Maybe it’s because spring is in the air, maybe it’s all the work I’ve put into myself physically and emotionally, or maybe it’s the fact that everything just feels fresh and new with my move back to DC actually on the horizon, but I am feeling so good and so confident right now.
I know that what’s on the outside doesn’t matter as much as what’s on the inside, but I’m a big believer of “look good, feel good.” I’ve been going into the office pretty much three times a week since July, and even though I’m the only one here 90% of the time, I still dress business casual and do my makeup to go in. Heck, I wear makeup when I’m working from home, too. All the extra time I’ve had at home, compounded with trying to get my skin back from maskne, and letting my hair grow back out, I’ve tried a few tools I might not have otherwise. But were they worth it?
Love
I have no idea how to do my own hair. My poor friend Rachel has attempted to show me how to curl it with a straightener multiple times, and honestly I don’t even know how to use a curling wand. But DAMMIT with the Bed Head One-Step Hair Dryer And Volumizer Hot Air Brush, I can get myself a decent blowout. BingbangBOOM, it could not be easier. I’ve seen pricier versions of this same concept, but this one does the trick. I also love that I can stick it in my bag and bring it with me when I get my color done at Madison Reed, then blow it out myself.Â
The Revlon 2nd Day Hair Straightening Heated Styling Brush is pretty self explanatory. Admittedly, I don’t use it SUPER often, because I wash my hair almost every day, but if I sleep on it wet or do have second day hair, it saves me from looking like a frizzball. My trick is dry shampoo (this one’s my favorite) first thing while I’m getting ready, let it sit, and brush it through once I’m dressed and made up. A few swipes through my hair with what I call my “heated hairbrush,” I’m polished and ready to go!
I kind of love my brows and have been staying away from getting them waxed since the aesthetician at Lord & Taylor, when I had a partnership with them last year, told me that someone had taken off too much on the tail. Since then, I’ve been plucking them hair by hair or letting them run wild. I love this little Rechargeable Eyebrow Hair Remover to catch strays without plucking! I only need to use it about once a month or so.
LeaveÂ
I was on the fence about putting this Facial Cleansing Brush on the leave it list, because I truly love how it works. It makes a great foam with any face wash I’ve used with it. HOW EV ER – remember when Clarisonic was all the rage? Well, when THEE face brush was discontinued last summer, dermatologists were not sad to see it go. It’s a personal preference, but I would recommend checking out this article, especially if you’re trying to be gentle on your skin, like I am.
Maybe I was using this wrong, but I HATED this Face Skin Spatula. I felt like all it did was smear the oil on my face around and then make my skin red and irritated. Just awful all around. Additionally, dermatologists don’t think they’re very effective… or safe.
Do you have beauty gadgets you swear by or ones you ended up finding were a flop? I’d love to know in the comments!