Beauty tools are designed to make our beauty tasks that much easier, and sometimes the smallest addition to your kit can make the biggest difference.
From mixing your perfect base shade to giving your scalp a little end-of-day relief, the latest beauty tools are practical, affordable and easy to work into the routine you already have. These are not complicated gadgets that require a full tutorial before you can use them. They are simple, clever tools that help keep things cleaner, smoother and more polished.
Here are three new releases worth knowing about.
A cleaner way to mix your makeup
The iLLi Makeup Palette & Spatula, $14, available from Priceline, is one of those tools that makes you wonder why you have been mixing foundation on the back of your hand for so long.
Makeup artists have used palettes and spatulas for years because they make it easier to customise shades, blend formulas and keep products cleaner. This two-piece set is designed for hygienic custom makeup blending, helping you mix colours and textures without dipping fingers directly into bottles, jars or compacts.
It is especially useful if your foundation shade changes slightly between seasons, or if you like to adjust your finish depending on the day. A small amount of moisturiser or glow base can be mixed into foundation for a softer, dewier effect, while a deeper or lighter base can be blended in to create a more seamless colour match.
The spatula can also help scoop out the last of a product from a jar or bottle, which is always satisfying. It is a neat little tool for anyone who likes their makeup to look more natural, more customised and a little less messy.
A little scalp reset
Scalp care is having a well-deserved moment, and the FRAIM Scalp Gua Sha, $25, available from Priceline, is a lovely way to make your hair routine feel more considered.
We often pay a lot of attention to the skin on our face but forget that the scalp needs care too. Product build-up, oil, dry shampoo and styling products can all sit at the roots, leaving hair feeling heavier than it should. This tool is designed to be used in or out of the shower to gently massage and exfoliate the scalp, helping with sebum control and reducing build-up.
Used in the shower, it can help work shampoo through the roots and give the scalp a more thorough cleanse. Used on dry hair, it can feel beautifully soothing, especially after a long day with your hair pulled back tightly.
The key is to use gentle pressure rather than scratching or dragging. Think of it as a little scalp reset rather than a hard scrub. Pair it with your favourite scalp oil or serum if you like a more ritual-like treatment, or keep it simple and use it while shampooing.
Either way, it is an easy way to make hair washing feel that little bit more spa-like.
Gel polish without the salon
The Ardell Nail Addict UV/LED Lamp, $19.99, available from Chemist Warehouse, is made for anyone who likes the look of a glossy gel manicure but does not always have the time to get to a salon.
Lightweight and portable, the lamp is designed to cure gel polish and gel nail strips, with timer settings to help set the finish quickly and evenly. Pair it with Ardell 1 Step Gel Polish and you can create a fresh gel-style manicure at home in a matter of minutes.
It is a handy option for touch-ups, travel or those times when your nails need to look polished but your diary is already full. The compact size also makes it easy to store, which is always a bonus if your beauty cupboard is already doing a lot.
As with any at-home gel system, follow the product instructions carefully and avoid using gel polish on damaged or irritated nails. If you use UV or LED lamps regularly, it is also sensible to protect the skin on your hands with broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or fingerless UV-protective gloves before curing.
The best beauty tools are the ones you actually reach for. They do not need to be expensive or complicated. They just need to make your routine easier, cleaner or a little more enjoyable.
