Top pick
Comfortable to hold and simple to operate, this device delivered noticeable definition. It’s expensive, though, and you need to use a lot of serum to minimize a zingy sensation.
With microcurrent devices, the proof is in the taut, lifted (if temporary) results. And our testers weren’t the only ones who noted the improvements made by the NuFace Trinity+. “My dad, who has no idea what cheekbones are even called, pointed out how good mine looked on the days I used this,” said one tester who used the device about three mornings a week. “The difference was so noticeable, it outweighed how utterly time-consuming and boring it is.”
To be fair, all of the devices we tried were shockingly boring to use. Unlike red-light masks, which simply rest on your face while you relax, these tools require the application of a conductive serum, and then they call for active, repetitive engagement. The instructions for the Trinity+ suggest doing five to 15 minutes of self- or app-guided pressing, swiping, and sweeping. “Even when I used the NuFace app for video-guided treatments, it felt like time stood still,” one tester lamented. (Two other testers did not download the app, and they got by just fine. One noted that she used the device “during my morning affirmations — don’t judge me!”)
Still, testers loved how this device’s oval handle nestled in their hands during treatment time: “Comfort sets it apart. This is the one I actually wanted to use,” one panelist pointed out. Another added, “It looks bulky, but it’s quite lightweight.” In fact, the Trinity+ was markedly easier to grip and control than the Foreo Bear 2 or the computer-mouse–like Ziip Halo. It beeps to prompt the user to move on to the next section; this a welcome feature, though the beeps could be louder.
The device glides easily, but its smooth operation hinges on a generous application of conductive serum: “It definitely felt zappy on my first few tries because I didn’t use enough. I needed more than I thought I did,” one tester said. Panelists found they needed to use six to eight pumps of the conductive serum (NuFace Hydrating Aqua Gel) per treatment for the smoothest, most comfortable experience. As such, they burned through a 1.7-ounce bottle (which comes with the device’s starter kit) in under a month. And replacements are expensive: The smallest bottle typically goes for about $35 (so it’s more than $20 per ounce). That said, those who used far-more-affordable ultrasound or aloe vera gel got the same results. “A microcurrent device will work with any water-based gel,” said cosmetic chemist Marisa Plescia.
The Trinity+ device has a customizable head, and we tried it with the standard facial-toning attachment. But after it became a pick, we also tried the other attachments (which are sold separately or come bundled with pricier starter kits): a head with narrow prongs (for use around the eyes and lips) and a red-light attachment. And we found both of those attachments unnecessary. (In particular, the LED Red Light Wrinkle Reducer head didn’t hold a candle to the LightStim for Wrinkles wand in our guide to red-light devices.)
If you can live without the customizable head, the NuFace Mini+ (which lacks the 25% power-boost mechanism of the Trinity+) could save you around $150. Before trying devices for this guide, one tester had used the NuFace Mini+ for several years, and she liked the results, especially the lift around her jawline. We’re currently comparing the Mini+ and the Trinity+ devices, and if they offer the same benefits, we’ll update this guide accordingly.
Flaws but not deal breakers
- The NuFace Trinity+ device is expensive (at the time of writing, it was nearly $400). It’s a lot to spend on something that’s so boring to use — and that delivers only temporary results.
- The NuFace conductive serums are also spendy. The Aqua Gel starts at $35 (for 1.7 ounces), and others cost much more. But, as we mentioned above, generic gels provide the same benefits.
- The device charges in its cradle, with a small AC power adapter, so there are two extra components to misplace. We much prefer devices that can juice up with the generic cords and any old brick we use for our phones and tablets.
Key specs
Current: three levels of intensity (140, 200, and 340 microamperes), with a boost mode that delivers 25% more power at each level (175, 250, and 425 microamperes)
Treatment time: five to 15 minutes
Charging: must be in its cradle, powered by a USB to AC cord
Return policy: 60 days
Warranty: two years
