For years, I've been on a mission to get more chiseled-looking facial features. CoolScultpting, EmFace, facial fillers, masseter Botox—I've tried it all. But the number one thing that's actually helped me get a more contoured look? Microcurrent. I've tried in-office microcurrent facials, but I've honestly noticed the biggest difference from consistently using microcurrent devices, like the NuFace, at home. Which is why I was v excited and intrigued when Foreo launched their Bear Smart Microcurrent Facial Firming Device. The at-home skincare tool combines microcurrent with T-sonic pulsations to sculpt your features, help with lymphatic drainage, and create an overall sense of relaxation.
I watched dozens of tutorials, downloaded the Foreo app, and implemented the tool into my routine five times a week for a full three weeks. And I've gotta say, I am loving my results. But you might also be wondering: What does the Foreo Bear even do? How does the Foreo Bear work? And are there any cons to microcurrent? Keep scrolling for all the answers—plus a full rundown of my experience testing the Foreo Bear (with before-and-afters, of course).
What does the Foreo Bear do?
The Foreo Bear uses a technology called microcurrent. Microcurrent is a painless, low-grade electrical current that helps encourage your skin cells to help build muscle and produce collagen and elastin, dermatologist Heather D. Rogers, MD, previously told Cosmo. All of this can potentially help smooth fine lines and wrinkles, plump and firm skin, and create a more "toned" look to your face. But what sets the Foreo Bear apart from other microcurrent devices is that it also utilizes T-sonic pulsations (aka vibrations) that can promote lymphatic drainage and circulation, which helps depuff your skin and make your treatment feel nice and relaxing.
Does Foreo Bear really work?
In my experience, yes, the Foreo Bear really "works" if your goal is to help tighten, firm, and tone your skin. The thing I love so much about microcurrent is that you see an immediate difference in the tone and tightness of your skin, and those results are compounded over time. Meaning right after one treatment, my cheekbones, jawline, and brows look lifted and my face looks more chiseled. But after three weeks of use, I also notice my skin is overall firmer and plumper. I mean, if my before and afters don't speak for themselves...
Before the Foreo Bear:See puffy cheeks and eyes and droopy brows. Womp.
After the Foreo Bear on my full face. Notice lifted brows, chiseled cheekbones, and a more pronounced jawline.
But keep in mind: At-home microcurrent definitely isn't as effective as strong, in-0ffice treatments, nor will it offer the same results as Botox, fillers, or laser facials. For the best results, dermatologists recommend once a month in-office microcurrent, plus daily at-home microcurrent with a device like the Foreo Bear.
How to use the Foreo Bear:
Before I could use my Foreo Bear, I had to connect to the Foreo For You app first. The app allows you to register your device, watch guided tutorials, and create your own sequences with the device. Once my Foreo Bear was synced with the app, I prepped my face by washing with a gentle, oil-free cleanser (you'll want to skip any oil-based cleansers or products, as they can affect the microcurrent) and coating my face in Foreo's Serum Serum Serum. This is a water-based, gel-like serum that helps conduct the microcurrent and give my skin a dewy look.
To start, I switched on the device by pressing the middle button one time, choose one of the five levels of intensity, and turned on the vibrations (which you can also turn off by double-pressing the button, btw). At first go, I followed one of the guided treatments on the Foreo For You app, which pairs with the device to automatically and gives you full instructions as you go, making it legit so simple to DIY.
Quick lil guide on how I use my Foreo Bear
But because as I am somewhat of a ~microcurrent pro,~ I started creating my own sequences. I always start under my jawline and make three to five passes from the middle of my face to my ears, gliding the device in an upward, slow-ish motion. Then, I do my lower cheeks, under my cheekbones, under my eyes, then above my eyebrows. The device auto shuts-off after three minutes, which is great if you're on a time crunch, but I always extend my sessions because I need more time to really snatch my features.
Is it okay to use the Foreo Bear every day?
Yes, it's okay to use the Foreo Bear every day—it's actually recommended if you want to get the best results. Microcurrent devices are non-invasive and generally non-irritating, so there's no harm in using them daily. TBH, I don't use my Foreo Bear daily because I'm lazy and get similar results by using it five days a week. But no, you can't "overdo" microcurrent. Consider it like a workout: You do it once a day, give your skin and muscles a lil time to recover, then pick back up where ya left off.
What are the cons of microcurrent facial?
IMO, the biggest con of a DIY microcurrent facial is the time commitment. It can take around three to five minutes to complete, which can be annoying to add to my routine when I'm tired or busy. You also have to be cognizant of the products you have on your skin before microcurrent, since oils can prohibit the conductivity of the current.
You might also feel some tingling and facial twitching from microcurrent, which is totally normal. "The current can cause your orbicularis oculi muscle—the muscle around your eyes—to contract," says dermatologist Karan Lal, MD. "On the upper face, around your eyes, the muscles intertwine, which is why this can happen," he continues. "It's not bad; it's just the current from the device kind of transversing to adjacent muscles." For me, I just turned down the intensity when I felt any twitching, and the sensation entirely went away.
Do you have to use serum with Foreo Bear?
Yes, you have to use some type of serum or gel with the Foreo Bear in order for the microcurrent to conduct, as well as for the spheres to glide over your skin. I've used an array of different serums and gels with the device so far, including Foreo's recommended serum, along with aloe vera, which many TikTokers swear by because it's (1) cheap, (2) comes in large quantities, and (3) easy to find.
Yup, you need these serums for your microcurrent device:
Foreo Bear results:
After using the Foreo Bear five times a week for three weeks, I've noticed such a massive difference in how contoured my cheekbones and jawline look, which was exactly my goal. My cheeks look a bit more toned and less round, but my skin actually feels a bit more plump and elastic too. I do think the device is a little bit expensive at $329, which is really the biggest con I've found. (And if you wanted to save a lil money, try the Foreo Bear Mini, which is $219 and offers fewer intensities and adjustments.) Otherwise, I loved how quick and easy my treatments were, especially when I paired with the app. Three minutes a day for a sharp-as-hell jawline? I'm in.
Meet the experts:
- Karan Lal, MD, is a double board-certified adult, pediatric, and cosmetic dermatologist at Affiliated Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ. You can also catch Dr. Lal responding to viral beauty trends and myths on Cosmo's TikTok.
- Heather Rogers, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Modern Dermatology in Seattle, WA. Dr. Rogers is also the founder and CEO of Doctor Rogers Skincare, a clean and clinical line focused on skin health. She was previously interviewed about microcurrent devices.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan with five years of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from EmSculpt Neo to pore vacuums to at-home microdermabrasion. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to the Foreo Bear after rigorous testing over three weeks, chatting with dermatologists, and comparing it to other at-home microcurrent devices.
Beth Gillette
Beth Gillette is the beauty editor at Cosmopolitan, where she covers skincare, makeup, hair, nails, and more across digital and print. She can generally be found in bright eyeshadow furiously typing her latest feature or hemming and hawing about a new product you "have to try." Prior to Cosmopolitan, she wrote and edited beauty content as an Editor at The Everygirl for four years. Follow her on Instagram for makeup selfies and a new hair 'do every few months.