We’re living in an era where the rise of one’s cheekbones and the sharpness of one’s jaw angle is in and of itself a brag. But after a decade ruled by paint-by-numbers contouring, are we really surprised? Generally speaking, if you wanted to achieve that supermodel angular look, it would require an art-school-dropout degree in light and shadow color play or the funds for injectable artistry. But here’s one more option to consider: microcurrent devices, like the FOREO BEAR (more on that later). The tools, which have gained popularity over the last few years, lift, firm, plump, and enhance overall facial muscle tone in just one session.

“Microcurrent technology has been around for more than 50 years,” explains board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss, MD, who is based in New York City. “It is also known as bio-stimulation, which is a form of stimulation that noninvasively sends low voltage current to stimulate energy production and drive the creation of collagen and elastin.” Basically, the microcurrents manipulate your body into naturally making more collagen and elastin in a noninvasive way.

I’ve been lucky enough to experience all kinds of expensive facial machinery. Microcurrent facial treatments are always on the ‘spency side, and for good reason — they offer a very gratifying immediate effect that looks and feels incredible… until you realize that it only lasts a day or so unless you keep it up regularly. Kind of like going to the gym – doing one intense ab workout isn’t going to give you a six-pack.​ “One time is not going to be enough to make a big difference on a big scale,” Dr. Idriss echoes, who notes that you’d need to keep up with regular microcurrent facials for long-term results.

I’ll admit, the first time I had a professional microcurrent facial, I was a little intimidated by the idea of being electrically shocked in the face. The huge pronged device looks a bit alien. As it glided over my face, I could feel little involuntary ticks in my facial muscles — shocking proof, literally. It didn’t hurt, the sensation just felt a bit like my face had become sentient and was weakly attempting to free itself from my skull (it didn’t). But when I hopped off the table after my facial was done, I was shocked (again, this time figuratively) at how incredibly toned, contoured, and yes, snatched, my face looked. I could totally see why people shell out the dough for this.

I actually looked into how much it would cost to buy one of those spa-grade machines and not only was it exorbitant, they wouldn’t sell it to me, a mere vain civilian; it requires a licensed professional to wield (which I suppose is fair and responsible).

However, for those who can’t necessarily afford to get a $100 add-on to a probably $200 facial every month or more, can find a very satisfying solution with an at-home microcurrent facial device. Thankfully, today, the technology gods have graced us with a device that offers a very just-right Goldilocks option — no makeup-mapping or needles necessary, just a slight budget indulgence toward a microcurrent at-home device like the FOREO BEAR.

Click here to shop the latest in beauty-tech from FOREO—and use code ALLUREB25 to save 25 percent on the BEAR range. 

The FOREO BEAR, I’m assuming named as such because the device resembles a teddy bear head, is that device. At $300, it’s not cheap, per se, but it is one of the most affordable devices of its kind on the market. It has a few interesting features, too – one being that it purports itself as the strongest power home device with an anti-shock system built in.

At first, I was skeptical about how well it would work compared to visiting an aesthetician, but Dr. Idriss reassures me that “microcurrent devices require clearance and classification to truly ensure an actual microcurrent is being delivered.” She also explains the difference between an in-office and at-home treatment, referencing the various waveforms: “Not all microcurrent is created equal. There are four subtypes of microcurrent energy: sine, square, rectangular, and sawtooth, and they all have different effects on the outcome of your results,” she says. “So, it does vary between an at-home device versus an office device versus dermatologists and aestheticians. Professional devices deliver more precise doses of energy to certain parts of your face, whereas at-home devices deliver a low dose of continuous energy.”

I had realistically expected that an at-home device would be a tamer version of the professional treatments. The FOREO BEAR even includes a failsafe called the Anti-Shock System — a feature that uses sensors to scan and measure your skin’s resistance to electricity at a rate of 100 times per second before automatically adjusting the microcurrent intensity to best suit your skin, so it’s not set on advanced intensity by default. So whether you’re getting the full blast or not is up to your skin.

Using the FOREO BEAR is very simple. After cleansing and drying your face and neck to remove residue, you first generously and evenly slather on the FOREO Serum Sérum Serum. 

It’s a facial serum formulated with a cocktail of hydrating ingredients, including hyaluronic acid, squalane, antioxidants, and amino acids.. Plus, it acts as a conductive gel that makes the device glide easily over your skin, as well as draw the microcurrents into the skin.

Once your face is nice and slick, go to town slowly gliding the BEAR over your facial contours in an upward and outward motions, kind of like how you would with a jade roller or gua sha stone. And if you truly have no idea what direction or gesture you’re meant to do with it, FOREO designed an app that you can pair with its devices to follow a guided “workout.” I noticed that after the BEAR was done with its session, the serum fully absorbed, so I wasn’t left feeling sticky afterward.

It feels like two metal domes gliding over your face, delivering tiny currents into your facial muscles. It pulses when it makes contact with your skin, which I think feels nice. You can turn the pulsation off, but to me, it’s all part of the experience. I want to feel the sensation, you know? The microcurrents themselves don’t actually feel like anything, except when I get to my forehead; dragging it upward, there's a slight tingling on the crown of my head. It makes me feel a bit like one of those glass science orbs with the electric tendrils flowing through it that are attracted to your touch.

After one two-minute microcurrent session, the BEAR de-puffed and toned and lifted my face nicely. As Dr. Idriss stresses, over time and with consistent use, microcurrent treatments stimulate your facial muscles to help naturally produce more collagen and elastin, as mentioned above. The more you regularly do it, the better those results will be — just like going to the gym. Because microcurrents tighten and relax muscles, they provide concentrated “workouts” for your facial muscles, which is what gives you that tone and contour over time.

“Microcurrent technology is actually stimulating your muscles and, therefore, helping your face stay tighter longer,” says Dr. Idriss. If I’m going to incorporate another time-consuming step into my skin-care routine, I like to know it’s actually doing something long-term and sustained, although the immediate de-puffing effect of lymphatic drainage is appreciated as well. It’s a helpful tool especially in the mornings, and definitely when you haven’t had the best rest. In fact, FOREO recommends using the BEAR every morning. In about two weeks, my profile should be looking absolutely cut.

I love nothing more than that taut glow you get post-facial when your face is fully massaged, slathered, and pampered. If a little at-home microcurrent facial device can do that for me all the time, without needing a monthly budget, and without those pesky dents terrycloth facial headbands always give you, I am beyond thrilled. I love makeup and always will, but for some low-key (or rushed) days, it would be great to just slap on some skin care and jut out a cheekbone with confidence — give ‘em pure jawline, you know?

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