Maybe this is an unpopular opinion, but hear me out: The influx of beauty tools that have debuted in recent years (red light masks! Vibrating gua-shas! Rose-quartz face rollers!) is overwhelming, even for someone whose literal job is reviewing them.
I see a new high-tech device on my feed every day, but some of the most beloved and viral ones come from Shark Beauty—there has to be a reason for that, right? I grabbed associate beauty editor Sabrina Talbert and associate fashion editor Nikki Chwatt to help me test the brand's three most viral products: the CryoGlow LED Face Mask ($350), FlexStyle® IonCurl Air Styler ($350), and Depuffi™ Contrast Therapy Device ($200). Read on for our unfiltered reviews and see whether these viral beauty tools actually live up to the hype.
"When I'm on the hunt for a new face mask, I look for ease of use, comfort, and credibility. One of my biggest qualms with high-tech beauty products is how complicated they can be to set up, but I was very impressed by how straightforward it was to use the CryoGlow LED Face Mask. As soon as you turn it on, it shows a short but detailed video on how to start it up.
This face mask offers four routines, and although I tried them all, I found myself gravitating toward the Skin Clearing and Under-Eye Revive treatments. Candidly, I struggle with acne during my luteal phase, and it was great to have a tool to keep my breakouts at bay. I also deal with dark circles under my eyes, and I used the Under-Eye Revive treatment for a soothing and firming effect first thing in the morning before applying my skincare products. The latter is definitely ideal for my fellow night owls! With four unique treatments that offer promising results, this face mask is truly a skincare lover's dream, no matter your skin type or goal." — Talbert
"I'm very particular when it comes to curling irons, especially since I have K-tip extensions and want to prevent heat damage and breakage. The Shark™ FlexStyle® IonCurl Air Styler is honestly what was missing from my hair routine. I usually blow-dry my hair, then use a big round brush to flip the ends, and a curling iron to create curls that hold. This tool combines all of those steps into one.
After using the styling concentrator and oval brush to dry my hair and add volume, I add the Coanda curler attachments. I love that they're labeled with an "L" and "R," so I don't have to guess which one goes on each side. I grab a small section of hair and wrap the end slightly around the barrel and let the tool do the rest. Once my hair is wrapped around it completely, I double-tap the AirSet Button to pause airflow before pulling the tool downward. The result is bouncy, polished curls that look like I hired a professional hairstylist—all without sacrificing my hair's health.
The biggest difference from similar tools I've used in the past is the Coanda technology, which uses high-speed air to wrap the hair around the barrel. It saves me a lot of time and frustration when I'm trying to achieve those beautiful curls. My curls are more defined and hold better, and I have way less frizz and fewer baby hairs sticking up. My hair looks like I put way more effort into it than I actually did, and it lasts all day." — Chwatt
"If a beauty tool is going to be a part of my routine, it needs to feel like a self-care ritual, not like another chore I need to check off my list. Simplicity and ease of use are also paramount for me, so this cute little Shark™ Depuffi™ Contrast Therapy Device is a perfect foolproof option since all I have to do is press a button to switch between the chill and heat settings. Honestly, I was a little apprehensive because I had a horrible experience with a very famous pink ice roller a few years back. I whipped it out of the freezer, and I was so excited that I didn't test it on my wrist first, so the roller literally stuck to my face. I was able to peel it off, but it left a raw red mark on my cheek, and I swore off ice rollers ever since.
Anyway, using this device was a healing experience for me. The chill setting offered a pleasant cooling sensation (rather than the freezer burn I experienced), and the gua sha shape helped to depuff and sculpt my face. I'll be using this in the mornings when I need a little extra pick-me-up, or to cool down after a hot workout.
I was surprised by how much I loved the heat setting. I hold so much tension in my jaw, and the heat was soothing and immediately brought more circulation and glow to my skin. I love that I get the benefits of an ice roller, gua sha, a lymphatic massage, and contrast therapy in one tool. Plus, it's so easy to take on the go. It's the one tool I can actually see myself sticking with, and that's saying something!" — Walsh
