No time for a sculpting facial? These face massage tools are the next best thing (2024)

From aiding lymphatic drainage to increasing your skin’s ability to soak up a serum, there are so many reasons to consider a face massager: be it a traditional jade roller or a techy microcurrent device.

According to celebrity aesthetician Angela Caglia, the benefits of regular facial massages are manifold. "It will stimulate blood flow for instant glow, and also help to relax your facial muscles, which reduces stress," she says "If done properly, a face massage can also assist with reducing puffiness and give a temporary sculpting effect to the face." Caglia recommends prepping the skin with a lightweight face oil for slip and applying "gentle pressure in upwards and outwards directions".

While every skin type can use a face massage tool, deciding which one to invest in can be tricky – today, the options are plentiful.

One end of the spectrum is rooted in tradition. The ubiquitous jade roller – as well as its gua-sha sister – has beginnings in ancient Eastern medicine, used to cool skin, soothe overworked muscles and even shift energy blockages in the body. Caglia uses rose quartz in her own routine: "It's one of the most dense stones, so it stays cold on its own quite well," she says.

If you prefer something a little more high-tech, you're in luck too. Now, advanced technology is taking face massage tools to new heights, incorporating sonic vibrations, gold-plated metal and even toning microcurrents to stimulate both skin and muscle. Used consistently, these devices can lead to more pronounced cheekbones, a tighter jawline, and reduced wrinkles. In the case of vibrational tools, research has even indicated an increase in the skin's absorption of topical products, so you can maximise the benefits of your go-to treatment.

Daily use is encouraged for lasting effect and is an easy way to bring in extra pampering into your routine. The most important step when using a face tool is to ensure there's enough slip to avoid pulling and tugging at the skin. Lightweight face oils are excellent for mature or dry complexions while a thicker hydrating essence such as Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Serum Toner or a hyaluronic acid serum will work nicely on oily or combination skin types.

The best face massage tools, from traditional jade rollers to modern microcurrent devices

Nuface’s Trinity device is as close as you'll get to an in-clinic treatment. Powered by pain-free electrical microcurrent, the two rounded probes glide over the skin, (thanks to the accompanying conductive gel), working the muscles to result in firmer, more sculpted contours.

In Ayurveda, kansa metal - a blend of copper and tin - is said to offer better healing properties than gold or silver. Here, this massage tool helps to encourage better circulation hence boosting skin's natural glow. A lovely treat for tired eyes too.

The smaller, rounded tip on this mini roller is designed to feel comfortable in the smaller contours of your face, while the fresh-from-the-fridge stone will instantly cool and de-puff. Roll it upwards and outwards over a favourite serum to improve circulation and shift stagnant fluid.

RéVive's first massage tool is crafted from zamac - a type of alloy with aluminium, magnesium and copper - to enhance the cooling benefits. It features a dual-tipped head to better lift and sculpt the skin, boosting lymphatic drainage in the process. Even better, there's also a smaller roller at the opposite end, so you can effectively treat the delicate eye area.

If you're after supermodel structure over soporific strokes, it has to be the Facegym Pro. This cult microcurrent tool can be used all over the face to lift, sculpt and define every contour. Indeed, the results can be striking: have a scroll through the brand's before-and-afters for proof.

This perfectly smooth tool is shaped for a serious gua-sha massage: use the wide lengths to smooth and de-puff, and the double-pronged end to ease any tension.

Fans of Sarah Chapman’s treatments should snap this one up immediately – it’s designed to mimic the facialist's signature kneading massage technique. Simple yet effective (and surprisingly easy to use), the rotating massagers run up from the chin to the ears, aiding lymphatic drainage.

Teresa Tarmey's at-home tools are almost as in-demand as her lauded facial treatments. Made in the UK, this massager is plated in 24kt gold and vibrates to ensure optimum product penetration (use it over a serum) while boosting the lymph system for better circulation.

The Bear is Foreo's first microcurrent device, designed to make the skin-firming treatment an effortless feat. Boasting the brand's brilliantly user-friendly tech, it connects to the Foreo app on your phone, which then guides you through the sweeping massage movements. With five intensities, it's one to take you right through from beginner's level treatments to something more advanced.

Taking a different approach to facial massage, Dr. Maryam Zamani’s slender Tone & Lift tool is studded with small black obsidian stones that work to neutralise pollution particles left to linger on your complexion. With circulation boosted, facial contours come firmly back to the fore.