tools and treatments

Bobby Doherty
elle tools and treatments awards 2024

True beauty insiders know that if you want to see dramatic results, it’s best to turn to a high-powered tool or a cutting-edge treatment. With this knowledge, ELLE is launching our first-ever Tools and Treatments Awards, highlighting truly exceptional at-home devices and in-office treatments. We tested hundreds of blow-dryers, microcurrent devices, LED masks, and more, looking for tools that were easy to use and delivered real results. ELLE staff members also braved needles, lasers, facial systems, and other professional-only treatments, taking care to find the ones that truly delivered results that are worth the money (and in some cases, the pain). Below, find tools and treatments for hair, face, and body, as vetted by ELLE editors, recommended by dermatologists, and backed up by clinical studies.

Hair Tools

De-Frizzion Dryer

Curlsmith De-Frizzion Dryer

This tool takes the phrase “the bigger the better” to a whole new level. Designed specifically for curly hair textures, this hair dryer uses far-infrared heat and the brand’s patented ionizing de-frizzion technology (their jazzy phrase) to penetrate the hair and reduce dry time. It also simultaneously smooths the cuticle to increase shine and eliminate the dryness caused by frizz. The extra-large eight-inch diffuser also covers more hair at once and has deep prongs to evenly distribute airflow. Testers reported that this diffuser was comfortable and fast, and easy to use on a variety of styles from wash-and-go and braid-outs to sew-in extensions.

Chronos Styler 1-Inch Flat Iron

GHD Chronos Styler 1-Inch Flat Iron

Named after Chronos, the Greek god of time, this hair straightener was created to give sleek, shiny hair instantly. This tool was designed with GHD’s patented HD motion-responsive technology to deliver a consistent flow of heat. Our reviewer with curly hair reported fast, sleek results that lasted for days, reducing the need for touch-ups and minimizing the opportunity for heat damage. She was shocked by how quickly it worked.

Duet Style 2-In-1 Hot Air Styler

GHD Duet Style 2-In-1 Hot Air Styler

Achieving a sleek, stick-straight blowout when you’re rushing to get ready is no small feat. This tool combines a dryer and a straightening iron into one, with four low-temperature ceramic plates, and a powerful drying chamber that uses up to 45 percent less electricity than a typical hair dryer. Our tester advised using the default setting to wick away moisture and straighten, then switching into the Shine Shot mode to put the finishing touches on a glossy style.

Shark FlexStyle Hair Blow Dryer & Multi-Styler

Shark Beauty Shark FlexStyle Hair Blow Dryer & Multi-Styler

When Shark first came out with this product, everyone wanted to compare it to another tool that rhymes with Shmairwrap. The FlexStyle, however, is a unique tool. It can flip into an L-shape to be used as a lightweight and compact blow-dryer, and attachments—like an oval brush, a paddle brush, and two curlers that automatically wrap hair—make it a versatile multi-styler. This tool also minimizes heat damage by maintaining consistent low heat through the styling process. Two testers were pleasantly surprised by how fast it dried hair without high heat, and found that the attachments were easy to use and gave salon-worthy results.

I·expert Smart IPL

Braun Skin I·expert Smart IPL

Now 17% Off

This device uniquely uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to guide you through at-home hair removal. By connecting to the tool’s accompanying phone app, users receive a personalized intense pulsed light (IPL) plan and real-time expert guidance to achieve smooth skin. The tool includes three interchangeable heads that utilize SensoAdapt technology, which automatically and continuously adjusts the light’s power to suit your skin tone and safely remove hair. Our tester reported that aside from a tingling sensation after the first treatment, this IPL device was virtually painless. After three weeks of consistent use, she noticed less hair growth in the areas she treated. She added that while the setup for the device was lengthy, it was worth it for the results.

Blowout Babe Thermal Round Brush

Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Round Brush

Our tester, who has color-treated hair, reported that this hot brush was incredibly easy to use, lightweight, and gave her a blown-out style that lasted even with the car windows down. The toggle Negative Ion Generator also helps with smoothing flyaways and for extra shiny and silky-feeling results.

Airwrap

Dyson Airwrap

The original Dyson Airwrap changed the game in at-home styling. This version has an extra-long barrel for Rapunzel-like hair, and a new mode that switches air flow directions to effortlessly curl both sides of hair with ease. Our tester reported that it also left them with less heat damage than a normal hair tool and gave them bouncy curls.

It’s Giving Body Medium Hot Thermal Round Brush

Mane It’s Giving Body Medium Hot Thermal Round Brush

Developed by a hairstylist, this tool helps you get an almost-professional blowout. The dryer-and-round-brush combo works to both dry and style hair. Our tester enjoyed that it gave a polished look without sacrificing volume. If you’re looking for a super-sleek, flat-ironed look, this tool is better for blowouts, as it only comes with one temperature.

2.0 Hair Volumizing Iron

Voloom 2.0 Hair Volumizing Iron

Though it might look like a tool you’ve seen before, this isn’t a crimper or a straightener—instead, it’s a volumizing iron that exists in its own category entirely. This iron eliminates the need for unhealthy teasing or volume sprays by using ceramic-coated crimping plates designed to add texture to the hair near the scalp. Our tester reported that her hair appeared thicker and fuller, without the risk of heat damage.

Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer

T3 Featherweight StyleMax Hair Dryer

Our tester loved this hair dryer so much that she started using it every day. She liked the flexibility of having five different heat settings with three different speeds, and even started using it on her dogs with great success. For her own hair, she noticed even after first time use, her hair felt super soft and smooth.

SilkyStraight

Silk’n SilkyStraight

This straightener has a unique mix of infrared (to protect hair from damage) and ionic technology (for moisture). With 12 different temperatures and its beveled plates, our tester, who has been straightening her hair all her life, liked that the design enabled her to get super-close to the roots. She also noted that it was extra speedy; she could do her whole head of hair in only 20 minutes.

SilkyAir Pro

Silk’n SilkyAir Pro

This dryer uses a special form of water ion technology that draws water from the air and converts it into micro water particles, which work to moisturize hair and prevent frizz. If you’re worried that this means it won’t actually dry your hair, don’t fret. Our tester reported that it was lightweight, easy-to-hold, and dried her hair faster than other hair dryers she’s tried.

l’oréal professional and zuvi airlight pro

L’Oréal Professional and Zuvi AirLight Pro

L’Oreal and ZUVI teamed up to create a hair dryer that doesn’t use thermal rods, which are damaging to the environment and can be harsh on hair. With its infrared light and wind technology, this dryer shortens hair-wash day and helps ensure that your hair dries without frizz. Our tester reported that the AirLight Pro helped significantly cut down drying time, even on the lowest heat setting.

Available soon.

Courtesy of L’Oreal Professional

3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron

Pattern Beauty 3-in-1 Interchangeable Curling Iron

This curling iron is the perfect tool for anyone who wants to maintain healthy curls while heat styling. Made with tourmaline ceramic barrels, the three interchangeable irons provide even heat distribution to minimize damage while enhancing your style. Our tester noted that the barrels created lasting curls and helped maintain their natural curl pattern after washing.

LED Hair Regrowth Device

CurrentBody Skin LED Hair Regrowth Device

This hair growth helmet might look like something out of a sci-fi movie, but its technology checks out. Made with 120 red light bulbs for full-head coverage, this 10 minute treatment helps improve hair thickness and hair growth. Our tester reported that this helmet is comfortable and easy to use, and a clinical trial showed that it improved hair growth rate by 128 percent in 12 weeks.

Supersonic Nural

Dyson Supersonic Nural

Heat can be damaging to the scalp—but hair dryers aren’t often made with scalp health in mind. This hair dryer has a scalp protect mode with a sensor that automatically reduces heat when it’s close to skin. It can also sense when it is put down and pauses the heat accordingly. Our tester noted that the Nural felt like a natural next-generation hair dryer for Dyson—it dried hair quickly, never felt too hot, and the “attachment learning” mode that tailors heat and airflow for different attachments streamlined the styling process.

a black and silver vacuum cleaner

Paul Mitchell Neuro Dry+ Hair Dryer

Lightweight and compact, this blow-dryer utilizes something called NeutraHeat technology to seal the hair’s cuticle to add shine and quickly dry hair without damaging the strands. With 12 heat and speed settings and a patented design for quieter airflow, it allows for a bespoke experience that can be tailored to suit various hair needs. Our tester confirmed that at the highest setting, the dryer seemed to dry her hair almost instantly, and the option to customize settings provided a luxurious experience.

Courtesy of Paul Mitchell

 SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer

Shark SmoothStyle Heated Comb + Blow Dryer

Would you believe us if we said that you can fake the look of a professional blow-out at home with a tool that’s under $100? Before trying this heated comb and blow-dryer brush, we wouldn’t have believed it either. This tool dries hair efficiently and quickly, acting as a two-in-one hair dryer and round brush. If you want to zhuzh up already-dry hair, you can switch it to the dry-hair mode to smooth your hair and add volume in a flash. Plus, it minimizes heat damage.

Duet Blow-Dry 2-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush

GHD Duet Blow-Dry 2-in-1 Hair Dryer Brush

Hot brushes continue to be a much-loved hair tool. This one stands out because of its snag-free bristles along with its heated barrel plate. Our reviewer has curly, coily hair and used this after her regular blow-dry routine for smooth results with less heat. She loved that the airflow was quiet, making for a less stressful styling session. Her tip is that “for thicker hair types and tighter textures, it’s best to detangle and stretch hair before going in with this tool as a final step to add an extra sleek and shiny finish.”

Red Light Hat

HigherDose Red Light Hat

Why settle for a regular, humdrum baseball cap when you could get a powerful one? There aren’t many LED devices for heads on the market yet, but this one distinguishes itself by looking completely innocuous. Inside this baseball cap is an assortment of red light bulbs, which work to increase scalp circulation and create a healthy environment to promote hair growth. Clinical studies have shown that red light therapy can improve scalp health and improve hair thickness and density. Our tester loved that he was able to walk around with this on while running errands.


Skin Care

Pro Laser

Nira Pro Laser

Laser treatments are second to none when it comes to brightening, resurfacing, and tightening skin, but they’re often painful and require downtime. The NIRA Pro is a painless at-home version that’s clinically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. It’s large enough to be used on the face, neck, chest, and back of hands to stimulate collagen production with non-fractional, non-ablative laser technology that gently heats skin. Our tester noted that the NIRA Pro helped reduce fine lines on the forehead and around the eyes with consistent use.

4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

Solawave 4-in-1 Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand

Using this skincare tool is like waving a magic wand. The handheld tool uses a mix of red light therapy, galvanic current, therapeutic warmth, and facial massaging to visibly depuff the skin and fade fine lines and wrinkles. Our tester reported that this tool was easy to use and helped fade blemishes and fine lines.

LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning & Peach Fuzz Removal

Dermaflash LUXE+ Sonic Dermaplaning & Peach Fuzz Removal

At home derma-planing just got a bit more sophisticated. This handheld tool uses micro-fine edges that safely glide over the skin to exfoliate and remove peach fuzz. This also helps to boost cell turnover to reveal plump, youthful skin. Our tester reported that the tool was fast, easy to use, and left her skin looking and feeling refreshed.

Gold Bar

Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar

Using 24-karat gold to achieve great skin sounds like a myth, but this gold bar de-puffs and contours the face for a totally refreshed look. The vibrating gold-plated bar offers 6,000 rotations per minute to boost blood flow and encourage lymphatic drainage to sculpt and contour the face. After using the product over time, our tester noticed that the treated areas of her skin were less puffy.

Red Light Face Mask

HigherDOSE Red Light Face Mask

Made of medical-grade silicone, this beginner red light mask is praised for being easy-to-wear and comes with 10- and 20-minute treatment times. More than 50 bulbs are embedded within the mask, which comes with goggles to protect your eyes and face loops for comfort. The flexibility of this mask made the tester call using it “a relaxing ritual.”

RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device

CurrentBody Skin RF Radio Frequency Skin Tightening Device

This rare at-home radio frequency device helps boost collagen and tighten skin. In-office radio frequency treatments can be pricey and painful, but this device is neither. It’s timed for five minutes per treatment area, and our tester reported that it was easy to use and left their skin looking lifted and taut.

DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro

This FDA-cleared, professional-grade light therapy offers two modes: red, to encourage collagen production and delay fine lines and wrinkles, and blue, to kill acne-inducing bacteria and prevent new breakouts from forming. And it only takes three minutes per session. Our tester reported that they saw an almost immediate improvement in their acne and inflammation.

LED Light Therapy Face Mask

Currentbody Skin LED Light Therapy Face Mask

Compared to other LED masks, this mask boasts better light distribution, so that users get more even red light coverage. It also contains over 100 bulbs, so that it can help boost collagen and even out skin tone. A tester used this every other day before bedtime and reported that she got continual compliments on her glowing skin.

Trinity+

Nuface Trinity+

The original Nuface Mini went viral on TikTok for its incredible before/after results. Using small amounts of electric current, this microcurrent device works to lift and tone skin. Our tester noticed that the Trinity stands out from other microcurrent tools because it has three different levels of power and seemed to be more intense than the Mini; they reported glowing skin with just a few minutes of use per day. If you’ve already used the Mini, the Trinity is more of an intermediate-level tool.

Laser Starter Kit

LYMA Laser Starter Kit

Now 14% Off

There are plenty of LED devices on the market, but this is the first face tool that uses cold laser technology or low-level laser therapy to boost collagen and reduce inflammation and the appearance of wrinkles. According to the brand, it is more powerful than LED. Our user noted that using this was less convenient than an all-over LED mask, but that with consistent use, her jawline and face looked tighter and more bouncy.

Phytonutrient Infusion Facial Steaming Kit

Non-Gender Specific Phytonutrient Infusion Facial Steaming Kit

Bring the spa to you. This deskside steamer infuses water and the brand’s Phytonutrient Infusion drops (a blend of plant-derived actives, including botanicals, minerals, and antioxidants) into pores. Our tester reported that the steaming treatment left her skin feeling soft and refreshed. She noted that it also seemed to enhance the performance and feel of her skin care products, and made her skin feel hydrated throughout the day.

This device has both microcurrent (small amounts of electric current, which purportedly work at a muscular level) and nanocurrent (even smaller amount of microcurrent, which allegedly work at a cellular level). In addition to being able to lift and tone skin, our reviewers found that it helped with rosacea and redness. The device also pairs easily with an app, taking all the guesswork out of exactly how to maneuver the tool for best results.

Light Therapy Acne Patch

Light Activated Beauty Light Therapy Acne Patch

These acne stickers seem like they’re from the future. Each reusable “sticker” gives a three-minute zap to zits, with a mix of red and blue LED and hydrocolloid sealing. This combo helps to banish bacteria and smooth bumps. Our tester reported that these were very easy to apply and they saw their spots reduced after just two days of use.

LED Mask

Déesse Pro LED Mask

It looks like a Phantom of the Opera mask but is actually one of the most powerful LED masks on the market. Compared to other LED masks, it offers multiple wavelengths of light (red, blue, and even green), which can be used in combo with each other. Our tester found that this mask was a bit of a splurge, but that gave her quicker results. It was particularly helpful in reducing redness and in treating budding acne spots.

AGE-R Booster Pro

Medicube AGE-R Booster Pro

Our tester was most excited to try the “Booster Mode” of this device, which went viral on TikTok after users reported that it seemed to help skin care “sink in” better. She found that her skin felt extremely moisturized and hydrated, looking incredibly dewy and glass-like.


Body Care

Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask

Solawave Neck & Chest Rejuvenating Mask

Few brands offer masks specifically for the neck and chest—which get sun, too—but this one from Solawave provides red light and near-infrared light therapy to help target lines and rejuvenate skin. Our tester liked that this mask was very straightforward to use, lightweight, and was a suitable size to fit across the chest and neck with ease.

Infrared PEMF Mat

HigherDose Infrared PEMF Mat

There’s really no better way to ground yourself than lounging on the floor, but lying on this mat makes the experience a bit more luxurious. The highlight of this mat is its use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy, emitting electromagnetic waves to relax your muscles and reduce pain and inflammation. As the PEMF waves mimic frequencies found in nature, the mat encourages the body to work through its natural recovery process, which in turn helps to reduce stress, improve sleep and circulation, and increase energy. Plus, infrared heat provides a calming sensation as your body recovers. Our tester noted that the mat offered almost immediate relaxation and muscle relief, easing joint pain and reducing anxiety and stress after a few treatments.

Infrared Sauna Blanket

HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket

Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow and Jennifer Aniston swear by infrared saunas. These saunas tout plenty of benefits, like increased circulation, muscle soreness relief, stress alleviation, and more. This blanket allows you to enjoy all of the benefits of an infrared sauna from the comfort of your home (you could even travel with it, though it’s a bit bulky). Our tester noted that using this blanket helped them feel more relaxed, and it sped up recovery time after intense workouts.

Portable Humidifier

Canopy Portable Humidifier

Now 10% Off

Humidifiers aren’t just good for your breathing—they also benefit your skin by adding moisture to the air, which can improve hydration and strengthen the skin’s barrier. This portable humidifier makes it possible to reap the benefits anywhere you go, since it’s compact, wireless, and rechargeable. It also uses a special and first-of-its-kind hybrid humidification technology, combining misting with an evaporative fan (read: your face won’t look like you just rode a water ride at a theme park). Our tester reported that she used this on her child who was suffering from congestion, and it worked wonders. “Its size and lack of electrical cords make it ideal for small spaces. The added essential oil puck is great if you want to add a bit of aromatherapy to your personal space.”

Showerhead Filter

Act+Acre Showerhead Filter

If you filter your water for drinking, why wouldn’t you want to give your hair and body the same luxe treatment? Much of the U.S. population live in areas with hard water, and this shower head uses 12 different filtration systems to give you shinier hair and softer skin. Our tester specifically noted that this shower head provided much better water pressure compared to others, with consistent results.


Treatments

daxxify

Daxxify

Daxxify is the first and only neuromodulator to be powered by peptides. Because of this, people often talk about the “Daxxify look,” or a kind of radiant glow after getting it. It’s not imagined—in a clinical study, 64 percent of patients saw improvements in their skin texture within two weeks. It’s also fast-acting, so results can be seen within two days, unlike typical neuromodulators. Our tester reported that they saw results quickly and felt that it gave their skin a “total refresh.”

Book Now

Courtesy of Daxxify
the rha collection

The RHA Collection

When it comes to fillers, the RHA collection is the gold standard. Traditional fillers break apart during movement, which leads to unnatural-looking lumps and asymmetries that we’ve come to understand as filler migration. RHA gels, however, are made with movement in mind. Their dynamic strength and stretch helps ensure that they stay together , offering the most natural look.

Book Now

Courtesy of The RHA Collection
botox

Botox

There’s a reason that Botox has become the universal word for neurotoxins. It’s the neurotoxin that started it all, since it was the first of its kind approved for cosmetic treatment back in 2002. Today, it is the only neurotoxin approved for three different cosmetic treatment areas: moderate to severe forehead lines, frown lines, and crow’s feet. Botox takes about a week to set in and lasts for three to four months. Our tester noted that Botox diminished their fine lines and smoothed their skin.

Book Now

Courtesy of Botox
radiuses

Radiesse

Unlike other fillers, Radiesse is not made of hyaluronic acid, but of hydroxyapatite (CaHA) gel microspheres (similar to the minerals found in bones and teeth). It also helps stimulate collagen, and full results can take up to a week. Our reviewer noted that it made her cheeks look fuller and more symmetrical, and even helped to make her lips look more smiley, when injected in the corner of the mouth.

Book Now

Courtesy of Radiesse
neogen

Neogen

This treatment uses a form of nitrogen plasma to stimulate new collagen to tighten and brighten skin. Its intensity can vary, and our tester chose a higher frequency, which necessitated numbing cream and caused some pain. Over the course of seven days, she had redness and the kind of peeling that required her to hide her face in public. But by day 10, she had “baby-soft” skin.

Book Now

Courtesy of Neogen
morpheus8

Morpheus8

Using a combination of radiofrequency and microneedling, this machine stimulates collagen to tighten and firm skin. Our tester reported that the treatment is painful (she likened it to a “stapler”). Post-procedure, she saw minimal changes to the fine lines in her forehead, but noticeable tightening effects to her jawline. “I was feeling a bit jowly/sagging in my under chin area and had resigned myself that this is my face now (aging!) but it really sculpted my jawline in a way I didn’t even know was possible.”

Book Now

Courtesy of Morpheus8
glo2facial

Glo2Facial

If you love the relaxation of a facial but want the results of an in-office treatment, the Glo2Facial provides the best of both worlds. The treatment lightly exfoliates your face using oxygen bubbles, tightens skin with light ultrasound, and finishes with a lymphatic massage to de-puff. Our tester reported that the treatment was efficient and left their skin glowing and noticeably brighter.

Book Now

Courtesy of Glo2Facial
skinvive

Skinvive

Before Skinvive became an option, many in-the-know aesthetics patients would fly to Europe to get Profhilo, an injectable moisturizer that has yet to be FDA-approved stateside. Now, the U.S. has Skinvive, which is a microdroplet hyaluronic acid filler many dermatologists compare to Profhilo. Skinvive is a far cry from a typical filler, though—injected all over the face, it pulls water from the deeper layers of skin into your epidermis to hydrate and improve your skin barrier, which translates to radiant, more supple skin. While Profhilo requires monthly injections, Skinvive only needs to be injected twice a year. Our tester noted that they saw an improvement in skin vitality, and their cheeks looked rosy and more glowy after treatment.

Book Now

Courtesy of Skinvive
hydrafacial

Hydrafacial

Think of Hydrafacial as an all-in-one vacuum and steam mop for your face. Hydrafacial’s patented technology cleanses, extracts, and hydrates skin, leaving you glowing in just 30 minutes. Our tester reported that a Hydrafacial seemed to suck all of the bad things out of the face and left skin bright and plump.

Book Now

Courtesy of Hydrafacial
a white rectangular device with a screen

Sofwave

For years, microneedling was the gold standard for stimulating collagen, but a microneedling session can be painful and might leave skin inflamed. Sofwave, a non-invasive ultrasound treatment, requires no downtime and no needles. Sofwave’s ultrasound technology helps stimulate collagen, smooth fine lines and wrinkles, and lift sagging skin. Our tester noted that Sofwave was quick, painless, and helped tighten the skin on their jawline.

Book Now

Courtesy of Sofwave
evolvex

EvolveX

Utilizing a mix of radiofrequency and electro-magnetic energy, this machine targets fat cells under the skin to tighten and tone. Our tester really enjoyed this treatment, and found it so painless that she even fell asleep midway through. She tested this on her abdomen, and after three weeks, she noticed a significant difference. “My abdomen looks flatter and firmer, and I even lost several pounds! I am shocked at how well it worked, because it was so easy. I would do it again in a heartbeat, and might try it on other areas.”

Book Now

Courtesy of EvolveX
diamondglow

DiamondGlow Facial

The lyric “shine bright like a diamond” takes on a new meaning with this facial treatment. The DiamondGlow facial utilizes a three-in-one technique to simultaneously exfoliate the skin, extract dirt and debris, and infuse the skin with hydrating serums. Following the treatment, our tester reported they had smoother, hydrated skin that had a visibly noticeable glow.

Book Now

Courtesy of DiamondGlow
dysport

Dysport

Dysport proves that neuromodulators are not one-size-fits-all. Like all neuromodulators, Dysport paralyzes the muscle it is injected into, but it diffuses and spreads a bit more than Botox and sets in faster; results start showing up in two days compared to a week. Dysport is also approved for the glabellar lines, or the frown lines between the eyebrows. Our tester, a longtime Botox user, noted that Dysport set in quickly and smoothed creasing in their entire forehead, not just the glabellar lines.

Book Now

Courtesy of Dysport
ultherapy

Ultherapy

Often called a “facelift alternative” (to a degree), this treatment uses ultrasound to stimulate collagen at the deep levels of the face (the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, also known as SMAS, or the area often targeted in face lifts). Our tester reported that the treatment is painful, and it could take up to six months to see full results, but that she noticed that her jawline and neck looked sharper and more defined, even in just a few days. Full results also allegedly last up to a year.

Book Now

Courtesy of Ultherapy
halo

Halo by Sciton

This special laser is both non-ablative (targeting the deeper areas of the skin) and ablative (the top layer). Because of that, it does almost everything—lighten hyperpigmentation, stimulate collagen, make pores look smaller, and smooth texture. Our reviewer reported that this was an intense treatment, not in terms of pain, but downtime. Little brown spots appeared and then flaked off, giving the skin a “sunburnt-like feel.” But after a few weeks, she was thrilled. The so-called “Halo glow” emerged, and many of her stubborn acne spots disappeared.

Book Now

Courtesy of Sciton

A version of this story appears in ELLE’s August 2024 issue.

Headshot of Kathleen Hou

Kathleen Hou is ELLE”s Beauty Director. Previously, she held the same title at New York Magazine’s The Cut. She’s appeared in publications such as New York, The New York Times Magazine, Vogue India, Forbes, and Allure. She was also a co-founder of Donate Beauty, a grassroots beauty donation project started during the COVID-19 crisis, which donated over 500,000 products to over 30,000 healthcare workers across 500+ hospitals. 

Headshot of Katie Berohn

Katie Berohn is the Beauty Assistant at Good Housekeeping, Woman’s Day and Prevention magazines, all part of the Hearst Lifestyle Group. She graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a major in journalism and minor in technology, arts, and media, and earned her Master’s Degree at NYU’s Graduate Program of Magazine Journalism. In addition, Katie has held editorial internships at Denver Life Magazine, Yoga Journal, and Cosmopolitan, a digital editorial internship at New York Magazine’s The Cut, a social good fellowship at Mashable, and has freelanced for HelloGiggles. _When she’s not obsessing over the latest skincare launch or continuing her endless search for the perfect shade of red nail polish, Katie can be found in a hot yoga class, trying everything on the menu at New York’s newest restaurant, or hanging out at a trendy wine bar with her friends.

Headshot of Tasha Nicole Smith

Tasha Nicole Smith is ELLE Magazine’s beauty assistant. She loves all things hair, makeup, and skincare so you’ll find her talking about it here. She enjoys Marvel movies, a good pair of vintage heels, and lemon drop martinis and also shares a birthday with Beyoncé, which is her go to fun fact.
 

The post 55 Editor-Approved Tools and Treatments to Take Your Beauty Routine to the Next Level appeared first on Patabook Fashion.