Jade rollers have become the beauty tool du jour. Yes, they are pretty, but do they work? An ancient Chinese beauty tool, a jade roller is a double-sided, paint-rolling gadget made to minimize fine lines and decrease facial puffiness and under-eye circles. It is renowned for its simplicity, which is probably why it has stood the test of time. Now popular among the Internet elite, beauty junkies and everyone in between, jade rollers have found new life on 21st-century Sephora shelves.
One end has a large, thick roller while the other end sports a smaller one for areas of the face that are harder to reach, like the skin around the eyes. A great alternative for applying serums and oils, the roller always should be used in an upward motion, moving away from the center of the face. Chilling the roller in the fridge or freezer before use is another way to help decrease puffiness and stimulate circulation. But is it really effective?
The scientific jury may be out on whether this tool lives up to its promise of making skin appear younger. A plethora of influencers from YouTube stars to Instagram models have bought into the trend and report varying results. Emily Schuman of Cupcakes and Cashmere says her eye roller helps decrease puffiness under her eyes and makes her look more awake. Marianna Hewitt of Life With Me wrote a recent blog post announcing that she is “obsessed” with her roller. Considering the sources, the reviews are enough to justify the $30 mini investment in a Herbivore jade roller. Plus, they’re aesthetically pleasing and add a nice touch to any beauty counter.
Like everything, the gadget does have its critics. Is it as effective as, say, Botox? Probably not. But the jade roller is definitely worth a try, if for no other reason than the cooling sensation you get after pulling it out of the freezer and gliding it across your face after a long, St. Louis summer day.