At $350, the R3 Turbo is an investment, but does roll radio frequency, microcurrent and light therapy into one neat package. Purchased separately, the devices can easily total up to over $1,000. The R3 is available in three options and two colors: the Limited Edition Gift Set (eye masks, face masks, conductor gel, makeup bag), Signature Set (conductor gel, face masks, eye masks) and Signature + Serum (with the addition of the Collagen HydraGlow Serum).
The unboxing is a delightful experience and the device is sleek and thoughtfully designed. It took me a minute to figure out all the modes and buttons, but the interface is fairly simple: The power button is also the toggle between the three modes: eye, jawline and full face, with an accompanying legend. There are five strength levels, controlled by their own buttons. The R3 is cordless with a USB-C charging cable, and the battery life is great—over the eight weeks that I tested it (using it one to two times a week), I’ve charged it maybe two or three times. Though, this can vary depending on your frequency of use. During this time, I was also travelling and appreciated that in addition to a good battery life, it was compact.
I admit that I found the device a bit difficult to figure out the first week. The most confusing part was the vibrations the R3 uses as a timer. For example, for the full-face treatment, it will vibrate after two minutes (for the jawline), after one minute (left cheek), after another minute (right cheek) and after a final minute (forehead). Unless I was militantly looking at a clock, it was hard to tell how much time had elapsed and I could never remember the order in which I was supposed to do things. And, frankly, after a long day, I wanted to be a blob in my velvet chair, not staring at a stopwatch. But, after I got over having to “follow the rules” and just moved the wand across my face, things were less stressful and I got more out of the device.
The R3 comes with conductor gel, and you can’t use the device on dry skin. The gel can be pricey—$40 for just over two ounces—but I’ve also seen it as low as $15 on sale. Additionally, you can use any viscous liquid to conduct the currents. I’ve tried it with Paula’s Choice Pro Collagen Mult-Peptide Booster ($59) with good results, though be forewarned that your skin will soak up a lot of product. Thinner products, like toner, could work but aren’t optimal as they dry more quickly and are messier. I’d also recommend starting on the lowest frequency setting and working your way up. Unless you’re habituated to these treatments, starting on level five will be painful.
After each session, my skin did feel, well, tighter. I think the immediate effects can be attributed more to the microcurrent feature, as it immediately provides electrical muscle stimulation, while radiofrequency penetrates more deeply into the skin to create effects that compound over time.
