I recently reviewed the Foreo Bear, a new type of microcurrent beauty device. You may well have seen microcurrent devices around even if you haven’t used one.
The Foreo UFO, on the other hand, is in a class of its own. I’m not aware of anything else quite like this, that fuses skincare and the latest technology to quite the same degree. This is masking, but not as we know it.
Why smart mask?
I’ve reviewed at home face masks many times on this blog. Personally I love to relax for 20 minutes with a mask and read a book. It’s a lovely way to relax and get your skincare fix at the same time.
Smart masking is for anyone who doesn’t have 20 minutes to spare and frankly, wants their mask to work a little harder than simply sit there on the face before being washed off.
The Foreo UFO is a palm-sized device which uses a combination of massage, heat and traditional sheet masks to give an amped up masking experience. Plus, it does all this in around 90 seconds.
At £249 I think this would be a considered purchase for most people, so I’ve been testing it out for the last few months to give you as much of an in depth review as I can.
What’s included?
- UFO™ 2 device
- USB Charging Cable
- 1 x Make My Day Mask
- Sachet of Foreo’s Serum Serum Serum
- Stand
- App (free to download)
This is how it works:
Like the Bear microcurrent device, the UFO is used in conjunction with the Foreo app. There are also a range of dedicated masks available to work with the device.
Once you’ve connected to the app, secure a UFO mask of your choice with the attachment ring provided. The masks themselves are exactly like essence-soaked sheet masks which you may have used before, except instead of one big piece that fits over the whole face, you get a small round disc that fits into the device.
And instead of simply sitting back and letting the mask do its work, you pass the device over your face to distribute the essence. The app guides you through, and you’re done and dusted in around 90 seconds.
Depending on which mask you use, the device may warm up, cool down, vibrate and apply LED lights.
When you’re finished, you can repeat the process, or dispose of the mask and rinse the device under running water.
What’s the difference between Foreo UFO and UFO 2?
What you can see here is the UFO 2 – the most up to date version of the device. The Pearl Pink is shown here, but it also comes in Fuschia and Mint.
Used in the warming setting, it heats up 5 times faster and 5 degrees warmer than the original UFO. It also has far more to offer when it comes to LED lights – a full spectrum of 8 different settings.
Each of these light settings will do something different to support the skin. You’re probably familiar with red LED light in skincare, as that’s been around for a while now to promote collagen in both salon facials and mask devices. But did you know that blue LED can be affective on acne-prone skin, or that yellow LED is effective for sunburn and rosacea? Nope, me neither.
How the app helps
You have to scan in the bar code of the mask you’re using so that the app knows what to tell the device to do. I liked that I didn’t have to think about that stuff and could just enjoy the benefits.
Each treatment has a specially chosen temperature combination and pulsation intensity, to deliver maximum effects to the desired problem area or skin concern.
If you have a particular skincare concern, you can use the UFO device in customisation mode, to choose which LED and warmth/cooling setting you want to use.
I found it a little tricky to access the customisation function in the app, so here’s a screen shot.
The colour wheel at the top shows the LED options. Simply swipe your finger around the screen to choose which light you want the device to use. There are also choices as to how much you want the vibrations to pulsate, and whether you want heated or cooling temperature.
Is it any good?
I must admit that at first I was sceptical that such a quick treatment could make much of a difference. Though right from the off I was impressed with the ingredients in the masks and the range of masks on offer.
The first thing I would say is that it’s the speed and ease of use that makes this much more than a one hit wonder. It’s so convenient that it’s easy to slot into your routine 2 or 3 times a week. Any skincare treatment is only as effective as how regularly you use it. And after the first use I was hooked.
The warmth and vibrations are incredibly relaxing, especially as a just before bedtime treatment. I loved that I now had access to a sophisticated set of LED light treatments.
From looking around at reviews on various retailer sites, I can see that this device is widely loved with many fans who’ve been using it to create a spa at home during lockdown.
The masks themselves are made in Korea, so you’re getting the benefit of cutting edge skincare combined with Swedish technology. One down side is that you can only use this device with Foreo masks, but I’d be amazed if that doesn’t change or if dupes don’t start to appear.
Which UFO mask to use?
Out of the masks I tried, my favourites were H2Overdose, Call it a Night and Youth Junkie – all great for some seriously juicy moisturising.
Matte Maniac is a good one for daytime masking – it sinks in very quickly and plumps up the skin before make up application. It uses a cooling treatment plus blue LED light to minimise the appearance of pores.
Shimmer Freak is a great treatment for targeting the eye area, combining caffeine, rose water and niacinimide to reduce dark circles.
Make My Day is the mask that comes with the device, and it’s a good all-rounder that uses hyaluronic acid and red algae to plump up the skin and protect it from pollution.
Finally, Glow Addict uses pearl extract and niacinimide to brighten and Vitamin E to moisturise and bring the glow.
There’s something for all ages and all skin concerns. Every single mask I tried contained enough essence for 2 or even 3 treatments, so although the masks come in packs of 6 or 7, you’ll get at least double that amount of treatments out of them.
Foreo UFO 2 – the verdict
It’s a big thumbs up from me. My skin felt soft and nourished after using the device, with a glow that lasted into the next day. Even with regular use, the battery lasts for weeks. Plus it’s fun and relaxing to use, and we all need more of that these days.
Product details
The Foreo UFO 2 is widely available online, RRP £249. It seems to be the same price everywhere, but I will add in any offers I find. Currentbody currently have a 30% off offer running, reducing the price to £174.
The masks are sold separately, from £9.99 for a pack of 7. Look Fantastic have a good selection here.
*Contains affiliate links. PR sample sent for review, though all thoughts words and pictures are my own