Editor Harriet Morphy-Morris tried the latest tech making waves in the beauty industry, and tested the electrical current zapping device that's said to be a "workout for your face"
Nowadays skincare far exceeds cleansers and toners, with a variety of treatments beauty buffs do to enhance their look, from weekly facials to skin-plumping injections, fillers, and lasers. I've never ruled out Botox in the future, but after using a microcurrent firming device, I may cancel my plans for it entirely.
Plug-in beauty devices are becoming increasingly popular, even taking it back to laser hair removal kits, and LED face masks that help tackle a wave of problems from blemishes to glow, and puffiness, to gym-like toning devices. What about devices that pulse microcurrents into the skin to help plump, tone and lift?
Another non-invasive treatment on many shoppers lists, for the past two weeks I've been testing out the Magnitone London Lift Off Microcurrent device. And I've already started to see some surprising results.
READ MORE: Best anti-ageing Christmas gifts to get from at-home laser, LED mask to skincare
READ MORE: Acne scarred shoppers snap up LED face mask that leaves skin 'glowing' - now 30% off
Similar to the £300 NuFace toning device or cheaper alternatives available at Boots, I've ditched the facial salons and tried out this at-home version for five minutes each day. Previously sceptical of just how effective the often pricey gadgets can be, it's fair to say I've been converted, it helps that LookFantastic's Black Friday sale has cut the price to a more reasonable £63 - from £90.
The side of the box says that "results can be seen in just two weeks", although I started to notice mine after only a few days of using it. With the most noticeable a tighter jawline, under the chin, and cheekbones.
You only need five minutes a day
The device is safe to use every day at home, but it would be slightly different if you were going to a salon and getting it done professionally, as the higher currents here have to be spaced out across weeks. In full transparency, I've not had a microcurrent treatment done in a clinic, but I do feel as though I'd prefer the quick (and cheaper) at-home option.
It's been easy to add into my nightly skin routine, a step which I now do after taking off make-up and cleansing. You'll want a dry clean face. The Magnitone London Lift-Off device also comes with a Prepare + Glide Gel - as the name suggests this helps the device go across the skin and enhances the delivery of the microcurrent pulses.
It firmed by double-chin almost immediately
I think it's pretty normal to have an area on our face we aren't too happy with, you know the one place you fixate about even though it's likely no one has ever spotted. For some it's their under-eyes and forehead lines, for me, it's under my chin.
I've focused each day on the lower half of my face, I did find the microcurrents were most tolerable here. And it's a reason why I've not done much around the eye area, it can be slightly painful in sensitive areas.
I took the above phone on day four to document how it was working, at this stage I had started to notice the skin around my cheeck bones and lower chin felt firmer to touch, although visibly at this stage there was little to notice, which certainly changed on day 13.
Results after using the Lift-Off for two weeks
I took the above photo on day 13, and as well as feeling a difference in my face I think it's noticeable too. Now, this will become more apparent as the days, weeks, and months go on. But after a short amount of time, I'm confident that these nifty toning gadgets do help make a difference....and I'll be back in a few months time to share more.
An area I'm keen to try next is my forehead and around the eyes, although as mentioned above it isn't the most comfortable as it must be a sensitive area for me.
How does the microcurrent work?
The Lift Off device pulses small doses of electricity into this skin (which you can hardly feel) which helps stimulate the contraction of muscles. Science waffle asside and essentially this helps to strengthen and firm the deep muscles, helping make the top visible layers of skin appear more toned and plump.
Microcurrent beauty treatments are also said to help increase blood flow and circulation, which helps plump and make skin appear more healthy. Of course, there are alterntives too, if you don't think electrical pulses are for you.
Our writer, Tiffany Lo, shares the Best anti-ageing Christmas gifts, including the CurrentBody Series 2 LED Facemask. Or the new Shark CryoGlow Mask which uses InstaChill Technology to help repair blemishes.
