We get it: at-home skincare devices can look intimidating, no matter how “simple” a brand markets the product, which may make you wary of investing in one. The latest at-home device that’s been taking over TikTok FYPs? The Shark FacialPro Glow and the Shark DePuffi. It’s currently sold as one device, a set that includes a power bank, the FacialPro Glow attachment, and the DePuffi attachment, but in early 2026, consumers will be able to purchase the devices separately. This innovative device claims to deliver a hydro-infused facial and a depuffing massage right at home—big claims that two beauty experts and Byrdie writers, Anna Traver and Maddie Barber, wanted to test for themselves to see if this new skincare tech is actually worth your money. Spoiler alert: we think it is.

Anna tested the extraction and hydration part of the system (the FacialPro Glow) while Maddie tested the sculpting and depuffing tool (the DePuffi). The FacialPro Glow is designed to suck the gunk and grime out of your pores, which can lead to clearer, smoother skin. It comes with different-sized extracting tips you can attach depending on your skin sensitivity and the area of your face you’re extracting. After extractions, the at-home facial continues with hydration, where the device delivers a hydrating serum into the skin for a glowing, radiant complexion. Lastly, the DePuffi tool is a metal applicator that can go from hot to cold in seconds, or vice versa, to help depuff, soothe, and sculpt the face.

We break down our thoughts on the Shark FacialPro Glow and DePuffi device below. See our in-depth review and why we think the at-home facial device is worth testing out for yourself.

Shark FacialPro Glow Review

To be completely honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect with the Shark FacialPro Glow. I had seen great reviews online and on TikTok, but at-home facial devices can be hit-or-miss for me, so I was trying to keep my expectations low. To my delight, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up liking this new device from Shark.

For starters, I really appreciate how simple it is to use. The instructions are easy to follow, and they guide you through exactly how to use it. I let the device charge for a few hours before using, even though it arrived with some charge, just to ensure it didn’t die mid-use.

Once it was charged, I filled the left side of the tank with water to the fill line, per the instructions, and applied the Derm Detox AHA + BHA Exfoliating Gel (included in the box) to my skin, letting it sit for a few minutes. I then attached the wide tip, turned on the device, and started exfoliating and extracting. I ran the device along my forehead, temples, jawline, and cheeks, then switched to the T-zone tip to work on that section. All in all, the exfoliating process took just five to seven minutes, which I loved. While you can definitely feel the device suctioning to your skin, I didn’t find it painful—it just felt like a gentle tugging.

After exfoliating, I opened the tank to see what had been removed from my pores. This was one of my favorite parts, because I was able to see firsthand how well the device actually worked. I couldn’t believe how murky and foggy the water was, and the amount of tiny particles floating around in the tank (gross, I know, but also highly satisfying).

Next, I moved on to the hydration part of the system. I filled the left side of the tank with the included Hydro Infuse BHA Hydrator to the fill line. I started with the wide tip and followed the same steps as the exfoliating process, running the device along my forehead, temples, cheeks, and jawline, then switched to the T-zone tip. It feels essentially the same as the exfoliating process, but it’s a bit wetter because this step is designed to infuse the hyaluronic acid serum into your skin, boosting hydration by +128%, according to the brand. Immediately after completing the hydration process, my skin looked incredibly glowy and hydrated.

I need to continue using the FacialPro Glow to see if there are long-term benefits, but if you want an immediate glow, hydration, and clearer pores, this device is excellent. My skin genuinely looks like I just left the spa after each use. I use it once per week, as recommended by Shark, and it works great for my skin.

Shark DePuffi Review

Rarely do I wake up in the morning without puffiness. It appears most significantly under my eyes and at my jawline, especially after a late night (I’m a night owl, so these happen often). While I know there are ways to remedy this puffiness with a gua sha, my already-extensive morning routine can’t handle one more several-minute-long regimen, so I tend to avoid it and use my hands while I’m cleansing my face to depuff as much as possible in under 60 seconds. It wasn’t until trying the Shark DePuffi that I realized there was another way to get more significant results for my skin in the a.m. and feel much more relaxed while achieving them—it feels like an excellent massage for your face, with the added benefit of depuffing problem areas.

Out of all the beauty tech that’s emerged in recent years, the DePuffi feels like one of the easiest to tackle. The only real legwork required to make it work is charging the detached power bank for a few hours before your first use. After it’s fully charged, you simply attach the stainless steel DePuffi, which is raised one one side and designed to fit perfectly within the natural contours of your face, to the power bank and hold down on the power button to turn it on, opting for either a cold or hot setting (just be sure to apply enough facial oil on your clean, dry skin beforehand to ensure the tool has enough slip).

At first, I tested the cold setting for about 10 minutes while sitting on the couch and doing other mindless tasks. It couldn’t have been easier to maneuver the ergonomic DePuffi around my face, especially with the contoured design that helps me target my most prominent puffy areas. It felt icy cold at first, but in a satisfying way that felt less shocking than an ice roller you might keep in your freezer. I did find that feeling wore off after a few minutes of using the DePuffi, which was to be expected since I was warming up the tool with my face, but I do wish it could have stayed cooler for longer. The hot function felt just as soothing on my skin, especially after a headache settled in one morning after too many hours without caffeine. I found the heat lasted longer, so I’ve been gravitating towards that setting throughout the day.

All in all, after several minutes of using the DePuffi on the cold setting, my puffiness was less noticeable, and my face looked more rejuvenated and defined. As for the hot setting, I found it helped prime my skin better for any of my daily serums (vitamin C in the morning, exfoliating serum at night). My facial muscles also felt much more relaxed after using either setting—a bonus for someone who squints and stares at a computer half the day and needs her face not to show it. The effects weren’t life-changing, but the device made a huge difference in waking up and soothing my skin without much work besides moving it around my face—it was way less involved than a traditional gua sha with similar temporary results. If you’re someone who loves beauty tech and devices and wants to add to your arsenal of helpful options, or you want an easy, no-fuss way to relax your face at the beginning or end of your work day, the DePuffi is definitely worth the investment.

With a three-hour drive from Johannesburg, Welgevonden’s ‘Big Five’ Tshwene Lodge is an inviting and accessible bush escape. A stay here offers an opportunity to ‘slow down’ and enjoy the rhythm of the wilderness. I spent three days embracing a slower pace in the bush and returned indeed feeling refreshed.

The welcome

After the surprisingly quick journey from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International airport, we turned off the tar road into the entrance of Welgevonden Game Reserve. Stepping out the car, Steven walked over and introduced himself as our guide. While we waited for the other two guests to arrive, we eagerly indulged in the welcome snacks and drinks that have been laid out. From the gate, it was a further 30-minute drive to the Lodge, with a host of animal sightings en route – a small teaser of what awaited in the coming days, as well as a gentle way to begin disconnecting from the outside world. When we finally pass through Tswhene’s entrance, a welcoming party comprising the butler, chef, and lodge manager enthusiastically waved us in, offering warm towels and refreshing drinks.

The room

We followed the stone path through the bush until reaching the standalone suite. Upon entering, I was immediately greeted by the scent of exposed thatch ceiling above – an enduring aroma I’ll always associate with game lodges in South Africa. The bed in the spacious room is perfectly positioned to enjoy the views – enhanced by the floor-to-ceiling glass windows. With the sliding doors open, there’s access to a veranda where you can sit and absorb the sights, scents, and sounds of the reserve. The elevated position of each suite creates a distinct treetop feeling – and allows for wildlife spotting from the comfort of your room.

The bathroom

The bedroom leads to the back of the suite, where the spacious bathroom is located. Double vanity mirrors and sinks are complemented by a shower and bathtub. South Africa’s beloved Healing Earth amenities are used throughout – including one of my favourites, the Lemon Verbena and Argan Oil foam bath. Stepping through the shower door, one can enjoy a wash in the wild, as a private courtyard houses an outdoor shower. With hot water and privacy, it’s a wonderful way to cleanse after a game drive, especially in the evenings, when tilting your head back reveals a thousand sparkling stars.

The facilities

Safari life revolves around morning and afternoon game drives. Welgevonden is a Big Five reserve, teeming with wildlife, birdlife, and flora. Steven and Gerhart expertly led us through the reserve – a favourite of mine because of its varied topography. The Waterberg mountain range slopes into bush-covered ridges, golden-grassed plains, and perennial waterways. It’s a landscape full of surprises.

Back at the lodge, several communal spaces encourage relaxation after safari. The central lounge features couches with wildlife-related reading material, plus a bar and indoor dining area. Glass doors open onto the deck where meals are served al fresco, and a pool with loungers offers bush vistas. A TV lounge provides an escape for those wanting to watch an episode of their favourite series or a sports game on the big screen.

Finally, the spa enhances the relaxation experience – a dedicated room overlooking the surrounding bush. Several treatments are available, including the use of the egg-shaped natural stone bath – reminiscent of the renowned tubs at Tshwene’s sister property, The Outpost in Kruger. These beautiful spaces prompted me to forgo two game drives, choosing to relax in the tranquillity of the bush: enjoying a leisurely bath, reading on the deck, and finishing with a cocktail at the pool.

The location

Welgevonden Game Reserve is situated in Limpopo, the province north of Gauteng in South Africa. It’s a three-hour drive from OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, and thirty minutes less from Pretoria – half the travel time compared to the Kruger National Park. Located on a plateau, it remains cooler in summer than Kruger. The malaria-free reserve covers 37,000 hectares of diverse landscapes – a sizeable wilderness area accessible only to lodge guests, with no day visitors allowed. There are also direct flights from Johannesburg to the reserve itself, launching in December 2025. Flights will depart on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and take only 45 minutes, bookable directly with Tshwene Lodge.

Other lovely touches

Tshwene falls under the hospitality group Rare Earth Retreats, which curates a collection of remarkable properties across South Africa. One such property is a wine estate near Plettenberg Bay on the famous Garden Route. Many still do not realise that world-class wines are produced in this region, not just in the well-known Western Cape Winelands. During all-inclusive stays at the lodge, guests can sample these delicious wines – perhaps even booking a future trip to the estate.

In the central lounge, I noticed a ‘Sightings Book’ at a secluded desk. I sat down and realised guests are encouraged to share their sightings and experiences. A novel idea I hadn’t encountered before; I felt like I went on a mini-safari as I read through the stories – even adding our own.

Tshwene as recently had a rather smart refurbishment, with new decking, a recoated pool, and some new furniture in the common areas and suites – all complementing the elegant, yet understated décor that ultimately, allows the connection to nature to be the hero feature. Lastly, without wanting to spoil too much of the surprise, every few evenings guests are invited for an intimate fire-side dining experience in the dedicated boma area – a treat of note!

The cost

The standard rate for a stay at Tshwene is around £350 per person sharing, and as an all-inclusive offering, it incorporates:  two guided game drives with sundowners and snacks, all meals, all beverages (excluding premium brands), and the transfer to the lodge from the Welgevonden Main Gate or airstrip. Throughout the year, the stay-four-pay-three deal applies, along with last-minute booking specials which start at £190 per person sharing.

The best part

With no shortage of lodges in South Africa, it’s easy to feel like just another guest – especially in larger lodges. This is perhaps Tshwene’s advantage – with only five freestanding suites, it offers a very intimate stay, which is why it’s so popular as a romantic getaway for couples. With numerous communal spaces, there’s never a sense of intruding on others – rather, an invitation to enjoy the luxury of spaciousness. This also means more personable service: our butler quickly recognised my favourite wine, and I felt comfortable enough to lean through the kitchen window to chat with the chef (cheekily asking for his chicken curry recipe).

The final verdict

When a nature trip calls, Tshwene might just be the answer needed. With the close proximity to Johannesburg, it’s an accessible stay that is enjoyed by both locals and foreign visitors alike. And if like us, you’ll hopefully be lucky enough to have scooped up all the Big Five sightings on your first day.

Disclosure: Our stay was sponsored by Tschwene Lodge.