Chief Pretty Officer | (CPO) Record 20 Counter Edition.
The TL;DR | The Structure Beneath the Glow
Microcurrent is more than skincare it's structure. In this issue, we break down how these devices work, how to choose the right one, and why systems, consistency, and intention are what truly support your glow over time.
The Counter is loaded with real devices at every price point. Wherever you see an underline, lean in. That's where the good stuff lives. This is not a shopping list it's a starting point. Choose with your needs as the lens.
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Editor's Note | CPO Counter. Face Gym. Yup exactly how it sounds and reads.
Life happens, and sometimes a ball has to drop.
Market Week took over long hours, weekends, the kind of stretch where work doesn't ask for permission, it just moves in. I love this business. But loving something doesn't mean it leaves room for everything else.
So the CPO is showing up on a Sunday. Because the work doesn't stop just because the schedule slipped. We'll be back to our normal schedule next month.
Thanks for sticking around. We're all human. Even your Chief Pretty Officer.
We're closing this device series out with Part Four: Microcurrent. And here's what I want you to know, this entire series is evergreen. Come back to it whenever you need to. It will always be your northstar.
If you're a woman in your 30s and up, building a discipline with devices is going to be one of the best muscles you develop as you stretch into adulthood. If you're 40+? You're welcome.
The first week of March, I was invited to an event through my Beauty Insiders membership, Roster Radio. We host founder member events bimonthly, and this month's was Face Gym.
Face Gym started in the UK and is now in the US strategically placed next to actual gyms. The name tells you everything. This is a workout for your face.
Your facial at Face Gym is designed around the muscles layered beneath your skin. The estheticians use tools that awaken those muscles, firm and tighten the skin, and focus on lymphatic drainage. Don't get me wrong all of that drainage is not happening in one session. But you walk out and you see firmness. You feel it.
Will I replace my esthetician? No. Is it a nice to have? Yes. You'd need to buy a series to see dramatic results. But the experience was solid, and the timing could not have been more perfect for this episode.
FaceGym has always stood out to me for its use of tools, and that's exactly the direction we're moving in.
During a recent session, the technician used a device on my face that completely shifted how I think about skincare. It wasn't about surface-level results or product absorption. It was about muscle.
For a moment, I considered investing in the NIRA 2.0. But after experiencing this, I decided to go in a different direction.
This category of devices is different, and it's important to understand why.
Your face has muscles. Just like the body, those muscles can be activated, stimulated, and strengthened over time. But not all devices are designed to do the same thing.
There is a clear difference between devices that enhance product absorption and those that actually work the muscles beneath the skin. That distinction matters.
For this Counter issue, I want to introduce this category of tools so you have a clear starting point when exploring microcurrent and muscle-stimulating devices.
How Do Microcurrent Devices Work?
Microcurrent devices offer a non-invasive, no-downtime way to support the skin. Instead of needles or injectables, they use low-level electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles and gently tighten the skin.
But this goes deeper than surface-level results.
Microcurrent increases the body's production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) the energy your cells rely on to function. This supports cell repair, encourages healthier cell production, improves circulation, and promotes lymphatic drainage.
In simple terms, microcurrent helps the skin function more efficiently and that's where the visible lift, tone, and glow begin.
What This Means for Your Skin
With consistent use, microcurrent devices support:
- Improved muscle tone and facial definition
- Smoother-looking skin and reduced appearance of fine lines
- Enhanced elasticity and firmness
- Increased circulation for a natural, healthy glow
This isn't just about skincare it's about supporting the structure beneath it.
Microcurrent devices work with your skin, not against it, helping you build and maintain the foundation that keeps your skin looking strong, lifted, and alive.
How to Choose Your Device
Choosing a microcurrent device doesn't need to feel overwhelming. The goal isn't to find the "best" device it's to find the one that fits your routine, your needs, and your level of commitment.
A Note on Device Systems
Remember when we talked about devices having systems? Microcurrent devices are no different.
Many of these tools are designed to be used with specific gels, serums, or toners either before or after your session. That's not extra. That's part of the system.
Some devices are built to work best with their own products.
And it's important to respect that.
If a device requires a conductive gel and you skip it or substitute incorrectly, the experience won't be the same. In some cases, it won't work properly at all. Worse it will hurt your face. I will not sugarcoat this. If a product comes with a gel, purchase the gel. Don't break the system. After all, you have only one face.
So here's how I want you to think about it: if you're investing in a device, understand the system that comes with it. And if the full system doesn't fit your lifestyle or budget, choose a device that allows more flexibility with the products you use.
The goal isn't just to buy the tool. It's to build a routine that actually works.
Your Northstar to Finding Your Device
- Know your intention. Are you looking to tone and lift? Support your skincare? Or build a long-term routine around facial structure? Your goal will determine the type of device you need.
- Start simple. If you're new to microcurrent, choose a device that is easy to use and easy to stay consistent with. Results come from repetition, not intensity.
- Understand the difference. Some devices support product absorption and surface-level results. Others are designed to stimulate the muscles beneath the skin. Both have value, but they serve different purposes.
- Consider your routine. A device is only effective if you use it. Choose something that fits naturally into your day, not something that feels like a task. Remember, seeing results for firmness and stimulation can take 90–120 days of consistent use, typically 30–45 minutes per session. Select the device you are committed to using regularly.
Read beyond the hype.
Look for consistent feedback, not just viral moments. For the love of God, watching TikTok is a small slice of the research. I encourage you to study your face, choose a device thoughtfully, and vet the materials you read and watch. Pay attention to how people describe long-term results, not just first impressions.
CPO COUNTER THE DEVICE RECOS. A quick note: all areas marked by an underline are hyperlinked to the website Please feel free to choose your preferred path and begin filling them in.
Not all microcurrent devices are created for the same purpose. Some support your skincare. Others support your structure.
These are the ones worth knowing.
Price: $699
What it is:
THIS is the device I was talking about Ladies and Gents when I was at Face Gym. This device is working muscle, not just products on a device.
A muscle-focused microcurrent device designed to stimulate facial muscles and improve tone and lift.
Who it’s for
Those ready to move beyond basic skincare and focus on facial structure and definition.
Why we love it
This is where the shift happens. It treats the face like muscle — not just skin — supporting long-term lift and contour.
Price: $595
What it is
A beginner-friendly microcurrent device designed to tone facial muscles and improve overall contour.
Who it’s for
Those new to microcurrent who want a simple, consistent way to start building a routine.
Why we love it
It’s approachable, effective, and easy to stay consistent with. This is where most people begin and consistency is what creates visible change.
ZIIP Halo
Price: $399
What it is
A dual-current device combining microcurrent and nanocurrent to support both skin health and facial structure.
Who it’s for
Those who want both skin benefits (glow, texture) and muscle support in one device.
Why we love it
It bridges the gap between skincare and structure. You’re not just treating the surface you’re supporting what’s underneath.
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Price: $419.99
What it is
A multi-functional device combining microcurrent with other treatments like LED and percussive therapy.
Who it’s for
Those who prefer an all-in-one tool instead of multiple devices.
Why we love it
It offers versatility without overcomplicating your routine a full-face approach in one system.
Price: $280–$350 / 52% sale is happening prices will vary when you click the links.
What it is
A skincare-enhancing device designed to improve product absorption and boost overall skin radiance using electroporation technology.
Who it’s for
Those focused on improving skin texture, hydration, and glow especially if you already have a strong skincare routine.
Why we love it
It enhances what you’re already using. By helping products penetrate more effectively, it supports smoother, more hydrated, and
more radiant skin.
C.P.O. Note
This is not a muscle device. It is a product device and it is the best value that will work with your products and not systems. It doesn't lift it amplifies. Best used alongside a structured routine, not in place of one.
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Closing Note | What System Speaks To You?
Devices are powerful but only when used with intention.
They are not quick fixes. They are tools. And like any tool, they work best within a system. That means using them as directed, respecting the products that come with them, and giving your skin the time it needs to respond.
I've been using these tools for three years. Over time, I've seen the difference not just in how my skin looks, but in how it holds. The structure feels stronger. The results feel earned.
That's why reviews matter. Not the first impression. The long-term ones. The ones that speak to real change.
If you're going to invest in a device, invest in the full experience: the system, the time, and the practice. Because when you do, the results aren't just visible they're sustainable.
What's Next?
My original plan was to explore more advanced products. But after writing this, I'm coming back to something simpler and just as impactful.
Sleep tape.
If you're thinking about definition, structure, and that snatched jawline to complement your microcurrent work this is where we go next. I touched on this product in my sleep issue and sleep guide. This time I am dedicating an entire issue around this product.
We'll also talk about what's happening beneath the surface. Hormonal shifts show up in unexpected ways, including oral health. It's time we start paying attention to those signals instead of ignoring them.
Because this is what this work is about: building awareness, creating better habits, and understanding how everything connects.
Until then choose your device with intention, stay consistent, and trust that with time, you are supporting your skin in a way that lasts.
Till the next one.
Keep Leading,
K.A.
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