The best tools to boost your skincare routine

In the ongoing quest to boost the effectiveness of skincare routines, the latest tools in the box have serious power. From LED light masks that brighten skin to vibrating facial massage tools to reduce puffiness and steam machines to open skin pores, there is a device for every need.

Take the latest product from Foreo, the Bear 2 ($669), a device with “lifting, sculpting and tapping microcurrents” to tone, contour and reduce facial puffiness. As such it dispenses with the need for sheet masks and does its job in just 90 seconds – 30 seconds using LED light to prep skin, 30 seconds of sonic pulsing, and 30 seconds of a green LED light to boost radiance. Just glide it over Foreo’s Supercharged Serum ($99) and Intense Moisturiser ($109) for best results.

Red- and blue-spectrum LED lights can help to smooth wrinkles and zap bacteria.Credit: Getty Images

Another great LED light treatment is the Dr Dennis Gross SpectralLite FaceWare Pro ($688), a futuristic-looking mask incorporating red- and blue-spectrum LED lights that help to smooth wrinkles and zap bacteria in just three minutes of hands-free use.

On the acne front, the Solawave Radiant Renewal 4-in-1 Skincare Wand ($365) comes up trumps. Again, this is quick and convenient – as little as three minutes a day, three times a week. And just because it’s small, don’t discount its effectiveness. Apart from targeting bacteria on the skin, it helps minimise puffiness and improve skin tone.

For an excellent at-home facial massage, try Therabody’s TheraFace Pro ($499), which loosens up tight muscles and helps relieve the results of night-time jaw-clenching with gentle vibration. It also includes attachments such as an acne-clearing LED light and a firming microcurrent tool.

On the low-tech side, the humble gua sha tool is great for instantly diminishing puffiness and our go-to is Face Gym’s Multi-Sculpt Gua Sha ($94), as it works on the pressure receptors in skin tissue. This medical-grade stainless steel tool has six unique edges designed to lift, sculpt, define, de-puff, plump fine lines, reduce facial tension and improve circulation. It also helps improve serum absorption.

While we are on the topic of simple solutions, imagine having your own therapeutic misting facial steamer to help hydrate and soften the outer layer of skin while improving circulation and loosening up dirt and sebum. We love Dr Dennis Gross Pro Facial Steamer ($447), which helps open pores and makes skin more receptive to masks, serums and moisturisers. For a DIY version, just fill a bowl with very hot water, put a towel over your head and place your face over the bowl.

ASK STEPH

How do I get my foundation to last all day?

First apply a primer such as Estée Lauder Futurist Aqua Brilliance Watery Glow Primer ($80), then add your foundation. Finish with a translucent powder – our favourite is Hourglass Veil Translucent Setting Powder ($83).

Send questions via Instagram, @mrssdarling.

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