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The best face massagers are an easy way to level up your skin-care routine and give your precious serums, cleansers, and creams some well-deserved support. Even if you think your regimen is par excellence, it's worth making room for these tools, which can improve blood circulation, promote collagen production, encourage lymphatic drainage, and even help products absorb more deeply into your skin. And the options? Vast. Whether you opt for a high-tech microcurrent device or a more manual-minded gua sha (brought to you by thousands of years of traditional Chinese medicine), the best face massaging tools offer a slew of perks you won't find in a bottle. And anyway, what's not to like about an at-home facial situation?
Our Top Face Massagers
- Best Overall: TheraFace Pro, $420
- Best Manual: By Ava Gua Sha, $45
- Best Microcurrent: NuFace Trinity+, $395
- Best for Large Areas: Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand, $399
- Best Vibrating: Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar, $195
- Best with LED: Medicube Age-R Booster, $220
- Best Light Therapy: Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand, $169
- Best Gua Sha: Mount Lai Gua Sha, $30
- Best for Breakouts: Ziip Dot, $200
Ahead, get to know the best face massagers, complete with expert tips from board-certified dermatologists and a peek at what Allure editors are loving.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- When should I use a face massager?
- How should I choose a face massager?
- What's the best way to use a face massager?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Overall: TheraFace Pro
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Therabody
TheraFace Pro
Amazon
Nordstrom
TheraBody
Allure commerce contributor Jennifer Hussein using the Theraface Pro
Jennifer Hussein
Why it's worth it: Ever since you got a Theragun, the two of you have been inseparable. Now, it's time to spread the love to your face with the (drumroll, please) TheraFace Pro, which some TikTok users have referred to as a "Dyson Airwrap for your face." This Best of Beauty Award winner comes with several attachments—microcurrent, percussion, cleansing, and LED light therapy—blue light targeting acne, red light targeting fine lines all over, and red light plus-infrared for targeting fine lines specifically around your eyes. For an extra $99, you can grab a set of hot and cold ring attachments that soothe and depuff, respectively.
So how does it all work? "Microcurrent technology is a noninvasive therapy that sends out a low-voltage current that is similar to the natural electrical currents in the body," explained Zain Husain, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey. "The microcurrents stimulate energy production to drive the creation of collagen and elastin in the skin." Translation: It helps firm and lift over time (especially between in-office visits). The percussive attachment, designed to relax tense muscles, felt particularly good on tester Alexis Beneviste's jaw, which she tends to clench. And the cleansing attachment? It features soft silicone bristles to help your face wash really get in there for an extra-thorough cleanse.
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 from commerce contributor Jennifer Hussein
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“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. 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. I’m also prone to migraines, and the percussive attachment is a genuine godsend for moments when I need tension and pain relief.” —Jennifer Hussein, commerce contributor
More to know
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- Manual or electric: electric
- Material: plastic, rubber
- Attachments: 6 (3 percussive attachments, cleansing ring, LED light therapy ring, microcurrent ring)
- Who it’s for: people who want a versatile device
Best Manual: By Ava Gua Sha
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byAVA
Gua Sha
Amazon
byAVA
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel using the By Ava Gua Sha
Jessica Cruel
Why it's worth it: The By Ava Gua Sha’s obscure shape is not only ergonomic (your wrists will thank you later) but practical for massaging every nook and cranny. It features eight different divets and corners to snugly hug just about every angle along your face (and body!), providing a deeper, tension-releasing massage than most manual tools. Pair it with your favorite face or body oil for a smooth glide and a dose of skin-softening moisture to go along with your massage.
Tester feedback from Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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"Face massage is a personal favorite for two reasons. One: It provides instant depuffing effects. Two: It helps soothe my TMJ. This gua sha tool is unlike any other I've used. The wide opening in the center allows you to get a good grip. The corner nubs are perfect for digging into my masseter muscles. And I use the long sides to sculpt my cheeks and neck. After five minutes I can feel the fluid rushign away from my face and the flush bubbling up towards my skin." —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Manual or electric: manual
- Material: ceramic
- Attachments: none
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants a precise face and body massager
Best Microcurrent: NuFace Trinity+
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NuFACE
Trinity +
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Former Allure shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis using the Nuface Trinity+
Angela Trakoshis
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 trigger small contractions in your face, 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 from former shopping market editor Angela Trakoshis
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“If I'm working out my body, I should be working out my face, right? 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.” —Angela Trakoshis, former shopping market editor
More to know
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- Manual or electric: electric
- Material: stainless steel, plastic
- Attachments: 1
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants an intensive facial massage for a more lifted look.
Best for Large Areas: Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand
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Shani Darden
Facial Sculpting Wand
Amazon
Sephora
Revolve
Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai using the Shani Darden Facial Sculpting Wand
Deanna Pai
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 your face, 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 from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai
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“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. 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.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor
More to know
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- Manual or electric: electric
- Material: plastic
- Attachments: 2
- Who it’s for: people targeting tightness and muscle tension
Best Vibrating: Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar
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Jillian Dempsey
Gold Bar
Dermstore
Revolve
Credo Beauty
Allure commerce editor using the Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar
Why it's worth it: Considered the “OG of skin tools” by skin pros like Samantha Susca, a New York City-based esthetician, this luxe device is tiny in stature but mighty in its depuffing properties. The Jillian Dempsey Gold Bar is coated in 24-karat gold and vibrates up to 6,000 times per minute, stimulating blood circulation as it glides across the skin to reduce swelling and boost radiance. “The vibration therapy is very effective for draining fluid and stimulating collagen production,” Susca adds. Pair it with your favorite moisturizer for a smooth, tug-free glide.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“I'm not into astrology, but if there’s one thing I know about being a Taurus is that I love little (or big) luxuries. (My bank account has no comment.) Jillian Dempsey's Gold Bar is made out of 24-karat gold (!!!) so obviously I had to get my hands on it. I add a teensy bit of moisturizer before I glide it across my face—namely, from my jawline upwards towards my temples to debloat and help sculpt my nonexistent cheekbones, and from my jawline to underneath my chin. I also place it on my temples to melt away tension, too. So many uses!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Manual or electric: electric
- Material: 24K gold, aluminum, copper
- Attachments: none
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants a light, soothing massage
More face massage tools we love:
Best With LED: Medicube Age-R Booster Pro
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Medicube
Age-R Booster Pro
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why it's worth it: Microneedling without the needles? It’s not possible just yet, but the Medicube Age-R Booster Pro provides a great alternative for boosting product absorption. It features the works—LED lights, sonic vibrations, and mirocurrent—to target a multitude of concerns ranging from acne to fine lines, all without having to swap attachments. ”It utilizes vibration to simulate acupressure, which increases circulation and decreases puffiness of the face,” adds Sara Hogan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
Tester feedback from contributor Jenny Berg
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“Since there’s no need to use a special conductor gel with this tool, I used it on top of a simple hyaluronic acid serum and found it easy to activate with the push of a button. The tool has a built-in timer and audio cues to keep you posted as the minutes tick down, and the brand recommends using it for no longer than 10 minutes per session. (I started with five.) The tool really got my blood circulation going—as evidenced by my pink cheeks—and left me with a healthy-looking flush. It also made my skin smoother and overall tighter, especially on the forehead.” —Jenny Berg, contributor
More to know
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- Manual or electric: electric
- Material: surgical steel head
- Attachments: none
- Who it’s for: anyone who wants an all-in-one treatment
Best Light Therapy: Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand
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Solawave
4-in-1 Skincare Wand
Amazon
Nordstrom
Allure contributor Annie Blackman using the Solawave 4-in-1 Skincare Wand
Annie Blackman
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, attachment-free 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 from contributor Annie Blackman
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“Whipping out my Solawave is the fastest (and my favorite) way to feel like I'm doing something nice for my skin. 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. I can't say this has remarkably transformed my skin at large, but I've definitely noticed some depuffing. 'm trying to carve out more time to use it in the morning for that reason.” —Annie Blackman, contributor
More to know
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- Manual or electric: electric
- Material: aluminum alloy
- Attachments: none
- Who it’s for: people who want a compact option
Best Gua Sha: Mount Lai Gua Sha
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Mount Lai
Gua Sha
Amazon
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han using the Mount Lai Gua Sha
Sarah Han
Why it's worth it: If you've been online at any point in the past decade, 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 from Han
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“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.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Manual or electric: manual
- Material: multiple options (rose quartz, stainless steel, amethyst, black obsidian)
- Attachments: none
- Who it’s for: everyone
Best for Breakouts: Ziip Dot
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Ziip
Dot
Ziip
Why it's worth it: You’ve probably heard about microcurrent’s wrinkle-targeting abilities, but what about acne? Well, Allure Best of Beauty Award-winning brand Ziip is making a major case for the concept with the Dot, a circular device that surrounds breakouts with a combination of microcurrent and less-intensive nanocurrent. It combines the puff-reducing powers of the former with the latter's anti-inflammatory effects, similar to a high-frequency treatment. This mini device provides a streamlined, two-part treatment that targets acne in just 90 seconds, so you’ll always have time to use it. Just like its original microcurrent device, a conductor gel is crucial for using the Ziip Dot.
Tester feedback from Hussein
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“Lately, my skin has been taunting me with blemishes in a Whack-a-Mole fashion—as one fades, another immediately pops up. To combat this bout of adult acne, I’ve been bringing out the heavy artillery: exfoliant-forward masks, serums powered by vitamin C, and this little donut-shaped device. Its opening is wide enough to hover over the large cystic acne bumps that I’ve been getting, and each treatment lowers redness and swelling to a minimum. Its a literal zit zapper, so what’s there not to love?” —Jennifer Hussein, commerce contributor
More to know
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- Manual or electric: electric
- Material: metal
- Attachments: none
- Who it’s for: anyone targeting breakouts
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I use a face massager?
Your device will most likely come with instructions that will guide you on proper use, but as a rule, most face massagers should be used daily for the most effective results. “Use a face massager after cleansing and applying any light serum so that the massager can help the active ingredients penetrate deeper,” says Morgan Rabach, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. That said, stick to the usage guidance of the product you ultimately decide on, especially if you’re using a microcurrent device—as improper use can lead to skin irritation or redness.
How should I choose a face massager?
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.
What's the best way to use a face massager?
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.
Meet the experts
- 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
- Sara Hogan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Washington, D.C.
- 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
How we test and review products
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.
Our staff and testers
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.
