LED face masks have become one of the most popular beauty tools, and one of the best currently available is Shark’s.
It has four settings designed to target concerns including fine lines, blemishes and redness, plus a cooling function for the under-eye area. And the good news? It’s now on sale ahead of Amazon Prime Day, at its lowest-ever price (according to price tracker CamelCamelCamel), so it’s a great time to pick up this beloved beauty product for a lot less.
But before you rush to buy, how does LED light therapy actually work? Dermatologist Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme says the devices “use light-emitting diodes to deliver specific wavelengths of light into the skin,” adding: “These wavelengths penetrate the skin at different depths, stimulating cellular processes, without causing damage.”
As for what those different wavelengths can do, Dr. Ejikeme explains: “Red light is ideal for anti-aging, as it boosts collagen and improves overall skin texture. Blue light helps to control acne by reducing bacteria on the skin’s surface, while near-infrared light can calm inflammation and promote healing, which is particularly useful after treatments like microneedling.”
Shark claims its mask can improve the appearance of fine lines and deliver more radiant, luminous-looking skin in four weeks, while its red and blue LEDs and infrared technology are designed to improve skin texture. I put those claims to the test for two months – here’s my honest review.
Read more: Charlotte Tilbury recommends this product for mature skin
Shark cryoglow under eye cooling and LED face mask
Settings: Four
Treatment time: Between for to 15 minutes
Why we love it
- Multiple settings
- Makes a huge difference to skin texture, elasticity and redness
Take note
- Short battery life
- Heavy
Shark’s sleek cryoglow LED face mask comes in two finishes: a baby blue and a pastel-toned lilac. Complete with a handy satin pouch for storage and portability, the mask also comes with a USB cable and plug for charging the remote control. The remote is attached to the mask, but the cord is long enough to put it in your pocket, so you can wear the mask hands-free around the house or while working from home.
As for the mask’s design, there’s forehead and temple padding, as well as adjustable straps to customize the fit. Plus, there are silicone eye shields for LED light blocking and extra comfort. Thanks to the straps and the eye shields, the mask feels secure and comfortable to wear, but be warned: it is quite heavy. This isn’t an issue when lounging around or lying down, but it can be a strain if you’re sitting upright or moving around. If you’re using the mask for longer than 10 minutes with different treatments, expect to see red marks on your forehead and nose after removing it.
Battery life isn’t great. If you’re doing two consecutive treatments, the mask’s battery depletes by nearly half. And if you’re using one treatment daily, expect to charge it every three days or so, depending on the treatment length you opt for. Note that the cooling under-eye mode uses up far less battery, as it doesn’t require LEDs. The upside is that it charges quickly (around three hours), so you don’t have to wait too long until you use it again.
The Shark mask has four settings: better aging (six minutes), blemish repair (eight minutes), skin sustain (four minutes) and under-eye revive (five to 10 minutes). The former uses red LEDs and infrared combined, with a daily six-minute session helping to reduce the appearance of lines over time. After two months, some smile lines around my mouth are considerably less obvious. As a 26-year-old, lines aren’t a major concern for me yet, but I can see the appeal of using the Shark LED mask for preventative purposes.
‘Blemish repair’ is my favorite setting. The eight-minute automated three-phase routine combines blue LEDs and infrared, before finishing with red LEDs. Continued use has made a noticeable difference to my skin texture and complexion. My face feels far softer and smoother, while the redness around my nose looks diminished. While I’ve still been prone to the occasional pimple or blemish around my chin and forehead, the mask has certainly reduced their appearance and redness.
The ‘skin sustain’ mode is just four minutes long, and it’s the perfect pick-me-up for dull skin. Using blue and red LEDs and infrared combined, this setting helps boost brightness and sustain the results of an eight-week cycle of using the ‘better aging’ and ‘blemish repair’ modes.
A real selling point of the mask is the under-eye-cooling mode. There are two active points of cooling sent out through the silicone eye pads to help firm, tighten, soothe, and de-puff the under-eye area. The results are instant, with the area looking brighter and tighter. The cooling function also offers nice relief the morning after a night out, earning the Shark mask extra points.
Buy now £299, Amazon.com
The verdict
While I had my reservations about just how effective LED light therapy can be, the Shark cryoglow mask seriously impressed me. After continued use of the ‘blemish repair’ mode, my skin’s texture and appearance have significantly improved, while the cooling function is a quick fix for tired and puffy eyes. Yes, the Shark mask is pricey, but it is currently reduced to its lowest-ever price. So, if you’re looking to invest in brighter, more radiant, and even skin, I don’t think you’ll have any regrets after giving this mask a try.
How I tested
I used the mask daily on the anti-aging and anti-blemish modes before trialing the ‘skin sustain’ setting, which is designed to maintain the results of an initial eight-week cycle. To provide context, I’ve always struggled with skin texture and roughness, particularly during the winter months, as well as redness around my nose, so I was eager to see if the mask could tackle these concerns. As well as visible results, I assessed:
Why you can trust our product reviews
Daisy Lester has reviewed beauty for IndyBest for more than six years. She’s tested everything from the best lip liners to the best eyelash curlers, so when it comes to beauty buys, Daisy knows her stuff, and you can rest assured that every product in her guides has been rigorously tested to find the best products on the market.