SKIP or SHOP: The truth about face massage tools

If you’ve (stubbornly) avoided the trend for years now, you may be wondering if all the fuss is actually worth it. 

We’ll be the first to admit that we bought into the rage and keep one actively chilling in the fridge for hangover mornings. But for the sake of transparency, we also can’t remember the last time we took it out for a spin. Yes, they may feel amazing but how much do they actually live up to the claims of promoting lymphatic drainage, depuffing, and sculpting?

In the beauty industry, we commonly use these handy face massage tools to give our skin a quick boost of benefits like improving blood circulation, promoting collagen production, encouraging lymphatic drainage, and depuffing your face. The cold touch of the stone can also soothe inflammation in the skin. Plus, they can even enhance the absorption of your hardworking serums and moisturizers.

Face massage tools can give our skin a quick boost of benefits like promoting blood circulation, collagen production and depuffing your face.

It’s no longer just about massaging your face. What began as jade rollers has led to all sorts of related beauty products in the name of self-care, like cryotherapy globes and gua sha scrapers, which you can glide over skin. 

They offer so many perks: For instance, the cooling effect of ice globes help to reduce puffiness, as it causes the blood vessels to constrict. Face rollers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, which can dictate where and how they’re used on the face. Many face rollers come with one large barrel, making them great for use on the cheeks, forehead, and even on the body. Other skincare tools in this category come in flat surfaces to scrape skin, while balls and other attachments can double the massage action.

Whether you’re upgrading your skincare routine with massage perks or a more manual-minded gua sha, the best face massagers offer a slew of benefits you won’t find in a bottle. Scroll ahead to find out which one really works. 

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Jade facial roller

This jade face roller has been around for years—and has prompted a ton of copycats. One thing I noticed after using this was how much less tense my facial muscles felt after rolling. The effect didn’t last long, but it certainly felt good in the interim. The larger end is ideal for reducing facial tension in the cheeks and forehead, while the smaller side can tackle undereye puffiness and dark circles. 

Verdict: SHOP
Where to buy: Jade face roller and gua sha scraper

Cryo facial sticks

I love these cryo sticks especially after those nights of eating salty food or drinking! These tear-drop silhouette tools harness the power of cold temperatures to deliver a rejuvenating, facial-like experience. Pop them in the freezer, wake up, and fix tired under-eyes, minimize the look of pores, reduce puffiness all around, and soften the appearance of fine lines. To use it, gently glide both wands across your face, neck, and decollete using light, upward strokes. 

Verdict: SHOP
Where to buy: Cryo facial sticks in sterling

Rose quartz gua sha

If you’ve seen viral before-and-after gua sha routines on social media, then it’s hard to deny the transformative power of these little stones. There’s more to it than following a specific routine—it’s all in the stone and the ancient practice behind it.

I usually incorporate this in my morning routine. It feels nice when it glides along my face with facial oil, and I’ve noticed that it helps to depuff my eye area faster. While there aren’t any major long-term results, it may have helped alleviate congestion symptoms from a seasonal cold. Sometimes I’d wake up with pressure in my sinuses, but after using this, I would feel less pressure due to the lymphatic massage. 

Verdict: SHOP
Where to buy: Rose quartz gua sha

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