PRO
Relaxing
Boasts a sleek, luxurious appeal
Works well for lymphatic drainage
CONS
Pricey
Strong vibrations
If you’re chronically on TikTok like most of us, you’ve probably witnessed the prevalence of face massagers popping up on your For You page. From toning devices to nightly gua sha tools, at-home facial massages have taken the internet by storm.
Face massage tool benefits are endless, from boosted circulation to anti-aging benefits to lymphatic drainage and so much more. There are a plethora of face massagers on the market today, and are divided into two categories: manual or electric. Below, we’ve rounded up the best face massagers from both markets so that you can lift, sculpt, and release tension while binge watching TikTok in bed.
Do Facial Massagers Really Work?
Before you buy a face massager, it’s important to set realistic expectations like how you would other skincare products or devices. While face massagers can help in increasing blood flow, leading to reduced puffiness and improved circulation, they’re not the end-all be-all for anti-aging. A good skincare routine should be prioritized, because what you put on your skin regularly is what’s giving you results and maintaining the overall health of your skin.
Types of Technology
Searching for higher-end face massagers to help turn back the clock, or right before a big event? Consider incorporating a device with one of the below impressive technologies.
- Vibration is a gentle sensation that both feels good and offers functional benefits such as promoting blood circulation. It also helps improve product penetration and lymphatic drainage.
- Microcurrent causes muscle contraction, which helps sculpt and tone your face and jawline. However, individuals with a pacemaker or a metal implant should refrain from using a microcurrent device.
- Radio frequency utilizes thermal energy to penetrate your skin. This helps contour your face, improves the appearance of wrinkles, as well as promoting the absorption of active ingredients and production of collagen.
10 Best Face Massagers of 2023 that are Worth Investing In
1. Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
Looking for something fancy? This one’s for you. Not only does the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar give you the ultimate self-care moment, but this 24-karat gold vibrating bar instantly makes your skin look toned and revitalized.
Apart from its sleek design, we appreciate the strong vibrations this gold bar delivers. Having said that, the strength of its vibration might be too strong for some users. The pitfall is that this facial massager only comes with one speed. On top of that, it’s certainly on the higher end of the spectrum at $195 per tool, but we think it’s worth the splurge for those looking for luxurious personal care.
Key Feature:
Luxurious 24-karat gold vibrating face massager.
2. NuFace Mini Petite Facial Toning Device
Amongst the best face massagers on the market, the NuFace works by using microcurrent technology to lift and tone your face. Our editors are especially obsessed with this pick because it’s a mini version of the standard NuFACE Trinity and can easily be tossed into your carry-on for seamless contouring on the go.
This device costs $245, but for a good reason—it includes three other items you’ll need to effectively tone your face. Other than the device itself, you’ll receive the hydrating Aqua Gel Activator, Silk Crème Activator, and Clean Sweep Applicator Brush with each purchase.
To yield maximum results, you’ll have to use it regularly. Though this pick is dubbed a “smart device” by the brand, some users have complained of a glitchy connection between the device and the app that you’re supposed to use alongside the tool.
Learn more about NuFace Mini vs NuFace Trinity.
Key Feature:
Smart facial massager with microcurrent technology.
PRO
Compact
Instantly lifts and sculpts the face
Each purchase includes an array of skincare products and tools
CONS
Pricey
The accompanying app can be glitchy at times
3. Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand
Those who’re serious about their skincare, look no further than this sculpting wand. It harnesses the power of high-functioning sound wave technology that promotes circulation, optimizes the skin’s oxygen intake, and “trains” the facial muscles for firmer and tighter skin. The second most expensive tool on our list, this face massager is a huge investment. Therefore, we don’t recommend this pick to anyone who hasn’t attempted facial massaging before, as you want to make sure that you actually like the feeling of a vibrating facial massager.
Key Feature:
Vibrating face massagers that use sound wave technology.
PRO
Boosts circulation
Comes with three vibration levels
Optimizes skin’s oxygen intake
Firms and tightens skin
CONS
Pricey
Not suitable for beginners
4. TheraFace Pro
One of the best face massagers that are designed with portability in mind, introducing Therabody’s newly launched TheraFace Pro. This 8-in-1 facial tool combines patented percussion therapy technology with three different massage heads into one handheld device. The trio of massage heads—a flat top, a cone shape, and a flat head with micropoints—are made from a malleable rubber material that is soft and gentle on the skin, even on the most tender of area like around the eyes, and allows for a broad range of uses and techniques. The cone shape releases targeted pressure for areas you want to alleviate stress, especially around pressure points, while the micropoint and flat head are handy for all over the face to melt away jawline tension, relax facial muscles and stimulate circulation and blood flow. We like that it comes with three customizable massage intensities, making it the perfect tool on super stressful days when you just need a good release.
Key Feature:
8-in-1 facial massaging tool with three different massage heads and three intensity levels.
PRO
Multifunctional
Includes three different massage heads and three customizable intensities
Reduces jawline tension and relaxes facial muscles
Portable
CONS
Pricey
Surface area is too small to allow for a strong hold
5. Foreo Luna 3 Face Brush and Anti-Aging Massager
Unlike your average facial massager, Foreo Luna 3 is a cutting-edge facial cleansing brush with unique T-Sonic technology. Besides offering you a super relaxing professional-calibre massage experience, this adorable palm-sized device also does an excellent job in cleansing your skin, which includes 16 adjustable intensities to unclog pores, slough away oil, dirt, and dead skin cells to reveal clean, smooth skin.
Key Feature:
Facial cleansing brush with patented T-Sonic technology and 16 adjustable intensities.
PRO
Compact design
Removes grim, dirt, oil, and makeup residue with minimal effort
Made of gentle, soft bristles
Comes with an accompanying app with video tutorials
CONS
Pricey
Takes time to customize the app
Requires a bit of effort to remove makeup residue from the brush
6. Tripollar Stop X Facial Skin Renewal Device
TriPollar’s device isn’t just stylish to look at; it’s also one of the most thoughtfully designed skincare tools on the market that delivers professional-level face massage from the comfort of your home. Being the most expensive pick on our list, the device utilizes the latest generation radiofrequency technology (Tripollar) to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, revealing tighter, firmer skin, and a more defined jawline and cheekbones.
Key Feature:
Facial massger with radiofrequency technology to tighten and firm the skin.
PRO
Uses the latest generation RF technology (Tripollar) to increase collagen and elastin production
Defies signs of aging
Clinically tested
CONS
Pricey
7. Beauty Bio Cryo Roller
One of the best face massagers that’s all the rage today, the Beauty Bio Cryo Rollers features dual-ended heads made of solid stainless steel and a smooth, non-slip handle. The brand claims that the metal head remains at a cool and consistent temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit—unlike other similar products that aren’t actually made of stainless steel throughout. Pop it into the fridge or freezer to make the tool even cooler. A little safety note though, it’s really important to first let it sit for five minutes once you take it out of the fridge before you start rolling so that it’s not overly cold.
Key Feature:
Cryo roller made of solid stainless steel.
PRO
Maintains a consistent temperature of 45 degrees Fahrenheit for a full 20-minute massage session
Relaxing and cooling on the skin
Relieves muscle soreness and accelerates wound healing
CONS
Slightly pricey
8. ReFa S Carat RAY
One of the best face massagers on the market, the ReFa S Carat RAY boasts a 360-degree, multi-angle design to mimic the feeling of a targeted professional face massage when you glide along the contours of your face. Interestingly, the innovative solar panel on the handle transforms any light sources into micro-currents that help promote blood circulation. If you use it regularly, this massager will help lift and tone your face, too.
Key Feature:
Innovative solar panel-powered face massager.
PRO
Features a 360-degree, multi-angled design
Delivers a professional-level face massage
Built with solar panel that transforms light sources into microcurrents
Promotes blood circulation
CONS
Pricey for a plastic roller
9. Joanna Vargas Magic Glow Wand
Looking to recreate spa-like vibes in the comfort of your own home? The Magic Glow Wand by Joanna Vargas is a one-touch multi-purpose tool with innovative technology that avails targeted temperatures to balance your complexion and reveal a healthy glow. If you’re wondering why your skin’s temperature matters—say the temperature is too high, the skin becomes dehydrated and dry, leading to puffiness and enlarged pores, while lower temperatures reduce the efficacy of your skincare products. This tool, therefore, serves as the perfect equilibrium. Better yet, it comes with two massage settings (hot and cold) to gently vibrate your skin to help serums, creams, and essences to penetrate deeper into your skin hence maximized results. In terms of the detoxifying treatment, opt for the hot setting to clear pores and buff away buildup, or select the cool setting for an immediate tightening effect.
Key Feature:
Skincare wand with hot and cold massage settings.
PRO
Uses innovative technology to balance your skin’s temperature
Increases your skin’s ability to absorb products
Unclogs pores and eliminates buildup
CONS
Pricey
10. Hayo’u Rose Quartz Beauty Restorer
Gua sha is a skincare technique originating from traditional Chinese medicine, which involves scraping a flat, rounded jade tool over the skin to relieve inflammation, promote blood circulation and reduce puffiness. The gua sha stone from Hayo’u makes a great face massager for rookies and you can pair it with the brand’s face oil or any face oil for that matter, to gently massage the skin for optimal results.
Key Feature:
Rose Quartz gua sha tool to reduce swelling and enhance glow from within.
PRO
Relaxing and cooling on the skin
Made of quality Rose Quartz
Promotes circulation and lymphatic drainage
Lifts, plumps, and sculpts the skin
Improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
CONS
None
What to Look for in the Best Face Massager?
A. Benefits
Many face massagers promise very specific benefits, such as sculpting and lifting, while others claim to reduce inflammation. If you’re new to the world of face massagers, it’s totally worth doing some research to understand the proper techniques to yield the outcomes you desire.
B. Materials
Whether you think crystals are just aesthetically pleasing or deliver metaphysical benefits, remember that most of the tools only provide temporary results. The cool touch of the stone can surely help soothe the feeling of inflammation in the skin; however, it’s unlikely that it’ll reduce inflammation in the long run.
C. High-Tech vs Manual
Not all face massagers are built equal, and that’s perfectly fine. Here we summarize the key differences between high-tech and manual face massagers, and what that means for reaching your skincare goals.
High Tech
- These face massagers work best when you want to go skin-deep by stimulating your facial muscles and addressing specific skin concerns like wrinkles.
- These are battery-powered tools made from stainless steel, silicone, or sometimes both.
- These tools can easily cost you a few hundred dollars.
Manual
- These face rollers and gua sha stones are helpful for your surface-level beauty needs like depuffing.
- They are often made from jade, rose quartz, stainless steel, or silicone, and require you to do the leg work by using an upward rolling motion to sculpt your face.
- Priced around $30, these affordable face massagers are attractive for budget-conscious shoppers or beginners looking to experiment with new beauty treatments.
Editor's Choice
PRODUCT RECOMMENDATION
Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
5/5
Not only does the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar give you the ultimate self-care moment, but this 24-karat gold vibrating bar instantly makes your skin look toned and revitalized.
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