When Shark announced it was branching out into beauty tech, I was both intrigued and sceptical. But, once I learned about the CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling LED Mask, I couldn’t resist. Promising to reduce puffiness, minimise dark circles, and smooth fine lines with a combination of cooling therapy and targeted LED light, it sounded like the kind of gadget my sleep-deprived under-eyes were crying out for.
Why I Started Using It
Let’s be honest: the battle against tired-looking eyes is never-ending. Late nights scrolling, an inconsistent skincare routine, and the general stresses of life have left my under-eye area looking perpetually worse for wear. Concealer can only do so much when puffiness and darkness are the main culprits. So, when the Shark CryoGlow landed on my desk, it felt like destiny.
The mask features an adjustable strap and soft silicone cups that rest gently on the under-eye area, making it comfortable enough for daily use. It claims to combine cryotherapy (cooling at a chilly but tolerable 6C) with blue and red and infrared light to help settle blemishes and red and infrared light for anti-ageing. Shark’s claim that the device could deliver visible results in just two weeks made me cautiously optimistic.
How I Used It
For the sake of journalistic integrity (and my eyes), I committed to a four-week trial. The recommended usage is four minutes a four minutes per day, so I incorporated it into my night-time routine. Before applying skincare, I strapped on the mask, selected the anti-ageing mode (because, hello, fine lines), and let it do its thing. On days when I noticed blemishes cropping up, I switched to the blue light mode, which felt equally soothing and seemed to calm redness. The mask also features an auto shut-off timer, which meant I could fully relax without worrying about overdoing it. The cooling sensation was instantly soothing, especially after a long day, and the LED lights were surprisingly gentle - no discomfort or harsh glare. When the mask is removed the lights gently dim.
The Results
By week two, I started noticing subtle changes. My under-eye area looked less puffy in the mornings, which is no small feat. Don’t get me wrong, the dark circles were still there, but they appeared slightly less prominent. By the end of the four weeks, the most significant change was the texture around my eyes. My concealer no longer creased into fine lines, and the skin felt noticeably smoother to the touch. When I used the blue light mode consistently, I noticed that occasional blemishes healed faster and with less scarring. And the under-eye revive mode? Perfect for pre-event prep, giving my eyes a refreshed look in just one session.
Delighted customers have echoed these findings, with one reviewer gushing, ‘I’ve tried everything for my puffy eyes, and this is the only thing that’s actually worked!’ Another shared, ‘The blue light mode has been a lifesaver for my hormonal breakouts. It’s like a calming spa session for my eyes every night.’
www.johnlewis.com
The Verdict
At £269.99, the Shark CryoGlow isn’t a budget buy, but it’s not outrageously priced for a high-tech skincare device either. It’s easy to use, feels luxurious, and delivers real (albeit subtle) results over time. The good news? After selling out its Blue Frost colourway, Shark has also released the lilac version. The Blue Frost mask is still in high demand, so don't wait to get on the waitlist for the next round of stock before they fly off the shelves. If you’re someone looking to elevate your skincare routine and tackle under-eye woes without invasive treatments, this could be a game-changer. However, for significant dark circle reduction, you’ll still need your trusty concealer and a commitment to getting a great night’s sleep.
Main image credit: @msjacqueline