Forget about serums and hair masks for a moment. The most exciting launches to recently hit the beauty shelves are the high-spec gadgets, tools and devices that promise pro-level results in the comfort of your home. From a glow-bestowing LED face mask to the hot brush that delivers a bouncy blowout, we’ve found five of the very best.
Given the best tools are also powered by the latest tech, they can come with a hefty price tag. Yes, they are an investment, but if you consider cost per use, plus the turbo-charged results, the RRP is far more palatable. After all, these gadgets are designed to last (just think back to your first pair of GHD hair straighteners) and can be used again and again to elevate your beauty routine.
To ensure that you’re not wasting your money (or time), our expert panel shortlisted the investment buys that are worthy of a GLAMOUR Beauty Power List Award and you, our readers, have selected the winners.
Keep scrolling for the new-gen beauty tools that will bring the clinic and salon to your bathroom…
We asked, our panel nominated, you voted and now we’ve awarded. Check out the rest of the GLAMOUR Beauty Power List Award Winners 2023.
Best LED face mask
Crafted from flexible, lightweight silicone, Sensse’s Professional LED Face Mask scores highly for comfort as well as results (oh, and price point). With four wavelengths included, you can tailor your treatment to suit your specific skin needs. Red boosts collagen, blue banishes blemishes, while yellow reduces puffiness and purple brightens dark spots.
Shortlist:
Dr Dennis Gross DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro Masque LED, £465
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask, £279
The Light Salon Boost LED Face Mask, £395
Best face tool
A pocket-sized tool that will turbocharge your skincare routine, Foreo’s Luna 4 Mini uses up to 8,000 T-Sonic pulsations per minute to swiftly remove dirt, oil and makeup while improving lymphatic drainage. In a hurry? Use the new 30-second Glow Boost Mode to deeply exfoliate skin for instant radiance.
Shortlist:
NuFace Mini Facial Toning Device, £175
Nurse Jamie Dermascrape Ultrasonic Skin Scrubbing & Skincare Enhancing Tool, £70
Best hair dryer
Without a doubt the best hairdryer in the biz, the Dyson Supersonic expertly smooths strands and dries hair in record time. Using powerful airflow as opposed to high heat, the lightweight tool (which is also whisper quiet) doesn’t scorch strands. Instead, hair looks healthier and feels softer with continued use. A total mane-changer, it is worth the spend.
Shortlist:
BaByliss Hydro-Fusion 2100 Hair Dryer, £60
Hershesons The Great Hairdryer, £295
Best hot brush
Smoothing strands at the same time as blasting hot air, Revlon’s two-in-one styling tool mimics what the pros do so well – holding a brush in one hand, and a hair dryer in the other, to create a bouncy blowout. To use, glide the oval brush down the length of the hair, rotating as you go, for volume at the roots and curl at the ends.
Shortlist:
Shark FlexStyle 5-In-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer, £279.99
BaByliss 9000 Cordless Hot Brush, £180
Best hair straightener
When it comes to hair tools, in GHD we trust. And the brand’s flagship model, the Platinum+, is one of the best straighteners money can buy. Touted as the world’s first predictive straightener, the clever tool uses ‘ultra-zone’ technology to recognise hair thickness and adjust the settings accordingly (meaning less damage). As for results, expect glossy, smooth strands and, as the moniker promises, plenty of good hair days.
Shortlist:
Dyson Corrale Straightener, £400
Remington Shine Therapy Straightener, £79
Cloud Nine The Original Iron Pro, £249
Photographer: Mateusz Sitek
Stylist: Michelle Duguid
Makeup: Marco Antonio
Hair: Craig Marsden
Manicure: Metta Francis
Models: Fallon Havanna @ Select London, Carmen Garitano @ PRM, Isabella Moore @ Milk Management
Beauty Director: Camilla Kay
Design Director: Dennis Lye
Visuals Director: Dalia Nassimi