As any make-up artist will tell you – the key to looking groomed is down to your ‘tool kit’. We all need a little helping hand so we’ve rounded up the best gadgets to help primp, preen, and beautify.
Glamour Gloves
If you happen to snatch 30 minutes of much-needed ‘me time’ pop on these ultra pampering glamour gloves, let them go to work for 30 minutes and your dry, neglected hands will undergo a Cinderella-style transformation and emerge superbly soft. They contain a polymer gel lining which includes jojoba oil, grape seed oil and vitamin E, and can last for up to 50 uses. They can also be worn overnight with an extra slick of handcream underneath for a more intense moisture boost. Repeat once or twice weekly until soft hands are once again restored.
Skin Brush
Once you discover the benefits of body brushing there is no going back. Brushing daily before showering will help to release toxins, slough away dead skin cells, prevent ingrown hairs and aid circulation to reduce cellulite. Elemis’s bristle brush with natural cactus is a tough brush and can seem a little harsh on skin at first. Trust us, you will get used to it and you will love the results.
Luxe Crystal Edition Slant Tweezers
The key to looking groomed lies with your brows – a tidy brow will instantly shape and frame the face. The past few seasons have all been about ‘The Brow’ and this season is no different – the thicker and stronger the better. Every beauty editor and make-up artist swears by Tweezerman – made from stainless steel with a slanted and sharpened tip you are guaranteed to get luscious looking brows. Be careful not to over pluck however, the strong brow trend seem here to stay.
Eyelash Curlers
This classic beauty tool from the eyelash experts themselves works best when heated up so give it a quick 5 second blast with the hairdryer before use. Its special silicone pad (which comes with a replacement) minimises any lashes getting ripped out or leaving a dreaded ‘crimp’ effect, while the curved shape ensures not a single lash is left out. Follow with mascara for a high-impact flutter.
Beauty Blender
The key to a flawless complexion is blending however it can be time consuming. So for those who need to make-up in a hurry this tool is a must. Shaped like an egg, the narrow end of the sponge is great for applying concealer under the eyes and on blemishes, while the fatter end gives a smooth and even application of foundation to the face and neck. After use it can be easily washed with mild soap and warm water. A clever little time-saver there is no easier route to a flawless face.
‘All For Eve’ Crystal Nail File
Swarovski at lookfantastic.com
Now you can have manicured hands, have a glamorous addition to your makeup bag and help a good cause all in one go with this award-winning nail file. Encrusted with Swarovski gems, the frosted glass file gently smooths ragged edges into shape, and can last several years. All net profits will go towards The Eve Appeal, a charity which funds pioneering research into gynaecological cancer as well as raising awareness of this disease, which affects 18,000 women in the UK each year. This is definitely one beauty tool to invest in.
Foot Buffer
Diamancel at blissworld.co.uk
This heavy duty buffer uses diamond dust to slough away at the toughest of soles. Use after you have soaked feet, or post bath-time once the skin has softened and follow with a rich foot cream. Used properly the buffer should last for 5 years making it an excellent beauty investment.
Jade Facial Roller
Ying Yu Rollers at cultbeaty.co.uk
The benefits and importance of facial massage have been stressed by many skincare experts. Made from pure Jade, which has been used in Chinese medicine to get rid of toxins for hundreds of years, this facial roller will revive a tired and puffy complexion, as well as tone the facial muscles and prevent blemishes and break-outs by breaking down the build-up of toxins in the face. No sleep-deprived mum should be without one.
Simple Styles Spin Pin
These ‘Spin Pins’ are nothing short of a hair styling miracle. With the strength of 20 bobby pins, they save a great deal of time and so simple to use. Simply ‘spin’ them into hair that’s been twisted into a bun or top knot for a dash of effortless chic on the school run, or to create a smart ‘up do’ in the evening. What’s more at the end of the night, you won’t spend hours picking endless pins out of your hair.
