At almost 37, I’ve been trying to find the balance between aging gracefully while also using modern technology to lift and firm my skin without invasive treatments.
As someone who also spent nearly four years in the skincare industry, beauty devices and treatments outside of a basic skincare routine have always intrigued me. Over the years I’ve used facial steamers, ice rollers (I love ice roller benefits), and LED wands all in the name of a more natural approach to anti-aging.
Enter the ZIIP Halo microcurrent device, a beauty tech gadget that uses waveforms to contract and relax your face muscles to lift and firm them, just as you work your muscles at the gym. It got me thinking: I work out a lot, so why not try a facial workout as well?
I’ve always been afraid of needles, so Botox is off the table for me. (At least for now, or if my fine lines every bother me enough to really want it.) But a device that can provide other ways to lift my skin and reduce fine lines? This intrigued me.
After testing the ZIIP Halo for nearly three weeks, here is my honest review on this beauty device.
ZIIP Halo Review
In this post I’m sharing exactly what the ZIIP Halo is, how microcurrent and nanocurrent work with the skin, how to use ZIIP Halo, and of course, my overall experience with the device.
As with any beauty product or device, results may vary, but this is what I personally have experienced using ZIIP Halo.
What is ZIIP Halo?
Harnessing microcurrent and nanocurrent technology, ZIIP Halo is a handheld facial beauty device aimed at rejuvenating the skin, reducing fine lines, and enhancing plumpness for an overall more youthful appearance.
The ZIIP Halo device was created in 2015 by esthetician founder Melanie Simon, and compared to other devices, ZIIP Halo is the first and only microcurrent device that uses both microcurrent and nanocurrent waveforms to maximize results.
Here’s how both work with your skin:
- Microcurrent is a form of electrical therapy that works on a muscular level and stimulates your face muscles to contract and relax. The result can provide an immediate lifting effect along with a more contoured appearance and reduced fine lines
- Nanocurrent is much smaller than microcurrent. It’s known for stimulating collagen production, increasing blood circulation, and promotes healing and regeneration on a molecular, long-term level.
How Does ZIIP Halo Work?
In short, microcurrent provides an immediate lift and subtle contouring effect, while the nanocurrent waveforms lock in the results and improve your overall skin health.
ZIIP Halo is compatible with the free ZIIP app which features pre-programmed plans from targeted treatments to full facials and regimens.
Each treatment takes anywhere from 3 – 12 minutes depending on your selection, and the brand recommends using your ZIIP beauty device 3 – 5 times a week for at least 6 weeks.
You can use the ZIIP Halo right out of the box. TO use it, just turn it on and select a treatment from the app. From there, the ZIIP app will sync the selected treatment directly to your ZIIP Halo.
To use the device, you also need to make sure that you have a good amount of conductive gel on your face. This helps with proper transmission of the electrical currents to your skin and helps enhance the effectiveness of the device.
Is ZIIP Halo Worth It? My Honest Thoughts and Results
As mentioned above, I haven’t had any Botox and have been on the hunt for non-invasive ways to help lift my skin and reduce fine lines.
When the ZIIP Halo arrived on my doorstep, I was super eager to use it, and after one use I saw a subtle lift and a little more definition in my face, particularly on my cheekbones and around my chin/lower jaw.
Now that I’m about three weeks in to using this device, I’d say that the most noticeable areas of change are on my forehead and around my nose.
If you take a look at the photos below, you’ll notice the small vertical fine line between my brows (on the left) is now barely visible. On my forehead, the fine lines are definitely not as prominent as they were prior to using the ZIIP Halo. On my cheek, you’ll notice a big reduction in the smile line around my nose.
And on a whole, my skin also is generally looking firmer and a little plumper.
I wouldn’t say I’ve experienced huge changes. However, there are some subtleties that I personally can see when I really look closely at my face, and this is a device that needs to be used consistently on a long-term basis.
Here’s a little more info about my skin:
- My skin type: Combination (normal but with an oily t-zone)
- My skin concerns: Fine lines and subtle sagging
- How often I’ve been using my ZIIP Halo device: 4 times a week, and at the time of this review, for about 18 days
I was initially bit skeptical about trying this device, mainly because other than my morning and nightly skincare routines, I’m actually pretty terrible with devices that require continual use over a long period of time.
However, the ZIIP Halo is relatively quick, and on days when I’m short on time I do the quick LIFT treatment that only takes 4 minutes. I like that the device is cordless and stays charged even after several uses, so you don’t really have to fumble with plugging it in while using it, or anything like that.
You can technically use the ZIIP Halo without the app, but I like watching founder Melanie Simon guide me though the treatments. She also has a pretty soothing voice, so I’ve been treating these routines like mini spa moments for some peace and quiet.
Does it hurt?
The ZIIP Halo does not hurt and it is not uncomfortable at all. However, this was the first time I’ve ever used microcurrent, so I didn’t realize that microcurrent creates a fluttering sensation in your muscles. Closer to my cheeks and eyebrows, my skin also experienced bigger contractions that looked like twitching.
When using the ZIIP Halo, you need to use one of the conductive gels with it. This is to help with the proper transmission of the electrical currents, but it also helps the device glide along your face without pulling at it. I have only used the Electric Complex Gel, which is their least expensive gel and what comes in the box with the device. They make other gels for specific skin concerns (mature skin, uneven skin, and dry skin), but all are a big jump in price from the basic $29 Electric Complex Gel.
The Electric Complex Gel is lightweight, but at times I found myself struggling knowing if I applied too much, or not enough product. (The description lists 4-8 pumps, so there’s a bit of a vague range here.)
The gel can get into your hair and make it a little greasy, but I quickly found a solution that highly minimized this by wearing a terrycloth headband right around my hairline while using the device. It says you can wipe the gel off and continue with your skincare routine. But I prefer to rinse it my face off with water since it leaves a residue on my skin.
So, is the ZIIP Halo worth it?
I’d recommend the ZIIP Halo to anyone looking for a subtle lift, who can commit to long-term usage. While yes, seeing the subtle transformation of a more defined jawline and cheekbones has been great, as with any device, deeper skin health benefits come from prolonged use, only obtained with consistent habits over time.
At 18 days in I’m definitely seeing some results, But for anyone who is looking for a miracle-lifting treatment that looks like Botox or filler, this probably isn’t for you. The results are currently subtle, and I’m hoping that they increase over time. But I’m also currently happy with a more glowy, more youthful complexion that’s honestly hard to capture in these photos.
The ZIIP Halo is worth it if you’re able to be patient and consistently use it. It’s definitely worth using if you’re looking for either a Botox alternative, or looking to prolong starting these kinds of treatments.
ZIIP Halo Before and After
These photos were taken 18 days apart in natural light and while wearing no makeup. They have not been altered.
On the left:
- Reduced smile line near nose
- Overall plumper skin
On the right:
- Reduced forehead lines
- Subtle lift in outer eyebrows
- Vertical “11” line on near the left brow is basically gone
How To Use ZIIP Halo
It’s super easy to use ZIIP Halo, just turn it on, select your treatment, and the ZIIP app will sync it to your device. From there, just follow the movements in the video on your screen.
Apply conductive gel
Be sure to apply one of the conductive gels on clean, dry skin.
Turn on device
You can find the power button located under the device on the side with the silver globes. The device will beep and light up when it is on.
Select your treatment
Choose from one of the several treatment plans, facials, or target areas on the ZIIP app.
To start the treatment, ensure that both silver globes come in contact with your skin. You’ll see the device’s light change to indicate the treatment has begun.
Perform your treatment
Follow the video on the screen, gliding your ZIIP Halo across your face in slow, upward motions. Treatments take between 3 – 12 minutes.
Remove gel
Wipe off gel. I also like to rinse my face to remove any excess residue.
Clean your ZIIP Halo
After every use, wipe your ZIIP microcurrent device with a clean, soft towel or cloth. You can also mist the towel with rubbing alcohol to help disinfect it.
Continue with Your skincare routine
Once the conductive gel is removed, you can continue with the next steps of your skincare routine.
Where To Buy ZIIP Halo
You can find ZIIP Halo on the ZIIP Beauty website. And the brand was kind enough to provide me with a discount to shop. Use code CHARMED and save 10% off your purchase.
You can also buy ZIIP Halo on Amazon, but note that the discount code only work’s on the brand site.
Thank you ZIIP Beauty for partnering with me on this post. All thoughts are my own.
