The 11 Best Face Massagers Byrdie Editors Love for Sculpting and Depuffing

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The 11 Best Face Massagers Byrdie Editors Love for Sculpting and Depuffing

Your self-care moment is here.

In This Article

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In This Article

  • Top Picks
  • Reviews
  • What to Look For
  • How We Tested
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Meet Our Experts
  • Why Trust Byrdie
Three face massagers we recommend collaged on a neutral background, including Skin Gym, Jillian Dempsey, and Nurse JamieThree face massagers we recommend collaged on a neutral background, including Skin Gym, Jillian Dempsey, and Nurse Jamie

Byrdie

TL;DR

The Skin Gym Face Sculptor topped our list of face massagers for its practical, straightforward design that lifts and sculps. If you want to dip you toes in facial massage without spending a fortune, we recommend the Yeamon 2-in-1 Electric Facial Massager.

If you’ve been on TikTok lately, you’ve probably seen the 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. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Adeline Kikam doesn’t sugarcoat these tools’ potential benefits and drawbacks. The benefits range from increased circulation, reduced signs of aging, lymphatic drainage, and an overall sense of calm. However, she says different skin types and tones may see different results (some more noticeable than others) and side effects, including breakouts, redness, and more.

Face massagers for all skin types and concerns are categorized into two types: manual and electric. But how do you know which is best for your skin? After researching and testing the most popular, highest-rated massagers available, polling Byrdie staff, and consulting a dermatologist, we’ve compiled a list of all-stars so you can lift, sculpt, and release tension while scrolling TikTok. 

Top Picks

Best Overall:

Skin Gym Face Sculptor at Amazon$69

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Yeamon 2-in-1 Face Massager at Amazon$20

Jump to Review

Best Sculpting:

Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Gua Sha:

Face Gym MultiSculpt Contouring Tool at Facegym.com

Jump to Review

Best for Eyes:

Nurse Jamie Massaging Beauty Tool at Amazon$49

Jump to Review

Best Splurge:

Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand at Amazon$399

Jump to Review

Best Roller:

Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Face Roller at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Ayurvedic:

Ranavat Facial Massaging Tool at Amazon$70

Jump to Review

Best for Facial Tension:

Dehiya Warrior Stone at Dehiyabeauty.com

Jump to Review

Best for Travel:

NuFace Mini Starter Kit at Amazon$250

Jump to Review


Best Overall

Skin Gym Face Sculptor

Skin Gym Face SculptorSkin Gym Face Sculptor
Credit: Nordstrom
$69 at Amazon$69 at UltaView on Dermstore
What We Like
  • Mimics the effect of a professional massage

  • Leaves a radiant glow

  • Provides 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. But, we’re still giving it top honors for the amazing results and ability to reduce pain and tension.


Best Budget

Yeamon 2-in-1 Face Massager

Yeamon 2-in-1 Face MassagerYeamon 2-in-1 Face Massager
Credit: Yeamon Beauty

$20

$17 at AmazonView on WalmartView on Yeamonbeauty.com

What We Like
  • Affordable

  • 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 expels 6000 vibrations per minute to give your face a mini workout. Use it to minimize fine lines, wrinkles, and puffiness.

We think a sub $40 price for two beauty tools is a fab deal, but some users have complained that the 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.


Best Sculpting

Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar

Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting BarJillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar
Credit: Jillian Dempsey
View on AmazonView on Jilliandempsey.com
What We Like
  • Strong massage sculpts face

  • 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 instantly makes your skin look firmer and revived. Using it gave us an instant glow and chiseled cheekbones. 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.

a person using the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bara person using the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar

Byrdie

Jenna Igneri, Byrdie writer: “While the improvements in my under-eye zone were subtle, my cheeks and the area under my chin were more taut, and any puffiness in my lower cheeks had been pushed upwards to make my cheekbones more prominent.”


Best Gua Sha

Face Gym MultiSculpt Contouring Tool

Face Gym MultiSculptFace Gym MultiSculpt
Credit: Sephora
View on Facegym.com
What We Like
  • Has multiple edges to sculpt different parts of the face

  • Durable stainless steel

  • Cools on contact

What to Consider
  • Doesn’t glide as smooth as stone

Manual or Electric: Manual | Features: Stainless steel

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 stainless steel, which means it is naturally antibacterial, easy to clean, and less likely to break if you drop it compared to a stone. However, it doesn’t glide as smoothly as a stone, but using a face oil helps. Thanks to the tool’s different edges, it delivers different benefits to all parts of your face, from sculpting to lifting to depuffing.

Courtney, tester: “I love the edges on this tool—that’s what honestly sets it apart from the other gua shas and facial tools I’ve tried. Each divot serves a specified function. For example, the small curvature released pressure between my eyes while the cool metal depuffs and relaxes. I also used it to drain my sinuses and release sinus pressure when I was super congested.”


Best for Eyes

Nurse Jamie Massaging Beauty Tool

Nurse Jamie Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty ToolNurse Jamie Eyeonix Eye Massaging Beauty Tool
Credit: Dermstore
$49 at AmazonView on Nursejamie.com
What We Like
  • Gently revitalizes the sensitive eye area

  • High-frequency vibration

  • Compact design

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. But, we still think it’s a useful tool for those who experience frequent under-eye bags, dark circles, or fine lines and wrinkles. 


Best Splurge

Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand

Shani Darden Facial Sculpting WandShani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand
Credit: Shani Darden
$399 at Amazon$399 at SephoraView on Shanidarden.com
What We Like
  • Advanced technology that 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.

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. 


Best Roller

Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Face Roller

Herbivore Jade De-Puffing Face RollerHerbivore Jade De-Puffing Face Roller
Credit: Sephora
View on Amazon$32 at Revolve

$32

$8 at Kohls.com

What We Like
  • Depuffs and boosts circulation

  • Firms the skin’s appearance

  • Made with authentic jade

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.


Best Ayurvedic

Ranavat Facial Massaging Tool

Ranavat Kansa Wand Facial Massaging ToolRanavat Kansa Wand Facial Massaging Tool
Credit: Blue Mercury
$70 at Amazon$70 at SephoraView on Ranavat.com
What We Like
  • Massages energy points on the face

  • Softens appearance of fine lines

  • Balances skin’s pH

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. 


Best for Facial Tension

Dehiya Warrior Stone

Dehiya Warrior Stone Gua Sha ToolDehiya Warrior Stone Gua Sha Tool
Credit: Dehiya
View on Dehiyabeauty.com
What We Like
  • Pointed tip to reduce tension

  • 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. 


Best for Travel

NuFace Mini Starter Kit

NuFace Mini Starter KitNuFace Mini Starter Kit
Credit: Dermstore
$250 at AmazonView on DermstoreView on Mynuface.com
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

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, but 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.

A person holds up the NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit with Eye and Lip AttachmentA person holds up the NuFace Trinity+ Starter Kit with Eye and Lip Attachment

Byrdie

Victoria, tester: “It only took a few sessions to realize how much I really looked forward to the soothing massage along my cheekbones and TMJ-addled jaw. This alone ended up being the perfect carrot to lure me through a few weeks of daily use—when, while taking selfies for another story, I realized that my cheeks looked suspiciously high and sculpted; my nasolabial folds had all but disappeared.”


Best Set

Wildling Gua Sha

Wildling Empress CollectionWildling Empress Collection
Credit: Blue Mercury
View on Amazon$129 at Bluemercury.comView on Credo Beauty
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 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.”

How We Tested Face Massagers

a person holding the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bara person holding the Jillian Dempsey Gold Sculpting Bar

Byrdie

To find the best face massagers, we tested several at home and rating them on the following features:

  • Ease of Use: A face massager should be easy to use, otherwise you’ll likely never use it. For each product we tried, we rated how easy it was to use with the right technique.
  • Comfort: Likewise, a face massager should feel comfortable in the hand and provide a pleasant experience on the skin. We noted how well the massager glided on our skin without tugging and whether it made our face and skin feel better. We discarded any tools that irritated our skin.
  • Results: We looked for face massagers that noticeably improved our skin and feel, whether by depuffing, sculpting, and/or soothing inflammation. Based on the results, we deemed whether the device was worth the price.
  • Durability: If you are going to invest in a face massager, you want to make sure it will last a long time. We looked for tools that felt sturdy and durable enough not to break from being dropped from a bathroom counter. We also looked for tools that were easy to clean and keep hygienic.
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. 

Meet Our Experts

Byrdie interviewed the following expert for more information on how to select and use facial massagers:

  • 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.
  • Dr. Stacy M. Chimento, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in Bay Harbor Islands, FL, and is highly trained in general medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology. She reviewed this piece for accuracy.

Why Trust Byrdie

Daley Quinn is a contributing writer for Byrdie, where she covers all things beauty, health, and lifestyle. Quinn researched most (and has tested a few) of the bestselling face massagers 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. 

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Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-face-massagers-4775278


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