OTHER DEVICE - ELECTRICAL

There has been an absolute explosion in this category in just the past couple of years, with tools to stimulate the complexion, LED masks to deliver a blast of precision-wavelength light to the face – even offer at-home microdermabrasion, as one of our winners does, below. (LED is short for Light Emitting Diode.)

We know that ALL our Awards reviews offer valuable insights into whether or not a product is worth investing in, but with the price-tags here, our testers’ comments give a real insight into which electrical gadgets deliver on their promises; we’ve run most of the tester comment sections slightly longer than reviews elsewhere, because there’s a lot at stake here.

We do thoroughly recommend, meanwhile, that you carefully read all the instructions and usage warnings, before trying for the first time. More is not better, when it comes to treatment timings.

Note: you probably won’t want to open the door to the postman wearing any of the LED masks…!

GOLD AWARD  LUSTRE ClearSkin Renew Pro Facewear

This is described as a ‘semi-flexible’ mask, offering a comfortable fit. It charges up so that it’s wireless and hands-free, controlled by a smart app; once charged, it will work for up to 70 minutes before you need to plug it in again. It’s designed to be positioned over the whole face, where a 10-minute session – using either red and blue light, or red and infrared light – can be customised to target different skin challenges. The first is hormonal acne, breakouts and oily skin, for which daily use for 30 days is prescribed. The second programme tackles dullness and uneven skin; use it five times a week for six weeks.

£450 - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘Other people have noticed an improvement in my skin – generally, that it looks healthy, glowing and from quite a few people, firmer and less "puffy"; I have had general comments about how good my skin looks for my age (52) and I do think that this mask has played a big part in this’ • ‘It’s hard to ignore the price tag on this product because it is really hefty – but yes, I would buy it; I’d think about it as a long term, non-surgical investment which delivers effective results. If you totted up the amount spent on expensive face creams/masks etc. over time, it would probably equate to that over the years. For me, the mask is so effective, I would probably simplify my skin care and use the mask to tackle issues such as firmness, redness and radiance’ • ‘I’ve found the results to be impressive with long-term use; a surprisingly (to me) effective and non-surgical way to improve my skin. No lotion or potion has managed to firm my skin the way this mask has or reduce redness in this way, and I am not a person who would opt for more invasive approaches such as Botox’ • ‘I was initially wary of this space age-looking product, but am converted and absolutely love the difference this has made to my skin – it looks more radiant, plumped and less dull. At Week 4, definite improvement in skin tone (seems smoother, reduction in pigmentation). Skin looks brighter and definitely clearer’ • ‘Instructions so easy. You download the app on to your phone, then customise your session – 10 minutes a day is all you need. Don't worry if you fall asleep; it will switch itself off after 10 minutes’ • ‘Lines and wrinkles are reduced and my pigmentation is so much lighter (which is saving on concealer!) Works very well on hormonal skin issues’ • ‘This slightly freaky LED mask is the perfect easy to use spa-at-home treat for better skin. I also enjoy the ritual of using it – an excuse for 10 minutes of downtime, easy to fit into my day and feels like a salon treatment in my own home. After using it a few times my skin does look more youthful, which is a bonus for any woman in her late 40s!’

£450 - click to buy 

SILVER AWARD  No7 Laboratories Age-Defying LED Mask

From the high street beauty and health/chemist chain, this is a specifically age-defying mask – again, a full-face gadget, using red and near-infrared LEDs; the red is the same red glow found in infrared saunas. With a strap to keep it in place, it’s recommended to use five times a week for 10 minutes, with the aim of minimising fine lines, plumping skin and leaving it supple-looking, as well as ‘radiant and healthier’; it is also designed to reduce the appearance of redness and pigmentation, as well as to firm. But as ever, we were keen to hear our testers’ verdict…

£149.95 - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘What I found most impressive after regular use is the skin clarity. I have an uneven skin tone and this did level it somewhat helping to tone down redness, my complexion looks clearer and refreshed and this has caused a brighter complexion. My skin also feels a little firmer and my pores look a little better because they are not as noticeable, an overall look of 'tighter' skin’ • ‘Lines on my forehead look a little less prominent and appear to have softened. I think it revamped my skin, and I would even push it that I look a little younger because it softened my lines and revamped and refreshed my skin’ • ‘This is a wow product and I feel results will continue to improve. I’m impressed that we can have this piece of technology in our homes, offering impressive results’ • ‘This is not a fast-acting mask; it takes time to see real results, and needs consistent committed use. But this has become a really great form of self-care for me; I enjoy using it, I get to sit there and do nothing for 10 minutes and relax’ • ‘I love this mask. Well worth the investment. Gives results without a lot of effort and really enhances skincare. I feel this complements a skin care routine and gives the skin a boost. A relaxing, meditative aid which leaves your skin feeling smoother’ • ‘I was quite sceptical about this, but was pleasantly surprised with the results. It definitely improved the texture of my skin’ • ‘It's super strange at first and takes some getting used to but it's a lovely step to add to a pamper session. My skin looks plumper’ • ‘I've been complimented on my clear skin since using this; I definitely felt my skin was more radiant and plumped after I had the treatments. And yes, maybe even a little evening out of skin tone and pigmentation. Real benefit in radiance whilst using the mask regularly’ • ‘I had immediate results, seeing a bit of a glow straight away; this would be good to use before a special occasion. The charge lasted a good length of time, and I like the idea of having a home-based device from a brand I trust. Liked the fact that there was no unpleasant dryness when using it. The best value product of its type that I've seen.’

£149.95 - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD  PMD Personal Microderm Elite Pro

Completely different to the other winners here, the purpose of this device – which comes in several different colours – is to physically buff skin, exfoliating away dead cells to leave it fresher-looking and brighter. It uses patented spinning discs in which aluminium oxide crystals are embedded, with a suction tool to remove the cellular debris. Once removed, PMD (who’ve had winning cleansing brushes for the past several years of Beauty Bible Awards) promise that products will be absorbed up to 20 times better, that it will diminish pore size and the appearance of dark spots, even out skin tone and texture, while it also promises to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Several testers reported that it did indeed deliver on that – but a couple of sensitive-skinned testers found it a little too challenging for their touchy complexions, and you definitely need to follow manufacturers’ instructions to start g-e-n-t-l-y.

£269 - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘I can't believe the difference this little device has made. I have gradually progressed to trying some of the more advanced discs and have increased the speed too. It’s microdermabrasion – but with toning and lifting’ • ‘Amazing results. I have a couple of creases/frown lines on my forehead and each side of my chin; these have definitely become softer and less noticeable. The overall look of my skin is smoother and pores are less visible, while texture is noticeably more even and toned’ • ‘I feel I look more "well-rested", with skin more luminous. The tone also seemed better, more healthy’ • ‘This is a lot cheaper than a microderm session in a clinic, which makes this worth purchasing. Feel like my skin tone is more even, and overall, my skin feels really smooth and soft, although it can be tender after the first use’ • ‘Some of my fine lines, especially round my cheeks and mouth, seem much improved; pores are noticeable smaller in some places’ • ‘Having acne-prone skin can make you feel less confident, so I’m very pleased with the results and my skin has been noticeably clearer since using; I noticed results within the first three to four weeks. Helped with open pores, which then reduced my blocked pores/blemishes. My skin is definitely brighter and smoother and younger-looking – more alert!’ • ‘A totally satisfying tool for unclogging pores and smoothing out blemishes. I think that this item enables you to take your skincare to the next level; I'd describe it as an advanced facial that you're able to do yourself at home. My skin did seem brighter and softer, with fewer little bumpy patches that I often experience. Overall, a magic tool to get your skin perfectly clean’ • ‘At first, I felt this tool bought my blemishes to the surface and I had a bit of a breakout. But after a few weeks, I really noticed an improvement in my skin texture and brightness. I look forward to setting aside some time and giving myself a mini facial with this every week now; my skin tone is much improved: smoother, brighter and more awake.’

£269 - click to buy 

BRONZE (JOINT) AWARD Opatra DERMISONIC II

From a brand which has done very well in previous Beauty Bible Awards, this is a facial massage device which you move over the surface of the skin, rather than use passively. It, too, is a LED light therapy device, using ‘a revolutionary combination of coloured red, blue and green LED light therapy to target specific areas of concern listed on the touchscreen device’; it also vibrates and offers heat therapy, alongside an ‘Anti-Ageing mode, a ‘Skin-Nourish’ mode’ and an ‘Even-Tone’ mode, designed variously to support cell regeneration, help skin to absorb products effectively, improve blood circulation, aid production of collagen and elastin, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Very high-tech, and accordingly very pricey.

£2999 - click to buy 

OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:

‘The jawline was where this tool came into its own. There was an immediate decrease in puffiness, but I couldn't believe how much it tightened up this area; it probably took about a month to see the long-term results but I can really feel it and for that alone I'd buy this 10 times over. The jawline and my crow’s feet sere honestly so much improved, I almost couldn’t believe it’ • ‘Such an easy, user-friendly device; it's travel-friendly and I took this away with me a lot. A brilliant alternative for anyone not wanting injectables. If you want to splurge on a device that not only puts you in a relaxed meditative state whilst firming everything up, ironing out wrinkles and fading out discolouration then this is perfect. It’s an investment piece that you won't regret (though I do think it is also important to wear the goggles, as the lights are incredibly bright and can cause damage if not careful’ • ‘Face appeared fresher...puffiness and tone seemed better; used with face oil regularly, every part of my face improved...less puffiness, better tone. It also helped tension around my jaw from the massage’ • ‘This snazzy, portable device uses LED light in various ways, so good for multiple treatments; I found it best for calming and reducing any redness. After the first treatment my skin definitely felt fresher, like it had a new lease of life. It was also very smooth’ • ‘A very relaxing way to spend part of your evening and it will make you feel like you have shown your skin a little bit of love. The morning after I have used it a few people have said my skin has a lovely glow about it’ • ‘I used the blue light in targeted areas, if I had a chin breakout – which happens once a month. It's nothing bad but I personally notice it, and I do think the blue light offers anti-inflammatory benefits’ • ‘During my trial of this I had a bad head cold which affected my sinuses quite badly. I used this device on the vibration mode just for five minutes either side of my nose/cheeks and I can honestly say the relief was amazing. It also is great for tension headaches around the temples and forehead.’

£2999 - click to buy