Face massage tools vary hugely in design, but they all share the same goals: boosting circulation, firming the skin, and helping reduce swelling. But it’s not one size fits all; picking the right tool depends largely on how you like to massage your face and the specific issues you want to target.
So, how do face massage tools actually work? Well, it’s all to do with lymphatic drainage. This is a gentle massage technique that helps stimulate the lymph system. It promotes fluid movement, reduces puffiness, and supports detoxification. This, in turn, promotes healthier-looking and -feeling skin.
When it comes to face massagers, there are designs that are better known than others. Popular picks include the flat stone gua sha, which is a Chinese massage tool designed to stimulate soft tissue circulation and increase blood flow. Other tools take the form of rollers, wands, and even vibrating facial massagers. They’re made from various materials, including amethyst, jade, and zinc, for additional wellbeing benefits.
But what makes each option unique? I’m here to help you find out, as I’ve been busy testing a range of options. So, whether you’re looking to firm up fine lines or indulge in some deep face-massage relaxation, keep reading to find the best facial massage tool for you.
How I tested
I sampled several facial massage tools over a month of testing and explored different techniques with each. I trialled massagers with simple instructions and video demonstrations to target three main things:
From rollerball massagers to gua sha stones and electronic devices, read on for my list of the best facial massage tools to buy across all price points.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Helen Wilson-Beevers is a trusted reviewer with years of experience in beauty. She’s written The Independent’s guides to the best eye creams, the best tinted moisturisers, and the best moisturisers for dry skin. Drawing on her expertise within the beauty realm, Helen knows what to look for when it comes to finding products that actually work.
The best face massage tools for 2025 are:
FaceGym weighted face ball
Best: Facial massage tool overall
Material: PVC
Why we love it
- Includes a tutorial
- Fun to use
This tactile face tool is like a mini gym ball that feels fun to hold and roll over skin, relieving stress at the same time. I scanned the included QR code to view a video tutorial that took me through a face, neck and shoulder massage technique. It’s designed for use on cleansed, dry skin before applying any products, so the massaging tool doesn’t slip.
I held the red 250g ball on my temples and rolled it over my skin in the palm of my hand. I then alternated between light and medium pressure levels, to lift and stretch the skin across the cheeks. I enjoyed rolling the ball over specific areas for a tension-releasing face massage that can also tighten and tone muscles with long-term use.
Buy now £35.00, Lookfantastic.com
Green People jade gua sha massage tool
Best: Budget facial massage tool
Material: Natural jade stone
Why we love it
- Simple to use
- Cooling
This mid-sized gua sha tool has two smooth curved edges and a scalloped one. It comes complete with an organic cotton pouch and imagery showing me how to move the tool from the inside of my face to the outside. I liked that it’s simple to use, and the facial massage involved is fuss-free. I tended to use it with serum or oil and varied how much pressure I applied, depending on the area of focus and how my face was feeling.
Affordably priced, this gua sha tool is nice and cooling, and I enjoyed pressing it against my face to soothe hot and bothered skin.
Buy now £15.50, Greenpeople.co.uk
Lumity natural green jade facial roller
Best: Facial massage tool for feeling refreshed
Material: Jade
Why we love it
- Dual-ended rolling for reaching different parts of the face
This double-ended roller comes in a cardboard presentation box for safekeeping, should you prefer to store it away between uses, and the reverse of the packaging includes directions for use across the entire face. There’s a natural jade handle and two different-sized jade rollers – I found the smaller one ideal for reaching the nose and under-eye areas.
I used the facial roller with face oil and saw my tired skin look noticeably refreshed. The cooling jade feels soothing and helps bring down any early morning face puffiness, too.
Buy now £25.00, Lumitylife.co.uk
Espa aventurine jade eye contour massage tool
Best: Facial massage tool for the eye area
Material: Aventurine jade
Why we love it
- Calming effect
Take note
- On the small side (but didn’t feel fiddly to handle)
Packaged in a handy small drawstring cotton bag, this mini jade massager is shaped a bit like a doorknob and has been designed to target pressure points. I found dabbing both ends onto my temples brought a calming feeling and helped relieve tension headaches, while rolling sideways across my cheekbones soothed that area. I used the tool with and without skincare products and, despite the small size, it didn’t feel at all fiddly to hold or handle.
Buy now £30.00, Lookfantastic.com
Brushworks face sculpting zinc roller
Best: Facial massage tool for a deep massage
Material: Zinc
Why we love it
- Ergonomic
- Cooling
This zinc tool has a handle and two rollerballs to deeply massage skin. It comes with an instruction leaflet, and I found the versatile massager works vigorously across every area of the face, including the jawline, eyebrow, forehead, cheeks and nose. Plus, the tool’s curved handle creates an ergonomic shape, which I noticed was comfortable to grip. The kneading motion left my skin looking brightened, too.
Because the face massager is made of zinc, it is already quite cold to the touch, but after being stored in the fridge, the chilliness was even more energising.
Buy now £19.74, Amazon.co.uk
Inlight Beauty amethyst gua sha
Best: Aesthetic facial massage tool
Material: Amethyst
Why we love it
- Fits nicely in the hand
- Easy to clean
This heart-shaped amethyst gua sha tool arrived in a cotton pouch, complete with a wellness ritual leaflet, including useful step-by-step instructions. The amethyst shading is strikingly attractive from an aesthetic point of view, and the smooth stone fitted neatly in the palm of my hand.
As directed, I took a quiet moment and held the tool flat, using each side to target different face areas. I noticed the shape enables gentle placement on pressure points, and my face did feel rejuvenated after use. It’s also easy to clean with soapy water.
Buy now £43.00, Inlightbeauty.co.uk
Foreo bear
Best: Luxury facial massager
Material: Silicone
Why we love it
- Treatments are just a few minutes long
Take note
- Expensive
To get started, I downloaded the Foreo app and created an account, which cleverly syncs with the device. The shape depicts a cute smiley face, and the mouth and eyes appear when it switches on. The bear ear spheres deliver a microcurrent, and I was able to choose the intensity before my massage. I applied serum first, as instructed, then selected one of the three treatment types – each is created for toning, firming or contouring skin and, handily, they’re only about two minutes long. As I moved the device around my face and followed the app instructions, I could feel a gentle buzzing. The tool glides over skin, hugging the face while it works.
Undoubtedly an investment buy, the massage sensation does feel suitably energising, and I liked the tailor-made touch of choosing different routines. The box includes a charger, case and stand.
Buy now £159.50, Amazon.co.uk
Ranavat kansa wand detoxifying facial massage tool
Best: Facial massage tool for relaxation
Material: Copper and tin, wooden handle
Why we love it
- Cooling
- Copper and tin wand is said to purify the skin
- Skin was left feeling toned and soothed
Kansa is a metal made from copper and tin and it’s associated with purifying the skin as part of ancient ayurvedic practices. The end of this wand is the kansa part, while its tapered handle is wooden and feels smooth to hold. I applied face oil before creating circular massage motions with the wand across my skin, after which I noticed a comforting coolness.
This tool is easy to use and will be a straightforward addition to any skincare routine, even if you only have five minutes to spare. I noticed how relaxed the massage tool left me feeling, and my skin seemed visibly more toned.
Buy now £70.00, Sephora.co.uk
Susanne Kaufmann obsidian face roller
Best: Facial massage tool for skincare absorption
Material: Obsidian stone
Why we love it
- Has a nice weight to it
- Premium appeal
This stylish black obsidian face roller has a wooden handle and is mounted in a steel frame that gives it a substantial weight for effectively massaging skin. The robust tool comes in a leather pouch with a silky lining that is luxurious and practical for storage. I noted the chic tool looks much like a piece you’d find in a premium spa, which is reflected in the high-end price.
I rolled it across my face after applying products and found they absorbed evenly and efficiently with the help of this massager. I saw hydrated skin that felt supple, too.
Although the obsidian face roller is currently out of stock, you can sign up to be notified once it becomes available again.
Buy now £230.00, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Your questions about face massage tools answered
What is the best face massage tool?
My overall favourite is FaceGym’s weighted face ball, thanks to its tactile massaging effect and easy-to-follow exercises. Meanwhile, Ranavat’s kansa wand detoxifying facial massage tool added welcome relaxation into my skincare routine. Finally, Green People’s jade gua sha massage tool is an affordable buy that I found cooling and soothing on my skin.
How to use a face massage tool
When using a face massage tool, start by applying a small amount of facial oil or moisturiser over your skin so the tool can glide easily. Gently roll or sweep it across your face in upward and outward motions, paying attention to your jawline, cheeks, and forehead. Each tool can be a little different, however, so be sure to follow the instructions that come with it for the best results.
Looking for more skincare recommendations? For smooth, hydrated skin, these are the best moisturisers to use with your facial roller
