If you’ve never had a facial, I can assure you that you are missing out. But good news: there’s no need for FOMO; at-home massagers are the next best thing for reducing inflammation and tension in your face. “Face massagers can assist with the flow of blood, similar to a good facial massage,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Uchenna Okereke. “As a result, they can temporarily decrease puffiness of the face, especially around the eyes.”
So if you don't have the time or funds to pay a visit to a medi spa, don't fret. With the facial massagers below, you can be your own esthetician and reap all the benefits at home.
Best Overall
Skin Gym Face Sculptor
Mimics the effect of a professional massage
Leaves a radiant glow
Deep kneading
Rollers could be more durably fixed
Who else recommends it? Prevention, Marie Claire, and Forbes all picked the Skin Gym Face Sculptor.
There’s a reason why this dual-sided beauty roller is a favorite for so many. The globes provide a deep-kneading action that mimics a professional massage to release tension while also firming and toning the skin. Users say that it does wonders for jaw pain and leaves your skin with a radiant glow.
Price at time of publish: $69
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Built-in roller balls
Best Value
Yeamon 2-in-1 Face Massager
Fully waterproof
3D V-type design fits whole body curve
Multifunctional
Batteries not included
You can get more for your buck with this set of two beauty tools. One is a 3D roller and the other is a T-shaped bar. The roller is great for massaging and lymphatic drainage while the T bar sends 6000 vibrations per minute for a mini workout for your face. Use it to minimize fine lines and wrinkles for a firmer look.
Price at time of publish: $25.99
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: 360-degree waterproof, 3D rollers
Best Cleansing Device
Buttah Skin Vibe Facial Cleansing Brush
For all skin types
Designed for use in shower
Easily fits in palm of the hand
Soft bristles may not be super exfoliating
This antimicrobial silicone cleansing brush pulsates to delicately massage the skin and gently exfoliate. Use it as you cleanse to eliminate dullness and dead skin cells, and just for an overall relaxing self-care moment.
Price at time of publish: $49
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: Sonic pulsation
Best Sculpting
Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
Relaxing
Luxurious appeal
Great for lymphatic drainage
Pricey
Feeling fancy? This one’s for you. Not only does it feel like the ultimate self-care moment, but this 24-karat gold vibrating bar instantly makes your skin feel and look toned and revived.
Price at time of publish: $195
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: Built-in vibration
Best for Eyes
Nurse Jamie Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty Tool
Compact design
Gently revitalizes sensitive eye area
High-frequency vibration
May randomly turn on
This compact yet powerful beauty tool utilizes high-frequency vibrations to stimulate the brows and the delicate under-eye area. Use it along with your favorite eye cream to help tighten the skin.
Price at time of publish: $49
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: High-frequency vibration
Best Splurge
Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand
Boosts circulation
Optimizes skin's oxygen intake
Firms and tightens
Pricey
For those that are serious about their skincare, this sculpting wand is the creme de la creme. It harnesses high-performing sound wave technology that boosts circulation, optimizes skin’s oxygen intake, and stimulates the facial muscles for firmer and tighter skin. Still unsure? The before and after pictures are all the proof you need.
Price at time of publish: $399
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: Sound wave technology, three intensity levels
Best Roller
Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Face Roller
Supports the lymphatic system
Firms the skin's appearance
Affordable
Could be more durably constructed
Bye-bye puffiness. This jade roller relaxes and de-stresses while supporting lymphatic drainage to reduce the appearance of inflammation. Metaphysically, jade is known to bring peace and harmony, but even if metaphysical benefits aren’t your cup of tea, this roller is a great way to give your skin some TLC during your daily routine.
Price at time of publish: $32
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Built-in rollers
Best Gua Sha Tool
Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
Creates a brighter appearance
Brings back elasticity to face
Contouring
On the small and thin side
Enhance your beauty ritual with this lifting and smoothing tool. The practice of gua sha has multiple benefits like relieving facial tension, promoting a brighter complexion, and lifting and contouring the face. Choose from jade, rose quartz, or amethyst for your preferred energy.
Price at time of publish: $28
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Natural crystal or stone
Runner-Up, Best Gua Sha Tool
Anne’s Apothecary Jade Gua Sha Facial Tool
Aids in brighter eyes
Releases bad energy
Fits right in palm of the hand
Not electric
Skincare, meet self-care. This handy tool comes at a modest price compared to many of its gua sha counterparts, with no sacrifice to quality. The jade facial tool works to soothe, depuff, and elevate your routine. Store it in the fridge for an extra cooling sensation.
Price at time of publish: $20
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Natural stone
Best Ayurvedic
Ranavat Kansa Wand Facial Massaging Tool
Balances skin's pH
Softens appearance of fine lines
Massages energy points on the face
Manual design possibly doesn't warrant the price
This ayurvedic massaging tool uses the power of Kansa (copper and tin) to balance your skin’s pH. Use it along with your favorite serum to not only deliver a relaxing massage, but to also relieve sinus headaches, stimulate memory, and even improve concentration.
Price at time of publish: $70
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Natural copper and tin designed for face's energy points
Best Set
Wildling Empress Collection
3-in-1: lifts, purifies, and clears
Includes items to complete skincare routine
Great for facial massage newbies
Mist and oil not for sensitive skin
If you’re a gua sha newbie, this all-encompassing kit is a great place to start. The unique Empress Stone has three different sides, each providing different benefits including lifting, purifying, and clearing dark circles. It also comes with a facial mist and oil to complete your routine.
Price at time of publish: $129
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Three-sided for lifting, purifying, and clearing dark circles, facial mist, oil
Best for Stress Relief
Carbonique Face Roller
Reinvigorates
Extra relief for hard-to-reach areas
Lightweight
Ridged roller ends may discomfort some
Byrdie’s Editorial and Strategy Director Kathryn Vandervalk notes this popular face roller as one of her favorites. It’s known to mimic an esthetician's hands with its two ridged ceramic globes that provide extra relief for those hard-to-reach areas. The lightweight tool is also quite the looker with its beautiful wooden design.
Price at time of publish: $139
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Two ridged ceramic globes
Best for Facial Tension
Dehiya Warrior Stone
Sculpting and rejuvenating
Various stone and crystal material options
Delivers harmonious energy
Rainbow fluorite possibly too soft to some
This gua sha tool is curved on one side to apply products, contoured to lift and depuff on another, and ridged to massage on the final two. It also has a slightly more pointed end to massage those tough tension spots at the jaw and temples. Get it in quartz, grey agate, rose quartz, black obsidian, or rainbow fluorite.
Price at time of publish: $68
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Natural stones and crystals
Best Wand
EcoTools Wand Facial Roller
De-puffing
Textured end helps penetrate deeper
Comes in biodegradable packaging
May not produce super drastic results
This easy-to-use wand has a textured end to help the product penetrate deeper into the skin and another smooth end for a de-puffing experience. Users say that this simple tool has become a staple in their routine.
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Dual-ended
Final Verdict
There are plenty of face massagers on the market, but the Skin Gym Face Sculptor made the top of our list for its practical, straightforward design that lifts and sculps. If you’re looking to incorporate more Ayurvedic practices into your routine, reach for the Ranavat Kansa Wand Facial Massaging Tool. And for a gua sha tool that doesn’t break the bank, try Anne’s Apothecary Jade Gua Sha Facial Tool.
What to Look For in a Face Massager
Benefits
Many face massagers claim very specific benefits such as sculpting and lifting, while others boast reduced inflammation. If you’re new to face massagers, it’s totally worth watching those how-to videos to understand the proper techniques to get the benefits you desire. While some tools claim to tighten the skin, don’t be misled—dermatologist Dr. Adeline Kikam says that face massagers do not boost collagen production.
Materials
Whether you think crystals are just pretty to look at or yield metaphysical powers, remember that most of the tools only provide temporary results. Dr. Kikam says, “The cool touch of the stone can help soothe the feeling of inflammation in the skin; however it is unlikely that it will reduce inflammation in a meaningful way [long term].”
Why Trust Byrdie?
Byrdie contributor Kindra Moné has been creating fashion and beauty content since 2013. Whether contributing to some of the top women’s lifestyle magazines or working in-house with global brands, Kindra has collaborated with some of the most knowledgeable beauty professionals in the industry. When she isn’t writing or trying out Instagram recipes, she’s giving wellness tips and sharing fashion news on The StylingSOUL Podcast.”