Let’s be honest. One of my least favorite parts of getting older is waking up and wondering who that puffy, tired stranger is staring back at me in the mirror. And I have always been a puffy-in-the-morning person. Long flight? Puffy. Stayed up too late? Puffy. Accidentally inhaled an entire serving of spicy noodles before bed? Puffy. As time goes on, my under eyes are fully committed to the drama. Some mornings, no amount of concealer or color corrector can hide the dark circles, the shadows or the general why does my face look like this energy.

For the longest time, the only thing that really helped was gua sha. It works beautifully, especially if you are consistent. It supports lymphatic drainage and helps move stagnant fluid that leads to puffiness. But gua sha is very technique based and it is a true ritual. Meanwhile, my lifestyle does not always allow for peaceful, slow strokes and a quiet moment with my bathroom mirror.

Then I added a red light mask into my routine and my skin was instantly happier. Fewer tired-looking  mornings, more brightness, more even tone. So naturally, my lazy girl brain asked the important question. What if I could combine the depuffing magic of gua sha with the science of red light in one step. That is when I found the Red Light Face Wand. My Roman Empire.

Why the Wand Works

This wand is the overachiever of skincare devices. It brings together red light at 660 nanometers, near infrared at 850 nanometers, heat, sonic vibration and biomicroelectronics. Everything is engineered to work on tone, puffiness, circulation, fine lines and that overall lifted look we chase in the mornings.

Where gua sha relies on manual technique and pressure, a red light wand works with technology. Instead of dragging or pulling the skin, it glides gently as the warmth and vibration encourage local lymphatic flow. The red light energizes the surface, while near infrared penetrates more deeply and works on a cellular level to support healthy cellular metabolism, boost microcirculation and calm redness. They are completely different experiences and both have their place, but the wand is the one that fits into real life mornings and any moment when you want results without effort.

The heat helps make the skin feel softer. The swiping motion with added sonic vibration helps relieve jaw and facial tension. The light supports radiance and softens signs of fatigue. Together, it feels like your face is slowly waking up and remembering what it is supposed to look like.

And the best part is the sheer convenience. No prep. No settings to figure out. No learning curve. You pick it up, glide it across your skin and let the device do the thinking. I love that it feels indulgent but also incredibly easy.

What I Noticed First

After the first few uses, I could see
+ softer skin
+ more uniform tone
+ a brighter, more radiant complexion
+ reduction in puffiness
+ more definition under the cheekbones
+ under eyes that looked less puffy

It holds a charge for days which is a dream. The warmth feels soothing. The vibration feels grounding. It is honestly one of the most relaxing things I do for myself in the morning.

Also, it is portable. You can use it at home, at your desk, in the car while waiting for mobile order pickup, on a flight, in a hotel room, or wherever you feel like your face needs encouragement.

My Morning Routine Lazy Girl Lifting 101

Here is exactly how I use it when my face refuses to cooperate.

Under the eyes
I start with gentle glides from the inner corner to the temple. This wakes things up fast and helps deflate that morning pillow face.

Cheekbones
I glide upward toward the hairline. This gives instant definition and a natural contour effect.

Jawline
I sweep from chin to ear. This helps relieve tension and gives a more defined jaw.

Smile lines and around the mouth
A few small upward strokes help soften lines and brighten the area.

Forehead
Slow movements upward. This helps lift and smooth the look of the skin, especially when my forehead decides to showcase last night’s stress dreams.

The whole routine takes three to five minutes. Basically the amount of time I spend wondering what I did in my sleep to wake up looking this puffy.

Why the Wand Now Lives in My Bag

It works. It is easy. It is soothing. It visibly lifts, smooths, brightens and reduces puffiness in a way that feels effortless. My skin looks more alive in the morning. My tone looks more even. My under eyes look less tragic. And everything just feels softer and healthier.

You get real results without needing to commit to a long ritual or remember complex steps.

If the red light mask is the skincare equivalent of booking a spa day, this wand is the friend who shows up at your doorstep with iced coffee and emotional support. You can use it anywhere and it always leaves your face better than it found it.

All material on The Chalkboard Mag is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise or other health-related programs. This story is brought to you in partnership with BON CHARGE From time to time, TCM editors choose to partner with brands we believe in to bring our readers special offers