Is the ZIIP Halo Worth It? My Honest First Impressions
I’m a skeptic when it comes to skincare devices, especially the ones that get raved about all over the internet. I don’t trust most of those recommendations. So when I started hearing about the ZIIP Halo, I didn’t pay much attention at first. The thing that finally got my attention was Wayne Goss, the makeup artist, talking about how much he loved it and how he felt it actually softened the wrinkles around his eyes. His opinion is one of the few I genuinely trust more than many others, so that got me curious.
Not long after, ZIIP sent me the Halo in PR with no expectations that I’d post anything. I just wanted to try it for myself. After using it for a couple of days, I had enough thoughts to share my honest first impressions with you here.
What Is the ZIIP Halo?
If you haven’t heard of it, the ZIIP Halo is a handheld device that uses microcurrent and what the brand calls nanocurrent – both very low-level electrical currents. The idea is to tone the muscles in your face, support collagen, and improve circulation. You use it with conductive gels, and it pairs with an app that walks you through different guided treatments depending on your skin goals.
📌 Quick Overview
If you just want the short version, here’s where I’ve landed after my first couple of days:
The treatments are genuinely relaxing and my skin felt incredibly soft afterward – softer than I’m used to, even compared to chemical peels. I noticed a subtle lift to my brows, though that may be partly transient. The gels are thick, hydrating, and packed with incredible ingredients (like peptides). I’m a fan so far, but I’m keeping my expectations realistic, because no handheld device can change the deeper structural changes that happen as we age.
Setting Realistic Expectations First
Before I get into what I loved, I want to be honest about expectations – because I think that matters more than the hype.
You’re not going to get a facelift from a handheld device. A lot of what happens to our faces as we age comes from changes beneath the surface, like bone loss, and there’s simply nothing a topical device can do about that. The research on at-home microcurrent for anti-aging is also still emerging – it’s not rock solid yet.
So I went into this open-minded but grounded. What I can tell you is what I actually experienced, which honestly surprised me.
First Impressions
For my first treatment, I followed one of the guided routines in the app, which took about four minutes. While I was working along my forehead, I felt a very subtle tingling on my scalp – not uncomfortable at all, just unusual. That was the only sensation I really noticed.
The gel I applied was thick and very hydrating, and the metal conductors on the device got slightly warm as I moved them across my face. The whole thing was so relaxing that I actually went back and did a second four-minute treatment on my own while watching a video.
Afterwards, I noticed my brows looked a little more lifted than usual. You may not be able to tell, since my brows are already naturally high, but I could feel the difference. I know some of these effects can be transient, so I’m watching to see what happens over time.
Day Two – Skin Softer Than I’m Used To
By day two, I decided to use one of the stronger treatments through the app. One thing I appreciate is that you can adjust to more intense settings when using the app, which I found helpful. I ended up doing two treatments back to back again, simply because I find the whole process so relaxing. And since the gels are on the pricier side, I’d rather do a longer treatment and really get the most out of them.
Afterwards, my skin was unbelievably soft, plump, smooth, and hydrated. I’ve done plenty of chemical peels over the years, and a good glycolic peel will leave your skin baby soft. But this took the softness to a level I’m unfamiliar with. I also personally don’t wash the gel off after the treatment. I will remove excess and blend my moisturizer or serums into it to lock in the hydration even more.
As you get older, your skin tends to get drier, which can accentuate lines and wrinkles. When it’s well hydrated and plump, everything looks more youthful. That’s exactly what I’ve been experiencing.
Why I Like the Concept – The Opposite of Botox
One thing I really like about microcurrent is that it works in the opposite way to Botox. Instead of relaxing or weakening the muscles, it’s meant to stimulate and strengthen them. Personally, I’d rather strengthen my facial muscles than weaken them. To me, weakening muscles over time could contribute to more laxity, so the idea of toning them instead really appeals to me. Everyone’s different, and experiences vary, but that concept is part of what won me over.
You’re also doing a few things at once during a treatment. You’re massaging your face, supporting lymphatic drainage, encouraging blood flow, and getting that little bit of gentle warmth. I have sinus issues, and working the device around that part of my face actually felt really good.
The Ingredients Stood Out to Me
After looking at so many products over the years, I’ve gotten pretty good at reading ingredient lists, and these stood out in a such a good way. The gels are water-based and packed with hydrating, soothing ingredients – things like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and skin-supporting minerals.
I was also glad to see they’re free from microplastics (which is shockingly common), silicones, mineral oils, parabens, and phthalates. The Golden gel in particular has a nice peptide blend that I love!
This post may contain affiliate links & I will earn a small commission if you purchase through them.
If you’ve been curious about the ZIIP Halo, this is the device I’ve been using and sharing my honest thoughts on. The device retails for around $400, which now includes three of their best-selling gels.
I signed up as an affiliate after trying it myself, so if you decide to give it a go, https://go.shopmy.us/p-58321848 my code LIFEDIY gets you 10% off. I’ll keep sharing updates as I use it longer, including the good and anything that disappoints me.
Final Thoughts So Far
It’s only been a week of use at the time of writing this, so this is just my first impression and not a long-term verdict. But I’m genuinely enjoying it. I love that it is strengthening my muscles, improving blood flow, helping with lymphatic drainage, and greatly improving hydration too.
I’m not expecting dramatic, face-altering results, because we can’t undo what’s happening beneath the surface as we age. But we can absolutely support the health, hydration, and radiance of our skin, and there’s a lot of value in that. So far, the ZIIP Halo is doing exactly that for me.
I’ll keep using it and report back over the coming months on whether I notice any real, lasting changes. If you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear your experience – good or bad – so feel free to share.
