9 best face massage tools for smooth skin, tested by a beauty editor

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.