Finding ways to mimic a facialist’s hands has stayed at the top of my skin-care priorities during this quarantine—my bathroom counter could practically be mistaken for an aesthetician’s workspace, littered with high-tech-looking tools my husband is afraid to touch. While much of the world stays home, D.I.Y. beauty routines have become the norm, meaning effective devices are all the more necessary. After testing out a series of hard-working facial tools that promise to lift, sculpt, and de-puff—including a kitchen-ready hack from It girl Irene Kim—I discovered that many were under $100.
Here are 10 of the best facial tools—no-brainer ways to get your skin in shape and impress your facialist upon your next visit.
1. Foreo Luna Play Plus
Designed to lift dirt, oil, and bacteria out from the skin, Foreo’s cleansing device gently removes impurities to reveal a healthy, glowing complexion—morning or night.
2. Skin Gym High-Frequency Wand
Reduce bacteria on the skin and eliminate zits with Skin Gym’s high-frequency wand. The facialist-approved device zaps stubborn pimples and helps prevent the formation of new ones.
3. Dr. Barbara Sturm Body Brush
To stimulate lymphatic drainage and increase circulation, consider adding a body brush into your pre-shower routine. The celebrity favorite aids in cellulite removal and exfoliation, just in time for the warmer months to come.
4. Herbivore Rose Quartz Gua Sha
The ancient Chinese art of Gua Sha, or “scraping,” stimulates circulation with a serious of upward strokes using a handheld quartz tool. Herbivore’s solution helps reduce fine lines and muscle tension in the face—which is perhaps more important now than ever.
5. Nurse Jamie Uplift Massage Roller
Nurse Jamie’s cult editor-approved facial roller is formulated with 24 massaging black tourmaline stones to lift and tighten skin. A-listers Hilary Duff and Jessica Alba regularly include its use as part of their morning skin-care rituals.
6. Beauty Bar 24-Karat Golden Pulse Facial Massager
This vibrating anti-bacterial facial tool helps to lift and smooth skin after a face oil or hydrating serum is applied—plus, it’s a steal at just $10.
7. Kitsch Facial Ice Roller
Made with late nights and early mornings in mind, Kitsch’s facial roller instantly cools down inflamed skin and de-puffs the under-eye area.
8. Miss de Gaspe Roll With It Skin Glow Cosmetic Tool
While in-office micro-needling procedures tend to warrant more effective results, at-home tools can also stimulate some collagen production. Miss de Gaspe’s roller features 192 titanium-grade micro-needles to minimize pore size, plump skin, and smooth overall texture.
9. WTHN Face Cupping Kit $50
Cupping tools are integral in draining excess fluid from the face—which is why they’re often used in facials. When used with an oil, WTHN’s mini set gently glides over the skin, increasing circulation and relaxing any super-tight spots, like the jaw.
10. reVive Light Therapy Acne
LED light therapy has long been proven to help with a variety of skin issues, including breakouts, by killing acne-causing bacteria on the skin. While most full masks are well over $100, Revive’s bacteria-killing handheld comes in at just under $50.