The demand for skin devices shows no sign of waning. With technology continually improving, these at-home gadgets are being touted as the solution to lacklustre skin - no expensive appointments necessary. But, unsurprisingly, not all are made equal. When beauty journalist Sali Hughes took to Instagram to rave about the ZIIP Halo I knew I had to give it a whirl - if Hughes is willing to lend her seal of approval to a product, then it's got to be good. Billed as a 'cutting-edge dual-current facial device,' this nifty little number looks unassuming, but is being touted as something of a miracle worker when it comes to lifting, toning and rejuvenating tired skin. ‘This is the single most effective facial gadget I've ever used,’ said Hughes on Instagram, so I had to find out for myself. The initial drawback? It’s expensive. At £379, it's worth a couple of derm appointments at least, but if it delivers and I can count on using it every day, I'm inclined to think the spend might just be worth it. Two weeks worth of consistent use later and I have thoughts.
What does the ZIIP Halo Nanocurrent and Microcurrent Facial Toning Device do?
A lot. Here's what the brand says:
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Reduces wrinkles by 28% (in 6 weeks)
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Stimulates ATP production and boosts collagen
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Smooths fine lines and wrinkles
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Instantly lifts and tightens skin through electrical muscle stimulation
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Helps you get 'that glow'
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Evens skin tone, clears pigmentation and age spots
How does the ZIIP Halo Nanocurrent and Microcurrent Facial Toning Device work?
The ZIIP Halo uses two forms of electrical current called Dual waveform technology This may sound scary, but it’s extremely low level. There’s a microcurrent (to stimulate facial muscles for immediate lifting and sculpting) and a nanocurrent (which works at a cellular level to promote long-term skin health and collagen production). The device comes with a conductor gel (never skip this step) and works by transmitting gentle pulses through the skin as it glides gently across the contours of your face.
Shop: ZIIP Halo Nanocurrent™ and Microcurrent Facial Toning Device
ziipbeauty.co.uk
ZIIP say: 'Spark brilliant skin with ZIIP HALO - the only Microcurrent device that works across an entire spectrum of electrical currents, allowing you to treat a whole range of skincare concerns, not just lifting and contouring.'
One reviewer said: 'I've been using it for three weeks and I'm thrilled. I like to do the treatments before going to sleep because I leave the silver gel as a mask, and my skin has a wonderful luminosity. I look forward to seeing the effects in 5 or 6 weeks.'
Pros
- Consistently excellent online reviews
- Great for travelling
- Immediate results
Cons
- Expensive
- App can be glitchy on occasion
- Needs to be used long term to see results
How to use the ZIIP Halo Nanocurrent and Microcurrent Facial Toning Device
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Apply 6-8 pumps of the ZIIP conductor gel to prepare your face
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Turn the ZIIP Halo on
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Apply globes to the face and begin 'The Lift' - a 4 minute, pre-programmed treatment. You can also use alongside the official app, where you can find several different skin sculpting routines to guide you.
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Once the treatment is done, wipe off the excess gel from your skin and wipe the ZIIP Halo clean.
Our verdict:
Rachael Martin beauty editor says:
'I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about this one. Even though I know full well the electrical currents aren’t strong enough to hurt, I was still apprehensive to actually crack on. After applying the conductor gel I found the device glided across my skin easily. The sensation is a strange one. It’s certainly not painful, but it is a little twitchy. Let’s call it tingly - but not uncomfortable. And the app really does make things feel fool-proof. The clear instructions assured me that I was using the ZIIP correctly, and made it feel more like a professional treatment as opposed to a speedy 'glide and go' which I’d definitely be guilty of otherwise. Instead, I knew to hug the contours of my face and move in gentle, sweeping motions. After using it just once I saw a difference. This is quite something in the world of beauty, where instant results are rare. There was noticeable ‘lift’ around my cheekbones and chin and I looked considerably less puffy. I’m prone to redness and found my skin appeared blotchy immediately afterwards, but I’m putting this down to the fact I had given my face a good workout and boosted blood flow - the redness faded pretty quickly. Use this consistently - upwards of 3 times a week - and you'll likely see results that will justify the price tag. It requires discipline and the immediate results soon fade if you’re not committing to regular use. My only gripe? Aesthetics. For such an expensive product the finish isn't as premium looking as you'd expect - especially where the metallic top meets the cream plastic. This doesn't alter its performance, I'm still impressed with the results and that should be all that counts, but I do think that as you see this product evolve over the next few years, the design will be elevated.'
Overall rating
'Overall I'm impressed. Seriously so. Not all beauty tech is made equally, and the proof is in the pudding where ZIIP is concerned. Here, you get scientific credibility and visible results- and after a mere two weeks of testing, I'm already hooked. It's a splurge, certainly. But if you're sure you can commit then your skin will thank you. If toning, lifting and adding that elusive glow is your MO then you won't be disappointed. Stick to it, reap the rewards. And watch this space for my six week update...'
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s beauty editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism. After interning at Stylist and Harper’s Bazaar she dipped her toes into the world of beauty writing and never looked back. Now, at Grazia, you'll find her writing about beauty, health and wellbeing. Follow her on Instagram @rachael.alice.martin
