I tested Shark's CryoGlow LED Mask, here's what I thought after two weeks
Spoiler alert: I've never been as impressed with a piece of beauty tech as I was with this.
I'm someone who takes skincare very seriously, especially as I've grown older. As a teenager, I suffered a little more than most with acne, so looking after my skin has become something I prioritise, whether that's by investing in monthly facials, double cleansing, religiously applying SPF or eating a cleaner diet, I try and do everything in my power to keep my skin looking and feeling as best it can. This means I'm also quite dubious of introducing new methods or ingredients to my routine, in case they have the opposite effect on my sensitive, combination skin.
Yet in all my years of skin maintenance, there is one skincare innovation I hadn't tried — LED light therapy. Now, it wasn't completely alien to me. I had received a taster from my aesthetician a handful of times, and tried a budget-friendly version from Stylpro for a short period, but never invested enough time and effort into actually giving it a proper go. So I couldn't help but jump at the chance of trialling the brand-new Shark CryoGlow LED Mask — a light therapy mask with blue, red and infrared light combined with cold therapy technology that targets signs of aging, helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, and de-puffs the under-eyes.
After two weeks of non-stop use every evening, I can't absolutely determine its effectiveness (Shark recommend usage for at least four to eight weeks), but I can confirm that I've suffered significantly less with breakouts. Not just that, I'm also head over heels in love with the addition of under-eye cooling technology, a beauty tech first.
🛍️ Product reviewed: Shark CryoGlow LED Mask
⏰ Tested for: Two weeks
⭐ Rating: 5/5
💸 Reasons to buy: Different modes to tackle various skin concerns, easy to use, comfortable, easy to incorporate into skincare routine, effective results
✋ Reasons to avoid: Expensive initial investment, consistent long-term use is required for visible results
💰 Best deal we've found: Shop it directly from Shark for £269.99
Number of LEDs: 480 | Modes: 4 | Full Charge: 3 hours
Take your skincare routine to the next level with this innovative LED mask, complete with under-eye cooling technology that helps soothe, firm and de-puff your under-eyes.
- Portable
- Easy to use
- Adjustable mask
- Different modes to tackle various skin concerns
- Expensive
❓LED masks: What you need to know
What does LED light therapy do?
It works by using different wavelengths of light to treat a variety of skin concerns in a non-invasive way, rejuvenating tired skin and reducing signs of ageing by helping to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.
Is LED light therapy safe?
Yes, it's completely safe. But make sure you do your research ahead of time. There's certain instances where it's recommended you don't use LED light therapy, including if you're pregnant, have sensitivity to light, or implants in the face.
How often should you use LED light therapy?
The general rule of thumb is three to four times a week, 10 minutes per session.
Available to shop now directly from Shark and other major retailers including Amazon, Boots and John Lewis, it will set you back £269.99, so it's not the cheapest, but I really do feel like it's worth the investment.
💸 Reasons to buy
The modes are what I was originally interested in upon learning Shark had entered the skincare market, with one particular mode piquing my interest the most, the Under-eye Revive mode. As someone who loves an eye mask and eye cream (my favourite is from REN), I was keen to understand how the under-eye cooling technology worked, and what it felt like.
To take advantage of the under-eye cooling tech, you have two options: 1) have it on simultaneously during an LED session, or 2) enjoy it as a standalone treatment. I liked the idea of having two treatments in one, as it saved me more time and also meant I could be in bed quicker. As for the actual sensation, it's not like anything I've experienced before. It feels so refreshing and soothing, and I can honestly say my under-eyes feel less puffy.
A closer look at the four modes:
✨Blemish Repair: Helps reduce appearance of textured skin and blemishes
✨Better Aging: Helps reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time
✨Skin Sustain: Designed to boost brightness and maintain results
✨Under-eye Revive: Helps firm, tighten, soothe and depuff under-eyes
I've been flipping between the modes over the course of the past two weeks, mostly opting for the longer eight-minute Blemish Repair program. This mode in particular combines a three-stage routine of blue, infrared and red light to help reduce the appearance of textured, uneven skin and blemishes — three of my main skin concerns. Although the results have been minor in the short period I've been testing the mask, they're most definitely visible. I've suffered significantly less with breakouts (even during my monthly cycle) and my skin looks brighter. I can absolutely see this having a greater impact with more consistent use.
£269.99 at Shark £269.99 at John Lewis £269.99 at Boots
The sessions themselves are also very efficient. Lasting between four and eight minutes in total, they're a lot faster compared to other existing LED masks which usually take around 10 minutes to complete a session.
I found the actual fit of the mask to be great, too. It sits comfortably over my face, and the adjustable straps make it universal in sizing, as well as secure. So much so, I can go about getting ready for bed, or watching TV with ease.
What you'll find in the Shark's CryoGlow LED Mask box?
✔️ Light Therapy Mask with Adjustable Straps and Silicone Eye Shields
✔️ Remote Control with LCD Screen
✔️ Optional Clip-On Chill Pads
✔️ LED Protective Cover
✔️ USB-C Charging Cable and Plug
✔️ User Guide and Quick Start Guide
For something so innovative, you would expect it to be tricky to use. I was beyond surprised at how easy the mask was to operate. The handy remote control comes with a dial and two buttons to navigate the menu options. On first using the mask, it even displayed a little on-screen tutorial, which I found super helpful. You can even preview your progress, and check how many sessions of each mode you've completed.
What I've noticed after two weeks of consistent use
✅ I've suffered significantly less with breakouts
✅ My skin looks glowier
✅ I feel good for incorporating it into my skincare routine
Post-treatments, I've simply been going in with my usual serum and moisturiser, and calling it a night. Overall, I'm seriously impressed with this piece of beauty tech and can wholeheartedly say I look forward to using it every night as part of my skincare routine.
✋ Reasons to avoid
Although affordable compared to other existing models on the market, it's still a large sum of money to invest into a skincare device. But for me, cost per use definitely makes up for the expense. Having this type of treatment in a clinic, too, is very expensive.
This isn't going to give you results overnight, so if that's something you're looking for I would suggest talking to a skin specialist, as this will only give you effective results with consistent long-term usage.
💰 Best deal we've found
Shark's CryoGlow LED Mask is now available after launching on the 6 November. You can purchase it directly from Shark for £269.99, or for the same price from partnering retailers including Amazon, Boots, John Lewis and Argos.
Shop now: Shark CryoGlow LED Mask | £269.99 from Shark
£269.99 at Shark £269.99 at Amazon £269.99 at Boots £269.99 at John Lewis £270 at Argos
Other LED masks that have been tested by the Yahoo UK team
This LED mask is loved by celebrities and comes complete with protective glasses for your eyes and storage pouch.
- Improved dullness in a matter of weeks
- Comfortable and lightweight
- The ear loops are very large
LED light programmes: 4 | Treatment time: 10 minutes
This is a great all rounder if you're new to LED treatments and want something that's easy to use and comfortable to wear.
- Comfortable to wear
- Good variety of LED light settings
- Saw quick improvements in fine lines
- There are more affordable options
This LED mask soothes, brightens and boosts elasticity.
- Soft and flexible mask
- Comes with storage bag
- Only has red and near infra-red light
If you're looking for an LED mask that delivers quick results, is easy to use and is under £200, this is a fantastic option.
- Less than £200
- Long battery life
- Doesn't come with any charge
This super luxe LED mask brightened my complexion and soothed areas of redness.
- Reduced appearance of rosacea
- Feels very luxurious
- Very expensive
- Bit bulky
This is an affordable option if you're looking to spend under £100 for a basic LED mask that will tackle blemishes and inflammation.
- Very affordable
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Feels cheaper
