We Try: FOREO skin devices, the Instagram-famous beauty tools for all skin types
Trying to cut back on your beauty routine spending? This "genius" and "relaxing" device is set to save me $700 each and every year.
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With the cost-of-living rising, it can be hard to decide which areas of your life to cut your spending.
If you're on a skin journey or simply beauty-obsessed like me, you'll know how important facials are to the overall health and texture of your skin. But as you can imagine, regular facials can be costly and probably one of the first things to cut when it comes to reviewing your spending habits.
So if your beauty routine is about to take a hit, allow us to introduce you to the UFO 2, and a hack I've found to help me save $700 each and every year.
The UFO 2 is a mask, LED light, massage, heating and cooling device all in one.
I've tried my fair share of FOREO devices in the past, but after hearing about the UFO 2, I knew I had to put it to the test - read on for my review, plus the low-down on FOREO’s other best-selling devices.
EDITOR'S PICKS: BEST FOREO DEVICES
FOREO UFO 2, $499 at Adore Beauty
FOREO UFO 2
Tried and Tested by Marina Tatas, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
It's genius really - this unique device combines sheet masking with LED light, plus cold and hot sonic wave technology to completely transform your skin.
Getting my hands on the UFO 2, it's safe to say I was pretty damn excited. I have my own LED mask at home, but this device combines a whole bunch of skin-loving treatments in one. Regular use is set to give you visible benefits to ageing skin, as well as an improvement in skin texture and tone.
Setting it up was fairly easy, and you're able to do all the guided treatments through the FOREO app, which I really loved. It was nice to hear a calming voice talk you through all the treatments - it really felt like I was at a spa!
I've been using it a few days a week for the past few weeks, morning and night, trialling both a hydrating sheet mask and an anti-ageing sheet mask and I am obsessed.
No negatives from me, but I do suggest giving it a quick charge before you get started - I didn't and the treatment kept stopping halfway through, thankfully I eventually realised it needed some more juice.
Obviously it's not going to completely change your skin like an intense laser session or skin needling, but it does offer a super relaxing facial with light therapy, vibrations and more. Your skin is going to feel hydrated, brighter and more snatched.
So is it worth it? Let's compare the cost of the UFO 2 to your average facial. They're $150 each time you go, give or take, and it's recommended you go every four to six weeks. In a year, that's about $1200 spent on facials. Or you can pay the one-off cost of $499 and use the UFO 2 from the comfort of your own home, any time you think your skin is in need of a pick-me-up.
FOREO Luna 4 Body in Evergreen, $249 at Myer
Foreo Luna 4 Body in Evergreen
Tried and Tested by Hannah Paine, news.com.au checkout Editor
The circular device, which fits easily in your hand, has eight different settings that you manually adjust while you wash yourself. The first time I used the Luna 4 Body I was sceptical that the gently humming pulsations would be enough to really exfoliate and clean my skin. While they gave a pleasant massage, they didn’t feel strong enough to really get in there.
But after I stepped out of the shower and dried myself, I was shocked — my skin was silky smooth, like I’d just used a coffee scrub or bristle brush, but without any of the hard scrubbing or skin irritation.
Even on the heels of my feet (where I’d used the highest setting, which still felt incredibly gentle) I’d managed to slough away dry skin.
Over time, I’ve noticed a really difference using this on the daily. My skin feels more soft and less irritated, plus my overall skin colour tone has become more even and less blotchy.
The best bit is how nice it is to use — the pulsations give a gentle lymphatic massage, which not only has incredible benefits for the body, but also feels extra relaxing if you’ve just jumped in the shower after a workout.
It’s even easy to store in the shower thanks to its leather strap.
The only downside is you need to be using a body wash or soap that will really lather and you need to use quite a bit more product than you usually would to allow the Luna 4 Body to really glide over the skin.
But honestly, it’s a small price to pay for the result, plus it isn’t rubbing bacteria all over your body — what a win!
FOREO Bear Facial Toning Device, $549 at Myer
FOREO Bear Facial Toning Device
Tried and Tested by Harriet Amurao, news.com.au checkout Shopping Writer
The FOREO BEAR is a non-invasive anti-ageing facial toning device that uses microcurrent technology and T-Sonic pulsations to give users an ‘instant facelift’, and help them achieve the ‘sculpted’ look – minus the needles of course.
I noticed that I have been waking up with a less puffy face (than usual), my cheekbones are slightly more pronounced, my jawline has become slimmer, and my skin overall just feels more firm, plump and healthy.
For $549, the BEAR does come at a hefty price but if you think about the cost per use and convenience, I'd say it’s well worth it.
FOREO LUNA 3 Facial Cleansing Massager, $421 at OZSALE
FOREO LUNA 3 Facial Cleansing Massager
What You Need To Know
The LUNA 3 has 8000 TSonic pulsations per minute that will clean away dirt, makeup and oil while not being harsh on skin. The LUNA 3’s brush head is 30 per cent larger than the LUNA 2, while its silicone touchpoints are 30 per cent longer and 25 per cent softer.
“It’s not hard to love this device. I know some people will swear by a facial cloth, but I’ve been wary of the hidden bacteria that can live in damp fabrics,” says writer Mariela Summerhays.
“The silicone construction of the LUNA 3 gives me peace of mind that only my cleanser, and nothing else will be coming into contact with my pores.
“A mother-of-three, my skincare routine has to be short and sharp, so I love knowing that I need only a minute after my morning regimen to get my skin clean and glowing again.
“Truly, at its price point, I would say this device is worth it for its cleansing and exfoliating properties alone.
“But it also acts as a firming massager. After seeing me use this function only once, my skincare-apathetic husband has now hooked his phone up, and uses it at least once a week. If that isn’t a glowing testament, I’m not sure what is.”
FOREO LUNA Mini 3 Facial Cleansing Massager, $249 at The Iconic
FOREO LUNA Mini 3 Facial Cleansing Massager
What You Need To Know
The FOREO LUNA Mini 3 has 12 adjustable massage intensity levels as well as a 30 second “Glow Boost mode” to leave skin smooth and glowing afterwards.
“Unlike traditional flannels, the fine and super soft silicone bristles don’t irritate the skin or cause redness while working hard to remove grime, oil and makeup,” writer Jessica Wang says.
“It also feels really, really nice to use on the face. If you like the idea of being someone who does a soothing facial massage every night but lack the patience and time to do so, the FOREO has you covered. No gua shas or strategic pinching and kneading required.”
OTHER BRILLIANT FACIAL CLEANSING DEVICES TO CONSIDER
Still haven’t found the facial cleansing brush for you? We’ve gathered the best alternatives on the market worth considering.
THE BEST ALTERNATIVE PREMIUM FACIAL CLEANSING DEVICE
PMD Beauty Clean Pro Cleansing Device, $270 at Adore Beauty
PMD Beauty Clean Pro Cleansing Device
What You Need To Know
The PMD Beauty Clean Pro Cleansing Device uses 7,000 vibrations per minute to gently break down dirt and oil. It also acts as a facial massager and its ActiveWarmth technology helps your skin to better absorb serum and moisturiser. It’s made from hygienic silicone, meaning you don’t have to worry about any nasty bacteria getting on the device.
“Obsessed. I noticed a difference right away, my pores were cleaner and smaller. I love the massaging side, it’s so relaxing and I think my products are working better already,” reads one five star review on PMD Beauty’s website.
THE BEST AFFORDABLE FACIAL CLEANSING DEVICES
Kahlia Skin LED Facial Cleansing Brush, $89 at Adore Beauty
What You Need To Know
Another more affordable option this device from Aussie brand Kahlia skin is a silicone cleansing brush with three speed functions as well as LED light therapy for glowing skin.
It also has a heated gold plate to gently massage skin and open pores, allowing for better product absorption. Chose from red, blue or purple LED light to treat a variety of different skin concerns.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A FOREO DEVICE
When choosing what FOREO devices to include in our list, we evaluated several factors, specifically regarding skin care devices in general.
Price: You don't want to break the bank, you can find a bunch of different skincare devices sitting at different price point. Don't think you need to spend above your means to get a high-quality product.
Material: FOREO devices are made from a special grade silicone to prevent breakouts, so the material of your skincare device is very important.
Charging: It's going to be worth your while if your skincare device has a longer battery life - always having to keep the charge topped up is not an ideal situation. Look for something that lasts a while and is easy to charge.
Skin type: Depending on what kind of device it is, you're going to want to make sure it's best suited for your skin type - whether you have oily, dry, combination, normal or even sensitive.
HOW WE CHOOSE PRODUCTS
With hundreds of skincare devices available, it’s impossible to test every product out there. To help you find the best one, we tested a few popular models from the best selling brand FOREO, all sitting at different price points. In addition, our shopping team read hundreds of customer reviews and looked at test results and ratings from product review sites to find the best FOREO device for your skin.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS FOREO?
FOREO stands for “for everyone” and is a Swedish brand founded by Filip Sedić in 2013. An engineer, Mr Sedić wanted to create a beauty device that could be used by anyone that combined cutting-edge technology with sleek Scandinavian design.
FOREO’s first product, the LUNA, was also the world’s first ever soft silicone facial cleansing brush and quickly became a sellout sensation.
Today FOREO puts its expertise to work making microcurrent devices, a LED light acne treatment, toothbrushes and a facial device.
By 2021 it had sold more than 36 million products in over 75 countries, making it the third most popular skincare brand in the world, Forbes previously reported.
IS FOREO WORTH THE MONEY?
Today there are plenty of silicone cleansing devices to choose from, however, FOREO’s LUNA series is still considered top of the range and well worth the investment.
The brand uses patented T Sonic technology to cleanse skin and exfoliate, plus it is made from medical grade silicone that is non-porous and won’t harbour bacteria.
With cleaning heads that don’t need changing it’s built to last, however, FOREO also offers a two year worldwide warranty on all its products.
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