On Microcurrent, Puffiness, and The Device That’s Earned Its Place
My long-term experience with the ZIIP Halo - and why the new 2.0 matters
I went back through the archives before writing this post to try and figure out when exactly I started using the ZIIP Halo and, to the surprise of absolutely no one - because I love jumping on a new trend, especially one that promises to snatch my face like nothing else - it was shortly after the ZIIP Halo launched in the summer of 2023.
The communications around this product always emphasised that it combined nanocurrent and microcurrent technology, but I initially started using it purely to lift, sculpt, and reduce puffiness. Puffiness is something I’ve dealt with on and off over the years, and, unfortunately, it’s something that seems to be getting worse as I hurtle through my forties. Fun.
Over time, as I became more comfortable using it (often freehand), I started to realise it does so much more. One thing I don’t think I fully appreciated at the start is that this really is a one-device-for-everything situation.
This Substack guide is sponsored by ZIIP Halo. Their goal is to bring a new level of transparency and accountability to the at-home beauty tech world.
Their in-app tutorials are the secret sauce. They sync automatically to your device, and you can follow along based on the area of the face you want to target (jowls, brows, cheeks – the 4 minute facial is 10/10) or what you want to achieve (lift, sculpt, redness reduction, etc.). They vary in intensity, too, from gentle redness-reducing treatments to a full-on Instant Face Lift (my favourite).
Yes, it’s clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and improve firmness in as little as six weeks, but for me, it’s the cumulative effect that keeps me coming back. As an example, here is my face after two weeks of consistent use. More glow, less puffiness and eyebrows halfway up my forehead.
A couple of weeks ago, I heard that the ZIIP Halo 2.0 had launched, and I was extremely keen to get my hands on it. Happily, it looks the same as the previous model, bar one or two tiny modifications, and it also costs the same - which I have to say I love ZIIP Beauty for. Often, these newly reimagined devices come with a price tag to match, but this one doesn’t.
After using it, I can feel the upgrades. It’s much sturdier, like it might last a little longer. When I asked the brand about this, they confirmed my suspicions: it’s been redesigned to be better for customers in the long term, with changes based directly on customer feedback (and another direct change they made because of feedback – is putting a little rubber lid over the charging area – the gel used to always get in here in my old device and it drove me mad).
The new 2.0 model now delivers electrical currents 63% more accurately. Isn’t that crazy? I was already getting pretty excellent results from the original, so an increase like that from a newly redesigned device is a whopper (you can also feel the difference in intensity when you use it – definitely a little bit spicier, but no discomfort).
And aside from treating the specific target areas I mentioned above, the Halo also has great topical skin benefits. It helps to soothe, calm redness, and improve overall tone and texture. The app basically has a little hierarchy of treatments: you can start low, slow, and gentle - working on glow, redness, and skin health - then build up intensity to lifting and sculpting, all the way up to their most intense treatments (like Instant FaceLift).
Apparently, 97% of users see immediate lifting and firming, which tracks - because I’ve yet to use it and not see something happening straight away, never mind long term. Here are some other before and after shots from ZIIP customers so you can see exactly what I mean.
The original isn’t available anymore, so if you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge but were on the fence, the ZIIP 2.0 is where it’s at - same user-friendly model, same price tag, better technology. And, as ever, the pocket-size, travel-friendly design and ease of use are among the reasons I’ve been using it consistently for so long.
If you’d like to try it yourself, use my code SIMONES for 10% off. The 2.0 model also comes with a trio of gels so no need to purchase any additional ones initially. Whenever you come back for more, however, my code works on gels too.