Verdict
With red, blue, and yellow light therapy options, the Pure Tone Glow LED mask is a versatile tool that can help address multiple skin concerns. While it may lack the smart features found in more expensive alternatives, and the remote feels pretty cheap, the relatively low price tag that this mask is a nice option for those who want to dip their toes into LED therapy without splurging.
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Lightweight and breathable design for added comfort -
Much more affordable than similar LED face masks -
Choice between red, blue and yellow LED light therapy
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No smart features -
Remote feels flimsy and doesn’t have a hook -
Blue light feels more effective than red light
Key Features
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Review Price: £199 -
Honeycomb design
A much more breathable design than alternatives -
Multiple lights
Three LED light modes to choose from -
Adjustable run time
Can set a session from just 10 minutes up to 30 minutes
Introduction
LED light therapy masks are undoubtedly having a moment in the world of skincare and beauty technology, as they promise clearer and more youthful-looking skin from the comfort of your own home.
However, with such convenience and promise usually comes an eye-watering price. That’s where the Pure Tone Glow comes in. At under £200, it’s a cheaper option that, although lacking the smart features of its pricier competitors, still offers red, blue and even yellow light therapy with the touch of a button.
But is the Pure Tone Glow a decent budget alternative? Or are you better off saving up for a more powerful model? We put the face mask to the test.
Design
- Honeycomb design but doesn’t quite sit flush with face
- Much lighter to wear than the Shark Cryoglow
- Remote doesn’t have a hook and feels flimsy to hold
The Glow LED Mask looks unlike any other face mask I’ve come across – and I think this is a good thing. While I didn’t originally think the Shark Cryoglow was that heavy to wear, wearing the Pure Tone Glow has changed my mind.
With the adjustable head strap securely in place, and the wired remote control comfortably placed in your pocket, you can easily strut around your home wearing the mask without being weighed down. It also might sound a bit strange, but you can even wear your glasses over the mask too.
I’ve read other reviews that said the padding around the eye was uncomfortable and left a mark after prolonged use. Personally, this wasn’t an issue, and I can imagine that it’s easy to rejig the strap to loosen the mask.
One design irk I have is that the remote control isn’t fitted with a hook that can secure itself onto your waistband. This means that unless you’ve got pockets to hand, you’ll find yourself needing to hold the remote if you’re walking around wearing the mask.
My next issue is also with the remote control: it feels pretty cheap and flimsy in hand. Even more annoyingly, it’s very easy to accidentally press a button on the control while your session is in progress, thus restarting the timer to suit the new settings.
Pure Tone Glow remote next to Shark Cryoglow remote
Pure Tone Glow remote next to Shark Cryoglow remote rear
Those issues aside, using the remote is straightforward. You have the option to select between red, blue and yellow light therapy, the intensity of the mode and the time. Considering the Shark Cyroglow’s longest mode is 10 minutes, the thought of choosing a 30-minute long session was indulgent in the best way.
Features
- Three light settings, three intensities and three timers
- No smart features, such as personalised skin programmes
- The battery lasts for ages
One of the most notable features of the Glow mask is that alongside red and blue LEDs, it also has a dedicated yellow LED session to help brighten dull or stressed skin.
The red LEDs actually combine red and near-infrared light and offer wavelengths between 630-850nm, while the blue LEDs are 415nm. Both nanometer lengths are around the correct amount we’d expect for an at-home LED face mask.
There are a couple of features that the Glow lacks, which can be found on the more expensive Shark Cyroglow. First, there’s no under-eye cooling, which not only feels amazing, but also helps reduce puffiness and bags. In addition, although there are 36 potential colour/intensity/time combinations to choose from, you can’t combine different LED modes into one session. For example, during a blemish repair session on the Cryoglow, you’ll get a blast of blue, pink and red LEDs within the eight minute timer.
You’re instructed to fully charge the remote before use, and only using the included USB-C cable. I charged the remote just over three weeks ago and, even after near enough daily use, the mask still has juice remaining. That’s seriously impressive, especially as the Shark Cyroglow runs out of battery after just a few uses.
Performance
- Results were less obvious after just over three weeks of consistent use
- I noticed some tingling after use
Generally, over the three or so weeks I used the device, I mainly stuck with using the red and blue sessions. Having said that, I did find that the yellow mode was a nice addition that did help give my skin a boost.
Before using the Pure Tone LED mask
After using the Pure Tone LED mask
As a refresher, red light is designed to stimulate collagen production and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while blue light targets acne-causing bacteria. For a more in-depth look, we’ve written a guide on the differences between red vs blue light in a face mask.
While I can’t say the face mask made drastic improvements, especially with regards to smoothing out fine lines, my skin has remained free from breakouts over the past month. However, as breakouts and spots are my main skin concern, I’m pretty impressed with this.
With that in mind, that means I’m more likely to recommend the Glow mask for those who struggle with blemishes rather than anyone who wants to reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
One thing I experienced was a slight tingling after use, mainly around my upper lip and chin. It wasn’t painful but it lasted for a while, which is definitely strange and not something I’ve noticed with other face masks. Though I’m not completely certain that the Glow was to blame, other than using the mask, I didn’t change anything in my usual skincare routine (which consists of cleanser and moisturiser for dry and sensitive skin).
Should you buy it?
You want an affordable way to treat your skin with light therapy at home
At just £199, the Pure Tone Glow is among the most affordable LED face masks. Plus, despite its budget-friendly price, you can still choose between the light and time options too.
If you want a smarter skincare set-up
If you want smarter features such as under-eye cooling or a personalised skin care program then you’re better off spending a bit more and opting for the Shark Cryoglow instead.
Final Thoughts
Although it isn’t quite as sophisticated as the Shark Cryoglow, the Pure Tone Glow LED mask is a nice budget-friendly alternative for anyone who wants to dip their toe in the world of light therapy.
Personally, I found the Glow did a better job at keeping blemishes and spots at bay rather than reducing fine lines. I also noticed a slight tingling during use, and although this wasn’t uncomfortable or painful, it was strange and not something I’ve experienced before.
Essentially, if you want an affordable LED mask, then the Glow is a solid choice. However, if you want smarter features then we’d definitely suggest the Shark Cryoglow as a slightly more expensive alternative.
How We Test
I used the Pure Tone Glow LED Face Mask almost daily for just under four weeks. During the review period, no other LED face masks or beauty treatments were used. We’ll always tell you what we find and we never, ever, accept money to review a product.
- Used as our only LED face mask for the review period and not in conjunction with any other tools.
- Kept skincare routine the same otherwise to fairly determine the results.
- <strong>We use before and after photos to compare real-world performance.</strong>
FAQs
Pure Tone recommends using the Glow mask between three and five times a week.
We’d recommend starting at the lowest intensity setting, regardless of whether you’re using red, blue or yellow LED therapy. You can then increase as you go along.
Test Data
Full Specs
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