Are you using the right face massager? Here’s how you can pick the one that delivers the results that you want

Amidst the uncertain, tumultuous time that we’re currently living in, the demand for face massagers has soared  – in fact, Daily Vanity has observed a sudden burst of renewed interest in facial rollers (also known as face massagers), particularly during the Circuit Breaker period that took place last year when facial salons were closed and there was a heightened emphasis on self-care.

But when you’re bombarded by images of face massagers everywhere on social media, it can be difficult to cut through the clutter to find the right one to suit your needs. Don’t give up just yet, because DV is here to help! Before finding out what’s the best facial roller for your skin, you need to first know what are the benefits of incorporating a face massager into your daily routine.

What can a face massager do for your skin?

Fun fact: In the last five years, the facial roller category has skyrocketed to a new level of popularity – according to Pinterest, searches for these beauty tools went up by 345% in the year 2017 alone.

Why is the beauty roller so sought-after? One of the main reasons is that incorporating a facial massage tool into your regular beauty routine might just be the fast-track to flawless skin – and thanks to its widespread availability now, you don’t even need to be a professional to own one.

Generally speaking, using a tool to massage your face can alleviate tension in overworked muscles, which not only feels heavenly but can also tone and lift your complexion.

By kicking your lymph system into gear, a facial roller can drain toxins and loosen blockages when you work in frequent massage sessions into your skincare routine, as you’ll see cumulative results with regular use. As it helps boost the supply of vital nutrients and oxygen to your skin, the tool will not only brighten, tighten, and reduce puffiness but also help those long-lost cheekbones to soon reappear, higher and sharper than ever.

Additionally, using a facial roller will help aid absorption of all those lovingly applied serums and creams, ensuring you see optimal benefits from your skincare products and reap that immediate, fresh glow that you have always craved for. Plus, it’s packed with stress-busting power – and honestly, we all need a little of that right now.

Which type of face massager is the right one for me?

The type of face massagers you’d typically see are made of crystals such as jade, rose quartz, tourmaline, and amethyst. Another type of massage rollers that you would’ve probably heard of or come across is the range of platinum-clad gadgets by a Japanese beauty device brand called ReFa.

Founded in 2009, ReFa offers an assortment of face massagers that are carefully designed not just to feel good on the skin but also perfectly fit every contour and uneven surface of the skin, providing the optimum amount of pressure with each use.

Besides, all of ReFa’s facial rollers are equipped with a discreet solar panel that captures sunlight or artificial light to generate a soothing microcurrent that works to increase cellular activity and tighten your facial muscles for a natural lift. Oh, did we mention that they are all waterproof too?

But with more than 10 facial rollers to choose from, which one should you pick? Lucky for you, DV has done the legwork by comparing three of the brand’s bestsellers, namely ReFa CARAT RAY, ReFa CAXA RAY, and ReFa S CARAT RAY.

Read on to find out which is the best one that meets your needs, plus my first impressions of each of the devices!

For face and body use: ReFa CARAT RAY

This multi-angular roller is the upgraded version of the debut ReFa CARAT device, generating more microcurrent than the original version with an extra-large solar panel embedded in the handle.

The streamlined form not only fits perfectly in your hand but is also designed to mimic professional kneading motions to help tighten and tone your skin as you grip and glide the device across your face.

With regular use, you can expect to see less visible puffiness and a rejuvenated visage that is firmer and more contoured. Thanks to its large, easy-to-grip design, the ReFa CARAT RAY (S$380) is suitable for use on the cheeks, jawline, neck, underarms, waist, and even the inner thighs.

DV’s review: Being a beauty roller newbie, I experienced a combination of emotions when I got the chance to review this device. I was excited to try it but was slightly concerned about the size of the device. Was it going to hurt my skin? Will it fit my face contours, I wonder?

Gliding it through my jawline for the first time, all my worries were put to rest because it fitted like a glove and needed very little pressure to move it across my skin after applying my choice of serum or moisturiser beforehand for that additional slip.

With its platinum coating, the ReFa CARAT RAY looked and felt luxurious when I first laid my eyes on it and held it in my hand but it did not feel heavy at all as I used it on my face, neck, and arms daily. I especially looked forward to using it every night as it genuinely helps me to relax and de-stress before bedtime.

For a sharper-looking visage: ReFa CAXA RAY

Like your in-salon gua sha facial and want to replicate it in the comfort of your home? Then, look no further than the ReFa CAXA RAY (S$350).

With its combination of micro-rollers and CAXA lines (made up of the Seagull Line and Crescent Line) designed to scoop and knead your skin from every angle, this contouring tool helps to visibly reduce puffiness and distortion of the muscular system of the face (known as the superficial muscular aponeurotic system, or SMAS) for sharper-looking features.

By scooping the skin, the unique CAXA design replicates the friction technique used by skilled estheticians in the salon, as they grip the face from a wider angle to target the connective tissues in the treated area.

What’s more, the CAXA RAY is also equipped with two mini rollers on one end for you to knead around the eye area and forehead. As the ReFa CAXA RAY offers maximum lifting and contouring benefits, it is best used on the cheeks, forehead, jawline, neck, and décolletage.

DV’s review: I recently reviewed a gua sha facial, and was so pleased with the contouring results I got out of the session that I wanted to maintain it at home. To do so, I brought out the ReFa CAXA RAY and put it to the test. After trying the CARAT RAY for the first time and thoroughly enjoying the process, I was stoked to try on the CAXA RAY.

With a wide yet slim design, it fitted in my palm perfectly and was also able to glide on each treated area without any issues at all. I especially liked kneading my eye area and forehead with the micro-rollers to relieve tension after a long day.

For ageing concerns around the eyes and mouth: ReFa S CARAT RAY

With its push-point tip and petite size, the ReFa S CARAT RAY (S$300) is specifically designed to help visibly tighten and rejuvenate the skin around the eyes and mouth that tends to slacken with age.

Its compact roller design carefully replicates a professional’s gentle point kneading technique that’s usually performed using the fingertips, with the complementary push-point tip at the other end of the device to deliver even more precise care to the delicate eye and lip area.

Apart from firming and contouring the eye and lip area, the ReFa S CARAT RAY can also be used on the jawline, forehead, and cheeks as well.

DV’s review: With a much smaller and lighter design, it was a lot easier massaging my eyes as well as my laugh lines using the ReFa S CARAT RAY. I had to get used to adjusting my pressure for the first few times of using this compact tool, but after that, using it was a breeze, even in the mornings when I’m getting ready for work!

Although I had to add another five minutes to my routine every morning with the massage session, I actually don’t regret not being able to snooze for an additional five minutes because the gentle massage helped me kick start my day on a calm, positive note.

To save time in the morning, I used the ReFa S CARAT RAY for my entire face instead of alternating between it and the CARAT RAY but encountered no issues using it that way. The rollers were definitely much smaller than the CARAT RAY so to avoid irritating my skin, I lessened my pressure when using it along the jawline.

Final thoughts on the ReFa beauty rollers

Although more costly than other beauty rollers in the market, I find that ReFa’s beauty rollers are definitely worth the investment after personally reviewing them for a week.

Even in that short amount of time, I noticed a change in my appearance – it gradually became more radiant, rejuvenated, and slightly lifted around the jawline and cheeks, which is why I believe I would certainly yield even better results if I continue to use the beauty rollers in my daily routine.

Plus, they are all made with a waterproof body which means you easily use them in the shower if you like! With a streamlined design, you can even bring your favourite ReFa roller on the go with you to give yourself a mid-day massage session if needed.

One look at the platinum-coated gizmos and you’ll know these devices will add a touch of luxury to your daily routine. What you may not know is that the brand heavily invests in the process of fine-tuning the angles of its facial rollers – to a hundredth of a millimetre to be exact – and testing the results over and over again until the R&D team gets it right, so that the products will not cause subtle irritation in the long run.

Backed by Japanese innovation and meticulous dedication to product design, it’s no surprise that ReFa’s beauty rollers have been well-loved by celebrities, influencers, and beauty insiders all around the world since its introduction.

And with such a luxurious design, I definitely think it makes for a wonderful Mother’s Day gift to surprise your beloved mother with – because who wouldn’t want to have a pampering facial at home every day?

This article is brought to you by ReFa.