My precarious relationship with facial devices

With a happy ending!

Nov 2024 update.

I started laughing as I sat down to write this because I’m about to fling some massive Debbie Downer action your way…I can’t even feign optimism when it comes to my relationship with facial devices, you guys.

(But! There are two that have won me over and would repurchase in a heartbeat if need be. Read on!)

Truth: I absolutely do think that all of these devices are helpful if used properly.

The Worst Truth: 94% of us aren’t going to be consistent enough to see a long-term difference.

So, the question I ask of you is…are you going to use these devices almost every day? Are you the 6%? If the answer is yes, I commend you. Go for it! Some I like more than others so let’s get into it.

Devices Gathering Dust

Here is a list of some of the devices that have been sent to me via PR over the past few years that are living a lonely life in a never-opened drawer:

Joovv The Go 2.0 - It’s a box that lights up. It’s heavy. Am I supposed to hold this thing up to my face? Nope.

NuFACE Mini - I love microcurrent! These devices lift immediately and used consistently, you will see a difference in tone and firmness. If you have an event or are feeling blah one day, microcurrent truly lifts and contours like a dream. However, it doesn’t last long if you don’t use consistently and something about the shape of this one bothered me.

NuFACE Trinity - The grandaddy of NuFACEs - this is the larger size with attachments, so if you are a bells-and-whistles gal/guy, it’s right up your alley. Too big for me.

CurrentBody LED Mask - The #1 best-selling LED face mask which boasts to be 27% more powerful than any other LED mask. It’s clinically proven to reduce wrinkles in just 4 weeks, and 95% of users have seen improved skin tone, texture, and firmness. 10-minute treatment.

My thoughts? It definitely reduced redness in my skin over time and my skin was all-around happier.

My only con with the LED mask (and this is not just the CurrentBody, as I’ve had several brands sent to me) is sizing. I have a small face and feel like it doesn’t fit perfectly, and the nose piece presses into the top of my nose, leaving an indentation for a few hours. Also, I don’t like the feeling of the red light in my eyes.

What can I say, I’m insufferable.

LYMA Laser - I was thrilled when LYMA reached out to send me their $2700 (!!!) laser. It’s the world’s only clinical-grade cosmetic laser FDA-cleared for at-home use and is 100 times more powerful than any LED mask. ONE HUNDRED TIMES.

Psyched! Jumping for joy! Then I read how long I have to hold the laser up to my face - 30 minutes a day.

Womp womp wommmmmmp *sad trombone*

You guys, I just can’t. It might be the most incredible thing I’ve ever experienced but THIRTY MINUTES OF HOLDING IT UP TO MY FACE PER DAY? It’s not heavy, but it’s not super light either. (8 ounces.)

Not gonna happen. Not gonna happen.

Enough pessimism! Let’s get to the good stuff.

My Top Picks

ZIIP Halo

The ZIIP Halo is my favorite microcurrent device by far due to the shape and ease of use. 4 minutes and I’m done - super quick. 4 minutes I can do, y’all. This is the device you want if you are looking to tighten and lift. My face is snaaaatched after using this puppy.

ZIIP has a dual waveform technology - nanocurrent (long-lasting effects, but it takes 6 weeks of consistent use) and microcurrent (instant effect that lasts a day or two).

Best shape + dual waveforms + the coolest app with targeted treatment programs = GOLD STAR FROM WHOORL

The corresponding ZIIP gels are really great due to their high glycerin content, but you can use good ol’ aloe vera gel if you are looking to save a buck.

Yay! 20% off ZIIP devices with the code WHOORL. (I think ZIIPSARAHJ might work too.)

NEWA+ Radio Frequency Device

I started using the NEWA Classic this year and I’m a huge fan. This device works completely differently than microcurrrent - NEWA uses clinical-grade radio frequency technology to help the skin renew its production of collagen and elastin, which improves skin firmness and visibly reduces wrinkles. And only 4 minutes per side! 4 minutes seems to be my sweet spot.

The device is FDA-cleared and clinically proven to visibly reduce wrinkles and firm the skin with gentle heat…gentle enough for my heat-despising sensitive skin. My face definitely feels smoother and firmer when I use this regularly (which is super easy bc it takes absolutely no brain power to operate it). The NEWA+ has my stamp of approval, for sure.

15% off with the code SARAHJAMES15! And you can add my code to the 20% off Black Friday savings right now - hell of a deal!

Lastly, in my ongoing search for reducing puffiness under my eyes in the morning, I just purchased the Therabody Depuffing Wand and will report back when I am able to spend some time using it. Have you used this one before?

Sending some seriously fantastic facial vibes your way.

xxSJ