Beauty Pie LED Mask Review: A Red Light Fountain of Youth | GQ

Mar 27, 2025

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I'm no Bryan Johnson, but the idea of aging gracefully and looking good while doing it is definitely something I aspire to. Thankfully, the wellness industry offers myriad products that claim to aid in bringing us all one step closer to the fountain of youth. Many of these products are unregulated, and their actual effectiveness remains to be seen. However, the LED light mask is one new product that appears to have actual scientific evidence to back its claims. Studies have shown that a quality infrared LED light mask can firm skin, even tone, and reduce the presence of fine lines and wrinkles—all in as little as a few weeks of consistent use.

Now, here's the catch: with those aspirational promises often comes a hefty price tag—many masks exceed $500. That is why I love the Beauty Pie LED mask (officially dubbed the “C-Wave Light Facial”); it provides the same science-backed wrinkle-reducing power for a fraction of its competitors' price. Here are my thoughts on the Beauty Pie Light mask, some things to consider, and my take on whether it's the right choice for you.

Beauty Pie

Beauty Pie

Out of the box, you will have to attach the two Velcro straps and the optional silicone goggles (the light is safe for your eyes, so these are purely for comfort). The mask has an attached wire that connects via USB to a separate unit that houses the battery and single on/off switch. The mask only has one mode, a combination of red and near-infrared light, and is pre-programmed to run for 10 minutes before automatically turning itself off. The battery takes a couple of hours to charge up fully via a provided USB-C charger, and afterward, it provides about 10 treatments. Beauty Pie recommends using its mask three to five times a week for a minimum of six weeks for best results.

Red light therapy works by seeping deep into your skin, where it is soaked up by mitochondria (yes, yes, the powerhouse of the cell) thus boosting cellular repair and growth. In a study conducted by Beauty Pie, 95% of surveyed users noted skin that was brighter and plumper, with improved skin tone after using the mask three times a week for four weeks. I have been using the mask four days a week for the last two weeks, and I do feel like my overall skin health has improved, though it's hard to tell if it's a placebo or if the mask has actually done its job. Seeing lasting results from LED mask usage takes consistent and regular usage, for months at a time, so only time (and my personal habits) will tell if this thing actually makes me feel like I've taken a dip in the Fountain of Youth.

Aside from the actual skin results, I like the meditative nature of having a 10-minute nightly ritual. The mask fits comfortably, and the red light is pleasantly warming. The light is very bright so it makes watching a screen impractical, and I'll usually take the time to unplug and let my mind go blank.

In terms of fit, it took me a little while to dial in the strap situation. A single strap was too short to fit around the back of my head at its widest point; thus, it would consistently ride down. I solved this by adding the second strap around the top of my head, and it has worked great ever since. Additionally, I found that using the mask with the eye goggles made it way too tight on my face (I do have a rather large head, so take this with a grain of salt). I also recommend grabbing a box of alcohol wipes from your local pharmacy. They will only run you a few dollars and can be used to wipe down the mask before each use; otherwise, oil buildup might make the mask become a cause of bad skin, instead of a weapon in the fight against it.

The short answer: Yes. Red light therapy has scientific evidence to show that it can go a long way toward improving your skin health. If you want to do that without burning a massive hole in your wallet, then Beauty Pie is the choice for you. The Beauty Pie C-Wave Light Facial Mask retails for $234, and with their membership option (which yields exclusive discounts, yearly discounts, and lower free shipping thresholds) you can get it for as little as $140. This pricing makes the Beauty Pie mask one of the most affordable on the market. It also holds up against its peers, offering similar caliber red light for a fraction of the price. I've never used an LED mask before, and in the short time I've used it, I've already noticed that my skin is brighter with a more evened tone.

If you were to go out and get a facial, adding a 10-minute session of light therapy can range in price, anywhere between $50 to $200. That makes this mask a worthwhile purchase even if you just use it a handful of times (though again: You won't see any noticeable difference if you just use it once). I should note that it does not offer a blue or purple light mode. Blue light is less penetrating than red and has been shown to help fight acne, more expensive masks offer red, blue, and a purple mode. However, for a third the price, it feels like a worthy tradeoff.

Beauty Pie

Beauty Pie