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You'll wonder how you lived without them!
Britt Fallon
Therabody / Real Techniques
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The market is flooded with beauty tools making big claims, and yes, there are many you don’t need. But, our editors have tried just about everything over the years, and some tools are more than worth it. Plus, the holiday season is around the corner, and these picks would make incredible stocking stuffers. Here, we share the top beauty tools you didn’t know you needed that deserve a coveted spot on your vanity or in your makeup bag.
1 / 8
A Heated Lash Curler
One We Like: Grande Cosmetics LASH-LIFT Heated Lash Curler ($39)
Why You Need It: Traditional, manual lash curlers work just fine most of the time, but sometimes they accidentally pluck out a lash or pinch your skin. And, you have to replace the silicone pads that wear over time (usually every six months). This rechargeable lash curler applies just the right amount of heat to lift your lashes without any of those issues. Let it heat up for 30 seconds and then use it for 10 seconds on each side.
2 / 8
A Nonporous Makeup Sponge
One We Like: Real Techniques Makeupsaver Blending Sponge ($9)
Why You Need It: The innovative fingerprint technology (it actually looks like a big fingerprint) on this sponge is meant to mimic applying makeup with your fingertips. It’s great for on-the-go use because it doesn’t leave you with messy fingers that require hand-washing, and it gives you a natural-looking, streak-free finish. Plus, in lab testing it was proven to absorb 90 percent less water-based makeup than a traditional porous sponge.
3 / 8
A Lash Separator
One We Like: ULTA Beauty Collection Lash Separator ($9)
Why You Need It: When you accidentally apply too much mascara and you can’t fix a clump with your fingers or a Q-tip (that usually only makes it worse), a lash separator saves the day. Just comb it through your lashes to separate and define them, and then rinse it off when you’re done. This one also features a handle made from 100-percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and the comb is high-quality stainless steel.
4 / 8
A Dry Body Brush
One We Like: The Skinny Confidential Butter Brush ($79)
Why You Need It: Ask anyone who regularly uses a dry brush if they love it and nine times out of 10, they will talk your ear off about how game-changing it is. When used correctly—and consistently—it delivers the perfect pre-shower ritual to get your blood pumping, exfoliate rough, dry skin, and even improve the appearance of lumpy, bumpy areas. We love the long silicone handle on this one (most of them are small), which makes it easy to access hard-to-reach spots.
5 / 8
An Under-Eye Depuffer
One We Like: Therabody TheraFace Depuffing Wand ($149)
Why You Need It: If you wake up puffy like I do, this is the device you want waiting to greet you on your vanity each morning. Not only does it have a cold treatment to relieve under-eye puffiness (it uses the brand’s Cryothermal Technology), but it also offers a heat setting, which helps your serums and creams penetrate better. It’s also been safety-tested and delivers scientifically calibrated temperatures that won’t damage or irritate skin, even sensitive types.
6 / 8
A Silicone Makeup Applicator
One We Like: Revlon Dual Ended Jelly Makeup Blender ($13)
Why You Need It: This is the perfect tool for applying eyeshadow, especially glittery formulas that get everywhere once they touch your fingers. You can also use it for concealer around your nose or any other small area where a finger-tip or brush isn’t as precise. I also like it for applying lip products and achieving the popular blurred look trend. Each end features a jelly-like silicone tip—there are two different sizes—that is non-porous and easy to clean.
7 / 8
A Mask Brush
One We Like: Benefit Cosmetics All-In-One Mask Wand ($20)
Why You Need It: Yes, you can apply a mask with your fingers, but that’s no fun! This silicone wand turns a basic face mask into a self-care ritual. Use the smaller, flat end to scoop out and apply the mask, and then the larger, textured end to massage it into your skin. It not only feels nice, but helps increase penetration and blood flow to the skin. Plus, you can also use the larger end to help remove the mask by adding water to it. This is especially fun to do with clay masks that have hardened on your skin.
8 / 8
A Brush-Cleaning Sponge
One We Like: Fenty Beauty Dry Brush-Cleaning Sponge ($18)
Why You Need It: This dry sponge makes it super easy to switch between makeup shades or products fast. You no longer need five different brushes or brush soap to achieve a gorgeous look, whether it’s multidimensional eyeshadow or blush and bronzer. Just swipe your brush across the gritty sponge a few times and watch as it removes all the pigment from the bristles. We also love the tin packaging that makes it travel-friendly.
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