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Welcome to Skimm Tested, a series where we put viral products to the test and give you our honest, unfiltered reviews.
What We Tested…
Why Margo Tested...
Test Results…
Effectiveness and brightness. Verilux Happy Lights emit 10,000 lux bright white lights. The concentrated light mimics sunlight, so you can sit in front of it for however long you’d like. My apartment gets a lot of natural light in the cooler months, so I found that I mainly reached for it when the sun set early. I will say, the light is very bright. Even though it has three brightness levels, I found that the lowest setting was more than enough for me. It did improve my mood and made me feel less negative emotions as the sun began to set. This didn’t perfectly mitigate the seasonal scaries I get, but knowing I had this light on hand did make me feel better.
Basic features. This really is a no-frills lamp. It has a single power button, three brightness levels, and a variety of timed settings to choose from. Because of how intuitive it is to use, I reached for it often.
Size. If you’re looking for a beginner SAD lamp, this mini version is nonintimidating to use and fits in most spaces. I also love that it’s small enough to fit in most totes. If you commute, it’s lightweight and easy to carry around. The brand comes with countless styles and designs, depending on if you want more permanent, long-term options.
USB-C cord. The biggest downside to this light is that you have to keep it plugged in at all times to use it. I like that you don’t have to recharge it, but constantly having to plug it into an outlet was a pain.
Why Caroline Tested…
Test Results…
Effectiveness and brightness. I plug it in right before I sign on for work, and it’s like it flips a switch (literally and figuratively). I feel more energized and focused throughout the day, even when the sun goes down around 4 pm and I still have work to do. It’ll probably go into retirement in the spring, but during the bleak winter months, I can’t live without it. It definitely boosts my overall functionality and mood. I wish there were more than three brightness levels, because they’re all pretty blindingly bright. Even on the lowest brightness level, the light is way too intense to face head-on, so I always turn the lamp to face the wall or at a 90-degree angle to where I’m sitting. I would love something softer for evening, too. It also only has one tone, so it would be nice to be able to shift into warmer tones.
Size. I like how compact it is, and the kickstand feature that lets it rest upright anywhere you place it down. I keep it on my bookshelf, and it’s not a total eyesore. I think the small size makes this one of the most accessible SAD lights, which can get surprisingly complicated and expensive. Also considering the size, the light quality is excellent. It’s a very clear, bright light.
USB-C cord. The worst thing about this is that it has to be plugged in to work. At first, I thought this was a user error, but no, it fully does not turn on if it’s not plugged in. Since I have to be near a plug, I’m very limited in how/when/where I can use it. If this was fully wireless it would be pretty much perfect.
Why Shannon Tested...
Test Results…
Effectiveness and brightness. I love using my HappyLight while I’m on my walking pad or getting work done early in the morning. It makes the transition so much easier versus flipping on a harsh overhead light while the rest of the house is still asleep. I agree that the light can get very bright, but I find it great for virtual meetings. I’ve cranked up the brightness on calls to make sure I’m actually visible on camera. Because it is so compact and powerful, the highest brightness setting can feel a bit intense if it's placed too close to your face. It takes some trial and error to find the perfect distance on your counter or desk.
Versatility The Alba comes with four brightness levels and three HappyHue Color temperatures, making it more customizable than the Mini Margo and Caroline tested. I personally use the third setting for my early-morning time, and then switch to the second setting during work hours to keep my mood up.
Sidenotes...
Verilux’s HappyLight Alba also requires you to leave it plugged in to power it.
The Fine Details…
You can shop Verilux HappyLights on Amazon or at verilux.com.
Verilux HappyLight Mini, $38.98
Verilux HappyLight Alba, $49.99
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