If you’re new to my blog you may not know that I’m obsessed with skincare, because great makeup starts with great skin. But more than that, I don’t believe in the saying “Black don’t crack”. It most certainly will, especially if you don’t take care of it.
Skin is your largest body organ and the ONLY organ you have that can get better with age, but only if you take care of it.
As I began to get more and more into skincare over the years, I realized some products just weren’t enough and started adding tools into my routine. I mean honestly, who doesn’t love a gadget that is supposed to make you look and feel better?
Here are beauty tools that I incorporate into my routines regularly.
LuvScrub
The LuvScrub is a mesh body exfoliator and the only thing that I use to shower with. The texture is unique and not your average loofah. It gently exfoliates and polishes the body leaving your skin feeling amazing. It is antimicrobial, lasts for 18 months, stretches up to 50 inches (reaching every nook and cranny) and has amazing lathering capabilities. My favorite body cleansers to use with this tool are the Dove Shower Mousse or the L’Occitane Almond shower oil.
Cleansing Brush
I don’t use it often, but sometimes I use a cleansing brush to gently exfoliate and work in cleansers on my face and neck. I know that many dermatologists don’t care for cleansing brushes (such as the Clarisonic) as they feel you can be swirling dirt back into active acne. The particular tool that I have has a silicone head which is antimicrobial and the one I prefer to use. A great silicone cleansing tool is the Foreo.
Dermaroller
Microneedling is a dermarolling procedure that uses small needles to prick the skin. This puncturing of the skin causes a wound healing response and causes many benefits to the skin. With zero chemicals or down time, this is a great procedure you can do at home. Benefits include stimulates production of collagen and elastin, improves texture of ski, improves hyperpigmentation, can improve acne scarring and reduce appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can read my in depth post about this tool here, and watch my video here.
Face Razor
I use a face razors that you can get from any beauty supply store to go over my entire face similar to Dermaplaning to exfoliate the skin. Dermaplaning however uses a medical grade scalpel. I’m rather hairy, and I like my makeup to be as smooth and flawless as possible, so blading my face is essential. It’s a painless process and can be done in less than 5 minutes. To do so,I make sure my face is cleansed and dry. I apply witch hazel and then begin balding in short downward motions while holding it at a 45 degree angle. After I am done, I moisturize my face with a facial oil. Read my full post and see video here.
Jade Roller
Jade rolling is an ancient practice of rubbing cool jade stones across your face and neck. If you’re into crystals and healing, jade is associated with protecting against negative energy and balancing your chi. Jade rollers increase blood flow, reduce puffiness and aid in lymphatic drainage. It’s extra soothing and amazing when it’s been refrigerated or in a freezer. They can range in price from as little as $10 all the way up to $200.
Gua Sha
Gua Sha facial massaging is an ancient Chinese gentle massaging method focusing on health and detoxification by draining lymph (toxins). The technique releases tension in muscles and connective tissues of the face, neck and head, which in turn reduces stress and improves facial contouring.
I first received this massage at the end of a facial with my esthetician and it was life changing. I was absolutely amazed at how lifted and sculpted my face was with such gentle movements and under 10 minutes. You can read my full post and watch a tutorial here.
Ice Roller
I recently ordered and have been using an ice roller which I wasn’t sure if I needed because I already have a jade roller and gua sha tool, but boy was I wrong. I NEED IT AND LOVE IT. It’s great for relaxing stiff muscles in the face, puffiness, fine lines and wrinkles and to minimize razor burn (face or bikini area). While similar in use to other tools I already own, the surface area and shape lends to different results. You can get an ice roller for as little as $12.
Face Steamer
I love using my face steamer as a regular part of my skincare routine. I use it one to two times a week, for about 5 to 10 minutes, especially before I do a good gunk sucking mask.
I have seen a great change in my skin, especially during colder/winter months as my skin tends to be on the dry side. My skin is more plump and glowing.
Beauty Refrigerator
Some may think a refrigerator for your beauty products is excessive, but hear me out. I love my beauty refrigerator because I’m able to keep tools like my Gua Sha, Jade Roller and Ice Roller cool. I also keep things like eye creams and certain moisturizers and face masks in there. While keeping your skincare products cold won’t change the efficacy (meaning how well the product works and its “powers”), the cooling sensation can help with puffiness and be more soothing on the skin.
