Suddenly everyone's talking about this beauty tool and finally we want one

You've likely heard of them or seen them mentioned in magazine or online. But we've noticed that quite suddenly, everyone is talking about the jade roller - and we want one.

It's an ancient Chinese anti-ageing technique, but it all seemed a little Goop-y for me until I started counting up the rave reviews. OK, so it definitely looks like something Gwyneth would have in her bathroom cabinet and something she might suggest putting somewhere that's, eh, not your face, but according to beauty writers worldwide, the jade roller is a beauty essential.

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It's a facial massage you can do all by yourself - with a smidge of crystal energy included for good measure. According to the Chinese tradition, jade draws out 'negative chi', but it's really the physical effects we're curious about.

jade roller

It's basically a rolling pin for your face, so you can guess how it works. Just roll it around and let it increase blood circulation and help with lymphatic drainage, two things that naturally help 'youth-ify' the face by causing plumping which in turn diminishes the appearance of fine lines. It also prepares your skin for product and helps the ingredients soak better and deeper.

Like a masseuse would pummel a knot out of your back, this can help smooth knots in the hardworking facial muscles, the cause of wrinkles and fine lines. Experts recommend you chill it (ie, keep it in the fridge) and use it after your favourite serum, to really make sure that potent product works its magic. Using it cold helps lessen eye puffiness and it brightens the face, too, so it's not only a daily essential, it's a must-have for after a night on the tiles.

I have a the Oils of Life Twin-Ball facial massager from the Body Shop that promises the same results: improved blood circulation and skin tone; increased skin elasticity; reduction in puffiness and wrinkles. To me, it makes sense to give your face a workout and smooth out tension; it actually helped me stop frowning as much as it drew attention to how 'stressed' I was in that area. However, it says nothing about those metal balls helping with my negative energy and jade is such a pretty colour...

You can get rollers on eBay for as little as €3 but do your research. Many of the cheap ones are not made with real jade. And if it's not real jade, what's the point? The Yu Ling rollers are popular - you can get one on Cult Beauty for £22 (they deliver to Ireland).

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