Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Beauty Musts & Beauty Busts- Gadgets

Let's face it. There are a lot of expensive beauty products out there promising to cure your skin ailments. And, you've probably wasted some hard earned cash on products or gadgets that didn't work. It's frustrating, to say the least. So, in this next series, "Beauty Musts & Beauty Busts", I'll be sorting through common beauty products to help you decide where it's worth splurging, and when it's worth saving. If you have recommendations, I hope you'll list them below in a comment. I'd love to check out what products have been successful... or those that weren't!

 First up, beauty gadgets. Gadgets are expensive, make no bones about it. Because they are more of an investment than your regular wash, mask, or cream, it's important to know that a beauty gadget is worth it before you invest. So, let's take a look at two popular beauty gadgets- the Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Care System and the Zeno Hot Spot Acne Clearing Device.

The Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Care System will run you about $195, definitely not a decision you want to make lightly. The Zeno Hot Spot Acne Clearing Device will set you back only about $45. You can find both products at ULTA, a great spot for online beauty shopping. So, which product is worth the investment, and which can you pass up? Here are the results...

Beauty Must- The Clarisonic Classic Sonic Skin Care System 



This Clarisonic wonder-brush might be expensive, but it's worth it. And, don't be fooled by impostor brushes either, I've tried them, and they honestly don't achieve the same results. I can't exactly tell you what it is about the Clarisonic system that makes it so fabulous, but once you've used one of these little babies, you will be hooked. Your skin will feel cleaner, tighter, and smoother after just two weeks of consistent use. Use it in conjunction with whatever favorite face wash you've been using, and I promise you'll see a noticeable difference in your skin tone and clarity. I have actually seen great results with the Clarisonic brush and my good ole standby Neutrogena Deep Clean Cream Cleanser! Especially good if you have oily skin, because the Deep Pore Cleansing Brush Head (purchased separately) will give you oily gals a fantastic deep wash. This brush technology comes from the makers of the SonicCare toothbrush, which I think is pretty neat! So, while it might be an investment, it's definitely one worth the splurge. 

Beauty Bust- Zeno Hot Spot Acne Clearing Device 



I wish I could recommend this little product, because honestly, the theory is good. A blast of concentrated heat at a controlled temperature to help blast away pimples. In theory, this should be a great product, because gentle heat is one of the best treatment plans for unsightly pimples. Unfortunately, you can achieve the exact same results with a stainless steel spoon, a clean washcloth, and a pot of hot water. Start by heating up a pot of hot water, and allowing yourself to lean gently over the pot to steam your face and open your pores, and then take a stainless steel spoon and submerge it in the hot water. Don't leave it in there long, and make sure when you pull it out that it is not too hot for your skin. Then, LIGHTLY press the round, underside part of the spoon to your blemish. I must note- be CAREFUL. Try the spoon on the top of your hand first. Don't burn yourself. You aren't trying to scald the poor blemish off your beautiful face, you're trying to loosen the bacteria and gunk that has your pore clogged with a gentle application of heat. So, this is truly a case of less is more. If you are too timid to use the spoon, use the washcloth in the same way. Dip the washcloth in the hot water, and then gently apply a compress to your blemish. This method (and the Zeno device) both work better on those stubborn, painful, icky pimples instead of your typical whitehead. (However, the steaming treatment suggested at the beginning of this exercise is great for all skin types and all kinds of blemishes!)

Now tell me, what gadgets have you tried?

Next up... Beauty Musts and Beauty Busts- Eye Creams




1 comment:

  1. I love my clarisonic! And I am anxious to see what you have to say about eye creams. I think I should be using one but don't know which ones really work.

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