I'm an Ex-Beauty Buyer—This Is the Sculpting Body Tool I Never Thought I'd Use (But Now Swear By)

After over 12 years in the beauty industry—as a journalist, facialist, consultant and head of beauty buying at Liberty London—I’ve seen the industry from every angle. I’ve tested thousands of products, negotiated with global brands and spent years figuring out what’s worth the hype (and what’s not). Now, I’m thrilled to bring that perspective to Who What Wear UK in a new monthly column where I’ll be sharing my thoughts on the beauty products I genuinely rate, especially the ones that fly under the radar.

Let’s be honest: beauty is oversaturated. There’s always a new launch, a viral trend and a "must-use" ingredient competing for your attention. But what actually deserves your time, your money and a spot on your top shelf? That’s what I’m here to tell you.

At-home microcurrent devices for the face have crept their way into many of our bathrooms. From the Foreo Bear to Ziip Halo, these handheld gadgets are clinically proven to lift, firm and sculpt the skin with sometimes staggering results. With so many devices now available, NuFace is still one of the most popular. Launched over 20 years ago, it was the first beauty device to be FDA-cleared, and the brand has sold over 4.5 million of its gadgets. Whilst the original NuFace is the number-one facial device in the U.S., the lesser-known NuBody (£383) is what I’ve been putting through its paces.

It promises to tone and firm the body using the same microcurrent technology made famous by its facial counterpart. It’s not new, though; in fact, it launched a few years ago, but it still feels underrated, especially considering how many people are chasing improved skin texture. With so much attention on facial microcurrent devices (which I love), the NuBody deserves a moment of its own.

NuBody Review

I first tried the NuBody out of pure curiosity. At-home microcurrent for the body? It sounded niche and, honestly, slightly unnecessary. As a midsize woman in my 30s, I’m a realist, but after a few uses, I was sold. This device uses low-level electrical currents to stimulate the muscles and improve circulation, helping skin appear tighter and more toned with consistent use. It’s not a gimmick, it’s a commitment, but one that pays off if you stick with it.

After a few weeks, I started noticing subtle but satisfying differences: a smoother appearance on the backs of my thighs, less puffiness around my knees and an overall feeling that my skin looked more "awake". It’s the kind of shift only you might notice at first, but that builds over time, and isn’t that the best kind?

How to Use The NuBody

I use the NuBody post-shower, ideally on clean, slightly damp skin. First, I apply a generous amount of the NuFace Gel Primer (£78) to the area I’m targeting; usually my thighs or arms. Then, I glide the device slowly over the skin in long, upward strokes. You’ll feel a gentle buzz—it's an electrical current after all. I wouldn’t call it painful, but you feel enough to know it’s working.

The key here is pressure and patience. I spend about five minutes per area and try to focus on consistent, fluid motions. It becomes almost meditative. If you’ve ever enjoyed dry brushing or gua sha, you’ll appreciate the ritualistic nature of this too. Some days I’ll listen to a podcast; others, I’ll just let it be a quiet moment. Either way, it feels like I’m doing something for myself, not just to myself.

I’ve found that results come quicker when I’m hydrated and using it regularly (three to five times a week). You don’t need to be aggressive or obsessive, just consistent. And don’t forget to reapply gel between areas, because the device glides best when the skin stays well-lubricated.

If you’re consistent with your skincare, love an at-home ritual and want to enhance your results between treatments or workouts, this is for you. It’s not a replacement for exercise or a miracle fix, so don’t cancel your gym membership just yet, but it’s a tool that elevates your routine in a way that feels both practical and indulgent.

Unlike other devices that get buzzy fast, the NuBody has flown a little under the radar. Maybe it’s because it’s marketed more subtly, or because it takes at least four weeks to really see results, but in my view, that’s exactly what makes it worth highlighting: it works quietly, steadily and well—just like the best products do.

It also reflects a shift in how we approach beauty. The NuBody isn’t flashy. It’s not going to break the internet. But it will become your secret weapon if you let it. In a beauty landscape dominated by instant gratification, it rewards consistency, and that’s a message I’m increasingly drawn to.

The Verdict

As someone who’s tried almost everything in beauty—both on the shelves and behind the scenes—the NuBody stands out as one of those sleeper hits that deserves more love. It won’t replace your reformer Pilates, but it will make you feel more sculpted, polished and connected to your own routine. For those ready to commit to the ritual, this one’s worth it.

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