Beauty Tools You Need Right Now!
Although I’m not a huge makeup girl (love to buy it but don’t always get around to wearing it), I enjoy playing with new techniques and products, especially ones that help me look like effortlessly polished in the shortest amount of time possible. Here are my favorite go-to products for keeping my skin, nails and hair clean, healthy and great looking.
Wholesome Organic Raw Honey- This is a true skin miracle! For starters, it costs under $10.00 and lasts forever. You can find it in supermarkets such as Whole Foods and Sprouts, as well as many other retailers nationwide. My skin started to act up when I was still breastfeeding my son and there wasn’t much I could use topically for it. After much research, I decided that I had nothing to lose and tried this as a mask. I left it on each night for 30 minutes and the results were amazing (and fast)! The honey naturally combats bacteria and helps dry up excess oils, while also hydrating your skin…an added bonus is the granule texture that exfoliates as you rinse off.
Beauty Blender- I’ll be honest…I don’t use foundation. But tools like the beauty blender can be used for so much more. I love a good bronzer but sometimes, after I apply it, my face looks flakey (dry skin) or like I used a heavy hand. I simply dampen the beauty blender and use it to moisten my face and smooth things along. Much better than wiping it off with my hand or a tissue. Plus, it’s also great at cleaning up the rest of your makeup, especially eyeshadow which I can never quite get and always have to blend. Just make sure to wash and store it properly and it should last you a while. Insider tip: Makeup artists and the entertainment industry LOVE this tool! And now that it comes in black (so chic), original pink, or white for sensitive skin, it’s more versatile than ever.
Amore Pacific Moisturizer - I have combination skin and a lot of moisturizers either leave me high and dry or make it look like my face is sweating all day. I’ve been using Amore Pacific for years and still love it as much as the first day I bought it. I’m actually obsessed with the entire line…from the face wash and enzyme scrub to the mist and moisturizers. They have various levels of weight (lighter for summer and heavier for winter) and also offer specialized masks for problem skin. Although pricey, I hope using Amore Pacific keeps me from having to get Botox until I’m in my 40’s (a girl can dream). I always go to the same woman at Neiman Marcus and she lets me know when they’re having special promotions and gifts so I can plan my purchases accordingly, plus, she helps me with samples here and there to buy me time in between.
Beachwaver Plus- By far, one of the coolest tools to come along in years. I watched my best friend curl her entire head of long thick hair to perfection in 15 minutes. This is an awesome idea for date night or for your second (or third) day after a wash and blow dry, depending upon how lucky you are in that respect. I must admit that I do not yet own the Beachwaver Plus (like any good little shopper I’m waiting for a sale) but I hope to own one soon…and to perhaps dazzle you with a tutorial. The only negative reviews I’ve seen are that the product stops working, not that they didn’t like it. I suggest buying it from a store that stands behind their products and allows for exchanges if something breaks or malfunctions and most importantly, send in the warranty ASAP!
Oribe Texturizing Spray (dry shampoo)- I really love having my hair look polished and blown out but I don’t have the patience or energy to do it myself. So, when I finally do something nice with my hair, I want it to last. That’s where Oribe dry texturizing spray comes in. Not only does it take away any excess oil from my roots, but it adds lift and volume and smells absolutely incredible…the smell of it alone is worth it. I simply spray throughout my hairline and part, as well as under my hair and throw it in a clip. Then I do my makeup and get dressed. My last step is to let my hair down and shake it out. Always perfect. If you don’t want to splurge for the bottle, try a travel size. It lasts a while and is half the cost.
Deborah Lippman cuticle remover- I usually make time for a manicure every two weeks but, when that’s not possible or to maintain in between appointments, this is my go to. My mom always pleaded with me not to have my cuticles cut (she was always worried about the cleanliness of the salon’s tools and the boogie man and such) but I simply couldn’t help it. I love having a clean manicure and that means that the cuticles have to go. However, this product allows for both of us to be happy. I get a perfect mani (sans cuticles) and she doesn’t have to worry about my risk of infection. Little miracle worker…both of them!
