I'm a Beauty Editor—These Are the Devices I Invest In for Incredible Skin
In the past few years, the skincare and technology industries have collided, resulting in an abundance of facial tools and skincare devices that promise to do everything from lifting and sculpting to decongesting and brightening skin. Now, as a trained esthetician I’ve tried my fair share of skincare gadgets, but what makes this new cohort of beauty tech different is that these devices are designed to be easily used by skincare novices from the comfort of their own homes. Safe, easy to use, and affordable, these tools replicate the effects of professional treatments and will seriously upgrade your daily skincare routine.
One of the brands that has really lead the way when it comes to skincare tech is Foreo. The Swedish brand first launched in 2013, debuting the world’s first silicone facial cleansing brush, and has since expanded their product range to include innovations such as a 5-in-1 facial massager, an LED breakout wand, and a silicone toothbrush.
My first introduction to the brand was via Foreo’s facial cleansing brush (known as the Luna), and I have to admit, I was sceptical as to just how good an at-home device could be. Needless to say, four years have passed and it’s been a staple in my daily skincare routine ever since. As someone who is acne-prone and experiences concerns like enlarged pores and deep-rooted congestion, cleansing efficiently has always been a main focus of my skincare routine. However, cleansers themselves can only do so much, so incorporating the Foreo Luna into my cleansing routine was a major upgrade. In fact, Foreo’s newest version of the Luna is clinically proven to remove 99% of dirt, oil, and makeup residue, which is a lot more than hands alone can achieve.
Made from super-soft silicone and powered by sonic pulsations, this is quite unlike any other facial cleansing brush I’ve ever tried—it’s also a lot more hygienic than brushes with nylon bristles. With three modes (gentle, regular, and deep), it’s suitable for all (including sensitive) skin types, and simultaneously massages, cleanses, and exfoliates skin. The soothing massage function helps to improve lymphatic drainage and skin elasticity, resulting in a firmer, sculpted appearance, while the gentle exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells and prep skin for effective product penetration.
I tend to use the device during my evening cleanse, usually alongside a gel or foam cleanser (as I find this texture works best). Once turned on, it runs for two minutes—the perfect amount of time to cover my face and neck, with extra focus on my congested areas (along my jawline) and around my nose where my pores are most obvious. Within a few weeks of first using it I noticed a reduction in the bumpy uneven texture of my skin, and with daily use my skin is now smooth and totally bump free. I’ve also noticed an overall reduction in the amount of breakouts I experience, which I credit to the fact that not only does the Luna give my skin a really deep cleanse, but it also forces me to spend two whole minutes focussing on your cleansing routine—I’ve noticed on days when I don’t use the Foreo, I rarely spend more than 20 seconds on this step.
I’ll admit that what usually puts me off using a device in the long-term is how easy it is to maintain, but the Luna is practically effortless. It’s rechargeable (and only needs charging 2-3 times a year), doesn’t need to be replaced, and is super easy to clean—silicone is bacteria-resistant, so you just rinse it under water after each use. If you are after a device to help with concerns like congestion, breakouts, and excess oil, then I can’t recommend the Foreo Luna enough. Oh, and I’ve since tried out a number of other devices from the range, so if you’re interested, scroll down for my verdict on the best Foreo products worth investing in.
1. Foreo Luna 4
The newest iteration of the Luna cleansing brush, the Luna 4, has 16 adjustable pulsation intensities, five massage patterns (including lymphatic drainage, deep tissue, and trigger point massages), and has up to 600 uses per charge. It also has impressive results for targeting signs of ageing—86% of users reported skin looking and feeling firmer and more elastic.
2. Foreo Bear
Microcurrent devices are all the rage in 2023, and Foreo’s promises to reduce wrinkles and improve firmness in just one week. By stimulating the facial muscles and firming the skin above, it lifts and sculpts the complexion, while also boosting circulation and activating the skin’s process of lymphatic drainage, leaving skin looking brighter and boosted.
3. Foreo Luna 4 Body
Breakouts, congestion, and rough texture aren’t concerns exclusive to the face. If bacne, cellulite, ingrown hairs, and strawberry skin (keratosis pilaris) are amongst your top skin concerns, then consider trying out Foreo’s first body massaging brush.
4. Foreo Luna 4 Plus
This upgraded version of the Luna 4 features near-infrared LED technology, which means that (on top of cleansing and exfoliating) it helps to target breakouts and dullness, increase collagen and elastin production, and restore lost elasticity.
5. Foreo UFO 2
If you’re after an overall skin boost, look no further than the Foreo UFO, which basically rolls all the benefits of a spa facial into one. You’ll need to purchase a pack of Foreo’s activated masks—pre-soaked pads which clip onto the device. Once turned on, you’ll receive all the benefits of the mask, plus a combination of LED, sonic massage, cryotherapy, and thermotherapy. The device is controlled by an app, so you can opt for a programmed treatment or give yourself a custom facial.
6. Foreo Luna 4 Go
This ultra-mini palm-sized version of the Luna 4 is perfect for those who are often travelling or on the go. It still offers an impressive 300 uses per charge (so won’t run out mid-trip) and has eight adjustable intensities and a travel lock feature.
7. Foreo Iris 2
Inspired by ancient finger-tapping lymphatic drainage techniques practised in Asia, this device helps to address eye-related concerns like puffy under-eye bags and crow’s feet. It gently massages the eye area for 60 seconds—a perfect relaxing treat.
7. Foreo Espada
Blue LED light is proven to treat acne, inflammation, pigmentation, and enlarged pores, so this is the perfect addition to your breakout-busting routine. Simply hold it over spots (as soon as you feel them coming) so stop them in their tracks. According to Foreo, 4 in 5 users reported a decrease in breakouts.
9. Foreo FAQ 101
Foreo’s latest launch combines radio frequency and LED technologies in order to accelerate collagen production and reduce the appearance of wrinkles. In clinical trials, an impressive 100% of users reported skin looking and feeling tighter, with dramatic improvements in skin elasticity and sagging.
10. Foreo Issa 3
Meet the world’s very first silicone sonic toothbrush. Although it feels strange to use at first, the medical-grade silicone is actually 10,000 times more hygienic than a regular nylon toothbrush. Delivering up to 11,000 pulsations per minute, it effectively breaks up and removes plaque. Plus, the head also has a 360 degree cleaning function, so it also cleans the tongue, gums, and cheeks.
Next Up: 18 Affordable Anti-Ageing Skincare Products That Truly Work
Grace Day is a beauty editor and content creator. She has over 10 years of beauty-industry experience, spanning editorial, retail, and e-commerce, which gives her a unique understanding into how people shop for their beauty routines.While studying for a history degree (specialising in the history of beauty) and working as a beauty adviser in department stores, Grace started writing her own beauty blog in order to share the products she discovered while dealing with acne. After graduating, she moved to Beauty Bay as beauty editor and content manager. Grace is currently a beauty contributor to Who What Wear. She has also written for Hypebae and PopSugar and works as a brand consultant and copywriter.
-
Lili Reinhart Knows You're Sick of Celeb Beauty Brands—Here's Why She Wants You to Trust Hers
Especially if you have acne.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
Derms Say Tretinoin Can Do More Harm Than Good If You Don't Know These 4 Things
Read this before you use it.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
14 Strategic Skincare Products That Have Totally Saved My Dry, Perimenopausal Skin
Hint: They all have one thing in common.
By Marie Lodi
-
Soft Services' New Buffing Bar Smells Like Every Editor's Favorite Fig Perfume
So dreamy.
By Jamie Schneider
-
I'll Be 30 Next Year and Want the Best Skin of My Life—5 Swaps I'm Making
I'm prepping now.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
Derms Love This Do-It-All Ingredient to Minimize Redness, Dark Spots, and Large Pores
It even targets acne.
By Kaitlyn McLintock
-
This Hero Japanese Skincare Ingredient Transformed My Dry, Perimenopausal Skin
I'm obsessed.
By Marie Lodi
-
I'm 28, But My Neck Looks Way Older: I Asked 2 Derms What to Do About It
Operation "reverse-age my neck" has commenced.
By Kaitlyn McLintock