I initially published this post two years ago and it was one of my top performing posts – and products of the whole year. Even a year later I still get messages every week from someone who tells me how much they love this beauty tool, that it’s really helped their skin…. that their husband steals it, their kids play with it… and so on and so forth. That makes me so happy!
As I said last time, a lot of the skin care products I talk about here are quite expensive. I know this and I own this and I really do try to find great products at affordable price points (for more on that, refer to this post and also this beauty routine!!) My ice roller is something that delivers amazing benefits, works almost instantly (on ALL skin types) and also happens to be under $20. This post is my full review… updated after having had it for about a two and a half years now! Spoiler alert. I love it, I swear by it, it makes a huge difference to get glowing skin in just a few minutes.
There are a lot of ice rollers out there (I’ve seen them for as much as $50 – what!?!) but I love the Esarora Ice Roller. It’s $17.99. I keep mine in the freezer when I’m not using it so that it’s always ready to go. It comes with a stainless steel facial roller too but I personally prefer the gel and water ice version. I should note that the water/ice is encased in plastic so there is no mess or ice melting all over your face as you roll!
What does an ice roller do?
Honestly, what doesn’t it do?! It defines and contours your bone structure, boosts circulation and radiance, and reduces any puffiness or redness. Anytime something cold touches your skin, it constricts blood vessels – hence the decreases redness and tighter looking skin. The stimulation can alleviate muscle tension and really wake your skin up for a brighter appearance throughout the day!
ICE ROLLER BENEFITS
Less puffiness + a lifted effect.
This is the biggest thing for me. I like to use this first thing in the morning (especially if I’m low on sleep or have an early meeting) after completing my morning skincare. As I get older, even one glass of wine or a few french fries shows the next morning – my face can get so puffy! Similar to a gua sha tool, the ice roller can immediately de puff your face in a very visible way. You’ll see it in the photos below.
A more defined jaw line.
When I use it, I do my whole face, neck, and chest but really concentrate on my jaw. We’re talking the actual jaw bone, and then the skin above and below. It is CRAZY how much more defined my jaw line is after ice rolling, it truly does contour the face.
Less puffiness under your eyes.
You have to be careful (the under-eye area is so so delicate) but I always use this on my eye area – again, the depuffing benefits are so major.
Smaller looking pores.
It shrinks pores, temporarily! The cold temperature activates shrinkage, making pores look much less noticeable. Of course this effect is only temporary but it’s extremely noticeable.
Long Term Benefits Of Ice Rolling
With daily use you’ll likely see that your skin is firmer, less red (it’s great for sensitive skin), and breaking out less. Inflammation is one of the biggest causes of rosacea, acne, psoriasis and (the most important one!?) premature aging. Since the ice roller reduces inflammation, using it daily can help with these things.
Other situational benefits.
I am focusing more on the skincare benefits of ice rolling here but this little gadget is a multi-tasker! The cold therapy amazing for headaches. It’s also great for soothing sunburns because of its cooling effect. Same goes for sore muscles. And if you’ve had a brow wax (or waxed other areas of your body for that matter), it is very soothing and will help reduce redness.
So… Do Ice Rollers Really Work?
Yes, 100%. I will let the photos below speak. In fairness, I can’t speak to the long term benefits as I have only had mine a few months but the short term benefits are pretty amazing!
Ice Roller Before & After
Here are some (unfiltered iPhone) photos of my face before and after using the face roller. It’s pretty dramatic, no!? (The image on the left are before and the right is after) You can really notice a difference in my jaw area. My whole face shape changes and my eyes even look a bit more open.
How To Use An Ice Roller On Your Face
Do it in the morning.
The primary way I use my ice roller is to de puff and energize my skin. Remove from the freezer and roll it around the eyes, cheeks, and jaw line to reduce any puffiness. I think this is the perfect morning pairing to a nighttime rose quartz face roller.
Wash your face and apply your skincare routine.
This is the prep part – you want the ice roller to be the last thing you do.
Use upward strokes.
Concentrate on anywhere that’s puffy or bloated. Gently roll, and apply pressure as needed.
Roll for 5-10 minutes.
Honestly, even a couple minutes makes a difference but I think the sweet spot is definitely 5-10 minutes – the roller head stays cold for longer though so feel free to keep on going. You can use it on face and body. Treat it as a facial massager and use it while you watch the news!
For pimples + inflammation!
It’s amazing at soothing inflammation and bringing down redness because of the increased blood flow.
How to clean an ice roller
What product to use.
I recommend something that you would normally use to clean out makeup brushes – a soap that won’t irritate or dry out your skin. You’ll want to really lather up the soap before you scrub the ice roller. If you experience a build up of skincare products on the ice roller, you’ll want to use a cloth to get in those harder to reach spots.
How often to clean it.
This entirely depends on how frequently you use it, and the products you use it with (if any)! You can clean it after every use like me to help prevent product buildup and bacteria, or you can clean it after a few uses.
Proper storage.
First and foremost, make sure it is COMPLETELY dry before putting it back in the freezer for your next use! You’ll want to make sure you’re storing it in the freezer away from food or other products that could irritate your skin and clog your pores. I’ve even seen some recommendations for storing it in a reusable zip lock bag for added caution!
Get my favorite ice roller right this way. I feel pretty confident saying that it will be the best $18 you ever spend.
I really appreciate that you share so many beauty products you use! Your reviews are always so helpful. How do you think the ice roller compares to gua sha? 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
great q! I think the benefits are very very similar. gua sha is more of a massage (and more effort!) the ice roller can be done more lazily. I’d say that gua sha is better for lymphatic drainage and relaxation (it feels so good to do to your kin) whereas the ice roller is amazing for instant benefits!
This post definitely makes me want to buy one! I have really sensitive skin — what is the best way to clean the ice roller?
Just wipe it off afterward or rinse with soapy water! It’s covered in plastic so super easy to clean.
thanks for this review! Super helpful. For clarification, in between skincare and makeup or after makeup?
Oh 100% before makeup!!!!!!! It should be the last step in your skincare routine.
Thank you for sharing this. Great budget advice for a new Mom here.
Thank you!!! Hope you love it.
I’ve never given much thought to ice rollers but it’s definitely something I’d invest in. I notice I always look very puffy in the mornings and usually by the time I get out of the house my face has depuffed and is fine but whenever I need to get ready and start my makeup early I feel kind of self-conscious about the puffiness. I’m gonna look into that ice roller, thanks for the suggestion!
You should definitely try it – makes SUCH a difference!!
Okay I need one!
x Lisa | lisaautumn.com
You won’t regret it!!!!
Bargain beauty buy! Really appreciate the step by step process for newbies. Thanks Grace, it’s waiting in my cart now.
So glad to hear it. Enjoy!!!
Co-sign! This thing is the best. I have pretty nasty migraines and I can attest it help alleviates some of that pressure as well. It feels SO good, and makes a big difference overall. One of my fave purchases!
I’m so happy you agree!!!
Do you use both roller heads or just the ice roller? I can’t find your exact model on Amazon.ca.
Just the ice one!
I wouldn’t stress too much – they’re all pretty basic!
I hear ya! in my (very) late thirties and even just dreaming about salt shows on my face the next morning haha…. Thanks for the recommendation and will add this to my cart right now.
HAHA yes I am the same – even thinking about it! The saddest.
Just bought that ice roller! Cannot wait to see what happens!
(My level of excitement is, quite frankly, embarrassing.)
Thanks for the detailed review! One of the many reasons I keep coming back.
OMG yay – please come back and let me know what you think!!!!
*immediately orders ice roller*
I get migraines and headaches a lot, so I love that this is also a great product for them!
The Champagne Edit
YES! I have heard they are great for headaches!
Just ordered one1 Can’t wait to try it
YAY – hope you love!
Hi Grace! Thanks for sharing this affordable beauty tool. I’ve added it to my Amazon list. Do you use it on your neck? Is it an upward motion? Have you used the steel attachment also? Please do a short video on how to use and care for the roller. Pat S
Hi Grace! Thanks for sharing this affordable beauty tool. I’ve added it to my Amazon list. Do you use it on your neck? Is it an upward motion? Have you used the steel attachment also? Do you store the whole tool in the freezer or pop off the ice part? Please do a short video on the use and care of the roller. I love that it could help with my migraines or other pain relief as well as the beauty benefits. Pat S
Hi Pat,
Yes – I use it in an upward motion! I haven’t used the steel attachment yet. I keep the whole thing in the freezer!
I will try to do a video at some point!
I love this! I have a few rollers but I didn’t know ice rollers can help with inflammation. I had one question though. I use a tinted moisturizer for work during the week. I assume I shouldn’t use a roller after using that?
I look at tinted moisturizer as makeup – apply afterward!! 🙂
Omg, Grace! I bought the roller after seeing your review. I am on day #2, and I have noticed a difference in my undereye area and jawline. I look younger! (I am 40). The results are subtle, but still much better (and more immediate!) than the expensive creams I use. Thanks so much for recommending this. I am looking goooood this week. 😉
YESSS I am so happy to hear this! It’s such a life changing product!
This is the best thing ever! You fully influenced me and I couldn’t be more happy. I did have a quick question – how do you go about cleaning your roller and how often do you?
I am so glad to hear that!!!!
I just wipe mine with a damp cloth. It doesn’t really get dirty since I only use it on clean skin (no makeup!) but it does get a little oil on it as I use it after doing my skincare.
I just got one—and it feels like A FOAM ROLLER FOR YOUR FACE!!!
That is a perfect description!
Ice rollers are also amazing for hot flashes and night sweats. 🙂 Thank you from one of your over 50 readers
Ah that’s amazing to hear!!! So many great uses!
I’m so glad you shared this blog post again, bc I’ve seen these advertised everywhere, but I trust your opinion! Ordered it yesterday and was delivered today. Can’t wait to give it a try to kick of Monday morning. Thanks again for the thorough review!
Oh good! I hope you love it as much as I do; it’s such a great little gadget!
Do you ever travel with yours? Wondering if I could carry it on with me!
No! I guess you could but most hotels I stay at don’t have freezers – it needs to be cold to work. I do travel with a jade roller for the plane!
I’ve also had an ice roller for over a year and a half and meant to use it. Do you store the ice roller in anything in the freezer? For instance, wrapped in plastic wrap? Thanks1
No but you totally could! My freezer isn’t overcrowded or very messy; if it were i’d probably reconsider!
Hi!! Where did you find those amazing vertical wall bookshelves?! I’m in love!! And I’m ordering the ice roller now!!
Thank you!
E
Hi! Here’s a link! https://shopstyle.it/l/bfHLT
I just got one of these and am so obsessed! It feels so amazing in the morning! It really wakes up my skin.
It is the absolute BEST for that!!!!
Somehow, I’ve gifted an ice roller to every relative and friend but don’t have my own. haha
The before/after photos definitely made me realize I need this in my routine!
-Kara
https://thebeautyminimalist.com
It’s the best little gadget!
Hi Grace! I hope your move is going well! Charleston is such a gorgeous place! I have wanted to try an ice roller forever and finally purchased one last week. I have a logistical question 🙂 Logistically (based on my morning schedule and the fact that my bedroom is on the third floor of our house), it would be so much easier to roll when I am downstairs getting my kids breakfast but before I shower/ skin care etc. Would it be ok to roll before skin care? Thank you!!
i’m not sure, but i feel like it should be fine!!
Hi!
Thank you for this really thoughtful and thorough review! I’m a recent rosacea sufferer (my skin started to get angry around 40, I’m now 41) and am DESPERATE for homeopathic ways to calm my skin. This ice roller has been a godsend. I use it every morning and will use it throughout the day if I feel flush and tingly. It really has helped reduce redness and the swelling on my cheeks during flair-ups.
Hi! I came across this post from your weekend reading. One question – in your opinion, what’s the difference between this and a chilled jade roller or similar? Is one more effective than the other? Different effects?
They are pretty similar. I would say this stays colder as it’s solid ice, but a cold jade roller would yield similar results.
I’ve been thinking about using an ice roller and your comments convinced me to give it try. Ordered and waiting for delivery…..
Thanks!