I’m not a proponent of beauty tools, mainly as I personally have a tough time staying consistent with their use. But in the ebb and flow of beauty blogging tides, I’ve had my fair share of trying one too many devices over the years. And I have found not one, but 5 beauty tools that have completely changed the game for me. These are the beauty devices I have used consistently and almost daily for a few years now. So, if you’ve ever wondered about facial rollers, micro-current devices, Foreo Luna, beauty blenders and dry brushes, then you’re in the right place.
Read on for details …
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Facial Rollers: Jade vs. Rose Quartz vs. Amethyst
The benefits of using a facial roller are endless! I’m a big fan and have used them consistently for years now. There are previous posts describing in detail how to use a facial roller (read here) and a comparison between the two most popular (Jade vs. Rose Quartz) here. Facial rollers work to bring oxygen to the skin, increase circulation and blood flow, help with the detoxification function, tone up facial muscles and aid in the absorption of skincare products. The skin is instantly rejuvenated and energized. Not to mention they work wonders on de-puffing the skin after a late-night!
Sadly, I’ve broken 2 Rose Quartz rollers within half a year! The first one (reviewed here) slipped thru my hands while I was massaging oil onto my face. The other one (previously mentioned here) broke in my cosmetic bag during my recent trip to NYC (my New York City Bucket List post here). So, Rose Quartz appears to be more delicate that Jade or Amethyst.
I’ve had my Jade roller for several years now. It’s my very first one. I purchased it from Amazon for under $15 dollars here. And it’s still going strong. The Amethyst roller was a generous gift from one of my favorite skincare brands, Elemis. Side note: I’ve been using Elemis for about 10 years now, long before I got into blogging. The Amethyst roller came in a PR package. I’ve now been using it since last September and really like it. You can find a similar one here. If I had to recommend only one roller, considering the design, functionality and price, I’d say go for the Jade.
I hate to say it, but vanity tends to be a big motivating factor when it comes to staying consistent with my skincare. The NuFace Mini is an at-home micro-current toning device available here. It works by delivering micro-current impulses to strategic locations along the jawline, cheekbones, forehead and neck. You can adjust the current level for personalized comfort. You can start at a very low-level output and gradually increase.
This device is FDA-approved for stimulating facial muscles and the neck area to provide a 5-minute facial-lift. Think of it as a workout for your face. It sounds like a great idea and if you stay consistent with its use, it becomes an excellent idea and a ‘can’t live without’-type product! I’ve been documenting my progress and plan an in-depth review on what it does exactly, how to use and the results I’ve experienced. Make sure you’re subscribed to the blog, so you won’t miss this upcoming post.
The Foreo Luna is the beauty device that surprised me the most! In a good way. I didn’t think I’d like it. I had previously tried the hyped-up Clarisonic cleansing brushes, but even the one designed for sensitive skin felt too abrasive. So, this time around I never gave into the hype! I never rushed to purchase the Fore Luna. But as luck would have it, a Foreo Luna Play Plus arrived in one of the Elemis PR packages. I’ve had it for over a year and used it consistently for about 7 months now.
What is Foreo Luna?
It’s a highly innovative facial cleansing device using T-sonic technology. That means pulsations designed to go deep into the layers of the skin. It gently cleanses, extracts dirt and impurities, and unclogs pores. It’s battery operated and waterproof. My Foreo is good for 1000 uses, but the battery is replaceable after 400 uses.
What are the results?
The results are an effective cleanse of the skin, improved texture and enhanced natural glow.
What makes the Foreo Luna different from Clarisonic brushes?
For me, it’s the material that’s made out of. The Foreo Luna is made from the softest, most delicate silicone that doesn’t irritate or aggravate the skin. The silicone touch-points range from fine to slightly thicker and feel so gentle on the skin.
I absolutely love my Foreo Luna and highly recommend it. Now, I don’t use it every day, but definitely on those evenings when I have a full-face of makeup on. I will definitely repurchase the Foreo Mini featured here or the Foreo Luna 2 featured here. I find the Foreo Luna Play Plus I have a bit too small for my personal preference. However, the price point makes it very attractive if you’re curious or just unsure how you’ll get along with this type of device.
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Dry Brush
Don’t even get me started on dry brushing! I can talk about it for hours!! Although I have to admit I don’t dry brush as often as I should, I simply can’t recommend it enough! It is one of THE best wellness treatments you can do for skin and body! Dry brushing might sound a little intimidating, but in fact it’s so easy, go have a read here. To ensure optimal results, opt for a natural (not synthetic) bristle brush, preferably with a long handle so that you can reach those unreachable back areas. Synthetic nylon bristles are not as good for the skin as anything naturally derived.
I’ve been using the Mio Dry Brush for several years. It doesn’t have a long handle, but I really like the way it fits in my hand allowing me to brush really quickly. It also has rubber nodules throughout, which help massage as I brush. As I like to call it, it’s multitasking at its best (brushing and massaging). The bristles are natural boar so I anticipate they will last a long time. See other great brush options at inexpensive prices here and here and here.
I don’t think this beauty tool needs a review. It’s been around for years now as it’s highly revered by makeup artists and makeup beginners alike. It works wonders at applying foundation and concealer to help achieve that airbrushed look. Generally, I like to apply a thin layer of foundation using a brush first and then go over with the beauty blender. I have to say that I do prefer the original Beauty Blender over the Real Techniques one. In my opinion, I find it does a better job, but if you factor in the price then the Real Technique one is a good buy!
Now I’d like to hear from you. Do you use beauty tools regularly? If so, which beauty devices do you reach for?
This is NOT a sponsored post but it does contain referral links. Read my Disclaimer policy for more info.
Your knowledge and expertise has me at awww each time that I read your posts! Love reading about all of them an def need to look into the NuFace…hopefully I stay true to using it as often as possible.
You’re so sweet, thank you SO much for your kind words. So happy you’re enjoying my posts and find them helpful. Hope you get a chance to try the NuFace device soon! ~ Cat L.
Hi Cat!!
I got the dry brush a few years ago and really must get into a proper routine of using it as a program on the bbc did find that dry brush was top in reducing cellulite on the thighs and that’s a must for me!!
I will be purchasing a facial roller as it seems to be a no brained in being able to use it kind of anywhere (I’m a tad lazy and so would be happy doing this sat in bed of a night!!)
And lastly I’m very tempted by the micro pulse gadget….I feel it would help a great deal with my neck skin which I feel is on the saggy side!!
Once again thank you for such a comprehensive guide to these products….it can be so daunting wondering what does and doesn’t work!!
With much love
Hannah x
Hannah, thank you SO much for reading my post and taking the time out to leave a comment. I must admit I too am guilty of not dry brushing as often as I should. For a while, back when I first got into blogging, I used to dry brush consistently. It’s one of the best wellness treatments you can do for your skin and body, as it helps with the detoxification process. But I fell off the wagon, life sometimes gets on top of us. But this year I’ve been trying to get better at taking care of myself as it does help with my moods and attitudes toward those around me. Have a wonderful week ahead beautiful friend. Hope all is well with you, Dave, Emma and the pups. ~ Cat L.
I’m so interested in trying the Nuskin device! It is expensive here though, but I can’t wait to read your review of it. It is so intriguing. AND I agree with you, I do prefer the Beauty Blender more than any of the copies.
Hi Tashi, thank you for stopping by. The NuFace device was sent to me in a PR package under no obligation to review. I had been very intrigued by it. My aesthetician uses a micro-current device on my face every time I go in for a facial. Thus, I’m very grateful this was sent to me complimentary. I will say that you have to stay consistent and use it as directed in order for it to deliver results. I plan a detailed post with before and after photos so stay tuned. Hope you get a chance to try for yourself. I’d love to compare notes. ~ Cat L.
Great post Cat! It really gave me perspective on a couple tools I was curious about . I’m a big Clarisonic brush user…. although I don’t use it everyday. I use the sensitive brush option and I think it works pretty well for me , I’ve heard others that agreed with you and said they were too abrasive, but for me i didn’t notice. I have heard of the Foreo Luna tool and have always wanted to try it but still haven’t gotten around to it, I’m so glad it made your list of beauty tools so I can get your feedback, which I value . I’m definitely going to order it now and see the difference.
Dry brush is a tool I have attempted to use when I read a review you wrote on it a while back, I was at first pretty consistent then I fell off , making time for it became very tasking . But as i got older and as my skin changes I know I need to take another crack at it and become consistent, because when I did use it consistently I did see a difference in the firmness of my skin and my cellulite .
Loved your list of must have beauty tools and as I read your article ,it really gave me insight on their importance . Beautiful pics too!
Oh Nina, your comment made my day! Thank you SO much for being a longtime reader of the blog. I tremendously appreciate it, it means more than you know. So happy you enjoy my content.
Same here, back when I first wrote about dry brushing (about 2 years ago) I had been very consistent with its use. But then life got in the way and it seemed I didn’t have a few minutes to dry brush before showering. As you also say, as I’m getting older, I realize how important it is to take care of my body. I do feel a lot better mentally as well when my body is well taken care of.
As far as the Clarisonic, if it works for you then definitely continue with its use. My skin is so sensitive and fussy that I needed something very soft but effective. Hope all is well, have a beautiful week ahead. ~ Cat L.
I have just purchased the Luna and cannot wait to use it. I decided against the Clarisonic as I thought it would be too harsh for my skin. What I’m REALLY hanging to read about is the micro current devise… I know I need it I’m my life!!
Oh yay, can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the Luna. It works better than the Clarisonic on my sensitive skin. Stay tuned for the NuFace review. Hopefully I can have the post up on the blog next month. ~ Cat L.
Wonderful post Cat, I love your roundup of beauty tools and many of these are personal favorites of mine as well! I thought the NuFace was gimmicky at first but after trying it I was immediately hooked, and recently I upgraded to the one with interchangeable heads. Now I just need to be better about using it consistently!
♥︎ Geeky Posh
Thank you for stopping by, Jenny. There’s a NuFace with interchangeable heads? I had no idea. Will have to track it down. I hear you though. I too have been struggling to stay consistent, especially when life gets busy. Hope all is well. ~ Cat L.
Great post Cat! Really enjoyed this read. I get so many messages about facial tools etc and I for one and all for them as they really do work when used as they should be. Its nice to see which ones I have yet to try also like Nu-face; definitely one I am intrigued to try! Kelly xx
I didn’t think I used a lot of beauty tools but reviewing this post, I guess I do enjoy them. I love my NuFace however, consistency is key with this tool. Hope you get a chance to try it and if you do, please keep me posted. ~ Cat L.