Why Joanna Vargas's Magic Glow Wand Is Worth It

Hi you beautiful human, welcome back to Worth It, my bi-weekly breakdown of the absolute best new beauty product I've tried. Sure, splurging on makeup or skincare is a risk, but trust that this beauty editor will only recommend something I wholeheartedly believe is worth every penny. Because you deserve the best of the best. Keep reading to discover the one product you do not want to miss out on, and catch up on the latest Worth It breakdown, here.

Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand

THE PROMISE:

Chances are, taking a trip to the spa and indulging in a $300 facial is not your reality right now (it's certainly not mine). But thanks to Joanna Vargas's newest tool, the Magic Glow Wand, you can pamper and plump your skin in the comfort of home. Here's exactly how it works: The USB-powered hand-held device has four settings, all of which do targeted treatments (don't worry—they're uncomplicated!). The first setting is Hot Mode, which boosts skin circulation and removes excess sebum and build-up with a deep cleanse that feels like you're under a facial steamer. The second setting, Hot + Massage Mode, does everything Hot Mode does as well as helps products like a face mask or serum penetrate deeper with massage. Cool Mode instantly soothes inflammation and calms redness. And the final setting, Cool + Massage Mode, adds the benefit of lymphatic drainage for de-puffing and shrinking the appearance of enlarged pores.

This device is safe enough to use on a daily basis, so you'll really get the bang for your buck. After thoroughly cleansing your skin, apply a face mask or a hefty amount of serum, then let your setting of choice do all the work for you. Just don't attempt to use the tool on bare skin—a barrier is always necessary. The brand recommends keeping this device in a targeted area for two to three minutes to really experience its magic. And always work product into your skin in a upward motion (you never want to accelerate the sagging process). So, the same applies for this tool—lift and glide it up.

WHY I'M OBSESSED:

As much as I try to close my eyes and imagine sipping on cucumber water under dim lights while reclined on a heated bed in a fuzzy robe, I'm not at the spa. And I won't be for a long while, which should be the least of my worries in the midst of a global pandemic, but it doesn't mean a girl can't dream. So, I've taken matters into my own hands and brought spa feels to my bathroom—and this shiny new device is surely helping me get by. I had a Zoom meeting with Vargas, an esthetician who is loved by Jessica Alba, Julianne Moore, Mindy Kaling, and more, to learn how she personally uses the tool. Some highlights: Vargas told me to use an exfoliating or clay mask with the Hot Mode, a cream mask or sheet mask for the Cool setting, and an extra pump of serum for the Cool + Massage setting.

Because all I have is time, I decided to give myself the works and try every setting in one evening. I paired Hot Mode (102.2°F) with Tata Harper's Resurfacing BHA Glow Mask ($65), and started at my jawline then worked my way up. I tried to patiently wait five minutes until switching settings, but couldn't help upgrading to Hot + Massage Mode sooner. Man, my impatience was worth it—it felt so incredibly soothing and calming. Not quite as relaxing as the magical hands of an esthetician, but close enough. After removing the mask, I layered on Dr. Barbara Sturm's Face Mask ($120) and switched to Cool Mode (55.4°F). I loved how refreshing the titanium plate felt on my sensitive skin. Afterwards, my complexion looked plump and felt noticeably brighter and bouncier. I sealed the deal with iS Clinical's Hydra-Cool Serum ($94) paired with Cool + Massage Mode (41°F), which helped my skin absorb the serum instantly and left it incredibly hydrated.

Surprisingly enough, my hands were not tired of holding this device by the end of it all. As promised, it is truly lightweight and stays charged for over an hour. I've already texted all of my friends about it and am plotting about how to fit it into my carry-on (once I'm traveling again) so they can see just how good my skin looks in real life.

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