Two Editors Tested the Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand for Lymphatic Drainage and We Each Loved Different Settings

I spoke with Vargas to get *all* the inside tips on the best way to use the Magic Glow Wand device—here's what you need to know. First, about those four settings: You can choose between applying the device to your skin hot or cold, with or without a massaging feature. Vargas suggests using the wand on one side of your face first, then the other, and guiding it from the midline out and then down (including your neck) while using slow, light movements to mimic the movements of a lymphatic drainage massage. She emphasized that you *don't* need to use pressure when it comes to this device, and says that it's meant to be a gentle massage. Basically, let the wand do its thing.

When it comes to choosing which setting you want to use, it depends on what you're looking to get out of your at-home treatment. Vargas says the hot settings are designed to mimic the effects of being under a steamer (which helps open your pores, increase circulation and allow your skincare products to absorb better), and these settings are most effective when paired with an exfoliating mask like this one ($75) in her skincare line. Meanwhile, the cold settings were designed to mimic cryotherapy (which reduces puffiness and inflammation) and are best used either with an oil-based serum if you're using the standard cold setting or with a sheet mask if you're using the cold and massage setting.

Vargas also notes the device is safe to use on most skin types, but should be avoided if you have acne or severe breakouts to ensure you aren't irritating your skin. She also says it's ideal to use it at least once a week to prolong the effects of your professional facial or anytime you're looking to de-puff or lift your skin, like before attending an event. Over time, she says you should notice increased hydration of your skin and an overall healthier look.

How We Tested the Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand Device

Over the course of a couple of weeks, PureWow Senior Commerce Editor Stephanie Maida and I (PureWow Assistant Commerce Editor Natalie LaBarbera) each used all four of the device's settings with Vargas's suggestions in mind, ensuring we paired the proper skincare with each setting. After testing every setting, we provided ratings in the categories above, which were averaged to attain the final score. Interestingly, though, Maida and I wound up favoring different settings—find out why below.

After testing all four settings on the Magic Glow Wand, Maida shared, "I enjoy both the hot and cold settings of this little wand, but I tend to get more use out of the cold massage setting since it helps with puffiness and I can use it directly on my skin with some serum to help with the glide (as opposed to the hot setting, which should be used with a mask). I appreciate how quickly the device heats up and cools down depending on the setting; and with the cold setting I don't have to wait more than a few moments before it's cold enough to use.  

I have combination skin that can get dull, dry and flaky, especially around my nose and cheek area, and my face easily puffs up when I haven't had enough sleep or water the day before (don't worry, I'm working on both!). I use the wand for about 5 to 7 minutes on my entire face, starting from the center and gliding outward, and usually focus on my under-eye area, cheeks and jawline. Immediately after each session, I do notice that my skin feels super soft and smooth, and the puffiness under my eyes definitely goes down. Overall, my skin also looks brighter and glowier—so I get why it's called the 'glow' wand. 

Although I don't notice much in terms of lifting and sculpting, I do enjoy the feeling of the cold metal plate against my skin; it's super refreshing and a great way to wake up in the morning. I also appreciate that it doesn't spark or shock the skin like other devices that use microcurrents, and that I don't have to worry much about using it closer to my eyes and on my jaw and neck area, or with any special conductive gels."

After testing each of the settings, my own favorite ended up being the hot with massage, which I did use with Vargas's recommended exfoliating mask. It's a lighter massage than I expected (though, per Vargas, it's meant to be gentle). As someone with perpetually dry skin, I really appreciated the way the wand extended the use of the mask by keeping it warm, giving it more time to absorb before it was time to wash it off. I definitely noticed an increased radiance to my skin after using the wand this way. Plus, despite the fact that the mask does, of course, get on the wand, it was easy to clean off with just an alcohol wipe.

I also like that the wand comes with a built-in timer for the treatments so I don't have to worry that I'm exposing my skin to concentrated heat (or cold) for too long. And last, as someone who holds a ton of tension in my face, I found the hot with massage setting to feel soothing on my always-tight cheek and jaw muscles, too, which was a bonus.

When it comes to the cold settings, like Maida, I did also prefer the one with massage included and opted to use it with a sheet mask, as I found that it wasn't super easy to glide with just a serum on my skin. For this one, I didn't notice a dramatic difference in the way my skin looked after using the wand vs. the sheet mask on its own so far, but appreciated the way the extra burst of cooling felt. I could see myself bringing the wand along for travel days when my face gets particularly puffy and I don't have access to an ice roller or freezer to pop my sheet mask in.

Overall, I'll definitely continue to use the hot with massage setting regularly to make sure I'm getting the longest use time out of my exfoliating and clarifying masks. I'm also hopeful that with continued use I'll see effects from the lymphatic drainage the wand is designed to encourage.