Mi Body Composition Smart Scale $70
No ordinary scales, these are slimline in design and have stainless steel electrodes which are used with the Mi Fit app to better calculate your BMI. The scales can remember up to 16 user profiles and precise weight readings are automatically stored on the app. Available from Mi store at Sylvia Park, which also sells the latest fitness trackers and watches from the fast-growing Chinese consumer electronics brand Xiaomi, which recently launched here and in the UK and is now number four in global smart phone sales. See Mi-store.co.nz
Foreo UFO LED Thermo Activated Smart Mask $453
If you're a regular at skin clinics for treatments such as LED light therapy and thermo-therapy, sonic pulses or cryo-therapy, then this cute palm-sized device might just be for you. Waterproof with a medical grade silicone body, it works to enhance the infusion of attached UFO microfibre masks. It uses heat to help open pores, pulses to aid the penetration of active ingredients and then cooling to seal and firm skin. And it's quick. Rather than leave a sheet mask on for 10-20 minutes, the basic mask routine takes just 90 seconds. With its light mode, the UFO can deliver photo-facials, aimed at having an anti-ageing effect (red LED), brightening (green LED) or acne deterrence (blue LED). The Swedish design can be used in conjunction with its own app to guide routines and to personalise light, pulse and temperature intensity. (Masks for day and night use costs $18 for a pack of 7). Foreo also makes advanced sonic facial cleansing brushes. From selected Farmers stores, see Farmers.co.nz
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Light Therapy Spot Treatment $55
Following on from the launch of the first wearable LED mask for at home use, Neutrogena has developed a pen-style red and blue light pointer for more targeted spot zapping. The light energy targets acne: blue for bacteria and red to reduce inflammation. Use for two minutes at a time, up to three times a day. This is a good affordable way to test your keenness for DIY device using. (Not for the treatment of severe acne or if you are taking medication causing skin sensitivity to light.) From Life pharmacies and Farmers
Philips Lumea Prestige Intense IPL $1299
This costs more than a couple of clinic sessions, so before buying you would need to do your homework and be seriously motivated to follow through in using at home. A coaching app is available to assist. For the money you get a sleekly Swiss-engineered sensored IPL device with a rose gold head, a handle like a blow dryer and four switchable curved attachments for use on face, bikini, underarms and legs. The largest of these has a good-sized light window which means both lower legs are able to be treated in less than 10 minutes. Underarm and bikini areas take around three minutes each. The long-lasting device has no replaceable parts and if correctly used every two weeks for eight weeks more than 90 per cent hair reduction is said to be possible. Individual results vary and IPL is not suitable for all. (Those with very dark skin, white blonde, red and grey hair are not suitable candidates.) From selected Farmers stores, see Farmers.co.nz
