As a beauty editor, many facial devices and tools have passed over my desk. From LED masks (this one is my favourite, FYI) to microcurrent devices and gua sha, I'm a bit nerdy when it comes to at-home beauty tools. Though I love in-clinic treatments, it's not always attainable or feasible to have facials on the regular, which is why I love beauty gadgets that bridge the gap and bring elements of efficacious technologies to your home.
A recent launch that caught my attention is Déesse Pro's (the same brand that makes my favourite LED mask, mentioned above) Sculpta (£499), which combines three of the buzziest (literally) modalities right now all in one device: red LED, radiofrequency and EMS (electrical muscle stimulation). It claims to lift and tone the facial contours and boost the complexion by stimulating collagen and enhancing cellular function.
But for the best part of £500, you could argue that it should also be able to empty the dishwasher and fill out your tax return, too. To find out if its really worth the price tag, I put it to the test—and I mean I really put it through its paces; it contended with both the flu and a hen do abroad during the testing period.
Scroll ahead for my honest review and before-and-after pictures from a month's worth of testing the Sculpta device.
Déesse Pro Sculpta Review
What does the Déesse Pro Sculpta do?
So, what does the gadget actually do? I got the lowdown on the benefits of Sculpta from Sophie Perry, facial educator, author of The Natural Facelift and Déesse Pro ambassador. "The beauty of the device is that it can treat a multitude of skin needs that change seasonally," says Perry, who tells me that the benefits are endless and that the three technologies can be used together or individually to help you achieve your skin goals.
"The benefits? Improved muscle tone for a firmer facial frame, a brighter complexion and sculpted facial contours with a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles and puffiness. Think a more lifted appearance and a healthy, radiant glow," she says. Sounds pretty good to me.
The device uses three technologies that all have different effects on the skin. Scroll ahead to get acquainted with the benefits they each bring.
Déesse Pro Sculpta: EMS
Each technology has a gentle and stronger mode, which allows you to build up and tailor a programme that suits your needs as you use the device. "I like to start with the EMS mode as this contracts deep down to the muscles, helping tighten and lift, improving overall muscle tone and building muscle memory, ultimately improving the structure of the face," says Perry. This is a great one to use if you want the instant gratification of a lifted look just before a big event.
It's a little different from microcurrent (as well as being stronger), and works by stimulating the muscles, which is why you'll see some (totally painless, yet amusing) facial twitches as you guide it over your face and the current gets to work. The idea is that the muscle volume increases over time with use, which helps to lift and sculpt the facial contours. The sensation takes a little getting used to (it took me some time to make the leap to the stronger level) and it can feel a little weird in your teeth when it passes by your mouth, but it's in no way painful.
Déesse Pro Sculpta: Radiofrequency
"Next up, the radiofrequency mode, which is perfect for skin rejuvenation," says Perry. "Think of it as collagen remodelling for a firmer complexion and defined facial contours, addressing skin needs such as laxity as well as fine lines and wrinkles, all the while feeling like a hot stone massage for the face," she says.
Radiofrequency heats the skin’s dermal layer to 42-45°C by using low-frequency electromagnetic waves, which contracts the collagen fibres for a tightening effect, making it great for areas prone to sagging skin, such as the jawline and neck. With this setting, you can feel a gentle warming sensation as the skin heats up, and along with the soft buzz of the treatment head, it's actually quite a pleasant sensation as it passes over the skin.
Déesse Pro Sculpta: Red LED
Last but not least, red LED has been proven to boost collagen and elastin, the proteins that make our skin firm and bouncy. "LED is fantastic for boosting cell turnover, improving the health and function of our skin, boosting radiance and providing a welcome glow," says Perry. "The best part is that all three modes can be used individually as well as together for a completely personalised routine."
The targeted head of the device is great for treating specific areas, but it's equally speedy enough to treat your entire face. With each treatment mode, Perry recommends working slowly and with intention. "The aim isn’t just visual results—which, of course, will be achieved—but also time to relax and unwind, creating 'me time'," she says. "So, be sure not to rush each section and remember that a light-to-medium pressure is all that’s needed, never too firm that you feel discomfort."
Does the Déesse Pro Sculpta Really Work?
Before
After
The first thing to note is that for it to work, a water-based product has to be applied to the skin to allow for the conductivity of the technologies—this could be something like a hyaluronic acid serum or moisturiser. "My top tip is to use a water-based product with a thicker consistency, as I find it’s much easier when treating the full face, as there's less need to reapply throughout," says Perry.
There are six modes in total (two varying strengths each for LED, radiofrequency and EMS), so I started with the beginner modes before working up to the stronger ones. I like that it's really easy to implement into my skincare routine, as you only have to use each technology for three minutes every other day. The fact that you can use any water-based skincare you already have is another bonus.
I put the device to the test over the past four weeks, and I have some thoughts. My skin has been through a rough patch with some acne breakouts and subsequent scarring, and with the arrival of warm weather, I also have some pigmentation from the sun. So, I had high hopes that this device would help clear my complexion whilst sculpting and lifting.
The instant gratification of the EMS makes it a winner for when you want to look a little more snatched before going out, but I've also noticed that my face (particularly the lower half) looks slightly more defined after four weeks of using it around three times per week. Having been in the sun on holiday for a few days, my skin is looking a little more freckly than normal, so I can't speak to the effects on pigmentation. However, my face looks plumper and possesses more of a glow, and the fine lines around my eyes look less noticeable. They are small changes that no one else might notice, but I hope that with regular, continued use, I'll see further benefits.
How often should you use it?
"As there are three different technologies you can mix and match or use them together every time," advises Perry. "For the EMS mode, every other day is recommended to allow for muscle rest. LED and radio frequency can be used a few times per week for optimal results."
Contraindications
Déesse Pro advises avoiding the device if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or have epilepsy or seizures that are triggered by light. Additionally, you should avoid using it if you have any active cancer or have photo-sensitive eczema. The brand recommends contacting your medical practitioner before using the device if you have any eye diseases or abnormalities, experience light-induced migraines or are taking light-sensitising medications. Finally, you should not use it if you have metal face reconstructive plates (excluding dental fillings).
Additionally, you'll want to take it easy on any active skincare ingredients (such as retinoids or exfoliating acids) on the days you use the device. "If you like to use strong actives or retinols in your routine, refrain from using them on the same day as the device so as not to dry out the skin," advises Perry.
Is the Déesse Pro Sculpta worth it?
This is a great skincare tool if you want to try a few different technologies. LED masks alone can cost upwards of £200, so the addition of radiofrequency and EMS means you're getting more value for money and more options to achieve different skin goals. Don't get me wrong—£499 is a lot to spend on one skincare device. But if you were to buy separate devices for LED, EMS and radiofrequency, it could very easily set you back a lot more.
I like that the Sculpta gives instantaneous results and the skincare benefits continue to compound with time. It's really easy to use, and because each treatment only takes three minutes, it's convenient to slip into your routine—I know this is one beauty tool that won't be retired to the back of my bedside drawer as some have. And you don't have to buy a branded gel; you can use whatever water-based products you have.
I should address that I'm in my late twenties, so I don't have tonnes of skin laxity. That being said, I am seeing the benefits of using this regularly. My jaw and cheekbones are looking more pronounced and my skin texture looks smoother and more toned, so I'm hoping it will help keep my skin in good condition as I head into my thirties and beyond. All in all, if you want a facial device that does it all, I would highly recommend the Sculpta. If you want a device that just does LED, radi frequency or EMS, you may save yourself more money buying one dedicated device instead.
