'I tested Shark's CryoGlow face mask for a month–it blows other LEDs out of the water' - Mirror Online

A definite perk of my job as a beauty editor is I get granted the chance to try products and gadgets before they hit the mass market, and last month I had an email drop into my inbox from Shark Beauty to confidentially share the news about a new launch: the CryoGlow, £269.99.

Launching today (6th November), it marks the brand's first venture into the UK skincare market– and into a growing sector of home beauty treatments that are made to rival clinic results. CryoGlow is the UK’s first LED light therapy mask that takes skincare up a notch by blending LED routines with refreshing cooling tech. Thanks to its 'instachill' feature, it helps de-puff those under-eye areas in as little as 5 minutes.

Plus, with 160 tri-wick LEDs covering your whole face, it evenly targets fine lines and wrinkles, giving your skin a smoother, more youthful look in as little as eight weeks.

READ MORE: Shark launches ultimate 5-in-1 FlexFusion Straight tool to 'create endless styles'

Easy to set up and use: You just need to charge the battery up to 100%

Combines a cryo element: An 'Instachill' mode lets you de-puff under-eyes while targeting your skin concern, with CryoGlow mask to choose from depending on how cool you want to go. You can also use the chill setting without any LED, if you prefer.

Very manoeuvrable: The mask is attached to the battery-powered remote control, meaning you don't have to sit near a plug for it to work. You can also easily carry on with your chores or watch television while wearing it.

A good choice of modes: You can access targeted treatments for blemishes, anti-ageing or generally better skin health. Once the timed session has been completed, the Shark's CryoGlow Mask will automatically end the treatment and give you the option to shut it off.

Quick sessions: Treatment times last four, six or eight minutes in total, meaning you don't need to keep it on for a long time to reap the benefits of the LED therapy.

Battery life: While I appreciate there is no need to sit near a power source, the battery of the gadget doesn't last long – around three or four uses, so I have to charge it a fair amount

The fit: I love the way the mask tightens (it's very user-friendly), but I struggle to get the cryo pads under my eyes to sit in place. Perhaps my face is a tad too small for the mask.

I'm a good person to write a review for an LED mask because I've tested just about every other one available—from the cheaper Magnitone mask (£75) to the very pricey CELLRETURN Platinum LED Mask (nearly £2k). I've had varying degrees of success, and the best results I saw were with the Cellreturn mask. Of course, at thousands of pounds, it's not an affordable option for all. So when I sent it back after the three-month trial I was given, I've been desperate to find another that works as well but doesn't cost a fortune.

Enter, the new Shark CryoGlow mask. Not only does this tick the LED box, but it also adds the extra element of cooling to the under-eye area (hence the 'cryo' in the name). I think it's a clever gadget because anytime in recent years I've gone to visit a skincare clinic after receiving a needle-based or laser treatment, I've been sat under an LED light to calm my skin. And sometimes I even get ice rollered to bring down redness– especially around my eyes. This mask combines elements of professional treatments but from the comfort of home, and for a much smaller cost.

The first night I used this was right after I'd had polynucleotide injections under my eyes (it's not as invasive as it sounds, I promise). I used this mask for 8 minutes with the maximum cooling setting on, and it Shark CryoGlow mask around the area. My skin was practically back to normal the following day, which almost never happens after I've had a needle-based treatment.

What I love most about the mask is how user-friendly it is. Of course, I would advise everyone to read the instructions, but honestly, it was so simple to just charge it up, switch it on, and get going on one of the pre-programmed modes. I use the 'better age' red light mode because my main skin concern is early signs of ageing. But I use the blue 'blemish repair' mode when I get a monthly breakout.

The question you all want to know is, have I seen a difference in my skin since I started using it daily for a month? Yes and no. Yes, because I find its immediate effects on reducing redness and blemishes very effective, and no because I need a good few more months to really examine if it's giving me any longer-term anti-ageing results. What I can report is more even and happy-looking skin. The Shark CryoGlow mask has become a moment of calm I look forward to in the evening– it's part of my nighttime ritual now, and one that even my boyfriend wants in on (he likes the blue light setting!).