
Gua sha, an ancient Chinese skincare and healing technique, has become a popular addition to modern beauty routines for its ability to promote glowing, healthy skin while providing a relaxing self-care moment. Traditionally performed with a smooth-edged tool made of jade or rose quartz, gua sha involves gentle scraping motions across the face to stimulate circulation and encourage lymphatic drainage. This helps oxygenate the skin, reduce puffiness, and give your complexion a natural, radiant glow. The technique also supports lymphatic drainage, making it especially effective for depuffing under the eyes and defining facial contours like the jawline and cheekbones.
Benefits
A major benefit of gua sha is its ability to release facial tension, which can contribute to wrinkles and fine lines. Many of us carry stress in areas like the jaw, forehead, or neck, and the massaging motions of gua sha help relax these tight muscles. If you don’t have a gua sha tool, you can use your hands instead, incorporating face yoga techniques. Using your fingers, you can gently massage and stretch facial muscles in upward and outward motions, promoting circulation and toning the skin. Both methods enhance the absorption of serums and oils, making your skincare products more effective while protecting the skin from unnecessary tugging.
Beyond its skincare benefits, gua sha is a holistic ritual that supports overall relaxation and mindfulness. The cool, soothing sensation of jade or quartz tools can calm redness or irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin types. It’s more than just a beauty treatment—it’s an opportunity to care for your skin and your well-being simultaneously.
I love using gua sha or performing a facial massage because it is cost-effective and easy. I’m already applying oil to my face with my hands, so why not spend an extra minute or two massaging it in with this tool or my hands?