We give you the goods on the top beauty supplies every woman should have.
Beauty supply: Cleansing brush
Ultrasonic facial cleaning brushes, like the Clarisonic Mia ($119, www.clarisonic.com or Sephora stores nationwide) , leave your complexion cleaner than your hands or washcloth can. “The cleansing brush helps to gently lift dirt to clean pores, which in turn will provide cleaner, softer skin,” according to Dr. Paul M. Friedman, a dermatologist in Houston, Texas , who adds that this better preps the skin to absorb moisturizers and serums. Friedman also says that his clients who use these beauty supplies report that their skin feels smoother and cleaner after a few weeks of consistent use.
Beauty supply: Hot rollers
“Hot rollers are an essential tool for extending the life of a blow dry or for adding personality to your hair style at night,” says William George, founder of the James Joseph Salon in Boston . Plus, rollers like Conair’s Xtreme Instant Heat Multisized Hot Rollers ($41.99, www.conair.com) offer a more gentle form of heat styling.
Beauty supply: High-powered hair dryer
Sure, they’re usually more expensive, but a high-powered, professional-quality drier will save you time. “Your blow dryer needs to have some power to it in order to reduce blow-dry time and get the best results,” says George. Plus, a stronger motor is likely to last longer than those in cheaper versions (or be covered by a longer warranty), so you could save some dough in the long run. One to try: Solano’s 3300 XtraLite Dryer with 1800 watts and far infrared heat that’s gentler on hair ($159, www.ulta.com).
Beauty supply: Hair clips
Low-tech “duckbill” clips, like those used by stylists when cutting and drying your hair, are essential, according to George. Sectioning your hair with clips (like Goody’s So Secure Sectioning Clips, $3, Target or at beauty supply stores) is very important when trying to create a salon-quality blow dry at home.
Beauty supply: Body brush
Dry body brushing is great for both your insides and outsides, as it improves your circulation while also sweeping away dead skin cells, according to dermatologist Dr. Michael Gold, founder of the Gold Skincare Center in Nashville. Before you hop in the shower, rub a brush like The Body Shop’s Cactus Body Brush ($15, www.thebodyshop-usa.com) over your skin from neck down.
Beauty supply: Makeup sponge
Applying foundation with your fingers doesn’t always cut it. “Fingers or sharp-edged triangular sponges waste makeup and can leave visible streaks,” according to Rea Ann Silva, creator of the reusable Beautyblender sponge ($19.95, www.beautyblender.net). This sponge’s patent-pending elliptical shape helps you apply makeup in hard-to-reach areas like around the nose and mouth and under the eyes. Use it damp or wet to create a flawless complexion that will make others think you had your makeup professionally done.
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6 Must-Have Beauty Supplies
We give you the goods on the top beauty supplies every woman should have.
Thinkstock
6 Must-Have Beauty Supplies
We give you the goods on the top beauty supplies every woman should have.