I am far from handy but over the years, I’ve learned my way around a toolbox… full of beauty tools, that is.
As I mentioned in my skincare routine post, I have suffered with oily, acne-prone skin from the time I was a pre-teen until my late twenties. During that time, I’ve tried out many different skincare products and devices. From, fighting acne to now fighting to prevent and treat fine lines and wrinkles, I’m sharing the tools that I swear by in my beauty toolbox.
Blue Light Treatment – When I was in my teens, my dermatologist recommended a blue light treatment to me as it is thought to penetrate the skin’s surface and eliminate acne-causing bacteria. The Tria Blue Light was the device recommended to me and I used it for years. Tria no longer seems to make this but I found a blue light treatment device by Foreo and other devices marketed to treat acne that use both red and blue lights from Solawave and LightStim.
Red Light Treatment – Red light treatment is known for its anti-aging benefits. It is said to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. I started using a red light treatment device in 2022 and do feel like I see benefits when I consistently use it. I use the Solawave device with their Renewal Complex Activating Serum. The serum has blue tansy, Hyaluronic acid, and aloe vera – I am a big fan of the duo! I have the original Solawave device but they came out with an updated version that I linked here.
Nuface – The Nuface is a microcurrent device that helps tone, firm and reduce the look of wrinkles. It is intended to be paired with the brand’s activator gel though I use the Nuface Mini with the Peter Thomas Roth Rose Stem Cell Mask as the activator based on a recommendation from Kathleen Jennings Beauty on Instagram.
Facial Rollers – The Clarins Resculpting Flash Roller is also a Kathleen Jennings Beauty recommendation that I love. One of my best friends bought us each one after seeing it was in stock because of the rave reviews. Not only is the Clarins version a facial roller but it also has a curved edge on one end – it’s noted on their site that it’s inspired by “traditional Chinese Gua Sha… to support microcirculation and help release toxins while promoting instant radiance and visibly lifted, sculpted features.” It’s rarely in stock so grab it when it is!
Gua Sha – As mentioned above, a Gua Sha is said to help release toxins – through lymphatic drainage – and helps sculpt your features. I use a rose quartz Gua Sha from Amazon with Tarte’s Maracuja oil as the last step in my skincare routine.
Ice Roller – Ice rollers help reduce puffiness and inflammation, minimize pores and calm redness. I use this ice roller from Amazon. It’s especially refreshing on warm days!
Eye & Face Masks – Under-eye masks and face masks ranging from pore-clearing and anti-aging masks to overnight masks to sheet masks are all essentials in my beauty toolbox. I have so many favorites that they require a post of their own!