I Tried Shark's New and Improved LED Mask—Here's How It Compares to the Original
Our take
The beauty landscape is perpetually evolving, and the rise of at-home LED therapy devices has been a particularly compelling shift. What began as an expensive treatment reserved for clinical settings is now increasingly accessible, driven by innovations like Shark’s LED masks. The recent iteration of their mask, as detailed in the recent review, underscores a key trend: refinement and optimization within an already popular category. It’s a testament to the growing consumer understanding of LED’s benefits – from collagen stimulation and reduced inflammation to addressing concerns like acne and uneven skin tone – that brands are now focusing not just on entry, but on improving the experience and efficacy of these devices. We’ve seen similar dedication to perfecting existing routines; for example, consistent sunscreen application remains a cornerstone of healthy skin, as highlighted in I Swear By the Viral Supergoop Glow Stick and It's Going on Sale on TikTok Shop. The ease of incorporating these tools into daily life is a significant draw, and the ongoing improvements reflect a responsiveness to consumer feedback and a deeper understanding of the underlying technology.
The comparison between Shark’s original and improved LED mask is particularly insightful because it speaks to the iterative nature of product development. It’s not enough to simply enter a market; brands must continuously seek ways to enhance performance and user experience. The review’s focus on factors like light intensity, wavelength distribution, and mask comfort demonstrates a level of detail that resonates with discerning consumers who are actively seeking tangible results. This aligns with the broader trend of conscious consumption within the beauty space—a desire for products that are not only effective but also thoughtfully designed and ethically produced. Furthermore, the ongoing pursuit of a healthy glow, even as seasons change, demonstrates a dedication to skincare routines, as evidenced by the popularity of tanning mists, showcased in I Still Want to Look Sun-Kissed in Autumn—These Tanning Mists Are the Answer. The emphasis on achieving a natural radiance, rather than a harsh or artificial look, is a key element of modern beauty ideals.
Beyond the specific product review, this development signals a maturation of the at-home beauty tech market. Early iterations of LED masks often faced criticism regarding efficacy and design. Now, brands are addressing those concerns with more sophisticated technology and user-friendly interfaces. The increased competition also benefits consumers, driving down prices and expanding the range of options available. The focus is shifting from simply offering an LED mask to offering a curated experience—a seamless integration into a holistic skincare routine. This also echoes a broader trend towards minimalist, yet effective, routines, as seen in the popularity of micro-wand mascaras, which prioritize precision and understated enhancement Hold the Fluffy, Volumizing Mascara—This Micro Wand Somehow Makes Your Lashes Look Even Fuller. The power of less, when combined with targeted technology, is proving to be a compelling proposition.
Ultimately, the evolution of at-home LED masks, and the beauty tech market as a whole, highlights the increasing convergence of science and self-care. As technology becomes more accessible and our understanding of skincare deepens, we can anticipate even more personalized and effective solutions emerging. The question now isn’t simply *if* LED therapy is beneficial, but rather *how* will future iterations further refine the experience, and how will brands continue to weave these advancements seamlessly into the narratives of self-expression and well-being that resonate with today’s discerning consumer?
As a beauty editor who spends much of my time testing skin tools, I can say with 100% certainty that adding an LED mask into my routine has been so worth it. When used consistently, LED therapy makes a world of difference to my complexion, from supporting collagen production to reducing breakouts. I've been a fan of Shark's CyroGlow LED Mask since it launched a couple of years ago; the LED technology paired with the heavenly cooling under-eye patches made it a real standout from others on the market. It's so good, in fact, that my boyfriend has actually stolen mine from me.
It's just as well, then, that the brand has released a new and improved version this month: the Shark CyroGlow Plus (£340). I've been testing it out since the launch to see how it compares to the original, so scroll ahead for what you need to know.
Shark CryoGlow Plus LED Mask
CryoGlow vs CryoGlow Plus: What's New?
Shark CryoGlow Plus LED Mask
Treatment Modes: 4 (including Better Ageing: red and infrared, Blemish Repair: blue, red and infrared, Skin Sustain: combination treatment and and Under-Eye Revive cooling treatment)
LED Bulbs: 560 (offering 17% more compared to the original), with more bulbs around the eye, lip and nose areas
Other Features: Enhanced battery life
Pros
- Range of LED treatments
- Cooling Under-eye treatment
- Enhanced number of LED bulbs
- Offers better coverage around the eye, lip and nose areas
- Enhanced battery life
Cons
- £40 more expensive than the original
Shark CryoGlow LED Mask
Treatment Modes: 4 (including Better Ageing: red and infrared, Blemish Repair: blue, red and infrared, Skin Sustain: combination treatment and Under-Eye Revive cooling treatment)
LED Bulbs: 480
Pros
- Range of LED treatments
- Cooling Under-eye treatment
- Cheaper than the newer model, and often on sale
Cons
- Less coverage around the eyes, lips and nose compared to the newer model
- Shorter battery life
The key difference to know between the original and newer model is the number of LED bulbs. The newer CyroGlow Plus features more LED bulbs around the outer eye area, nose and lips, delivering superior LED coverage to these areas compared to the original model. The newer model also benefits from optimised battery life. Lastly, the newer CyroGlow Plus price is £40 more than the original.
My Experience
The experience of the new CryoGlow Plus feels exactly the same as the original, which I already love. They have the same treatment modes, cooling under-eye settings and overall design aside from some updated colourways. However, you can see that the new version has more LED bulbs around the mouth, nose and outer eye area, which improves the coverage of the LED benefits on your skin. The optimised battery life is a welcome addition, however, meaning I don't have to charge it up quite as frequently.
The treatment modes are exactly the same, including Better Ageing, Blemish Repair, Skin Sustain and Under-Eye Revive (which you can set at 5, 10 or 15 minutes, depending on how long you want to use the cooling pads without the LED). Similar to the original, you can also track your progress and see how many sessions of each treatment you have completed each week. It also comes with snap-on cooling under-eye plates, should you need them to enhance the fit of the mask on your face, and the same adjustable straps so you can ensure a snug fit. I can confirm that this is an LED mask you can wear whilst walking around without fear of it sliding off!
After a month of testing, I can't say that I've seen a huge difference from the improved coverage around the eyes, lips and nose just yet, although I do feel reassured that I'm having better coverage in those areas overall, and those benefits will be revealed after a couple of months. My complexion definitely looks noticeably less red, more glowy and even since I've been using this LED mask. The treatments are also shorter compared to other LED masks that often require 10-30 minutes, depending on the model. In comparison, the LED treatments on Shark's device just take 4-8 minutes, making it really quick and easy to add into your skincare routine before bed, or to quickly de-puff your eyes in the morning (it's been a total blessing during allergy season). Out of all the LED masks I've tried, this is by far the easiest to stick to as a habit, and that consistency plays a big part in the results you see in your skin.
Final Thoughts
As I've mentioned, I already loved the original CryoGlow Mask, so I like that this newer version now has better LED coverage around the eyes and lips, in addition to the enhanced battery life. Do I think you need to upgrade to the new version if you already own the original? No. But if you've been thinking about buying a Shark LED mask for a while, then I do think it's now worth investing the extra £40 and upgrading to the CryoGlow Plus instead, especially if your concerns are around your eyes, lips or nose.
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How I Tested
As a beauty editor with over a decade of experience testing skin tools, I carefully reviewed this LED mask. I already owned the original Shark CryoGlow LED Mask, so I was able to compare the new CryoGlow Plus model to the original. I used the mask most days over the course of a month to see how it performed compared to the previous model.
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