Our beauty editor's in-depth ZIIP Halo review, complete with pictures of the results

When researching microcurrent and LED tools ahead of investing in one for yourself, a ZIIP Halo review is kind of a must-read. Jennifer Aniston, Gillian Anderson and Margot Robbie are all said to be fans of this device – and if their smooth and glowing complexions are anything to go by, it's certainly appealing. Which is exactly why our beauty editor gave it a thorough test, sharing the results with you here.

This micro- and nanocurrent tool has quickly built a reputation as one of the best skincare devices on the market. The brainchild of Melanie Simon, a Hollywood aesthetician whose clients include both Aniston and Eva Mendes, the Halo has up to 26 waveforms and intensities to target an array of concerns, from fine lines and wrinkles to blemishes, dull skin and puffiness. Effectively, it's a nice mid point between expensive in-salon treatments and at-home skincare.

All of this sounded ideal for me and my increasingly lax skin. I’m already partial to the best red light therapy devices, but as I age, I’m looking for something that can really help to tighten and tone the look of my skin, too. After using this nifty number three or four times a week for the last month, I feel like I've got a good steer on what it can do. So, is this skinvestment worth it? Here's how I got on with it.

Our beauty editor's full ZIIP Halo review

Our first impressions of the ZIIP Halo Facial Toning Device

When my ZIIP Halo arrived, I experienced the same rush of excitement you get unboxing a new phone. It had that same slickness of an Apple tool – neat and perfectly-packaged, with the obligatory USB charging cable and instruction manual, plus a bottle of conductive gel. The device itself is amazingly light; it weighs a lot less than my phone and is half its length. The design is refreshingly simple, too. There's no LCD display or NASA-level interface, just two silver nodules protruding from a gently curved device that fit perfectly in the palm of my hand.

The Halo came readily charged so I immediately switched it on via the central power button, and was greeted by a few flashing lights, a buzz and a beep. Once you place both globes onto your skin (after applying the conductive gel, of course), the device automatically kicks into gear to begin the pre-programmed four-minute "The Lift" treatment.

Something that sets the ZIIP Halo apart from competitors is its powerful combination of microcurrents, which cause the muscles to contract and relax for an immediate lift, plus nanocurrent, tiny waveforms that stimulate collagen production and regenerate skin at a cellular level to deliver lasting anti-ageing results. As Melanie explains, "I always say micro gives me results right this second, nano gives me results later one to two days later. The results will cumulatively build and last." In trials, 100% of testers saw an improvement in skin elasticity after six weeks.

How does the ZIIP Halo perform?

The ZIIP Halo will only work with a conductive serum or gel. While the brand would recommend its own gels first and foremost, any conductive gel will work here. The instructions say to apply between four and eight pumps to the face. I started with eight and it was way too much for me. I looked like a melting wax figure. Four suited me better – more than enough slip and slide to glide the device across my skin, and means I won’t get through a bottle quite as quickl.y

The first time I used the Halo, it did feel a little peculiar. If you're unfamiliar with the sensation of microcurrent devices, moving it around my mouth made my teeth feel like they were vibrating, while across my forehead caused my hair to twitch. (My husband found my subsequent squeals so amusing he decided to film it. I won’t be sharing that content.) That said, it’s never felt remotely painful or uncomfortable, just strange in the same way that knocking your funny bone can feel a bit weird. By session two, I was a pro. It’s as if my facial muscles had already acclimated to the sub-surface contractions.

After switching the device on, you glide it upwards and outwards, working around your face in sections. A gentle buzz dictates when it's time to move to the next section, and after two minutes, a beep signals to switch to the other side of the face. It automatically switches off when you’re done and you can go about your day, firmer and glowier. (Though do clean the tool of any residual gel to keep it hygienic and functioning at its best.)

After a few sessions on the pre-programmed lifting treatment, I decided to explore the app's targeted versions. There are a lot to choose from – jowl definition, brow-lifting, eye-brightening, cheek-contouring – each one designed with a unique waveform combination. Every facial has an accompanying demo video that that you can follow along. The latest treatment is for lips, designed to boost circulation and enhance fullness, which I have now used a few times. I’m not sure I can profess to having an Angelina-level pout, but it’s a very pleasant add-on.

A note on the battery life: I’ve been using the ZIIP Halo three or four times a week for the past month since I charged it, and it's still going. Top marks from this lazy charger.

Our Beauty Channel Editor, Fiona McKim, is also a big fan of the device, sharing its impressive results below. "From the very first time I used this device, I was surprised and, quite frankly, humbled by the impressive results. I could genuinely see a lift on my brow bone and a distinct sculptedness to my cheeks.

"The arrows point to the areas where I see the most difference," she continues. "Do you see how the un-ZIIp-ed brow looks so much heavier, and the eyelid sleepier? Do you see how lifted my ZIIPed lower-face looks, and how much less – sorry, I hate this word – 'jowly' it is?"

Having continued to see results with regular use, Fiona now self-describes as "addicted" to her ZIIP. Our contributing beauty editor Lucy Abbersteen also loves its results. "I have quite a low brow and hooded eyes, so particularly like making use of its lifting effects in this area, as well as the general facial sculpting.

How does the ZIIP Halo Facial Toning Device compare?

Put plainly, there are a lot of microcurrent devices on the market. I used the NuFace Mini – a facial-toning microcurrent device that retails at about half the price of the ZIIP Halo – many moons ago. I don’t remember much about it, as it didn’t make much of an impression on the look and feel of my skin. The curved design gives you much more control over the recommended ‘up and out’ movements and, unlike others on the market, it also boasts nanocurrent technology. This provides a two-pronged attack on lax and lacklustre skin – microcurrent to stimulate the muscles for an instant lifted effect, and nanocurrent waveforms to rejuvenate skin on a cellular level for cumulative, long-term results.

As is true with anything beauty-related if you want visible results, the key is consistency. With this in mind, I suppose the biggest indicator of how the ZIIP Halo compares to similar devices is that I’ve used it consistently for the last three or four weeks. It’s easy to fit into my routine and I actually look forward to using it. I’m excited to see how the long-term nanocurrent effects start to improve the look of my lines and wrinkles.

There are a few things to note when using the ZIIP Halo. If you use a light therapy device, do this first, then follow up with your ZIIP. Active ingredients like retinoids and the best vitamin C serums are absolutely fine to use in tandem with the device, but Melanie recommends applying them after your ZIIP Halo session once you've rinsed the treatment gel off.

Should you buy the ZIIP Halo Facial Toning Device?

If you want a treatment device that will slot easily into your existing skincare routine and gently improve your skin and you have the budget, then yes, you should buy the ZIIP Halo. I’m approaching 40, and starting to see things heading southwards; Zoom calls do not shine a favourable light on my laughter lines. Melanie says that this is a tool for “anyone and everyone – any skin concern and any goal can be achieved.” One of her clients who has been using her own ZIIP for years is in her mid-90s; I definitely think this a tool that’s going to benefit those in their 40s and upwards most.

After using the Halo for almost a month, I have noticed a subtle but visible difference in the tightness of my skin. Just knowing my face is enjoying the added rejuvenating benefits of nanocurrent is a significant bonus – and one that I will hopefully start to reap the rewards of visibly in the coming weeks and months.