Product test
Is this the Clarisonic for the stingy?
by Natalie Hemengül
Foreo UFO tested: Does everything really have to be smart?
16.5.2019
Translation: machine translated
Video: Stephanie Tresch
When technology meets beauty, I'm usually annoyed. Will this also be the case with the "Foreo UFO" face mask? I hope not, because its price is out of this world.
I love product recommendations. But the fun stops with sheet masks. You don't even need to recommend them to me. I used to find them okay, because they can be used for a little moisturising and glow. But I can also achieve this effect with a normal face cream without having to be a serial killer for 20 minutes. Sheet masks are neither practical (drip, drip) nor effective because the ratio between time spent and result is not right.
The only thing I like even less than sheet masks are smart beauty gadgets. Pseudo do-gooders who want us to believe that we have to conform to the zeitgeist. The "Foreo UFO" is both: a smart device and a sheet mask in one. My nightmare come true. Not everyone sees it that way. Community member RaffalitaCH, for example, is convinced by the Foreo UFO:
.
Time to put the thing and my nerves to the test.
So much information, here's just the most important
The smart device combines technology with Korean sheet masks and, according to the manufacturer, is a professional facial treatment for at home. The abbreviation UFO stands for "Ur Future Obsession". But before I order it, I pop a painkiller, because the price of just under CHF 300 hurts.
The scope of delivery includes:
- the flying saucer
- a charging cable
- a small plastic display to set up the UFO
- a mask of the "Make My Day" variety
As soon as I unpacked the Foreo UFO, I was already annoyed. The scope of delivery doesn't include detailed instructions for use. There is nothing more than a quick start guide. So I go to the World Wide Web to find out more and am literally overwhelmed by information. The most important things in a nutshell:
This is what the tool promises:
- an extensive facial treatment in 90 seconds
- "amazing results" aka a changed skin appearance
- an interplay of heat, cold and pulsations to work the active ingredients into the skin
- integrated LED light therapy in red, green and blue
- Water-resistant and easy to clean
A mask is included in the scope of delivery. However, as I can only use this once, I have ordered a 6-pack of "Youth Junkie" masks. I attach these to the device later. They are supposed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and help restore plump, youthful skin. [[productlist:10257539]]
I take off
The first thing I do is download the Foreo app, which I need to control the device. It asks me a few questions at the beginning before I can connect my smartphone to the device. Then I scan the barcode of the mask (there are 7 different ones in total) that I want to use. This tells the UFO which programme it needs to play. Specifically, this means which LED light is used, whether and for how long cooling, heating or pulsation is required. According to Foreo, this "choreography" is optimised for the active ingredients in the mask.
Then I attach the mini cloth mask to the device using an integrated ring. This is very easy, but in my case it makes a bit of a mess as the cloth is very soaked. I recommend doing this over a sink. That way you can wash your hands before you reach for your smartphone again to start the treatment. I then glide the Foreo UFO over my face using circular movements.
A promise is a promise and will not be kept... Oh!
After testing the tool every day for almost a week, my conclusion is clear: my skin looks moisturised and has a beautiful glow. But there is no trace of the "amazing results". I don't have the feeling that my skin has fewer fine lines and looks plumper. The mask itself did not fulfil its promise. What surprised me very positively was the thermal function. I found the warming part in particular to be very pleasant and relaxing. However, this alone does not justify the price for me. I find the size a little impractical because I find it difficult to "work off" the area around my nose. The Foreo UFO Mini would probably be a better choice here.
Finally, there's the matter of the smartphone. Personally, I usually use it a lot. I can happily do without it during the little bit of "me time". The Foreo website also tells me that I can use the unknown flying object without a mobile. However, it only tells me how to access the day and night mask modes. Whether I can also use the other five types offline remains unclear. This brings us back to the missing manual, which I would definitely have liked to have included for the price. My Future Obsession? Unfortunately not.
At the touch of a button you don't get perfect skin, but you do get a plan. Just click on the black "Follow author" button next to my profile and you'll never miss any of my reviews again. 👽
Natalie Hemengül
Senior Editor
Natalie.Hemenguel@digitecgalaxus.chAs a massive Disney fan, I see the world through rose-tinted glasses. I worship series from the 90s and consider mermaids a religion. When I’m not dancing in glitter rain, I’m either hanging out at pyjama parties or sitting at my make-up table. P.S. I love you, bacon, garlic and onions.
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