Foreo BEAR Review: Is it worth it? Does it really firm the face?

FOREO Bear review, price, demo, results

PRICE: P17,600.00

FROM: Free

OTHER LOCATIONS: Available at sephora.ph

THE VERDICT:

Microcurrent devices are one of the up-and-coming skin care trends of 2020. It's taken from Microcurrent Facial, a luxurious skin care treatment that a lot of Hollywood celebrities are a fan of. We can surmise from this statement that these facials indeed cost a pretty penny that's why skin care brands, companies, and manufacturers have come up with at-home versions that deliver the same benefits of Microcurrent facials, but without the hefty price tag, requiring you to visit a clinic, and even if you're not red carpet royalty.

One of these skin care brands that are quick to jump on the trend is innovative Swedish skin care device brand, Foreo. Introducing BEAR, a microcurrent facial device that promises to lift, tighten, and firm the skin.

At P17,600, one thing that everyone is definitely wondering about is: IS IT WORTH IT?

Let's take a closer look at FOREO's newest skin care device that has hit the market.

BEAR is the newest device by Foreo. It is an at- home Microcurrent device inspired by luxury Microcurrent facials. It features Foreo's patented T-Sonic Pulsation technology that exercises the muscles in the face for a firmer, tighter, more lifted- looking skin. It also has the Anti-Shock system and Foreo claims it is the safest microcurrent device currently out in the market. It comes in BEAR and BEAR mini, which is much more affordable and perfect for traveling.

To better appreciate and understand this device, what is Microcurrent Facial, really? Microcurrent Facial makes use of low- powered electric currents that help exercise the 65 facial muscles on our skin: just like the rest of the muscles in your body, it eventually loses its firmness and microcurrent can help firm and tighten it, like what workouts do to your body. This is ideal for puffy cheeks, saggy skin, and aging skin in general.

The products comes in an acrylic packaging; it's chic, simple, and I like that it isn't excessive. Luxury products tend to be excessive when it comes to packaging, but what I like about Foreo is they manage to retain the luxe feel of their products even with just minimal packaging.

Here are the basic specs of this product.

And here are the contents. Each BEAR set includes the device, user manual, USB charging cable, instant QR access to Foreo's online channels, an acrylic seat for the device (not in photo), and a sachet sample of FOREO Serum--yes, they have ventured into skin care already.

To power on the device, you need to first charge the device. It runs on 220 volts and needs to be charged for at least 2 hours straight and then you can use it for 1 year without charging-YES.

To activate the device, you need to download Foreo's app on your smartphone. Link the device via Bluetooth, accomplish all the steps, and you're now ready to use your device. Btw, you can link your other Foreo skin care devices in this app too.

There are levels to the intensity of the microcurrent: 5 is the lowest and 25 is the highest; intensity increases in increments of 5. On the app, you can adjust it through a scale and on the device, you can monitor intensity through light dots at the back of the device and adjust it using the power button.

CAUTION: Before using the maximum intensity, make sure you don't have pre-existing health conditions such as heart disease, epilepsy, and if you are pregnant.

For the intensity, it's advisable for beginners to start on either intensity 3 or 5. I started with 5 and I would say, there was a bit of sting and there were moments when I'd go "Oof!" because I'd feel the electricity passing through my skin. I have high pain tolerance so 5 was an okay starting point for me and I could finish the 2-minute regimen at this intensity; I guess my reaction was just because I was totally new to this microcurrent thing. 

Once the device is connected, you can power the device from your phone and adjust the intensity of the microcurrent; it's coupled with a 2:30 minutes instructional video as well on how to use Foreo BEAR (30 seconds skin preparation and 2 minutes BEAR facial). Really useful to watch in the beginning, but when you've memorized their recommended pattern of usage, you can definitely do it without the app because you can turn on the device without it. You can also turn off T-Sonic pulsation, but I personally like having it on during my regimen because the massaging effect is so soothing.

Center is the power button, dots at the bottom are the intensity gauge

Some tips and realizations while using Foreo BEAR:

1. Make sure it's fully charged.

2. Don't drag the device slowly on your skin because you will feel the electric currents more and it's not a pleasant feeling. Move the device across your screen at a semi- fast pace.

3. In relation to number 2, you must use slippery skin care for the device to move smoothly and easily across the skin; this is why they highly recommend purchasing it with Foreo Serum because it acts like a protective gel that helps the device glide easily across the skin. I've tried applying it on damp skin and man, the zapping feeling didn't feel too nice. Any damp, moisturizing, gel skin care will do. I sometimes use BEAR with Hada Laba Hydrating Lotion or Esfolio Aloe Vera gel.

4. It can cause redness on some parts of the skin, but it goes away the minute you're done with your regimen. I've noticed it on my forehead; after all, it's still delivering current to my skin. If you have sensitive skin, consult your dermatologist first before usage. I think redness is just a real- time reaction of my skin and I did not experience any lingering negative effects, thankfully.

What I like about this device:

1. Ergonomic design.

2. Hot pink. 'Nuff said.

3. It's bear- shaped and it's the cutest!

4. Innovative and I like the integration of technology and the device through the app

5. Very responsive to commands.

6. Overall, it feels very expensive.

Now let's check out my result with Foreo BEAR after one month of usage.

Here's my face after a month of daily usage. Notice my right lower cheek (your perspective): it's gotten firmer after a month of consistent usage compared to the before photo. My skin looks much firmer, ergo my face looks slimmer. It also looks brighter and healthier; I believe T-Sonic Pulsation and microcurrent are improving blood circulation within my face as well.

One month of usage has yielded a pretty okay result; I like that my face looks less puffy. Microcurrent facial is indeed effective in firming the skin.

So the big Q is IS IT WORTH IT? Personally, sagging skin is a not huge problem of mine and puffiness is just my seasonal problem so I can't really say that this product is an absolute essential for me. It's ideal and worth it for those who have very visible aging signs on the skin, such as sagging, loose skin as microcurrent can indeed help firm and tighten it. And if you have also tried microcurrent facials in the past and love it, but hate the price tag, this is a good investment for you.

Have you tried Foreo BEAR or similar microcurrent device already? Let's talk about it in the comments section!

FOREO BEAR RATING

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