NuFACE Trinity+ review

What is it?

The NuFACE Trinity+ is a small, hand-held FDA-cleared home microcurrent device which stimulates your facial tissues. It’s the updated model released in 2022/23 by NuFACE. Just like the previous Trinity model, it passes a teeny, painless electrical current in the microamps (μA) range, through your skin with the help of a conductive water-based gel. This tiny current is very similar to your body’s own bioelectricity and so your cells use it to create an energy molecule called ATP.

ATP is very important as it fuels pretty much all cell activities. In particular, your energised skin cells build more and stronger collagen and elastin, healing and refreshing the skin and muscle on your face and neck.

For some, microcurrent gives immediate (but temporary) results such as tightened skin, contoured cheeks and jawline, diminished pores, de-puffed eyes, and lifted brows and hooded eyes. For others, their results are much more subtle and develop after several more regular sessions. Other skin rejuvenation effects build gradually over a few months and are long-lasting with regular top-ups. You can learn even more about the science behind microcurrent anti-aging facials here.

First impressions

The Trinity+ kit comes in a sturdy, slightly chunky, white, rectangular cardboard box. It’s smooth, clean and modern, with a small transparent window on the front to showcase the Trinity+ device inside. Most of it is recyclable cardboard, minus the plastic window, tray, and a few small transparent plastic bags.

The outside of the box has loads of helpful information printed in both English and French.

It explains the activators and ingredients, microcurrent benefits, the kit contents, the app, device attachments, and the new-fangled boost function. The contraindications, risks and warnings are on the back too, but you may need a magnifier to read this teeny text!

Cut through the clear security tabs top and bottom of the box and slide off the outer information sleeve. Inside, the Trinity+ and charging cradle sit securely in a white plastic moulded tray. Use the thumb grab above and between the devices’s electrodes to remove this tray. Then, open the cardboard lid below. Underneath are the accessories, neatly packed into cardboard sections. It’s professional and precise, and I like the subtle messaging on the sides of the box saying ‘Have an uplifting day’.

What’s in the box:

• Trinity+ device
• Charging cradle
• User manual
• Power cable
• Power adaptor (with US plug)
• UK plug attachment
• EU plug attachment 
• Aqua Gel (50ml)
• Silk Creme (15ml)
• Gel applicator brush
• Quick start guide

The box is a little chunky, and I think it’s too big to travel with. But it’s worth keeping to store the kit if you aren’t using it.

You can stand the device in the cradle between uses to remind you to use it. However, I much prefer clutter free surfaces. So, I like to keep it handy but hidden in my bedside drawer. Therefore, I’d love it if the kit included a fabric pouch to protect the electrodes from knocks, scratches and dust. But it’s easy to find something suitable for yourself, such as a padded cosmetic case large enough to keep all the kit together.

Quality & design

The NuFACE Trinity+ device is small, cute and curvy. It comes with the big-balls facial trainer electrode attachment.

The device gently curves inwards and has rounded sides. It’s widest at the base of the handle, which then tapers into the neck, and back out again to the electrodes.

The body is a slightly textured matt-white plastic with a simple silver trim and branding. There are neat controls on the front; two round buttons and three small indicator lights. It’s well made, with close joins, feels solid, robust, and is pleasant to hold. I think it’s got a bit of character too because the chrome-plated electrode balls at the top look like large reflective frog-eyes! Ribbit.

It’s very simple to operate. Press the power button and the device turns on with a quick and quiet series of three ascending beeps. The device gently vibrates or hums to let you know it’s on. Press the power button again to cycle through the three intensity levels, shown by the three small white indicator lights above. 

For 25% more microcurrent on problem areas, press the top white button. You’ll feel the vibration is a little more intense to show that the boost is on. Press the boost button again to return to the standard intensities with the gentle vibration. 

Long-press the power button to turn off the device. You’ll hear a quick series of three descending beeps as you feel the vibrating stop, and see the indicator lights all light up, then turn out, one by one.

The Trinity+ turns itself off after 20 minutes of continuous use. 

Charging

Charging is easy. Connect the cradle to the mains cable and plug it in. Then, simply sit the Trinity+ inside the cradle. It cups it securely. Charging is contactless, so there’s nothing to line up like the older model. The cradle is quite heavy so not easily knocked over. And there’s a small nobble in the cradle’s base, which aligns to a tiny indent in the device’s base. This stops it sliding around in the cradle too.

The battery life is decent. It lasts for two weeks if using it five times a week, 5 minutes per session. So, if you do longer 15+ minute sessions, you’ll likely need to charge it every few sessions. NuFACE advises NOT to put the Trinity+ on charge in between uses. Instead, plug in the mains cable to the cradle only when it needs a charge. 

NuFACE Activators

The NuFACE kit comes with conductivity gels, so you have everything you need to get started. 

You get a 50ml tube of the NuFACE Hydrating Aqua Gel which lasts up to 45 days and costs £35/$35. And there’s a small 15ml tester pot of the Firming & Brightening Silk Creme too. The Aqua Gel is the cheaper of the two activators. The Silk Creme contains extra and rather luxurious anti-ageing ingredients, so is a little more expensive (hence the smaller amount in the kit). It costs £50/$50 per 50ml. 

There’s enough to try both out and see which you prefer. Plus, you also get a soft and wide gel applicator brush to help keep your mitts clean.

My NuFACE app

Whichever device and model you have, My NuFACE app is an invaluable resource to learn the various routines using the video tutorials. It’s available for Android and iPhone.

Each video routine is easy to follow in the app. They have a clear voice over and time-boxed sections for each treatment area. The videos pause at the end of each area whilst you turn off your Trinity+ and apply gel to the next area. You then manually restart the video. It’s easy to master the actions and remember the sequence, so you quickly become less dependent on the follow-along videos.

Most routines use the default frequency of 8.3Hz. You can adjust the microcurrent amperage on your device from levels 1 to 3. And if you have the Trinity+ you can use your Boost mode too. 

However, if you have the Trinity+, the app is vital to access the full range of treatment frequencies on your device. You can select two additional routines, which, via bluetooth, change the microcurrent frequency output on your device to either 0.3Hz for the Pro Toning Facial or 30Hz for the Skin Tightening Facial. 

The glides and holds in the Pro Toning Facial are identical to the 15-Minute Lift-Facial routine, so there’s nothing new to learn here. The Skin Tightening Facial uses an easy free-form feathering motion over your skin. There’s more on these routines in the sections below.

Here’s a table of the different treatments available to use with the Trinity+ on My NuFACE app.

The app has additional helpful functions too. You can set up treatment reminders, see your treatment history, and take before, half-face and after treatment selfies to compare in the app. You can also buy the NuFACE serums and activators.

Before you start

Before your first session, charge the device, read the user manual, do a skin sensitivity test, and download and connect to the app. You must set up a NuFACE account to do this. You can then watch the 5-Minute Facial Lift and Advanced 15-Minute Facial Lift routines to familiarise yourself with the glide and hold actions.

The user manual is a quick and easy read with helpful diagrams. But the print is super small. It introduces the features and controls of the Trinity+, explains how to prepare, how to use the Trinity+, how to charge it, store it, troubleshooting, warranty and support. There’s also a helpful quick start guide on page 3, which shows a diagram of the face and neck gliding moves.

Pay close attention to the warnings, precautions, and contraindications listed on page 8 onwards.

You can learn more about microcurrent contraindications here. The key reasons you’re not suitable is if you’re pregnant, have cancer, epilepsy or suffer seizures, or have an electronic implanted device like a defibrillator, neurostimulator, pacemaker, or ECG monitor. If you’ve had recent Botox or fillers, consult your doctor too. Examine the user manual for anything else that applies to you before you start.

The user manual also explains the activator gel sensitivity test. Blob a dime or 20p size amount onto your forearm and rub it in. Leave for 15 to 30 mins before washing it off. If there’s no reaction, it’s safe to use.

The routines

To get set up, download My NuFACE app, create your account and login. Then, add your Trinity+ device following the instructions on the app. Once connected, you can access all the routines in the app.

Most routines comprise a series of gliding and hold movements over your skin. The Skin Tightening Facial is a little different, but just as easy. 

We’ll look at the gliding and holding technique first.

Glide & hold technique

Work in sections from the bottom upwards. Do your neck, cheek and forehead on one side. Then, repeat on the other. Apply gel to one section at a time. The routine is a series of slow 5-second glides, followed by a sequence of 5 second lift and holds. Move to the next position when you hear the device beep.

Follow the glides with a sequence of lifting holds in the same treatment area.

The Pro Toning Facial & Advanced 15-Minute Facial-Lift routines

Both these routines feature the same series of glides and hold movements on your neck, cheeks and forehead. But the app sets different frequencies on your Trinity+ for each. For the Advanced 15-Minute Facial-Lift, it’s the default frequency 8.3Hz to reach down through your dermis to your muscles. For the Pro Toning Facial, it’s 0.3Hz, which delivers the microcurrent even deeper throughout your muscles. 

First, cleanse your skin with an oil free cleanser and pat dry. 

In My NuFACE app, open the tutorial and click START TREATMENT.

The videos start with your left neck. Apply gel to it in a mask-like layer. Turn on your Trinity+ and treat.

Hold the device on its side and do horizontal glides from three off-centre starting positions along your neck. Start at your collarbone and slowly glide to the back of your neck. On the beep, move up a step to the middle of your neck and slowly glide to the back of your neck. On the next beep, move up and glide along under your jaw to the back of your neck. Repeat this another two times.

Then, hold and gently lift the spheres against your skin in various positions from the centre to the back of your neck. Start along your collarbone, moving on the beeps into 4 vertical hold positions. Next, repeat a step up along the middle of your neck. And then, turn the device horizontal and do 3 holds underneath and along your jawline.

When you’re done, turn off your Trinity+ and move onto the next section.

Next, do your left cheek. First, apply gel in a mask-like layer. Then turn on your Trinity+ and treat.

Hold the device on its side and do horizontal glides from three starting positions along your jaw and cheek. Start at your chin and slowly glide along your jaw to the bottom of your ear. On the beep, glide from your mouth to the middle of your ear. On the next beep, glide around the rim of your orbital bone to the top of your ear. Repeat this another two times.

Then, follow with several hold and lift positions around your cheek. Start from your chin and along your jaw bone, moving on the beeps into 3 vertical positions. Next, repeat along your mid cheek from the side of your mouth in 3 vertical holds. And then, turn the device horizontal and do 3 holds underneath and along your cheekbone.

When you’re done, turn off your Trinity+ and move onto the next section.

Next, do your left forehead. First, apply gel in a mask-like layer. Then turn on your Trinity+ and treat.

Do vertical glides from three starting positions up your forehead. Start at the thick of your brow and slowly glide up to your hairline. On the beep, glide from the arch of your brow to your hairline. On the next beep, glide from the tail of your brow up to your hairline. Repeat this another two times.

Then, follow with 4 horizontal hold and lift positions on your forehead. Start above the thick of your brow. On the beep, move one step up. On the next beep, lift and hold above the arch of the brow, then move to the step above.

And that’s one half of your face done. Turn off your Trinity+ and repeat on the other side of your neck and face.

Skin Tightening Facial routine

This is a free-form routine. Apply gel to one section at a time. Use a free circular or back and forth gentle feathering motion on your skin. Treat your left and right cheek and chin for 2 minutes each, then your forehead for 1 minute. Try to cover every bit of skin with the electrode spheres. The app sets the microcurrent frequency to 30Hz to target your surface skin (epidermis).

What’s it like?

First, the Trinity+ device. The cordless shape is very comfortable to hold, and the balanced weight feels good to manoeuvre around your face. The device fits neatly in your palm and it’s intuitive to swap from horizontal to vertical grips in one hand as you work.

The large electrodes stay in contact with your skin at all angles, and it’s easy to see where you’re placing them. The power and boost buttons are within easy reach or right below your fingers, depending on your grip. But they’re also slightly curved into the body, so you can’t accidentally press them mid treatment.

The 5-second tones are just loud enough for you to hear, so irritate no one else in the room. I have no complaints from my partner, anyway. That’s a welcome improvement from the previous model. 

I think the vibrating hum (which tells you the Trinity+ is on) is a good idea for users new to NuFACE. That’s because there’s no sensation from the microcurrent, so this soft feedback haptic is reassuring. But, for me and perhaps others already used to NuFACE devices, it is a little annoying. So, it’s good that you can turn it off in the app settings. However, this doesn’t stop the slightly more earnest vibrating hum when you turn on boost mode.

It’s also easier to charge this Trinity+ versus the previous model. That’s because the previous Trinity model has fiddly charging contacts you must line-up in the cradle. And it’s easy to knock them out of alignment with the smallest jolt. But the Trinity+ uses contactless charging in a weighted charging cradle. It securely cups the device so it won’t budge, even if knocked. It’s much safer and sturdier to store the device in between uses. Pop the mains cable in the back whenever it needs a charge, then remove it once done.

However, the battery life of the Trinity+ is shorter. You get 2 weeks’ worth of 5 minute treatments versus 2 weeks of 20 minute treatments with the previous model. The difference is down to the extra energy needed for the bluetooth connection with the app. So, you must charge it more frequently. It’s handy then that after each session, you can easily check the remaining charge either via the app or by using the controls on the device.

Next, the routines are easy. 

The app videos break down the moves into bite-sized sections. The stop-start gel application is a little faffy, but that aside it’s very easy to follow and takes just a few goes to learn the technique and sequence. A mirror is helpful to begin, but once you’ve mastered them, it’s easy to feel your way. You need just a little concentration, so you can read, watch TV, or listen to music or podcasts as you go. 

However, I find the voiceover and background music with the videos very annoying and repetitive. And especially so if you want to read or watch TV at the same time.

Luckily, you can simply mute the video. Start the treatment and use the visual segments as a prompt if you need. Or just set off on auto pilot! I do the glides and holds from memory, and then repeat it all until the gel dries out. This means the video segment usually finishes before me. But the app recognises when I turn off my Trinity+ to apply gel to the next area. So it starts the next video segment when I turn my Trinity+ back on.

It’s up to you which routines you do. I like that if you’re short on time, you can opt for the 5 (ish)-Minute or Skin Tightening facials. Or if you have more time, do the Advanced 15-Minute or Pro Toning Facial routines. NuFACE suggests you can layer your treatments too, choosing to do two or more in succession. And I like the idea of alternating days with the 15-Minute and Pro Toning facials, each followed by the Skin Tightening routine. That way, you’re hitting all depths of your skin every couple of days for fast and thorough results. 

However, the NuFACE activators don’t lend themselves well to this approach. That’s because you must make a second application of gel for any subsequent layered routines. And this overloads the skin. Especially if you’ll apply make-up afterwards. So, to avoid this, I use a simple tap water spray to re-wet the skin a section at a time. The light feathering action of the Skin Tightening routine massages the moistened activator back into my skin with no pilling or clumps.

You could opt for a cheaper ultrasound or electro conductive gel you can simply wipe off and reapply as needed. Learn more about this here.

Both the NuFACE activators are leave-on formulas with nourishing, serum-like ingredients. I like the push-down pot design and the wide, soft brush. They make it very easy to apply the gel a section at a time, with no mess or sticky fingers. The Aqua Gel feels fresh and hydrating, whereas the Silk Creme has a rich, lotion-like consistency that’s feels protective, nourishing and anti-ageing.

Both activators glide on cool and smooth, and the electrodes slip easily over your skin. NuFACE says a single push of the activator pot is enough gloop for one treatment section. This is true for me on the neck and cheek, where it stays wet long enough to do all the glides and holds. But it’s far too much for my forehead, where a half push does the trick. And if my skin is still wet after I’ve finished that video segment, I continue with more glides until it all soaks in. 

What does it feel like?

The glides feel soothing, and the treatment is pampering. I feel no sensation from the microcurrent. And I feel no difference between the Advanced 15-Minute or 5-Minute facial (at 8.3Hz) compared to the Pro Toning facial (at 0.3Hz). And no difference again, whatever the intensity, or with the boost mode on or off. 

However, there is a sharp, zingy sensation over spots and blemishes, which is a little shocking until you get used to it. It also makes my vision ‘wobble’ or pulse with the device close to my eyes! And I can sometimes feel a twitch or two with the electrodes towards the back of my neck, probably where there isn’t enough gel. But it doesn’t last or hurt at all.

There is also a slightly metallic taste when the electrode spheres are around my mouth area. It’s more pronounced on boost mode and level 3. It’s the same on my forehead using higher microamps, where I feel a weird but not uncomfortable, hair pulling sensation. It’s all totally bearable and only lasts as long as I’m in that treatment area.

After each session, my skin feels gorgeous because the Activators leave it feeling firm and moisturised. The Aqua Gel has a cool, hydrated and fresh feeling. It feels a little tacky after it’s first absorbed, so it’s best to wait around 10 minutes more for that to fade before applying further products or makeup. 

The Silk Creme feels much richer and, well, silky. However, if I apply too much, it pills and clumps on my skin. A single pump per section sometimes overloads my skin, and is no good as a base for make-up. So, I apply a little less. It takes trial and error to find just the right amount for your skin.

The sessions leave my skin looking a little pink because of the microcurrent stimulation and massage from the electrodes. But there are no nasty skin reactions. However, some users report headaches during and after use. To avoid this, drink plenty of water beforehand. It also makes the microcurrent more efficient in your skin!

Schedule, effort & results

Do 5 sessions per week for 60 days with your Trinity+.

You must do at least the 5-Minute Facial-Lift (which really takes around 10 minutes to apply the gel too). However, the 15-Minute Advanced Facial feeds your skin more microcurrent love, so you’ll see faster and better results with that. Swap this for the Pro Toning Facial once or twice per week. Or alternate almost daily between the two. And don’t forget the Skin Tightening Facial too. If you have time, add this as the last step of your session.

So, you’ll see better results the more and longer you can dedicate to your sessions!

After this intense start-up schedule, you can reduce your session down to 2 or 3 per week. This keeps your ATP levels topped up and maintains your results. However, you can continue with 5 sessions per week if you want to see continued improvement. 

Advertised results

From each session, you may see an immediate de-puffing, and/or lifting effect around your jaw, cheeks, and brows. I’ve seen several user photos of this in forums and it’s very encouraging. But this doesn’t happen to me. 

When you first use the Trinity+, any immediate results you see last a matter of hours. But after several weeks of use, the lift and ‘pop’ lasts longer between sessions. NuFace says the effect of one session lasts between 1 to 3 days.

Aside from this immediate lifting, other rejuvenation occurs in your skin as your ATP levels increase, and your collagen and other tissues rebuild. You may feel smoother and more hydrated skin within weeks. But it takes around 60 days to see tighter, fuller and fresh-looking skin, wide-awake lifted eyes and brows, fuller lips, smaller pores and softened wrinkles. Mild to moderate sagging of your neck, jawline and jowls, can smooth and lift too.

More is best with at-home microcurrent. So, you can stick with almost daily sessions if you have the time and motivation. 

Results vary by individual. You may see all these improvements, or just a few, and they vary in impact too. Use the selfie tracker in the NuFACE App so you can monitor changes and see your progress. 

The NuFACE Trinity+ negatives

The Trinity+ has a few cons to consider.

First, there are some minor issues with My NuFACE App. On your first view, it takes a while for each video segment to load. So, to avoid annoying breaks during your first treatment, play each video entirely one time before using your Trinity+. This way, they’ll preload and be ready for your first routine, plus you’ll know what to expect.  

Also, the background music and voiceover eventually get annoying after much repetition. So, it’s handy you can mute them on the app. However, the app doesn’t remember this preference as you move from one treatment section to the next. Therefore, you must keep muting each video segment until you’re done. This is frustrating, especially if you’re using your phone to listen to music or podcasts at the same time. But if you’re watching your TV, you can simply turn down the volume on your phone.

I’ve noticed a few other app quirks, too. For example, when I open it, I periodically get the ‘charge your Trinity’ notification in the app even though I have over 50% power remaining. And several times it tries to take me through the initial setup welcome screens, despite being logged in and connected to my Trinity+ already. It’s also very insistent I should enable notifications! But aside from that, I’ve had no problems connecting it with my Trinity+, which is always a worry with app controlled technology.

Next, the battery life is slightly worse than the previous model because it needs extra power for Bluetooth. So, if you’re upgrading from the Trinity, don’t get caught out. Always check the power remaining at the end of your sessions and charge it if needed. Also, the charging cradle is a little outdated compared to rival devices with simple USB cables. Plus, the cradle is rather bulky to carry around, especially if you travel regularly. 

Then there’re the Activators. They dry out relatively quickly, so you can’t apply it to all sections in one go and then do a non-stop treatment. It’s annoying to stop/start my routine to apply it in small sections. But you soon get used to the rhythm of it. 

I also don’t like the chunky plastic pots, and that you can’t tell what’s left inside. I’d much prefer pots made of eco-friendly glass or aluminium. They’re also very expensive, the price being close to some premium skincare products. So, if you like them, I recommend buying the better value bigger bottles. 

However, many NuFACE users want alternative gels. Be it because they’re expensive, they have skin reactions, want to continue with their own skincare regimen, or simply don’t like them. In these cases, a cheaper, hypoallergenic wipe-off formula is a better choice. If this is you, check out this article about effective alternatives.

Next, I think the boost function is a marketing gimmick. First, because some people prefer the lower intensity levels as they feel more comfortable. Therefore, this boost function is not much use to them, anyway. And second, if a 25% boost of microamps is more effective, why not simply add an extra intensity level instead? That way, you could use it all the time, and without the annoying hum and an extra button to press at the start of each treatment section. It makes little sense to me.

And it’s all rather expensive. The Trinity+ device itself is pricey. But it does come with a long 90-day money-back guarantee. However, if you want improved, targeted microcurrent results for eyes and lips, you’ll need to invest in the targeted ELE attachment too.

And note, if you’re upgrading to the Trinity+ the old Trinity attachments don’t work with the Trinity+ device. That’s because the Trinity+ uses magnets to secure the attachments. The new magnetic ELE attachment costs an additional £157/$160.

You can also opt for the LED attachment, which is the same cost again. This speeds up and improves your results when combined with the Trinity+ routines. But, as well as cost, it all adds up to more daily treatment time…

Finally, you must commit at least 10 or 15 minutes almost daily. More if you use the ELE and LED attachments too. So, if you lack time or motivation, or both, it may not be the device for you. But if you can commit, it’s very pleasant and quickly becomes a habit where it easily fits into your daily routine, such as when relaxing while watching TV.

NuFACE Trinity+ Review Summary

I love the fresh, tight, smooth, dewy & healthy skin results from at-home microcurrent. And the Trinity+ is an easy & pleasant way to get these results. You need My NuFACE app to access all the frequencies. And spending more time is better. So, you must love & commit to the almost daily pampering sessions to see results around 60 days in. It’s expensive, but you get a long 90-day money-back guarantee to test it & see if it’s the perfect match for you.

Here’s a summary of my test scores, and pros and cons for NuFACE Trinity+ to help you decide:

Ease of use

👍👍👍👍

Very easy & pampering to use. Requires a conductive gel & app. Do a sequence of simple, slow glides and holds over your neck and face. Learn the moves with follow-along app video routines. App also sets different frequencies which target different skin depths. Use anytime, read or watch TV too. Zingy over spots, but no pain or nasty skin reactions.

Effort

💧💧💧

It’s a commitment! Minimum 10 ish mins per day, 5 days a week for 60 days. Plus more for ELE & LED attachments. Longer sessions & stacked routines give better & faster results. Continue if you like (more is best) or switch to 2 or 3 sessions a week to maintain your results.

Results

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Some see an immediate lifting/contouring effect. For others, skin slowly rejuvenates as collagen rebuilds & refreshes. Feel smoother, hydrated skin after each session, see best & long-lasting results after 60 days. They get even better with long-term use, or fade if you stop. Firms, tightens, lifts, smooths, & hydrates for a healthy, younger-looking appearance.



Pros

• Robust quality

• Decent battery life

• Comfy & intuitive design

• Helpful follow-along app videos

• Easy-to-remember routines

• Painless, pleasant & pampering

• 3x frequencies target different skin depths

• Nourishing leave-on NuFACE activator gels

• Lower cost activator/gels work just as well

• Long 90-day money-back guarantee

• Clinically proven, UKCA & CE certified

• FDA-cleared



Cons

• Expensive
• Ongoing daily time and effort
• Very expensive NuFACE activator gels
• Gels dry out, so you must apply in sections
• Not everyone sees immediate or long-term skin-lifting results
• More cost for the ELE & LED attachements
• You need buy ELE attachment for best results on your eye & lip area
• LED attachment treats a tiny area so is time consuming
• Can’t change the microcurrent frequency without the app
• It can leave a metallic taste in your mouth
• Boost is gimmicky (it’s just another intensity level)

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