"My Face Looks Lifted After 5 Minutes": The 21 Skincare Tools With Big Results


If you've ever wondered which high-performing skincare toolsBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing beauty editors rave about in our group chat, you're in luck! The five of us have finally pulled together a list of our top contenders from our favorite beauty brands that have provided noticeable, long-lasting results worth of five-star reviews to help you land on the best tools. Whether you're a beauty novice just starting on your skincare journey without a tool in the toolbox, or have a growing collection of products for all of your skincare concerns and goals, there'll be something here for you.
Below, we're spilling our favorite micro-current, LED, cryotherapy, Gua Sha, and massage tools, helpful guidance from aestheticians Jillian Wright and Kristen May Lee, and hundreds of glowing five-star reviews from the happy customers who've gotten their hands on them (plus some tips and tricks for smart shopping habits).
The Best Skincare Tools, Listed
- Best Micro-Current Tool: Ziip Beauty Halo
- Best LED Tool: CurrentBody LED Light Therapy Face Mask: Series 2
- Best Gua Sha Tool: Retrouvé x Ställe Gua Sha
- Best Massage Tool: Joanna Czech The Facial Massager
- Best Cryotherapy Tool: The Skinny Confidential Hot Mess Ice Roller
Beauty Editor Kaitlin McLintock models Current Body's Series 2 LED Mask and Wilding Empress Wand.
Best LED Light Therapy Tools
Are you wondering if adding LED light therapy to your skincare routine will make a noticeable difference in its feel and appearance? We tapped NYC-based master aesthetician and educator Jillian Wright for everything to consider before making the investment. "I find that at home LED light therapy is very effective especially in between professional treatments. But regardless, including red and or blue light into your home care helps minimize premature aging," Wright explains. "It’s best done on clean skin. You can also use a water-based brightening serum or clarifying serum with the light . If you do get professional treatments, LED extends the life of your facial."
Onda Beauty Lead Aesthetician Kristin Lee echoes Wright's adoration for LED light therapy with her favorite tool being Monastery's The Deep Red LED Mask ($700) for at-home use. "My favorite thing about red LED is that increases ATP wherever it hits. This is this cellular energy helps collagen and elastin synthesis thrive," says Lee. "This mask is incredibly calming on the nervous system. After 20 minutes with it on my face, I’m a new person with a glowier complexion." Other forms of light therapy (such as blue light and green light therapy) aim to stimulate different skin concerns.
Customer Review: "This is my first LED mask, which I chose after a lot of market research. It is a very comfortable fit and light, moulds gently to your face and easily tightened with the straps. I have not used it often enough yet to provide photos but my skin definitely feels softer and looks brighter."
Product Details: red light therapy mask
Pros: uses three clinically proven wave lengths (red, near-infared, and deep near-infared) for smooth, plump skin
Cons: luxury price point
Customer Review: "I have been using this for a bit and find it is good quality. It fits comfortably and is adjustable. The cooling feature is nice (it even helped with a headache). I hope to see more.akin improvements as I use it more."
Product Details: MedSpa-inspired mask combining red, blue, and deep infrared light with interlocking tri-wick LEDs
Pros: combats fine lines and blemishes with patented iQLED Technology and InstaChill technology
Cons: feels somewhat heavy to wear
Customer Review: "I've been using the Omnilux LED mask for a few months now, and honestly, I’m really impressed. I use it mostly for anti-aging and to help calm breakouts, and I’ve noticed my skin looks smoother and more even-toned. It’s super easy to use—just 10 minutes a few times a week while I’m watching TV or even meditating. Definitely one of the best skincare purchases I’ve made!"
Product Details: light therapy (LED) technology mask
Pros: promotes healthier, younger-looking skin with no pain, side-effects, or downtime
Cons: challenging to move around while using
Customer Review: "I cannot believe how my skin feels after using this. It's so easy to use with no downtime, in fact I look forward to the days when I use CARA."
Product Details: facial tool combining EMS, LED light therapy, and radio frequency
Pros: boosts the skin’s natural repair functions and promotes healing from daily stressors for radiant results
Cons: luxury price point
Best Microcurrent Tools
If you were wondering which microccurent devices both aestheticians and beauty editors love, we've got you covered. Lee's favorite microccurent tool is the Ziip Beauty Halo. "Its gentle currents are relaxing and the app makes it a user friendly experience if you aren’t well versed in this technology," she says. They stimulate facial muscles and produce gentle contractions in them using low-voltage electric current to firm muscle tone. While they tend to work the best for people who've already established their skincare routines, they're generally tolerable for all skin types. However, it should be avoided for those who are pregnant or have electrical implants such as pacemakers.
Customer Review: "I’ve been using my ziip for about a month now and absolutely love it. It’s helping my eyes look more lifted and smoothing my marionette lines."
Product Details: nano current facial massaging device
Pros: supports collagen and elastin to address issues with laxity, breakouts, dryness, or wrinkles
Cons: does not deliver instant results—consistency is key
Customer Reviews: "I was surprised that this worked. I've only used it for about 30 days and I'm not sure what the effects will be if I stop using it but so far it seems to be doing what it claims! The attachment is easy to use!"
Product Details: smart facial toning device with an activator gel, activator cream, applicator brush, and charging tools
Pros: tones and smooths the face for a more lifted, contoured appearance in minutes
Cons: luxury price point
Customer Review: "Was pleasantly surprised by this device. I am loving how small and easy is is to travel with the device. It’s easy to use, straightforward instructions, and you can literally see the difference after just a few uses. I’d recommend to anyone who loves trying new skincare finds!"
Product Details: mini smart facial toning device with Hydrating Aqua Gel
Pros: targets muscles and skin for a smooth, lifted, and toned loos
Cons: none
Customer Review: "I received this product complimentary of Nuface and so far I am loving it. It has a great cooling effect, especially under the eyes. It's great for depuffing and lessening lines in the skin. 10/10 looking forward to trying more of their products!"
Product Details: microcurrent facial wand
Pros: uses precise, gentle microcurrent to depuff undereye bags, plump lips, and smooth lines
Cons: high price point
Customer Review: "Great face tool that helps people address various issues that they are experiencing with their face. The instructions are easy to follow, and the gadget is sure to be a hit amongst those who are into self-care."
Product Details: wand with three percussive attachments, a Microcurrent Ring, LED Light Therapy Ring, and Cleansing Ring
Pros: combines, microcurrent, LED light therapy, facial massage and cleansing
Cons: a bit of a learning curve for LED and microcurrent newcomers
Associate Beauty Editor Maya Thomas modeling NuFace's FIX MicroWand, Althea C·A·R·A Multi-Modal Tool Kit, and Cecily Braden Lymphatic Brush Set.
Best Gua Sha Tools
When it comes to promoting your skin's lymphatic drainage process, using the right tools can be a game changer for thoroughly detoxifying the skin, reducing swelling, enhancing circulation. In fact, Wright recently began incorporating facial cupping (an alternative therapy that uses suction cups to stimulate your skin and muscles) for lymphatic drainage in her custom facials. "I do this after the face massage as the face oil is still on the skin. It’s very easy and quick to do and will give you de-puffing benefits at home," she says.
Customer Review: n/a
Product Details: Gua Sha tool crafted from 100% stainless steel
Pros: sculpts, tones, and lifts the face while revitalizing the complexion
Cons: does not offer the mineral properties of 'traditional' Gua Sha tools
Customer Review: "Truly the best of the best when it comes to the jade Gua Shas out there. I’ve gone through many and this is the one I always reach for. [It's] great quality, very durable, and the stone is beautiful too!"
Product Details: Gua Sha tool handcrafted from 100% authentic jade
Pros: jade naturally cools and soothes the skin, reducing puffiness and tension
Cons: none
Customer Review: "I actually love this addition to my skincare routine, it’s a nice little massage and makes my products soak in deeper. My skin looks refreshed and glowy each morning when I’ve used this at night."
Product Details: Gua Sha tool crafted from 100% rose quartz stone
Pros: relieves tension while sculpting the facial structure for more defined cheekbones and jawline
Cons: very fragile—use with care
Best Massage Tools
If the goal for using skincare tools is to define features overtime, get your hands on a facial massager that can get the job done. Wright prefers using a facial roller (an easy-to-use tool that promotes circulation while targeting rid puffiness and rough skin textures) of as part of her well-rounded beauty routine. "Every morning with my coffee, I take the roller and roll it over my eyes and face which also helps with inflammation and deep puffing," says Wright. Other variations of facial massagers are more modern takes of Gua Sha, lymphatic drainage brushes, de-puffing wands.
Lee's favorite tool for lymphatic drainage with the help of a facial massage tool is Cecily Braden's Lymphatic Brush ($78). "It's revolutionary in the dry brush arena! It can be tricky to use, but when you get the technique down, it can really literally sweep away inflammation," says Lee. For individuals hoping to incorporate it into the rest of their skincare routine, she advises combining the Lymphatic Brush with a Gua Sha since, "the brush takes or the lymph and the stone tends to the fascia." The fascia is thin casing of connective tissue that surrounds and holds every organ, blood vessel, and more.
Customer Review: "I was hesitant to buy this one since I already have the Empress and Aura stones, but I’m so glad I did! I use this tool all the time to massage my neck muscles. The size is perfect for holding and being able to deliver a deep massage."
Product Details: Gua Sha-inspired tool crafted from Bian Stone
Pros: de-stresses the body and tones the jawline while promoting glow
Cons: none
Customer Review: "The most amazing tool ever! This combined with my Lyma laser is dreamy!"
Product Details: facial massager with two rollers
Pros: targets concerns of dull fatigued skin, lifting, firming, wrinkles and fine lines
Cons: high price point
Customer Review: n/a
Product Details: two lymphatic drainage brushes (large and small) with faux wood handles and poly fiber bristles
Pros: stimulates lymphatic drainage to address excess fluid of the face
Cons: none
Customer Review: "Finally pulled the trigger on buying this. Seems to reduce inflammation in my face and feels great if you put it in the fridge. Fun item to add a little self care time to your routine!"
Product Details: double-ended jade facial roller
Pros: gently massages the skin while supporting the lymphatic drainage system
Cons: none
Senior Beauty Editor Jamie Schneider with the Shark Cryoglow LED Face Mask and NuFace FIX MicroWand.
Best Cryotherapy Tools
Perhaps one of the most recognizable and widely distributed tools we've tested are cryotherapy tools (also popularly known as cold therapy). While the designs and price points of these tools range from drugstore price points to the high of luxury, they help reduce inflammation of the skin as well as offering many other internal and external health benefits. "Whether you had a salty meal the night before or after you’ve done some recent traveling, a cold or cryo-roller or stick gives amazing benefits to the skin if you wanna take it one step further try face, dunking and ice water followed by a firming mask or LED light," Wright says.
While it's not designed to be solely a cryotherapy tool, Lee favors The LYMA Laser ($2,695) for its effective cold laser infared technology. "If one has the time commitment of 15 mins a day to really utilize this, the results are unmatched," she says. The cold-grade laser smoothes the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, scars, pigmentation, and more for revitalizing effects to the complexion in just three minutes for all skin tones.
Customer Review: "The Rose Inc Glass. Globes are great quality and feel amazing on the skin any time but especially after you apply your skincare. Also very good if you have puffy eyes."
Product Details: two glass cooling facial massagers
Pros: supports lymphatic drainage by providing an instant cooling effect
Cons: crafted from glass (consider storing in protective box when not in use)
Customer Review: "So comfortable, so well made, so beautiful. Easy to clean and the best thing of all not breakable like glass globes I’ve had in the past. I bought a set for me then I bought a set for my daughter."
Product Details: two gold plated, freezable gel-filled wands
Pros: pairs well with the Angela Caglia Daily Botanical Serum to achieve deeper penetration of products
Cons: moderately priced
Customer Review: "This roller is so addicting! Feels amazing on the skin! I find the puffiness around my eyes is much reduced and my coloring is better on my face after using as well. This is by far my favorite product."
Product Details: cryotherapy-inspired roller
Pros: promotes a firmer, more radiant complexion with an instant cooling effect
Cons: none
Customer Review: "These massage sticks cool super fast! Even if you don’t place them in the fridge, they still feel wonderfully cool on the skin. Recommend 100%!"
Product Details: two stainless steel cooling massage sticks
Pros: designed to glide easily over the face and neck for a gentle massage
Cons: none
Customer Review: "I am obsessed with this ice roller. I use it every morning to wake me up and depuff my face, while drinking my cup of coffee. It is one of my favorite parts of the morning. Not to mention, the packaging and aesthetic of this ice roller is SO cute."
Product Details: cryotherapy-inspired roller
Pros: promotes lymphatic drainage while shrinking the size of pores for smoother-looking skin
Cons: moderately priced
Choosing a Skincare Tool
Now that you have beauty tool recommendations from three of our editors to give you a place to start while revamping your skincare journey, let's dive into some of the nitty gritty details. As you may have noticed, every skincare tool is made different and designed to target specific problem areas while working to enhance the best parts of your complexion. By using a skincare tool the right way, whether it's a facial roller created from natural stones or a high tech LED mask, the end result will be healthy skin. It should also be noted, however, that each tool takes consistency and dedication.
It's really easy to be on the lookout for instant results (believe me, we've all been there), but sticking with a routine while make the biggest difference in how your skin looks and feels. While landing on the right tool for the job can seem daunting, rest in the knowledge that they're supposed to make your skincare routine easier. While shopping for a skincare tool, consider what you want to get out of using it and why. Is your goal to consistently tone your face for defined cheekbones? Or, are you looking to support the lymphatic drainage system?
In addition to having seemingly endless options for skincare tools available on the market, there's also varying price points. If you've been on the hunt for a tool that can further supplement your skincare routine with the help of additional products (such as activator or cooling gel), consider snagging the quick-and-easy NuFace's Trinity+ Starter Kit ($395). If you, like me, are looking for a skincare tool that can be added to any routine night or day, perhaps your best match is one that can help you cut down on time such by reducing inflammation of the face like Skin Gym's CryoGel Roller ($18).
Our #1 In-Home Beauty Device
Out of all the in-home beauty treatments and tools we've experienced over the course of our careers, there are few that remain ingrained in our minds. ForBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's beauty team, Joanna Szech's Facial Massager ($189) that completely won us over. In addition to supporting lymphatic drainage, consistently adding this tool to your skincare promotes product absorption, combat dull, fatigued skin, and decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. If that weren't already enough it also soothes and invigorates the skin with its gentle rolling motion.
That's right—one of the simplest, low tech beauty tools on this list is our go-to at the moment. However, we've also been obsessed with NuFace's FIX Microwand for targeting fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness around the eyes, lips, and mouth. It's also the perfect size to tuck into your bag for on-the-go touches wherever we need (meaning, we can do our well-rounded skincare routine as we're heading out the door). It's that simple!
Maya Thomas isBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing 's Associate Beauty Editor based in New York City. Her strong love for all things beauty and fashion stems from a strong childhood interest in the fine arts. During a gap year spent in Paris studying the history of French fashion, she shifted her focus to English literature and journalism as a student at Loyola Marymount University with the goal of one day pursuing a career in fashion. After graduating in May 2021, Maya began freelancing for Parade.com as a contributing commerce writer while also building a following on her lifestyle blog, Itsmayalala.com. When she's not writing, Maya spends her free time catching up on reading, perusing art galleries, and enjoying a night out at the ballet every now and then.
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