Having been a beauty editor for longer than I want to admit, I have tested my fair share of beauty tech, including a whole range of different LED masks. I’ve experienced firsthand just how good and effective these at-home LED light therapy masks can be when you incorporate them into your routine and are actually consistent with using them.
Why you can trust me:
When it came to testing the Shark CryoGlow LED mask, I was one of the lucky ones who was able to get my hands on a pre-launch sample back in 2024. Now, over a year later, it’s still a core part my routine. I do sometimes dip in and out of using it consistently, but I use it more often than I don’t.
If you know me, you’ll know I’m also a real skincare obsessive and have been for a long time. One of the questions I’m most asked – by friends, family, even my Instagram followers – is whether at-home LED masks are actually worth the price tag. Of course, the answer is yes, but there is a caveat: you have to be consistent, or it’s not worth the investment. When I say consistent, I mean at least 10 minutes every single night, for over 6 months to actually see a difference. So, if you’re someone who likes to see instant results -–an LED mask might not be for you.
About the Shark CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face Mask:
This is Shark’s first foray into the skincare space and I think it’s a really interesting move – especially to create a product this advanced and then price it around £100 cheaper than the majority of its competitors.
One of the main selling points is that thanks to the use of red and blue LED lights alongside infrared technology, it has three different modes that target different skin types and concerns.
First up, there’s Blemish Repair Mode (8 minutes) to help improve blemishes and skin texture. Then, there’s Better Ageing Mode (6 minutes) which softens fine lines and wrinkles and gives skin a glow, and finally it has Skin Sustain Mode (4 minutes) which is designed to maintain the results of an eight-week cycle of either Better Ageing or Blemish Repair. Clever, no?
There’s also one final setting that I’ve never seen before: Under-Eye Cooling, which you can use alone or in tandem with any of the other modes. It’s designed to help to soothe and depuff the under-eye area using ‘InstaChill Cold Technology’ – which I think is a really good addition, especially if you’re somebody who uses cold spoons each morning. I’ve delved into whether the addition of cooling technology in this face mask actually has benefit, but more on that later.
Shark LED CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face Mask: pros and cons:
My Shark LED CryoGlow Cooling & LED Face Mask review:
I was lucky enough to get my hands on a pre-launch sample of this mask, so I was using it every day for a few weeks before it was available to buy. I chose the Blemish Repair mode in a bid to try and target the constant breakouts I seem to get.
When I first opened the box, I was worried about how big the mask was – but despite that, it actually feels really lightweight and it’s comfortable to wear. It fits nicely, and there’s adjustable head straps so you can make sure it’s strapped on well. It charges using a USBc connection and it has a little handheld control that’s attached to the mask, but it is fully wireless and it feels secure, so I can walk around my flat and do odd jobs if I want to (but I usually spend the eight minute sessions scrolling TikTok, no judgement please).