Beauty

All about my favorite “everyday” beauty tools

I’ve had short hair for over a year now, how is it that I just now found a way to style it? Honestly, I bought three different curling wands and spent hours trying to get those “effortless soft waves”, burned myself numerous times in the process and nothing.

As it turns out, it’s the flat-iron that does the trick. An old, forgotten about flat-iron I’ve had since I was a Sophomore in college. Sometimes it’s the oldest tools that work best.

If I were to sit here and list every single beauty tool that I use and love, it’d take me all day. So, instead, I thought I’d talk about a few that I use daily, but don’t often mention here on the blog.

I’ve been using oils on my lashes and brows for a while now, so I go through a lot of disposable mascara wands and always keep a bunch of them around. If you do any DIY lash/brow treatments, always go with disposable wands- especially if you have sensitive eyes, like me, and don’t want to end up with a painful stye. These wands also come in handy sometimes when I do my makeup- ever apply too much mascara, anyone?

Speaking of brows, now that I’m going for a more natural look, I also no longer thread them. Well, okay. The truth is, the only person that I trusted with my brows moved out of state and after trying a few new places, I gave up. As it turns out, making two brows look even is an art many have yet to master- well, at least when it comes to my brows, anyway. I didn’t think that I’d trust myself with tweezers again, after years of over plucking (which my left brow is still recovering from) but I love these Rubis ones.  They were actually sent to me a while ago and I didn’t think I’d be this impressed with tweezers. Love how precise they are; finally, I don’t have to sit in front of the mirror for an hour, to get that one stubborn hair on my chin that pops up every few months (PLEASE tell me I’m not the only girl to get these?!).

Another little tool that I can’t go without is this little facial hair/eyebrow razor.

I wrote an entire post about dry-brushing and it’s still one of my favorite beauty + wellness rituals. Other than exfoliating, it also gives a nice energy boost in the morning and I love that it helps me keep my skin smooth and my legs ingrown hair free- I definitely recommend going with natural bristles.

Another exfoliating tool that I also wrote a separate post about in the past, is the Salux cloth. I’ve been using this cloth in-shower for more than a decade now and can’t imagine using anything else- especially a sponge/loofah. These are a lot more sanitary than any loofahs or sponges. They dry very quickly, do not harbor bacteria and are very long-lasting and easy to care for. They also turn any body wash or soap into an exfoliating product and they’re long enough to easily stretch across your back.

Also love: these cute Makeup Brush Eggs. They’re very handy to use for spot-cleaning your brushes and for surface cleaning. They’re made of very soft silicone and I like using them to clean my eye makeup brushes. I find that with foundation brushes- especially very dense ones- I still prefer using my hands when cleaning them. I have A LOT of makeup brushes, but only use a handful on a day-to-day basis, so I think that these are perfect for someone who doesn’t have a huge collection of brushes.

Another tool I now can’t live without: a jade roller. Jade rollers have been around since 7th century; jade is associated with protecting against negative energy and balancing your qi. Using a jade roller increases blood circulation and promotes lymphatic drainage- it’s also said to make your skin radiant. I’ve been using mine for a few months and I love it. I swear that it makes my skin look more plump and healthy and using it is now my favorite morning beauty ritual. The jade is naturally cool, so it feels very refreshing on skin (after a few minutes of use, it does warm up). I’ve heard of people putting their rollers in the fridge or freezer, but just like with an ice-bath (which is my favorite thing to do when my skin looks dull) avoid doing this if you have thin and sensitive skin. It’s very easy to use- you just roll it in an upward fashion, starting from your neck, all the way to your forehead.

I don’t know that it’s something that will give you dramatic results when you already have radiant skin, but I’ve been loving it and not only for the fact that it makes my skin look plumper. It also helps with morning puffiness and dullness. I’m on month 5 of accutane and still wake up with headaches 80% of the time, and I find a little cooling facial massage to be very soothing in the morning (I’m seriously at a point now when I can’t wait for my treatment to be over).

  1. Etude House Hair Band 2. Egg Makeup Brush Cleaner 3. IT Cosmetics Skin-Perfecting Brush 4. Jade Roller 5. Salux Exfoliating Cloth 6. Natural Bristle Dry Brush 7. Microfiber Washcloths 8. Eyebrow/Facial Razor 9. Disposable Mascara Wands 10. Spot Brush Cleaner Duo 11. Eyelash Curler

It’s been years since I’ve used my Clarisonic- I keep it simple these days with cotton washcloths. I use basic ones like these, and microfiber ones like these when I want something super soft.  Love them because they last forever- I just wash them in hot water with a dye and fragrance-free detergent. Also, super basic but comes in handy every single morning when I do my makeup: these little Eye Tees and tissues.

What are some of your favorite beauty tools that you reach for every day? Anything that I should try?

38 Comments

  • Reply
    Claudia @ Just a Little Blush
    April 10, 2017 at 8:53 am

    I use the same mascara wands! I was actually thinking about this topic for a future post on makeup tools we never talk about haha. The one thing I use every single day is my Cinema Secrets Brush Cleaner. After dealing with so many skin issues, I do not reuse a single face brush without cleaning it first. That brush cleaner is so easy!

    – Claudia
    http://www.justalittleblush.com/

  • Reply
    Lisa Autumn
    April 10, 2017 at 9:21 am

    The jade roller looks so interesting… will put it on my list!

    xx Lisa | lisaautumn.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 10, 2017 at 8:02 pm

      Not something that gives dramatic results, but I love using it in the mornings- leaves my skin feeling so nice!

  • Reply
    Natalie Harney
    April 10, 2017 at 9:25 am

    I really want to try dry brushing it sounds so calming and lovely, plus as someone who always needs to give their skin a bit more love my body might thank me.

    – Natalie
    http://www.workovereasy.com

    PS- I get that chin hair too

  • Reply
    NatalieLeanne
    April 10, 2017 at 11:30 am

    I really want to try the jade roller! I can imagine it is so relaxing. Also, I must start body brushing! It is so beneficial x

    http://www.natalieleanne.com

  • Reply
    Linda Libra Loca
    April 10, 2017 at 4:18 pm

    Dry brushing is amazing, I started it during my second pregnancy and it made such a difference. But the jade roller? I somehow don’t really see a difference.

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 10, 2017 at 8:08 pm

      Jade roller definitely isn’t something that gives incredible results, but as someone who often wakes up with puffy face, it does help me quite a bit. Love dry brushing too, such a simple ritual but gives such great results.

  • Reply
    Alice
    April 10, 2017 at 4:39 pm

    Ooh the jade roller sounds interesting, definitely something to try.

    Alice | alicemaysnell

  • Reply
    fannyanddailybeauty
    April 10, 2017 at 4:42 pm

    I actually need to purchase some disposable mascara wands because yes, I also do apply too much mascara on sometimes! The Jade Roller sounds really tempting as well!

    http://fannyanddailybeauty.com

  • Reply
    Danielle Beautyblog
    April 10, 2017 at 6:43 pm

    I bought the jade roller that’s been in my wishlist since September about half an hour ago so I have even higher hopes now after hearing this! Love the little brush egg too!

    Danielle’s Beauty Blog

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 10, 2017 at 8:06 pm

      It’s not something that gives dramatic results, but I love using it in the morning or at night- there’s something really soothing about it.

  • Reply
    Biana Perez
    April 11, 2017 at 9:18 am

    Very intrigued by the jade roller – sounds amazing!

  • Reply
    Shireen
    April 11, 2017 at 10:22 am

    I need to give Salux cloth a try, I have been using a loofah all this while because I had no idea there’s something better. I swear by using a microfibre cloth too and my Foreo Luna and very rarely reach for my Olay Pro-X anymore these days. The jade roller is a firm favourite by many Chinese aunties but I personally never see the need for it…or haven’t seen the need for it, yet.

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2017 at 6:23 pm

      I can’t live without mine! I haven’t used loofah in years, and can’t imagine going back. The jade roller is one of my favorite things to use on my skin right now- so soothing!

  • Reply
    DIANA
    April 11, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    I do want to start dry brushing and jade rolling! I feel like it won’t give me a massive difference in my skin, however I do love taking the time for myself to do that, so I would love to add this into my mornings/evenings so that I have more time to myself

    http://thedianaedition.com

  • Reply
    Dagmara Klich
    April 11, 2017 at 5:13 pm

    I still haven’t tried dry-brushing, I’m so lazy when it comes to some body pampering but definitely need to get on that bandwagon and get my body summer-ready :) x

    Mummy’s Beauty Corner

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2017 at 6:24 pm

      It only takes me a few minutes before shower at night- it’s the best feeling ever after a tough, long day :)

  • Reply
    Jenn
    April 11, 2017 at 7:17 pm

    I’ve been wanting to get a jade roller for awhile. I’ve always wondered if it might help with sinus pressure in my face? Not sure, but I think a little facial massage each morning sounds great. Body brushing is also on my list to start doing!

    Jenn │ Beauty by Jellybean

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2017 at 6:25 pm

      I love it because it helps with puffiness and feels very soothing. My skin is so dry and weird altogether from my acne treatment. Can’t wait for it to finish hehe. Dry brushing is ahhh-mazing!

  • Reply
    CutieandherBeauty
    April 11, 2017 at 11:37 pm

    I’ve never tried dry brushing yet I’ve heard so many good things about it? What is my deal?! I haven’t heard of any of these besides dry brushing and I’ve never done that, that being said, I’m so glad I found this post. Might have to pick these things up! Do they sell everything here on Amazon?(:

    Yolanda| http://www.cutieandherbeauty.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2017 at 6:26 pm

      Haha ;) Dry brushing is pretty awesome- it feels great and leaves skin feeling so smooth! And yes I think they do!

      • Reply
        CutieandherBeauty
        April 21, 2017 at 6:55 pm

        Sweeet! I’ll check on Amazon soon! (: I love that smooth skin feeling so I’m totally game (:

  • Reply
    Jess
    April 12, 2017 at 4:51 am

    The Jade Roller sounds really interesting, I really want to try it out now!

    http://www.jessicablu.com

    • Reply
      Paula @ thirteenthoughts.com
      April 21, 2017 at 6:28 pm

      I love using mine in the morning and evening. There’s something really soothing about it and it helps me with puffiness.

  • Reply
    Bernadette
    April 16, 2017 at 1:01 am

    I definitely need to try dry brushing if it helps keep the legs ingrown hair free. It sounds like something I need.

    http://www.themakeupaficionado.com

  • Reply
    The Gossip Darling
    April 16, 2017 at 9:53 pm

    Disposable mascara wands….YES!!!!

    Mel | http://www.thegossipdarling.com

  • Reply
    Natalie Redman
    April 18, 2017 at 4:32 pm

    Love the look of that jade roller!

    http://www.upyourvlog.com

  • Reply
    steff @ brighterdarling.com
    April 27, 2017 at 8:51 pm

    I’ve also gotten back into dry brushing. Swore by it 2012-2014 and somehow forgot about it. Also, I NEED those little brush egg cleaners haha. So cute!

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