TL;DR
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, check out the Ranavat Kansa Wand Facial Massaging Tool.
If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the insane explosion of face massagers on your For You page. From sculpting NuFace devices to nightly gua sha sessions, the world of at-home facial massages has peaked. Dr. Adeline Kikam, a dermatologist specializing in treating acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and other skin conditions, doesn't sugarcoat these tools' potential benefits and drawbacks. She says different skin types and tones may see different results (some more noticeable than others) and side effects including breakouts, redness, and more. However, the benefits range from increased circulation, reduced signs of aging, lymphatic drainage, and an overall sense of calm.
There are face massagers for all skin types and concerns, and they can be categorized into two types: manual and electric. But how do you know which is best for your skin? After researching the most popular, highest-rated massagers available, polling Byrdie staff, and consulting a dermatologist, we've come up with a sizeable list of all-stars so that you can lift, sculpt, and release tension while scrolling TikTok.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget:
Best Sculpting:
Best for Eyes:
Best Splurge:
Best Ayurvedic:
Best for Facial Tension:
What We Like
Mimics the effect of a professional massage
Leaves a radiant glow
Deep kneading pressure
What to Consider
Rollers don't feel the most durable
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Built-in roller balls
There’s a reason this dual-sided beauty roller is a favorite of so many people. The globes provide a deep-kneading action that mimics a professional facial massage to release tension while firming and sculpting the skin. Users say it also does wonders for jaw pain and leaves skin with a radiant glow.
There is one downside: The tool doesn't seem to be the most durable. Some folks have complained that its rolling parts feel a bit wobbly and not secured. For a tool that's on the pricier side, it should feel made to last.
What We Like
Fully waterproof
3D V-type design fits whole body curve
Multifunctional
What to Consider
Some might not be long-lasting
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: 360-degree waterproof, 3D rollers
Get more for your buck with this set of two beauty tools: a 3D roller, and the other is a T-shaped bar. The roller is great for massaging and lymphatic drainage, while the T bar expells 6000 vibrations per minute to give your face a mini workout. Use it to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness.
We think $26 for two beauty tools is a fab deal, but some users have complained that their products stop working after a short while. If you're willing to invest a bit more and want a more long-lasting tool, we suggest opting for another pick on this list.
What We Like
Strong massage
Luxurious look and feel
Great for lymphatic drainage
What to Consider
Vibrations may be too strong for some
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: Built-in vibration
Not only does the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar feel like the ultimate self-care moment but the 24-karat gold vibrating bar can instantly make your skin look firmer and revived. We love how sleek this pick looks but also appreciate the strong vibrations the gold bar gives off. That said, they are pretty powerful and might be off-putting/too strong for some, and unfortunately, this facial massager only comes with one speed. It's also a pricey pick, but we think it’s certainly worth it for the lux vibrations.
What We Like
Compact design
Gently revitalizes sensitive eye area
High-frequency vibration
What to Consider
May randomly turn on
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: High-frequency vibration
This compact yet powerful beauty tool relies on 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. We love that this pick is cordless and super easy to travel with—just pop it in your skincare bag on the go.
A word of caution: some folks have complained that the tool randomly turns on occasionally. Others say it could be a bit higher quality for the price. But, we still think it's a useful tool for those who experience frequent under-eye bags, dark circles, or fine lines and wrinkles.
What We Like
Boosts circulation
Optimizes skin's oxygen intake
Firms and tightens
What to Consider
Not suited for beginners
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: Sound wave technology, three intensity levels
If you're all about the latest in skincare tech, you've got to check out this sculpting wan. It harnesses high-performing sound wave technology that boosts circulation, optimizes the skin’s oxygen intake, and stimulates the facial muscles for firmer and tighter skin. Just take a look at the before and after pictures and you'll see what we mean.
It is the most expensive tool on our list, and we realize it won't make sense for everyone. We don’t recommend this pick to anyone who hasn’t tried a face massager before—you'll want to make sure you actually like the feeling of a vibrating facial massager before dropping the big bucks.
What We Like
Supports the lymphatic system
Firms the skin's appearance
Affordable
What to Consider
Could be more durably constructed
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Built-in rollers
Bye-bye puffiness. This jade roller relaxes and de-stresses while supporting lymphatic drainage to reduce the appearance of inflammation. Jade is known to bring peace and harmony, but even if the metaphysical benefits aren’t your cup of tea, this roller is a great way to give your skin some TLC during your daily routine.
We love that it’s double-sided, so you can use each side on different areas of your face. However, the construction of the tool doesn’t seem super stable.
Best Gua Sha Tool
Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
What We Like
Creates a brighter appearance
Brings back elasticity to face
Cools on contact
What to Consider
On the small and thin side
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Natural crystal or stone
This simple lifting and smoothing tool will enhance any beauty ritual. The practice of gua sha has multiple benefits such as relieving facial tension, promoting a brighter complexion, and lifting and contouring the face. It's also just a wonderfully meditative activity you can easily do during a work break. This pick comes in multiple stones, including jade, rose quartz, amethyst, black obsidian, and stainless steel.The stones have different healing and restorative properties but all feel super cooling on the skin.
This gua sha tool is well-crafted (and will look beautiful on your bathroom counter) but is fragile and must be handled with care. Minus the stainless steel option, the gua sha stones from Mount Lai are a bit thin and could shatter if dropped or not handled properly.
What We Like
Balances skin's pH
Softens appearance of fine lines
Massages energy points on the face
What to Consider
Manual design possibly may not warrant the price
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Natural copper and tin designed for the face's energy points
This ayurvedic massaging tool uses the power of Kansa (copper and tin) to balance your skin’s pH. Use it with your favorite face serum to deliver a relaxing massage, relieve sinus headaches, stimulate memory, and even improve concentration. Considering this is a manual facial massaging tool, the price tag may cause a bit of sticker shock. However, it has been constructed beautifully and is a tool that should last you a very long time.
What We Like
3-in-1: lifts, purifies, and clears
Includes items to complete skincare routine
Great for facial massage newbies
What to Consider
Mist and oil not for sensitive skin
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Three-sided for lifting, purifying, and clearing dark circles, facial mist, oil
Gua sha newbies: this all-encompassing kit is a great place to start. The unique Empress Stone has three sides, each providing different benefits, including lifting, purifying, and diffusing dark circles. Plus, it comes with a facial mist and oil to complete your routine. If you have sensitive skin, we suggest doing a patch test before using the accompanying mist and oil. Additionally, it’s advised not to use a gua sha tool over active breakouts, as this might lead to skin damage.
What We Like
Sculpting and rejuvenating
Various stone and crystal material options
Delivers harmonious energy
What to Consider
May not be the best for beginners
Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Natural stones and crystals
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. Now that's what we call a multitasker! Get it in gray agate, rose quartz, or bian.
We appreciate that this one has many sides you don’t commonly see on other gua sha tools. That said, it might take some getting used to, especially if you're a gua sha newbie. We’d say that this pick might be for the more advanced gua sha users.
What We Like
Compact—perfect for travel
Use microcurrent technology
Effectively lifts and contours your face
What to Consider
The app connected to the device is glitchy
Manual or Electric: Electric | Features: Microcurrent technology
One of the most popular facial tools on the market, the NuFACE uses microcurrent technology to lift and sculpt the face with every use. We love this mini version of the standard NuFACE tool since it can easily be thrown into your carry-on for seamless contouring on the go.It costs a pretty penny at $245, but for good reason—it comes with three other items you’ll need to get the results you want. You’ll also receive the Aqua Gel Activator, Silk Crème Activator, and Clean Sweep Applicator Brush.
You will have to use it continuously to see effective results with this device. Although it's deemed a “smart device” by the brand, some folks have complained of a glitchy connection between the device and the accompanying app you’re supposed to use with this tool.
What to Look for in a Face Massager
- Benefits: Many face massagers claim specific benefits, such as sculpting and lifting, while others boast they can reduce inflammation. If you’re new to face massagers, it’s 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—Dr. 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 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].”
FAQ
How do you use a face massager?
Before beginning a face massage apply a face oil or cream so the massager can move gently over your skin. Always roll or push your face massager upwards and outward to drain fluid and reduce puffiness. Do this about five times before moving to the next spot on your face.
How often should you use a face massager?
You should use a face massager two to three times a week for at least five minutes to see results.
Are face massagers good for the skin?
Yes, face massagers are very beneficial for the skin in many ways. They help increase blood flow, increase the appearance of a lifted and contoured face, and promote lymphatic drainage, to name a few benefits.
Why Trust Byrdie
Daley Quinn is a contributing writer for Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty, health, and lifestyle. Quinn has worked as a beauty journalist for ten years and has been published in both print and digital outlets, including Allure, Fashionista, Well + Good, Women’s Health, The Cut, WWD, Real Simple, Shape, and more. Quinn researched most (and has tested a few) of the best-selling face massagers on the market to create this final list. When Quinn isn’t busy testing beauty products for an extensive review, you can find her writing for her lifestyle blog, TheDaleyDose.com.
Expert interviews for this story: Dr. Adeline Kikam, DO, MS, FAAD, is a Board Certified Dermatologist and Skin of Color Advocate and Educator. She also founded Brown Skin Derm, a digital platform dedicated to all skin types, particularly those belonging to the BIPOC community.