In the nearly 20 years since its launch, the Trinity has become a staple in aestheticians’ in-office arsenals, and many dermatologists, including Dr. Henry and Carmen Castilla, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at New York Dermatology Group, recommend it for its stellar reputation.
For her NuFace Mini review, Glamour contributor Deanna Pai incorporated the tool into her routine for a few weeks and was floored by both the immediate and gradual results. “After doing half my face, I could see my brow looked more lifted and my cheek less puffy,” she says. “I have more definition along my cheekbones and jawline too. But what really impressed me is that after 10 or so days of consistent use, my nasolabial folds look less noticeable.”
For those who specifically want to improve the look of wrinkles around the eyes and mouth, additional attachments like a smaller head for lips and eyes or a red-light therapy tool can also be purchased for more customised treatments.
2. Best for Puffiness: Foreo Bear 2
Original video from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Foreo Bear 2
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Foreo Bear 2
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Foreo Bear 2
Best for: Beginners who want a lift plus the benefits of improved lymphatic drainage
Designed to lift, tone, and contour, this device uses five personalised microcurrent intensities to target everything from fine lines to sagging skin. (There are five additional intensities in the Pro mode, which can be unlocked via the compatible smartphone app.) This range — plus the brand’s unique anti-shock technology, which ensures you don’t go over the optimal level for your skin — makes this particular device a great option for beginners. We like that it targets puffiness, too, thanks to built-in T-Sonic massage. The gentle pulsations travel through the outer layers of the skin, targeting facial and neck muscle tension points to improve blood flow. These pulsations also temporarily dilate pores for better serum penetration.
Our editors loved the customisation offered by this nifty little device. “I found that the lower settings were effective yet gentle, and the higher settings matched the experience I’ve received during professional treatments,” says Glamour‘s Kilkeary. “The slim design is easy to manoeuvre around your face, and it didn’t feel uncomfortable at any point. I liked the silicone grip, as well, because I felt that it gave me a ton of control and flexibility as I moved it around my face. I really felt that my skin looked less puffy and more snatched after my treatment.”
3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Ziip Halo
Best for: Anyone with sensitive skin — especially beginners to microcurrent devices
The Ziip Halo is a bit different because it works through a combination of technologies: nanocurrent (a very low-level current) and microcurrent. This means the pulses are very gentle — you likely won’t feel anything at all—and ideal for those with sensitive skin.
“I couldn’t feel a single sensation as I swiped it along my face,” says Glamour contributor Mary Honkus. “Yet by the end of the four-minute express treatment — which is already preprogrammed into the tool — my entire face appeared to be lifted and the lines along my eyes softened.” The brand has also curated an extensive collection of thorough in-app tutorials that make it an exemplary pick for newbies with at-home skin care devices.
Contributor Denise Primbet also tested the device. “While £380 is a steep investment, considering the innovative technology and the results that back the ZIIP Halo device, I’d say that it’s the tool on the market that gets you closest to experiencing in-clinic microcurrent facials from the comfort of your home,” she told me. “It goes way beyond simply defining the contours of your face — it works hand-in-hand with your skincare to care for your skin’s long-term health too. Long story short: between the fuss-free guided in-app video sessions and the device’s compact build to the actual results that it can deliver, it’s a truly clever piece of tech that would be great for anyone looking to up their skincare regimen.”
4. Best Multiuse: Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
Original video by Glamour beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco
Original photo from Ariana Yaptangco testing Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
Original photo from Ariana Yaptangco testing Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
Best for: Someone who wants to be guided through the whole process, and a device that does it all
The Medicube Age-R Booster device is an upgrade to the Medicube Booster-H, which started trending after Hailey Bieber used it in a #GRWM vid on TikTok. It’s different from other microcurrent devices because it operates in four different modes: an air-shot mode you brush against dry skin two to three times per week to improve pore elasticity; a booster mode to be used in tandem with serums to help them better penetrate skin; an EMS (electric muscle stimulation) mode for firming; and — yes — the microcurrent mode for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. Each mode can be set to different power levels, ranging from one to five (one being the lowest, five the strongest).
“I’ve tried in-office microcurrent treatments and at-home microcurrent devices, and I can vouch that the Age-R Booster Pro is the closest you’ll get to an in-office treatment,” Glamour senior beauty editor Ariana Yaptangco said in her in-depth Medicube review. “The electric pulses and vibrations are strong—as in, you can feel it in your skull—and give you immediate results.” And even though it sounds complex, a self-timer and a voice guide tell you what mode you’re selecting, the strength level, and how many minutes have passed since you began treatment. Once you’re done, it notifies you before automatically turning off.
Condé Nast
5. Best With Red-Light Therapy: Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Original video from Brittany Loggins testing Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Solawave Radiant Renewal Skincare Wand
Best for: Someone who wants an affordable but versatile tool
Considering the second-gen Solawave Wand combines four technologies — red-light therapy, facial massage, warmth, and galvanic current (which is similar to microcurrent) — the price is really a bargain compared to many other microcurrent devices. Rebecca Marcus, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at North Dallas Dermatology, is a fan, and not just because of the affordability. With continued use, she says, it can “stimulate collagen and tighten skin.”
Glamour US Commerce Writer Alanna Martine-Kilkeary says this facial-toning device has found a permanent home in your beauty routine. “Where you’ll find me on a Sunday night? On my couch, preferably with the Syfy channel on, using this renewing facial wand,” she says. “I’ve been using the Solawave nonstop for a few months now every week, and my skin has never looked more even-toned and smooth. This little handheld wand makes it easy to incorporate microcurrent into your routine without committing to a bigger device. It gently vibrates as you pull it along your skin and gives off a warming sensation. My skin almost immediately looks plumper and fresh, and my fine lines are way less noticeable than they ever were before.”
6. Best Budget: Skin Gym Microcurrent Wand
Original video by Glamour tester Brigitt Early
Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Skin Gym Microcurrent Wand
Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Skin Gym Microcurrent Wand
Best for: Beginners who want results but don’t want to spend a ton
Skin Gym offers a great option for newbies who don’t want to shell out a ton for a new beauty gadget but still expect to see results. Beyond price, it’s compact and easy to hold, so you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure it out. Hold the power button to turn it on, then toggle through five levels of intensities. We do wish it came with conducting gel or activator, but I used aloe vera instead and had no issues.
I’ve tested much pricier microcurrent devices (I’m talking three times the price or more) and was impressed by this one’s power. On the highest intensity (500 uA), I definitely felt those tingling sensations that indicate the tool is delivering that facelift you want, but I didn’t experience any pain. On the downside, it does require batteries, but overall, I think this is a solid value pick that’s great for beginners.