As a beauty editor, I am constantly asked which products are actually worth investing in, and right now I’m being quizzed about skincare tools – there are only a handful of my friends who messaged me about the NuFace to find out whether it actually works. One of the most popular home devices on the market, it’s a tool that promises to lift, firm and sculpt with the help of microcurrent technology. But is it worth the money? And which one is best to go for? Below, I share my honest review.
For those who don’t already know about the device, it might help to understand the fundamentals of how it works. Using microcurrent – which is essentially a low-voltage form of electricity – it puts our muscles to work, prompting them to contract, which in turn leads to a more lifted look. It also stimulates our skin cells, which can improve collagen and elastin production for long-term skin health.
The great thing about microcurrent is it’s not painful (although it can feel a bit weird and tingly at times) and is easy to do yourself at home – in fact, I regularly use mine in front of the TV.
- Why it’s -approved: NuFace’s pronged microcurrent massager – beloved by editors and stars like ’s Madeline Petsch – stimulates facial muscles in 5 to 20-minute sessions, leaving complexions firmer and more toned. Slather on a conducting gel pre-use, so the rollers glide easily over skin. Otherwise, glide the ReFa Carat Ray Face across your face and décolletage to boost circulation and firm skin. According to the director of ReFa USA, Rie Iimura, the -verified multiangular device converts light energy into microcurrent and delivers a “gripping motion that mimics an aesthetician’s finger motion” through two double-drainage roller prongs.
- Best for: lifting sagging skin
- Target treatment: Full face
- Treatment time: 5 to 20 minutes
The NuFace microcurrent device is a red-carpet regular, beloved for its ability to lift and tighten the face in minutes, and it’s these instant results that make it a glam squad essential. The low-level electrical current is able to tone and lift the skin with visible results in minutes. Used regularly, the device will help train the facial muscles to become more lifted. It’ll also help with overall tone and glow.
First of all, you need a conductor gel. When you buy a NuFace, you get a Hydrating Aqua Gel included; however, you can also use other formulas with slip, such as gel-textured creams or hydrating serums. Avoid using an oil as this impedes microcurrent flow. I always use the device after I’ve cleansed and before applying serums or other formulas – you can do it morning or evening.
The NuFace app offers different routines you can follow if you’re not sure what to do, but I prefer to use mine without it for more of a ritualistic, screen-free experience. I focus on moving from the inside of the face, outwards and upwards, while following the contours – such as the jawline and cheekbones – and where I know the muscles need some lifting (including the eyebrow area). You can – and should – also use it on your neck.
The NuFace Trinity is an excellent tool to have in your repertoire, provided that you use it regularly. Just like LED light therapy, you can’t expect to see transformative results after one use. Before purchasing it’s best to think realistically about how dedicated you will be to incorporating this as a step into your regular routine. The brand recommends using it five minutes a day, five days a week for 60 days to really experience what the tool can do.
That said, you will be able to see results as you go – I found it particularly useful on days when I woke up puffy or my skin was looking lacklustre. It’s a great way to re-energise and rejuvenate the skin, while promoting a healthy glow.
What I would say is that tools like these, while brilliant, never really measure up to in-clinic facial treatments, but they’re a great second best. Whether you go for regular facials and want to extend the results in between appointments, or you’re a home-care person and want to add some tech into your daily routine, the NuFace is worth the money when used consistently.
“The NuFace Trinity Toning device can also be considered as it delivers a small electrical current which helps to boost collagen production,” Dr Marisa Garshick, a New York City-based board-certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor at Cornell University, notes. “This may help to tighten and improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
My go-to is the NuFace Trinity, which comes with a simple Starter Kit. However, if your budget doesn’t allow for the £385 price tag, consider trying the NuFace Starter Kit, £122 (on sale), which also has three microcurrent intensity levels, but is a smaller device. The latter is also great for those who travel a lot.
Beyond that, you can – sometimes confusingly – get lots of different accompanying kits and attachments based on your needs. For example, there’s a Lip & Eye attachment which offers more targeted microcurrent treatment in those areas, as well as an LED Wrinkle Reducer Attachment. While these sound appealing, the device alone is more than enough.
- Why it’s -approved: If you’re one of the countless beauty tool aficionados who swear by the NuFace Trinity, you should absolutely treat yourself to this attachment. “It’s FDA-cleared, fast, effective, and perfect for when you want glowing skin and don’t have time to come and see me for a facial,” teases Matney. Simply use the attachment with its red, amber, and infrared lights for three minutes on each area of your face (such as your forehead, nasolabial folds, and so on) to help smooth and firm, then swap it out for the microcurrent head and slick on some conductive gel to start tightening and toning.
- Best for: Fine lines, wrinkles
- 36 LEDs in three colours (red, amber, and infrared)
- Five days a week for up to 21 minutes, three minutes per facial area
- Device type: Microcurrent device
- Why it’s -approved: If you’re looking for straightforward toning and skin texture refinement, this is a sleek option. Suitable for use on upper arms, abs, thighs and buttocks, the device uses low-level microcurrent to encourage muscles to contract and relax, which helps tighten skin. The electrical currents also boost collagen and elastin production for improved firmness and help kickstart cellular energy and lymphatic flow.
- FDA-approved microcurrent with four nodules and three levels of intensity
