BWB Beauty Awards: The Best Wellness Tech Gadgets for 2021

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned over the past year is to truly focus on health and wellness. While they are things I have always found interest in, the pandemic has completely shifted my perspective inward. Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Further, it helps you become the best version of yourself. In turn, this affects everyone in your life, near or far. Wellness can affect your mood, mentality, and overall quality of life. Read on for BWB’s best wellness tech gadgets, from an app-compatible instant health tracker to an LED face mask, and more.

VESSEL HEALTH

What if you can find out exactly what your body needs without having to visit a nutritionist? Well, there’s an app for that. Vessel Health is an at-home wellness tracker that turns your smartphone into a mini lab. Simply pee on the wellness card for a couple of seconds. Then, use the Vessel app to scan the card and see your scores. The tracker evaluates your B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), cortisol, magnesium, pH, ketones, vitamin C, and hydration—all in just two minutes! Additionally, you will also receive personalized nutrition and lifestyle recommendations for improving your health. For example, suggestions could include creating a food plan, ordering Vessel supplements, practicing yoga, and more.

I was surprised by how quick and easy the process was, as well as my results. I didn’t realize that my stress level was so high, as well as my vitamin C intake. Knowing this, I can adjust my lifestyle without playing the guessing game. For an additional fee, you can even speak with an on-call nutritionist through the app to help build your health plan.

I appreciate that I was able to access my results without commuting to a medical office, sitting in a waiting room, and waiting for results.

Vessel Health is still in its early stages and it’s not perfect. However, while nothing is perfect, the pros outweigh the cons. I appreciate that I was able to access my results without commuting to a medical office, sitting in a waiting room, and waiting for results. When I tried it, there was a card read issue and it couldn’t read my B7 and B9 levels. I was still able to see the other results, though, and was sent a replacement wellness card. You can conveniently choose between a monthly, weekly, or daily membership and pay per month. Additionally, Vessel Health partners with Vitamin Angels; for every wellness text card purchases, Vessel donates vitamin A and deworming to a child in need.

OMNILUX

With the Omnilux Contour Face Mask, you can get younger-looking skin in the comfort of your own home. “It’s the right product at the right time,” says Carmel O’Neill, skincare expert and owner of the Renew Anti-Aging Center in New York City. After much research and development, Omnilux launched in 2020, serving as a cost-effective and convenient alternative to in-office treatments. The FDA-cleared and dermatologist-recommended mask uses LEDs (light-emitting diode) to treat a variety of skin conditions, including fine lines and wrinkles.

The light wavelengths help to speed up skin recovery and healing. Best of all, it’s quick! “It can help reduce inflammation, redness, and irritation on your skin, especially from wearing face masks,” says O’Neill. “Using it for 10 minutes three times a week can help make skin cells healthier and build collagen.”

There are two clinically-proven wavelengths. The red wavelength reduces inflammation and redness, prompts cellular repair and plumps your skin. The infra-red wavelength targets deep fibroblast cells, stimulates collagen & elastin production and reduces visible signs of aging. Just strap it on and relax—there’s no downtime! It’s painless, convenient, cost-effective, and safe for all skin types.

“If you want more of an experience, try it with our Hydrogel Face Mask,” says Terri Wojak, Omnilux’s director of education. “It’s a nice, clear sheet mask [that goes under the Omnilux Contour Face Mask] and maximizes the light penetration for more of a hydration boost.” Filled with hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and seaweed, it also cools, firms, and nourishes your skin.

Looking to get the same results on your neck and décolleté? Wojak recommends the Omnilux Contour Neck & Décolleté Mask, which aims to do just that. And don’t forget to try the Omnilux Contour Glove for your hands, too.

BURST

My first thoughts after using the BURST Sonic Toothbrush: where has this toothbrush been my whole life? Seriously, I was amazed by how much whiter and cleaner my teeth felt in just two minutes. Made with soft charcoal bristles, the device uses 33,000 sonic vibrations per minute. It’s proven to remove 10 times more plaque and is three times more effective at reducing gum bleeding compared to a manual toothbrush. Since it’s an electric toothbrush, you can relax and let the brush do the work for you.

There are three brushing modes: whitening, sensitivity, and massage. It’s built with a quad-interval timer that pauses the vibrations every 30 seconds to remind you to move on to another part of your mouth. After two minutes, it automatically turns off, so you can rest assured you’re getting the proper amount of cleaning time every morning and night. Just one charge lasts four weeks, and the rose gold version comes with a neat travel case.

BURST has another genius innovation: the Water Flosser. I’ve never been a fan of traditional flossing and was intrigued about water flossing after my mom mentioned I should try it. Again, I was surprised by how easy (and actually fun) the process was. It can be a little tricky using the device in the beginning. To avoid water splashing over the sink, I covered myself with a towel upon trying it for the first time. Alternatively, you can use it in the shower as it is water-resistant.

Move the tip from tooth to tooth, letting the stream of water get rid of food debris, bacteria, as well as wake up the blood flow to your gums and freshen your breath.

Thankfully, it wasn’t too difficult to learn how to use the water flosser. Just fill it up, choose a mode (default, turbo, and pulse) and press the smiley button. Move the tip from tooth to tooth, letting the stream of water get rid of food debris, bacteria, as well as wake up the blood flow to your gums and freshen your breath. It’s also compact, so it doesn’t take up too much counter space. Similar to the toothbrush, it looks aesthetically-pleasing in rose gold (both items also come in black and white colors options).

FOREO

Ever since I started using the FOREO UFO Smart Mask Device and its accompanying collection of masks, I’ve been hooked on the Swedish brand. The tech-advanced tool visibly enhanced my overall skin complexion. Naturally, I was curious about the new Bear Facial Toning Device. Using advanced microcurrent and T-sonic pulsations, the Bear acts as a workout tool for your face and neck.

This handy device is pretty similar to your trusted microcurrent spa treatments. For example, it can repair your skin elastin, tighten your face, increase circulation, eliminate toxins, ease facial tension, and give you a smoother complexion. How does it work? First, cleanse your skin entirely using a gel cleanser with no oils. Following, pair the device with the FOREO app, then apply a hydrating, water-based serum like the FOREO Serum Serum Serum.

Start by using the Bear on your chin, gliding it up to your ears about five times. Then move it up a notch (just below the cheek), and repeat the process. Repeat again on your cheek area for both sides. On your forehead, move the Bear from your eyebrow area up to just below the hairline. Work from one side to the other a few times. Finish the process by using the device from your neck to chin. Just be sure to avoid using it on your throat area. Although the Bear features an anti-shock system, I did feel small shocks throughout the process. However, they were gentle enough so it didn’t bother me!

In my opinion, it works well for not only the aforementioned skin benefits, but it just feels relaxing to spend a moment of self-care.

Overall, I felt my skin looked slightly more sculpted. Results may vary according to each person and it may take several uses to see visible results. In my opinion, it works well for not only the aforementioned skin benefits, but it just feels relaxing to spend a moment of self-care. There’s also a similar smaller version: the Bear Mini.

HEY DEWY

Since I’ve been spending a lot more time at home among dry indoor air, I was on the hunt for a humidifier. Then, I came across Hey Dewy. About the size of an average cup, the device is small, but makes a huge difference. It has a USB cable that I plug straight into my laptop as I’m working (it’s also compatible with outlets). The fine mist helps give skin a “dewy” look, combating dryness, which can ultimately lead to wrinkles. It’s also great as a prevention tool, since humidifiers can keep the inside of your nose healthy. Ultimately, this helps defend against dust and mold wherever you are.

Moist air can also help you heal faster if you have a cold or sinus infection by loosening congestion and lubricating nasal passages.

Moist air can also help you heal faster if you have a cold or sinus infection by loosening congestion and lubricating nasal passages. Have allergies or asthma symptoms? A humidifier can also help with that. Other benefits of moist air include keeping your wooden furniture in tip-top shape, keeping your plants healthy, and reducing your monthly expenses. Moist air somehow feels warmer than dry air, so you can cut back on heating costs. You can use your humidifier while you sleep, too. This may help reduce snoring since it’s likely caused by dry sinuses and throats.

Another note: 10% of every Hey Dewy purchase goes to initiatives that make an impact through water, such as The Water Project. This charity provides access to clean and safe water to those in need.

PURA

The Pura Smart Device is a fragrance diffuser that I didn’t know I needed. Use it with their app, connect it to WiFi, then turn it on to experience a burst of scent. I plugged it in the outlet in the common area of my apartment and it instantly felt fresher and inviting.

You can add two of your favorite fragrances inside. There are plenty of options available from brands like NEST, LAFCO, Apotheke, and more. The scent fills up to 1,000 square feet and also acts as an LED ambient nightlight.

Want your space to smell like a tropical paradise one day and a cozy woody countryside the next? No problem, switch up the scents as often as you’d like. You can even adjust the scent intensity and schedule an automatic timer for it by accessing the app anytime, anywhere.