FOREO Bear & Mini

FOREO Bear & Mini      

Voted “Best Micro Current Device for Small Areas” by Cosmopolitan Magazine

Brand: FOREO Bear

2nd Generation: Foreo Bear 2

Price: $362

Release Date: August 2023
Ratings: 4.0 Overall, 50 Total

Original Foreo Bear

Price: $329 ($246 for the mint color)

Ratings: 4.2 Overall, 1,005 Total
5 Stars 57%, 4 Stars 12%, 3 Stars 10%, 2 Stars 4%, 1 Star 16%

 

Foreo Mini (original)

Price: $219.00

Ratings: 3.9 Overall, 685 Total

 

Foreo Mini 2 (newer version)  check this one!!

Price: $237.00

Ratings: 4.2 Overall, 12 Total

 

Our Rating: 6.5 out of 10

Why: I like that FOREO Bear is a Swedish company. Let’s face it you usually think quality when you think European.  However just like all the devices I have done a deep dive into there are very mixed reviews and some people feeling really dissatisfied. There are several variations of this device. I have listed them all above. The mini is great for travel and if you want to spend a bit less. The larger two are the original Foreo Bear and the newer version Foreo Bear 2. Some people found this newer version too strong and it hurt their face. Only 3 of the reviews on Amazon are from the USA for this variation. The rest are European which makes sense for a new device as it’s a Swedish brand. However the 3 most recent US reviews are not good. The most recent reviewer received a cracked, used device. This is more an Amazon issue then Foreo. Amazon sometime resells returned items when they shouldn’t. However the second reviewer says it was too painful to use and the third reviewer said it could only be used with old firmware. All the rest of the reviews were from Europe and part of the Vine Reviewer program (read about that here). They usually err to the positive side but even some of those were only 3 stars. Most reviewers did love the app.

The original older version of the FOREO Bear most recent 7 out of 10 reviews were 1 or 2 stars. This one is still selling so these reviews are within the last 1-4 months. Some the highlights of those reviews are below. Several said they could not handle the voltage, it was too painful on any of the higher settings, others said the battery dies quickly. Yet lots of influencers rave about this device and say how happy they are with it and its results. Is this a case of everyone going down the same rabbit hole?? I am going to suggest that you need to make your own opinion on this one. If you choose this device make sure you use it right away and often so you can easily return inside the 30 day return window of Amazon. However Foreo does have a 2 year warranty. So once your 30 Amaozn return window is over you can still get a replacement device direct from the manufacturer. They will make you jump some hoops and there is no refund only replacement. I have listed to entire warranty policy below for your review.

 

From Foreo Website:

While both BEAR™ and BEAR™ 2 deliver instant and long-lasting results in microcurrent facelifts, the newer generation of the product is improved compared to its predecessor: firstly, it is the only facial microcurrent device on the market that features four types of microcurrent; secondly, it is more powerful than its predecessor; and thirdly, its perfected Anti-shock™ system is making it the safest microcurrent device in the world.

BEAR™ 2 is not only more powerful than its predecessor but also than any other microcurrent device on the market, delivering a whopping 680 uA of microcurrent to help tone and strengthen the 69 muscles in your face and neck – just like how exercise tones and strengthens the muscles of your body.

 

Side Bar: Studies suggest you want between 500 and 750 uA for best results. Anything over 1000uA is actually detrimental to your skin

Reviews Comments & Recurring Complaints:

Main Issues:

Several reviewers point out that is was painful when used on a higher setting. It seems the newer version is more powerful then before. Also 2 reviewers mentioned that if you want to use all the features and settings on the app you need to pay for a monthly subscription. I did a lot of googling and could not find any reference to this on the net or the Foreo website. Maybe they abandon this idea of charging monthly?

Quote’s from Reviewers:

However I have done some research and also found some negative side effects re people losing collegen and muscle mass longer term from over use or using the machines on too higher frequency so be careful that you don’t get over zealous and try zapping your face on the high levels. I suggests people go online and research a little. I only use it on the medium 3 level/ lights.

Reviews:

I bought the Foreo Bear 2 in November, and it’s the first foreo object I’m unhappy with. I don’t know if it works or not, but it’s just that it hurts and I’m almost afraid of it. In addition, there are three massages you can do while watching the video, but it’s very difficult to add serum. Two of my friends have tried it and they also feel pain.

It’s worth a buck and on top of that to have more than three massages they make you pay 5 or 9 euros a month… freak out. If I’m in time to return it, I will.

After using it for a couple of weeks on a level that she could cope with, it has made no difference; she says that her skin doesn’t feel any more taut and all the device does is make her face tingle unpleasantly.

This was on the lower settings. She tried it on some of the higher settings and was in actual pain. Now, to be fair, she doesn’t have the highest pain threshold, but I tried it to see what she meant and I concur. It can and does actually hurt on the upper settings. My 23 year old also gave it a go after seeing us complain about the pain, and she was exactly the same!

 

Old Version Reviewer:

The reason I started researching this tool is because it really hurts it certain spots on my face. What I found out from multiple sources is that the strength of this machine can actually reduce cellular energy. My muscles were constantly contracting while using this because of how strong it is (on the lowest setting) and that is not a good thing! Since I bought this for well aging and it does the opposite, I’m pretty disappointed.

 

It’s Important to Register Your Device!

Registering your FOREO device comes with many benefits. It will confirm you own an original and brand new FOREO product. If anything happens to the device in the following 2 years*, you can claim your warranty with our Customer Care Team. On top of that, you’ll get access to exclusive deals and will be the first to know about special offers and promotions. Follow the steps below or check out this video.

*Warranty length may differ by country. We guarantee at least a two-year warranty worldwide, with full support of our Customer Care team.

 

Warranty & Refund Policy from Foreo’s Website:

Returns

All customers can return unopened FOREO products for 14 days (starting from the day the said product is delivered) for a full refund.

FOREO, however, does not accept returns for products whose boxes have been opened.

2 Years Limited Warranty

FOREO warrants this device for a period of TWO (2) YEARS (except in countries where national law requires a longer minimum warranty) after the original date of purchase against defects due to faulty workmanship or materials arising from Normal Use of the device. The warranty* covers working parts that affect the function of the device. *Warranty does not apply to play range and LUNA fofo! It does NOT cover cosmetic deterioration caused by fair wear and tear, or damage caused by accident, misuse or neglect. Any attempt to open or take apart the device (or its accessories) will void the warranty.

If you discover a defect and notify FOREO during the warranty period, FOREO will, at its discretion, replace the device free of charge. Claims under warranty must be supported by reasonable evidence that the date of the claim is within the warranty period. To validate your warranty, please keep your original purchase receipt and serial number on the bottom of your product together with these warranty conditions for the duration of the warranty period. Replacement products claimed under warranty are not entitled to renewed 2-year warranty coverage. In the situation that your product was part of a limited edition that has been discontinued, you may be issued with a replacement product of the same model, but a different color / design.

This Limited Warranty is exclusive of all other warranties, whether oral or written, express or implied. There are no implied warranties created by the manufacture, sale or use of the product.

To claim your warranty, you must log in to your account at www.foreo.com then select the option to make a warranty claim. You will be sent a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and full instructions from Customer Care on how to return your FOREO product. Shipping costs are nonrefundable. This undertaking is in addition to your statutory rights as a consumer and does not affect those rights in any way.