FOREO is a Swedish medical skin-tech brand and the progenitor of beauty-tech devices. It released its first silicone LUNA facial cleansing brush with T-Sonic pulsations in 2013 and has remained at the forefront of the industry with the release of a host of award-winning hand-held products including cleansing, hydrating, and toning devices that use T-Sonic pulsation and microcurrent technologies to lift, smooth, tone, tighten and brighten the skin. FOREO has pioneered the Swedish Facelift Routine, of which the BEAR is a key component. The cornerstone of FOREO’s approach is the unique combination of technology with the skincare product. What sets FOREO’s Swedish Facelift Routine apart is the combination of skincare in harmony with FOREO signature skin-tech devices, which generate superior results to those of skincare alone.
What is the FOREO BEAR?
Few tools have earned such industry-wide plaudits as the FOREO BEAR – the world’s first FDA-cleared medical microcurrent device with Anti-Shock System, which has been clinically proven to be the most efficacious microcurrent facial device available. It is a palm-sized facial toning device that employs microcurrent technology to train and tone the 69 muscles in the face and neck by gently energizing and firming them. The device improves facial contour, reducing sagging and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and is especially efficacious when used in conjunction with the conductive SUPERCHARGED Serum 2.0 and the FOREO app.
How to use the FOREO BEAR
I found it was best to begin by cleansing my skin thoroughly, before applying a generous globule of the BEAR’s must-have side-kick, FOREO’s SUPERCHARGED SERUM 2.0. All microcurrent devices need to be used with a conductive serum, and the SUPERCHARGED Serum 2.0 harnesses the hydrating properties of Hyaluronic Acid and the antioxidant power of Squalene and also contains an electrolytes complex for enhanced microcurrent transfer.
I downloaded the FOREO app so I that I could control the device from my phone, which allowed me to adjust the microcurrent settings, turn the T-sonic pulsations on and off and to choose from three set facial ‘treatments’ and ‘workouts'. Niftily, your mobile doubles as a mirror once you hit start.
The app is very user-friendly and intuitive to use, and I generally opt for microcurrent ‘pro’ on level four, with T-pulsations on and lightly massage the cheekbones, forehead, around the lips, over the jawline and on the neck in an upward motion for between two and three minutes before bed every night. The most important thing is to ensure that both metallic spheres on the BEARare always in full contact with the skin to conduct the current.
I’ve tested the Bear on each intensity setting and am happy to report that even the highest one doesn’t come with the hot, prickly shocks that sometimes accompany microcurrent. I’ve experienced a scarcely perceptible tingling on several occasions, but that’s about it. The brand ascribes this to its patented Anti-Shock System, which uses sensors to measure the skin’s resistance to electricity in real time and adjusts the microcurrent to mirror the body’s natural electrical currents. It is the only microcurrent device equipped with an anti-shock system, and it's certainly a big boon to have a device equipped with a feature that makes for a more relaxing experience.
Does the FOREO BEAR really work?
Microcurrent results are most visible when you use the device consistently, over an extended period. FOREO recommends using the device every day for two months to see full results. After that you can gradually scale back to three times per week. What I found most impressive was that I noticed a difference even after the first few uses, which I think can be attributed to the genius addition of the T-Sonic pulsations, which means that the device delivers the combined results of a microcurrent facial along with a lymphatic drainage treatment. As the microcurrent gradually elevated my facial muscles and plumped my skin, the added pulsations boosted blood circulation and delivered the same depuffing benefits I’d experience from a thorough face-rolling session, with virtually zero effort expended. After a week of daily treatment, my cheekbones were as chiseled as they would look fresh after hyaluronic acid injections, and my jawline was noticeably more defined and tighter.
Conclusion: Is the FOREO BEAR worth it?
After using the BEAR consistently over the past two months, there is no question that my skin feels firmer and tighter, in particular around my jawline and neck, and has the appearance of ‘lift’ around my cheekbones, and this correlates with the areas I’ve targeted with the BEAR. What is more, my skin has appeared clearer and brighter immediately after using the device.
At $329/£319, the FOREO BEAR is not inexpensive. In terms of the value it provides, however, I think the cost is justified. Simply put, the BEAR produces results that cannot be replicated with topicals. I highly recommend adding the BEAR to your beauty arsenal.
FOREO BEAR, $329/£319 from FOREO. To purchase, please click here.
