Byrdie Editors' Favorite 11 Face Massagers for Sculpting and De-Stressing (2024)

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.

Our Top Picks

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.