The best beauty gadgets, tried and tested

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See the beauty team's verdict on the new school of skincare tech

Beauty gadgets have revolutionised almost every aspect of our regimes, and there's now a clever device to aid almost any concern. When it comes to hairstyling, many of us have a whole toolkit of gadgets to hand, from hairdryers to hot brushes and straighteners, enabling a salon-worthy blow-dry. But this year it's in the skin arena where innovation has really been driven forward, with a host of clinic-born technologies entering our homes, from microcurrent to radiofrequency, and even laser light therapy.

While a face serum or cream can work wonders on surface brightness and glow, a good beauty gadget can go deeper, bringing about results that bridge the gap between topicals and tweakments, all from the comfort of your own home. Personally, I'm beholden to my Lyma Laser for finally calming my reactive complexion, while Bazaar's beauty editor Medina Azaldin raves about her ZIIP Halo microcurrent device for lifting and contouring. Beauty writer Katie Withington looks forward to using her facial steamer after a long day. And the one to unite us all? A good LED face mask is a prerequisite in any beauty expert's stash: and happily, this particular category has undergone rapid development in the past year.

From an expert-formulated massage tool for better product penetration to slick steamers for deeply cleansed pores, these are the beauty devices we think are truly worth the investment.

The Lyma Laser is often mistaken for a high-powered LED device, but the secret to its skin-rejuvenating powers actually lies in LLLT (that's low-level laser therapy) rather than traditional light therapy.

The only laser device on the market for at-home use, it features a central cold laser that penetrates past the skin barrier to switch the cells' rejuvenating processes on, leading to better collagen production, faster skin recovery, and even the treatment of issues such as rosacea, acne scars, pigmentation and (to a certain degree) thread veins.

The kit comes with the slick and weighty laser alongside the efficacy-boosting oxygen mist and priming serum, which bring a pampering element to the treatment. For the truly devoted, there's now the high-strength Lyma Pro to invest in, and the two-strong Lyma Skincare system (which is again, outrageously priced, but I can attest it's astonishingly good).

Dermalux is the name to know in the light-therapy realm – they're the brand your facialist likely uses – and the Flex is the gold standard in at-home LED devices.

Yes, it comes with a price tag to match, but this flexible canopy boasts serious strength, with 360 lights at precisely honed wavelengths that cover the entirely of your face and neck, emitting either red, blue or infrared light (or a combination of all three).

The pre-set treatments take 20 minutes, during which you'll need to be lying down, goggles on, which will either be a deal maker or breaker for you (I'm firmly the former). Of course, it's neither as portable nor as practical as a wearable LED mask, but the power is unrivalled. For those with a little time to spare (and a spare shelf in their cupboard), it's a stellar investment.

A world-first, the ZIIP Halo is an app-controlled device that uses differing levels of electric current – both microcurrent and the lesser-used nanocurrent – to stimulate the muscles beneath the skin and encourage collagen production closer to the surface.

We love the four minute ‘Lift’ ritual, which has both instant and long-lasting smoothing and tightening effects.

Déesse's latest innovation is one for those who like to jump straight in at the deep end. Pulling no punches in the effectivity stakes, this multifunctional tool combines EMS and LED with radiofrequency: a protocol relatively new to the at-home market.

The dual probes at one end deliver the EMS stimulation, working to grab the muscles round the eyes, cheeks and jaw to lift and tone them, while the opposite end administers hot radiofrequency that tightens the skin's collagen matrix.

Whichever function you choose, know that this device pulls no punches: the EMS is strong (to me, it was alarmingly so) and the radiofrequency does feel akin to that you'd receive in a clinic. Don't buy this one for the light therapy (there are much better devices for that) it's these two advanced, strikingly effective, settings that seal the deal.

Not just our go-to for advanced skincare, A-list favourite Sarah Chapman also makes some brilliant beauty gadgets. A slick take on a long-time favourite, this facial steamer emits nanoparticles of steam to penetrate the pores, softening the day's oil and grime so your skincare can really do its best work. Proof that devices don't have to be a labour of love, this is one you'll really look forward to switching on at the end of a long day.

The specialist skin-tech sister to Foreo, FAQ makes some of the best multi-tasking devices on the market. The 103 Diamond is the jewel in its crown, combining LED with radiofrequency and EMS technology to offer a host of treatments in one.

Impressively, this pen-style device emits eight different colours of LED light (although bear in mind you'l have to move it aross your face, whereas an LED mask treats the whole face at once). The radiofrequency and EMS settings are undeniably effective though: use them before a big day (or big night) to see a reduction in fine surface wrinkles and sharper contours along the cheeks and jawline.

For the firming benefits of a radiofrequency facial at home, this handheld device heats the skin to 43 degrees, which studies have found to be the optimal temperature for collagen production. There's no pain, redness or downtime involved, and the results are satisfyingly swift: expect toned and taught skin, with an improvement in skin texture over time, too.

Using a very low level of electrical stimulus and a conductive gel, this toning tool uses microcurrent to stimulate, strengthen and lift the face. The device works on the muscles (rather than just the skin) to define your facial contours and tackle fine lines. Start with the daily five-minute programme to lift the brow or contour cheeks within weeks.

An at-home alternative to FaceGym's renowned sculpting facials, this non-invasive tool promises a visible lift in as little as 10 minutes. Powered by patented EMS (electrical muscle stimulation) which is a deeper, more powerful version of microcurrent technology, it stimulates the muscles beneath the skin for a chiseled, contoured appearance.

As with all muscle-stimulating devices, we find the results to be instant but fleeting, unless you're diligent enough to use it frequently and consistently. That said, the satisfaction of emerging after 10 minutes with sharper cheekbones is hefty: a perfect device for party season.

The LED mask market has boomed in recent years, with stronger, sleeker models coming to the fore. One that stands at the front of the innovation is FAQ's 202 Mask, which is lighter and more comfortable than most, and also boasts an impressive array of treatment options.

The body of the mask is made from light and flexible silicone, so it's much more comfortable than the solid older models, and emits eight different wavelengths through 600 light points, including an intriguing green-light setting that research suggests can brighten hyperpigmentation.

Using various depths and strengths of calibrated LED, this high-tech tool works alongside potent pods of serum to offer tailored results, be it clarifying or brightening, tightening or unifying. It's as simple as selecting a program: lift, repair, brighten, purity or redness. Use it for three minutes a day for more luminous skin in under a month.

Bear in mind that each device comes accompanied with four serum pods: the rest you'll need to purchase separately.

Pep-up a lacklustre complexion in regular three-minute sessions with the assistance of 100 red and 62 blue LED lights. Developed by leading dermatologist Dr Dennis Gross, this coveted LED mask is perfect for tackling skin concerns from fine lines and wrinkles to dark spots and redness. An essential for post-summer inflammation.

Ideal for frequent travellers, this pocket-friendly device utilises red-light therapy for boosting collagen, mild microcurrents for firming and massage for better circulation, all in one pencil-sized component.

It's effortless to add to any existing skincare routine and is completely comfortable to use. Not to mention, it can be used around the eye area to target dark circles and de-puff. You won't get the kind of results to rival a clinic appointment here, but it is a lovely way to boost your morning routine away from home, especially after (and during) a long flight.

This one is a multifaceted contouring device for toning, relieving tension and boosting the lymph system in one fell swoop. Developed by the cosmetic dermatologist Dr Vali, the Cutis uses the power of vibration to rival the results of an in-clinic facial without the need to ever leave your bathroom. It's especially good for working around your jawline, releasing tension and stiffness.

Braun's Silk-Expert Pro 5 IPL Hair Removal Device claims to deliver permanent hair reduction in as little as four weeks. Although it can't be used on very light hair or dark skin, it does have the additional benefit of SensoAdapt technology that adapts to your skin tone for optimum safety. There are three settings, including 'extra gentle', to limit discomfort, too.

A bikini trimmer is a utilitarian little gadget you'll likely end up using religiously. If you are a regular shaver, but find your usual razor leaves nicks and redness around your most sensitive areas, this one from Wilkinson is a great upgrade. It features a five-blade razor on one end, and a motorised trimmer that offers four different lengths on the other.

This manual gadget isn't as scary as it might appear. It's designed to massage your skin just like the famed facialist behind it would, so you can get the results of visiting Sarah Chapman's clinic at home. Gently run the eight-pronged massaging wheels along your jawline and then down again to drain toxins and relieve tension. It's that simple.

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