These Underrated Tools Will Trick People Into Thinking You Have Weekly Facials
One beauty editor shares her favourite facial massagers for instant results.
Who actually has the time to get regular facials? I'd love to be the sort of person who books in at least once a month, but I never get around to it. Not to mention it would probably cost me a fortune. That being said, I love a little at-home facial using my favourite cleansers, face masks, moisturisers and skincare tools, and this is where my facial massagers really come into play. I feel like these days, everyone talks about LED masks, but I think facial massagers are so underrated.
If you have tried one of the best facials, you'll probably notice your facialist uses all kinds of massage devices on you, and for good reason. These tools deliver a range of different benefits, and I swear by them for a glowy, sculpted look in seconds. Below, I've rounded up my favourite facial massagers and even spoke to an expert to learn more about the tools.
I've been testing some of the best facial massagers on the market.
What Is a Facial Massager and What Can It Do?
Facial massagers come in all different forms, but lots of them deliver similar results. "A facial massager is a precision tool that delivers the transformative benefits of a professional facial massage, reducing tension, stimulating lymphatic drainage and boosting circulation—bringing the results of a clinic treatment into your daily routine at home," explains Alexandra Hughes, assistant clinic manager and dermal therapist at Sarah Chapman.
How to Incorporate a Facial Massager Into Your Skincare Routine
Each tool will come with its own set of instructions, but it's usually best to apply your go-to serum or moisturiser before using a facial massager so it doesn't pull or drag on the skin. However, more on that, and my favourite facial massagers, below.
The Best Facial Massagers, Tried & Tested
- Best Overall: Sarah Chapman Skinesis The Facialift, £38
- Best for Depuffing: ESPA Cryotherapy Globes, £55
- Best for Relieving Tension: FaceGym Weighted Ball Tension Release Tool, £35
- Best for Lymphatic Drainage: Sisley Gingko Gua Sha, £118
- Best Microcurrent Massager: Foreo BEAR™, £319
1. Sarah Chapman Skinesis The Facialift
Pros
- Great for de-puffing the face
- Really feels comparable to an in-salon facial experience
Cons
- Can cause a little bit of redness straight after using (but this quickly goes down)
First up is my all-time favourite tool for delivering a more sculpted appearance. The Facialift has been designed to mimic the tapping, pinching and knuckling movements of Sarah Chapman's signature technique and works to firm and lift the skin, reduce puffiness, release tension and add radiance. You can use it in the morning or evening, but I tend to reach for it in the morning as this is when my skin looks the most puffy. I will admit, it's one of the more aggressive facial tools I own, and the pinching sensation can take a little while to get used to, but because of this, it also delivers pretty instant results. Of course, I see the most difference when I use it consistently over time, but for a quick at-home facial, it never lets me down. You can use it on dry skin, but I prefer to pair it with my cleanser or serum for more slip.
2. ESPA Cryotherapy Globes
Pros
- Really refreshing
- Easy to use
Cons
- The cooling sensation can be a shock at first
Onto a slightly different one. Cryotherapy globes are amazing at delivering a cooling sensation to the skin, and this refreshing massage tool can help to reduce puffiness and ease tension. Whenever I've had a late night or a bad night's sleep, these are my favourite things to reach for in the morning. Not only do they feel incredibly refreshing (you can pop them in the freezer half an hour before using), but they are so easy to use, and instantly make me look more awake. Plus, this exact tool comes with a handy booklet with lots of instructions on how to use the globes depending on your desired result.
3. FaceGym Weighted Ball Tension Release Tool
I used to use this tool all the time, but sadly lost it in multiple house moves. However, it still makes my list as one of the best facial massagers. It's a weighted ball that you roll over the skin (there is actually a technique to this, and the brand has an exclusive tension release method you can follow), and the pressure helps relieve muscle tension. In my experience, it's not the kind of tool where you see a noticeable difference, but it's the kind of tool where you feel it instead.
Pros
- Feels incredible on the skin
- More affordable
Cons
- Can take a little while to get the hang of
- Might not see immediate results
4. Sisley Gingko Gua Sha
Pros
- Reduces puffiness
- Helps to relieve tension
Cons
- This particular tool is expensive, but there are more affordable tools on the market
Rooted in history, gua sha tools are part of an ancient Chinese healing technique that can promote a sculpted, glowing complexion. I'm personally a big fan, and this ultra chic gua sha from Sisley is my favourite tool at the moment. Not only does it look great, but the shape is inspired by the Ginkgo Biloba leaf and has been designed to perfectly fit the contours of your face. You'll want to use this after applying a serum or facial oil, so that it glides along the skin and delivers the best results possible. I love using it at night as the whole ritual feels so relaxing, and it can really help alleviate tension and reduce inflammation.
5. Foreo BEAR™
If you're looking for a microcurrent device, you can't go wrong with the Foreo Bear. While microcurrent devices aren't your typical massage tool, NHS GP doctor and medical educator Dr Raj Arora tells me that facial massagers can also utilise low-level electrical currents to stimulate the facial muscles and skin. "These devices are designed to be simple, effective and user-friendly for home use to 'work out' the muscles you are targeting and increase Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP). ATP is a molecule that acts as the cellular energy our body uses in its daily operations. As we age, the production of ATP in our cells declines, which contributes to a breakdown of collagen and elastin. These tools are proven to remarkably increase ATP concentrations in the tissue, which in turn may help to lift and tighten the skin."
I particularly like this Foreo one as it comes with an app so that you can follow along, it features five intensities of microcurrent technology and I always feel like my whole face looks a lot more lifted after using it in the mornings.
Pros
- The app guides you through each treatment
- Lifts and tones the skin
Cons
- More expensive than your typical facial massager
- Have to purchase the conductive gel to use with the device
6. Ziip Beauty Halo 2.0
Pros
- Feels like a salon-worthy facial at home
- The app guides you through each treatment
Cons
- Have to purchase the conductive gel to use with the device
Another device I absolutely love is the Ziip Beauty Halo 2.0. This is my go-to when I really want to feel like I'm having a salon-worthy facial at home. This tool combines microcurrent and nanocurrent technology to lift and tone the skin, while also encouraging skin cell renewal. It connects to an app where you can choose from a range of facial options and plans, and it guides you through the entire treatment. Not only am I a fan of how easy it is to use, but I always feel like my skin looks more rejuvenated when I use this consistently, and the small size makes it great for travelling, so I don't fall off my skincare routine when I am away.
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