11 Best Face Massagers Your Routine Is Missing Right Now

Heads up: If you use the cleansing attachment, wash it between uses. When the device is not properly cleaned, "It can introduce bacteria and oil back into the skin," according to Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.

Tester feedback: "Sometimes, I feel like my skin is sagging like a Basset Hound, so I whip out the Theraface Pro when I need a temporary lift," says Allure commerce writer Jennifer Hussein. "The percussive massager feels so gentle on my skin, and its lifting massage also doubles as a soothing treatment on any tension-prone spots like my temples and jaw." Hussein notes that her favorite way to use the device is when she's suffering from a migraine, which happens around three to four times per month. On those days, she pops on the percussive attachments and works it on her face for five minutes at a time.

Material: plastic, rubber | Set includes: device, charger, 3 percussive attachments, cleansing ring, LED light therapy ring, microcurrent ring, conductive gel | Who it's for: people who want versatility

Best Microcurrent: NuFace Trinity+

Why it's worth it: Another Best of Beauty winner, the NuFace Trinity+ is what we like to refer to as the whole shebang. Complete with a facial toning device, Aqua Gel Activator, Silk Crème Activator and a charging dock, this beloved microcurrent tool works to sculpt and snatch every inch of your face. Unlike a typical massage gun, the Trinity+ functions like a personal trainer for your facial muscles rather than simply a tension reliever: As the microcurrents stimulate little contractions in your face, thus activating your muscles, your skin will feel and appear tighter and more toned. At-home microcurrent devices like this one won't replace in-office treatments, but they can help keep up that toned appearance between appointments, which is a major win in our books.

The Trinity+ features a built-in skin sensor that adjusts to your skin to deliver the right amount of microcurrent intensity, and the device is app-compatible so that you can track your progress with a selfie schedule. However, keep in mind that one tester who used them was put off by the mild (and completely normal) spasms she felt when using this.

Tester feedback: "If I'm working out my body, I should be working out my face, right?" marketing shopping editor Angela Trakoshis says. "I rely on the NuFace Trinity+ for a face-sculpting routine that helps temporarily lift and ease any inflammation. Like after a good workout, you may feel like you need a massage. Similarly, after your skin-care routine, your face might need one, too. Sure, it might not vibrate like a typical massage gun, but don't underestimate the power of a good microcurrent."

Material: stainless steel, plastic | Set includes: device, facial trainer attachment, Aqua Gel Activator, Silk Crème Activator, brush, charging cradle, and adaptor | Who it's for: people looking for an at-home facial experience

Best for Large Areas: Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand

Why it's worth it: Shani Darden's Facial Sculpting Wand uses acoustic sound waves to get under the skin's surface and work from the outside in. You can use it all over, focusing on areas that could use some tightening or line-softening. At a minimum, sculpt for two to five minutes, and max out at 10 minutes. Try this wand in conjunction with the included Shani Darden Hydra Prep Gel to help the tool glide more comfortably across the contours of the face.

You'll get two attachments: one to target smaller areas, like crow's feet and nasolabial lines, and one flat disc attachment for larger areas like the forehead, cheeks, and neck. Like any at-home skin-care device, it's critical to use this consistently to see (and maintain) results. That said, it doesn't deliver immediate payoff: We found that it took at least a month to see results—and is better for tackling puffiness and relieving tension than, say, replacing your injectables.

Tester feedback: "I don't love devices that get too zappy, which is why I appreciate this wand, which uses powerful (but not painful) vibrations to smooth and firm skin," says contributing editor Deanna Pai, who used it three times a week for a few minutes at a time after applying her moisturizer. "I used the large disc for my forehead and jawline but preferred to (lovingly) pummel my smile lines with the precision tip. While my skin did look a little more taut, the results were subtle. But I would use this for the tension relief alone."

Material: plastic | Set includes: device, flat attachment, precision attachment, Hydra Prep Gel, charger | Who it's for: people targeting tightness and muscle tension

Best Light Therapy: Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand

Why it's worth it: Life is all about the little luxuries—one of which is the Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand. This sleek, compact tool packs four types of therapy into one petite device: red light therapy, therapeutic warmth, galvanic current, and facial massage. The gentle vibrations help depuff and boost circulation, while the warmth (which maxes out at 107°F, a comfortable but noticeable 11° above body temperature) soothes and encourages lymphatic drainage. Galvanic currents enhance the absorption of your skin-care products, and red light therapy helps soften the appearance of fine lines over time. The wand lets off a buzz every three minutes to cue you to move on to the next area of your face so no nook feels left out.

In our testing, our only gripe was that we wished the edges were curved, which would make it easier to maneuver over the contours of the face. Solawave tells users to cap use at 30 minutes, but fear not, that's plenty of time; our tester found a sweet spot at 20 minutes per use, which was enough to see results without tiring her arm. Do keep in mind, though, that the battery life is around an hour, so you'll only get two uses per charge. Pair it with an oil-free serum for best results (and maximum glide).

Tester feedback: "Whipping out my Solawave is the fastest (and my favorite) way to feel like I'm doing something nice for my skin," says contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman. “My favorite part is the warmth of the red light—it makes for such a sweet final step in my routine and the perfect companion for watching The Daily Show.” Blackman, who has sometimes-normal, sometimes-combination skin, mostly wanted soothing out of this device, which she got. "I can't say this has remarkably transformed my skin at large, but I've definitely noticed some depuffing," she says. "I'm trying to carve out more time to use it in the morning for that reason."

Material: aluminum alloy | Set includes: wand, magnetic charging cable | Who it's for: people who want a compact option

Best Gua Sha: Mount Lai Gua Sha

Why it's worth it: If you've been online at any point in the past five years, you've probably seen (and been tempted by) a gua sha, a traditional Chinese medicine tool that's been used for thousands of years. Typically made from materials like jade, rose quartz, and stainless steel, gua shas promote lymphatic drainage and aid circulation, among other benefits. "Facial gua sha is a relatively new 'cosmetic' treatment derived from traditional gua sha," Sandra Chiu, a certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner based in Brooklyn previously told Allure. "It is a gentler, softer variation that improves blood circulation, releases excess muscle tension, and smooths fascia (a.k.a. the connective tissue that holds together muscle fibers, blood vessels, bones, and the like)," she adds.

Mount Lai's Best of Beauty-winning gua shas are offered in jade (pictured above), rose quartz, amethyst, black obsidian, and stainless steel. Whatever material you choose, consistency is key (aim for at least 3 to 4 days a week) to get the most out of this humble but mighty tool. Mount Lai offers a user guide on their website for how to get the most out of your gua sha, which is super helpful for beginners. Pair the tool with your skin-care product of choice to help it slide across your face, and enjoy the rejuvenating goodness.

Tester feedback: “Forget the bells and whistles—sometimes I just want to get back to the basics, which is when I reach for Mount Lai's gua shas," says commerce editor Sarah Han .How you use it is totally up to you but I gently glide (really, wiggle—I forget where I learned this technique from!) mine along my jawline (using the V-shaped side), and cheeks (using the longer curved side). It's important to apply a hydrating serum beforehand to reduce friction. I do really see immediate results in my jawline, even if they're temporary, and the manual-ness of it all is really satisfying—that is, when I have the energy and don't go straight to my fancier devices that do the work for me."

Material: jade | Set includes: gua sha tool | Who it's for: everyone

More facial massager tools we love:

Best Wand: Nurse Jamie Uplift Facial Massaging Beauty Roller

Why it's worth it: Nurse Jamie's finely-tuned Facial Massaging Roller has a wand-shaped, hexagonal design to reduce puffiness with every roll. Its unique shape allows for extra precise application and is easy to use with only one on/off button to kickstart the vibrations. You can use the flat side of the facial roller along wider areas of the face and the rounded tip for more contoured areas like the brow bones and jawline. The 24 stones embedded into the head of the wand are meant to stimulate blood flow and, simply put, feel really freaking good. Once you fall in love with the design, grab the built-for-body Uplift Body Sonic Massaging Beauty Roller (complete with a Y-shaped design and 48 embedded stones) for an all-over treatment.

Material: stainless steel | Set includes: roller tool | Who it's for: people looking for precision

Best for Cleansing: Foreo Luna 4

Why it's worth it: The Foreo Luna 4 is a pulsating facial cleansing device outfitted with soft silicone bristles that exfoliate your skin while tackling dirt and debris. Cooler yet, this tool comes in three versions, each with a different bristle thickness to accommodate various skin types. Pick up the Luna 4 in purple if you have sensitive skin, orange for balanced skin, and green for combination skin. Once you've found your perfect match, you can customize the pulsation modes and strengths to suit your needs. It's also USB-rechargeable and holds an impressive charge—up to 600 uses per plug-in. If you need a little help mastering this tool, Foreo offers video-guided massage tutorials on its accompanying Foreo For You app. No wonder this thing won a Best of Beauty Award.

Material: silicone | Set includes: device, charger, travel pouch | Who it's for: everyone

Best Manual Face Massager: Ranavat Kansa Wand

Why it's worth it: Made with a 100% teak wood handle and kansa, a blend of pH-balancing copper and tin, the Ranavat Kansa Wand aligns with the Ayurvedic tradition of Indian medicine, a holistic approach to wellness. The brand recommends massaging this tool into the skin a couple of times a week to calm inflammation and soften fine lines. The tool may leave a gray residue on your face as your serum oxidizes, but don't worry—this is normal, especially if your skin's pH balance is off. It can be swiped off easily and is a natural part of the eons-old process. But the coolest part? This wand is made in Rajasthan, India, and handcrafted by sixth-generation kansa artisans.

Material: teak wood, kansa (copper, tin) | Set includes: wand tool | Who it's for: people with redness, people interested in traditional Ayurvedic beauty

Best Cold Therapy: Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller

Why it’s worth it: The at-home cryo of the Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller is too good to be missed. Puffiness-crushing, chill-inducing (the good kind), circulation-spurring, pore-zapping, and perfectly pink, this chunky-handled roller is made of aluminum—meaning it gets cold fast and retains a low temp for a long while. Stow it in the fridge or freezer overnight for an AM pick-me-up, pop it back in before you start your work day, and use it again before bed as the last step in your routine for a soothing wind-down that helps lock in your skin care.

Material: aluminum, silicone | Set includes: roller tool | Who it’s for: people who want depuffing

Best for Necks: Glo24K Neck and Face LED Beauty Massager plus 24k Moisturizing Day Cream

Why it’s worth it: Glo24k’s Neck and Face LED Beauty Massager gives some love to the oft-forgotten neck. This contour-friendly tool is perfectly curved to tackle rounded areas which, yes, include your face, but also your nape. It uses heat and three kinds of LED light therapy that you can toggle between at the press of a button—each offering its own benefits. Blue light smoothes and tones textured skin, green light calms irritation, and red light softens signs of aging, like sagging and fine lines. When you shop this set, you’ll also get a jar of the brand’s 24k Moisturizing Day Cream, which primes and preps your skin to receive all that juicy light. The luxe formula features 24k gold (gasp), hyaluronic acid, and collagen to nourish, hydrate, and tighten. Massage a dollop across your face and neck before switching on the device to help it glide effortlessly and maximize absorption.

Material: plastic | Set includes: massager, charger, cream | Who it’s for: people with neck troubles

Frequently Asked Questions

When choosing a facial massager, Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut, advises looking for an option that offers multiple technologies in one device. "Popular combos are microcurrent and light therapies. Massage alone feels good and may impart the short-term benefit of toning some facial muscles, yet the combination is more effective," she tells Allure. Of course, consider your skin-care goals and budget. Some of the best face massagers cost a pretty penny, so do your research before hitting the checkout line.

While each face massager has specialized instructions, there are some standard rules. Dr. Gohara suggests using a face massager before bed. "At night, when the proverbial 'skin factory' is open, our skin cells are naturally regenerating themselves, so to get maximum benefit, a night massage is best," Dr. Gohara explains. "[Use a massager] before application of retinoids, peptides, and barrier repair creams," she adds.

David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, adds that while there is no one-size-fits-all method for using a face massager, you'll get the best results from something that fits your needs. "The best [face massagers] are the ones that you can easily hold in your hand and one that matches the facial shape and size," he advises.

• Marisa Garshick, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology based in New York City
• Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Connecticut
• Zain Husain, MD a board-certified dermatologist and founder of New Jersey Dermatology & Aesthetics Center
• David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City
• Sandra Chiu, a certified acupuncturist, herbalist, and traditional Chinese medicine practitioner based in Brooklyn

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We are particularly discerning when writing about skin-care devices. This is because of the increased risks and, in many cases, the high price points, that accompany at-home dermatological tools and devices.

Each device undergoes extensive testing and must be approved by a senior member of our beauty team prior to appearing in Allure. Additionally, our editorial team consults board-certified dermatologists and cosmetic chemists about the science behind product claims and independently reviews any studies cited by brands. Testers consider performance across four primary categories: efficacy, safety (including ease of use), research and the science behind specific claims, as well as product value. To learn more information on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.

A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.

After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we've solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it's never been tested on curls? We're proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

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• The Best Hair Dryers Allure Editors Have Ever Tried
• These LED Lamps Will Elevate Your Next At-Home Manicure
• Every LED Face Mask to Address Acne, Fine Lines, and More

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