Beauty
31 Genius Products For Anyone Who Thinks They Suck At Doing Their Hair & Makeup
If you're anything like me, you'll agree that words like "contour" or "smoky eye" or "waterfall braid" mean one thing: minutes, maybe hours, of failed attempts to master the art of beautification. Luckily, there are genius beauty products for anyone who thinks they suck at doing their hair and makeup.
Let's face it: no one is perfect when it comes to hair and makeup, but there are definitely people out there who make themselves look pretty flawless by perfecting makeup application and hair styles. What's their secret? Aside from practice (which definitely helps), one of the biggest beauty hacks we know of is pretty simple: just knowing what to buy in order to elevate your beauty regimen.
Whether you're just trying to nail down a simple makeup routine, looking to achieve smooth curls that look like you just spent hours at a salon, need a quick way to clean your dirty makeup brushes, or want a super-effective route to easy makeup removal, you have come to the right place. Below, you'll find something for all of your hair and makeup woes, as well as products that will push your routine to the next level (like brow stencils, magnetic — yep, magnetic — eyelashes, and an anti-frizz hair towel).
1. Under Eye Pads That Will Prevent Raccoon Eyes When Applying Makeup
Shadow Shields by Michelle Villanueva, $9, Amazon
These self-adhesive pads fit right below your eye, effectively protecting your under-eye skin from falling eyeshadow, mascara, and eyeliner when you apply your makeup. Wave goodbye to those pesky raccoon-eyes, thanks to this clever — and hands-free — technique for precision makeup application.
2. A Stencil That Allows You To Achieve Perfect Brow-Shape With Ease
KINGMAS 24 pcs Eyebrow Stencils, $6 (24 Pack), Amazon
In an age when eyebrows are a big part of the makeup routine, this stencil is undeniably a helpful tool. The plastic cut-out lays easily over your brow so that you can pluck, wax, pencil, and brush around it, leaving a precise shape when you remove the tool. And not only does it provide a beautiful result, there are over 24 different reusable brow shapes that come in the set, so there is bound to be a perfect fit for every type of brow.
3. A Styling Tool That Curls Hair Inside A Heated Chamber
Infiniti Pro by Conair Curl Secret, $60, Amazon
Conair takes curls to the next level with this inventive styling tool that fits comfortably in your hand. Your hair gently enters a tourmaline ceramic (and totally safe) "curl chamber" which effectively heats the section of hair from all sides, locking the shape into place. After the timed heating, a rapid beeping sound will alert you that it's time to release the hair from the chamber, and out falls a perfect, shiny curl. Suitable for all hair types, this tool couldn't make it any easier to achieve salon-level curls.
4. A Clear Liner That Makes Your Lip Color Stay Put, Preventing Smudges And Feathering
Golden Rose Anti Feathering Clear Lip Liner Pencil, $10 (2 Pack), Amazon
This lip liner is all about creating a super-protective barrier that will stop your lip color, no matter the type (matte, glossy, etc.) from bleeding, feathering, or smudging. With a creamy, vitamin-E boosted texture, this clear liner will define and hydrate, while keeping everything in place.
5. A Clever Towel That Removes Makeup Mistakes With Just Water
Nano Towel Makeup Remover, $15, Amazon
Ah, the eternal search for the best makeup remover feels like it will never end. Enter the Nano towel, which is made from a unique, exfoliating fiber fabric called Nanolon. This little towel is reusable, washable, and gentle on even the most sensitive skin, with the ability to deeply cleanse pores and remove dirt, dead skin cells, excess oil, and — of course — any and all types of makeup. With almost 80 percent of reviews awarding the product five-stars, it's no surprise that users see fast and satisfying results. One happy reviewer called the towel amazing, saying, "I was doubtful but when I tried it I couldn’t believe how well it worked! I won’t be washing my face any other way—no more wipes or face soap or makeup remover again!!! I purchased 2!! I will probably buy a third!"
6. An Eyebrow Gel That Provides Long-Lasting Shape And Definition Using Hair-Like Fibers
Wunder2 Wunderbrow Eyebrow Gel, $18, Amazon
The best part about this easy-to-apply brow gel is its impressive long-lasting ability: it's not going anywhere until you want it to — even if you take a swim in the pool. Made from waterproof hair-like fibers that coat your brows and fill in areas that need a little depth, this gel-and-brush tool helps you to define leaving your brows with precise shape and full of texture.
7. A Palm-Sized Hair Brush That Uses A Two-Tiered Bristle System To Safely Detangle Hair
Tangle Teezer, $11, Amazon
Ergonomically designed to fit comfortably in your palm, this detangling brush can be used on both wet and dry hair, and makes getting through messy locks totally manageable. The brush uses a two-tiered system, with long bristles that detangle and shorter bristles that smooth hair directly from the cuticle. And thanks to the unique bristle system, there's no need to worry about damage or breakage as you glide this tool through your hair, leading to extra smooth and silky locks.
8. The Blotting Sheets That Use Rice Powder To Act As Dry Shampoo For Your Hair
Dry Shampoo Blotting Sheets, $24, Amazon
We all know about the wonders of facial blotting tissues. But how about blotting papers that serve the same function, only for your hair? These unique dry shampoo blotting sheets are made from super-absorbent rice paper, which produces a fine powder that is ideal for soaking up excess oil that is produced from the hair follicles. The sheets come in a compact paper envelope that slips easily into a purse, so they are an ideal, travel-friendly dry shampoo option that will keep your hair looking fresh and full of body.
9. A Matte Eyeshadow Primer That Absorbs Oil While Preventing Creasing And Smudging
Thank Me Later Primer, $12, Amazon
If you're all too familiar with the feeling of frustration that accompanies realizing your eyeshadow has melted, creased, or smudged during the day, then this waterproof makeup primer is the solution to your eyeshadow woes. Completely cruelty-free, this absorbent, translucent primer smooths onto eyelids, creating a matte base that prevents the spread of excess oil and preps lids for optimum eyeshadow application, ensuring that colors and textures show up vibrantly.
10. An Easy-To-Use Hairbrush That Straightens And Smooths While Detangling
Hair Straightening Ceramic Brush, $36, Amazon
This clever two-in-one ceramic brush tangles and straightens in one, simple step, saving time and streamlining the process. The 10.5-inch styling tool uses plastic bristles and an adjustable heating system (maximum temperature is 450 degrees) to smooth through all hair types and textures, resulting in silky, straight locks in as few as 15 minutes. With 90 percent of reviews awarding the product five stars, it's a sure way to leave the house with salon-level perfection.
11. The Makeup Removing Wipes That Are Ideal For Travel
La Fresh Makeup Remover Cleansing Travel Wipes, $13 (50 Pack), Amazon
These super compact makeup wipes easily pack into a small purse, tote, or carry-on, and each wipe comes in an individual plastic wrapping so as to avoid any type of leakage, making them ideal for easy access while traveling. Completely natural, biodegradable, and infused with hydrating vitamin E, these wipes will dissolve even the toughest waterproof makeup.
12. A Plant-Based Dry Shampoo That Uses Oat Pigment To Effectively Blend With Darker Hair Shades
Klorane Dry Shampoo With Oat Milk, $10, Amazon
The cool thing about this dry shampoo? Natural and subtle oat milk coloring provides a beige-tinted pigment that blends well specifically with darker hair shades, providing an effective cleanse without water, as the dry shampoo works hard to absorb and cover excess oil or dirt. Users can expect on-the-go natural volume, no white residue, and added texture from the plant-based, ultra-fine powder.
13. The Super Soft Makeup Sponges That Apply And Blend All Types Of Makeup
Esarora 6 Piece Makeup Sponges, $10 (6 Pack), Amazon
This set of six, vegan and cruelty-free makeup sponges are just as useful as they are colorful. With one precision-application tip and an edgeless, rounded design, each sponge can apply and blend all kinds of makeup for a smooth and seamless result — even if you're not great at application in the first place. Each sponge in the set is made from non-latex foam, so they are the ideal option for sensitive or allergy-prone skin, and they're super easy to wash with warm water and soap.
14. A Trifold Magnifying Vanity Mirror That Has LED Lights And Touch-Screen Capabilities
RICHEN DeWEISN Tri-Fold Lighted Vanity Makeup Mirror, $30, Amazon
Talk about beauty tools of the future. This trifold vanity mirror features 21 LED lights, a pretty rose gold ABS frame, and — wait for it — touch-screen magnification, which zooms up to three times. With 180-degree rotation, adjustable side panels, a USB charging port, and a base that can hold jewelry or odds-and-ends, this vanity mirror is an ideal tool for precision makeup application or general primping.
15. A Blue-Tinted Lipstick That Hydrates Lips And Makes Teeth Look Whiter
Lipstick Queen Hello Sailor Lipstick, $15, Amazon
Containing natural plant extracts like shea butter, sunflower seed, and moisturizing vitamin E, this blue-tinted lipstick not only keeps lips hydrated and plump for hours, but the blue tint makes teeth appear whiter than ever. The tint is also relatively foolproof, and it adds a subtle berry tone that looks different and natural on everyone.
16. A Mess-Free Lash-Lengthening Technique That Uses Magnetism
Nylea Magnetic Lashes, $16, Amazon
Magnetic eyelashes may not sound like the most intuitive lash-lengthening technique, but boy, do they work. Toss aside messy lash glue and those frustrating plastic lashes that always seem to fall off and give this unique lash set a try. The 100-percent mink fur lashes are lightweight, with a top and bottom lash piece that magnetize together for optimum lash results. With proper care, these lashes can be reused up to 25 times.
17. A Handy Tool That Helps Ease The Tricky Process of False Lash Application
Hotop Eyelashes Clip, $8 (3 Pack), Amazon
These nifty little eyelash tweezers make applying false lashes simple and mess-free. Made from durable rose gold stainless steel and alloy, the small beauty tool is ergonomically-crafted for optimum comfort when handling, and allows for precise placement of lashes without the risk of hurting yourself like tweezers can. One reviewer writes: "Makes applying my eyelashes 100 times easier!"
18. A Three-Step Lash Lengthening Mascara That Uses Dry Fibers To Build Volume
3D Fiber Mascara, $20, Amazon
Thick, 3D lashes and optimum volume is the name of the game with this three-step lash-lengthening mascara. This unique, clump-free formula uses non-toxic ingredients to craft a wet mascara gel and accompanying dry microfibers made from green tea that work together to build upon each other, resulting in long-lasting, magnified lashes that won't cause mess or irritation. Over 5,000 reviewers love this mascara, and say that it's "AMAZING" and super easy to apply without smudging.
19. A Super-Absorbent Hair Towel That Cuts Drying Time And Minimizes Post-Blow-Dry Frizz
DuraComfort Essentials Super Absorbent Anti-Frizz Microfiber Hair Towel, $15, Amazon
Ah, those four little letters that can be the primary cause of a bad hair day: frizz. This soft, microfiber towel combats frizz by absorbing the maximum amount of water when drying your hair, leaving it barely damp and prepped for styling. At 41 by 19 inches and with a stretchy seam, you can easily wrap your hair up in the durable material after a shower or bath, and expect minimum frizz and way less time spent on blow drying and styling thanks to the anti-frizz, super-absorbent qualities.
20. A Super-Soft Hair Band That Is Just As Cute As It Is Functional
My Beauty Tool Lovely Etti Hair Band, $6, Amazon
Finding a good hair band to wear while washing your face or applying makeup is a must — but finding a hair band that's super-soft and has cat ears? Well, that's just a game changer. This adorable, ultra-comfy headband keeps your locks out of your face and eyes while going about your routine, and it's just plain cute. Over 70 percent of reviewers awarded the Korean product five stars, thanks to its functional abilities (and pretty much everyone mentions that it's just too darn cute to resist).
21. A Lip Pigment That Provides Just As Much Hydration As Long-Lasting Color
Peripera Peri's Ink the Velvet, $8, Amazon
This unique ink-like pigment will give your lips the vibrant color that average, drugstore lip colors just can't achieve. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil, and olive oil ensure deep and rich hydration that plumps lips, resulting in a smooth texture that also layers on a penetrating, vivid color which will last all day, through eating and drinking.
22. A Styling Tool That Effectively Curls, Straightens, And Adds Volume To Hair
xtava Hotness 3-in-1 Styler, $35, Amazon
It's hard to find a beauty tool that can multitask as well as this three-in-one styler that curls, straightens, and brushes hair. Four temperature settings range from 310 to 400 degrees, and professional-grade ionic tourmaline ceramic plates ensure safe and smooth curls or straight locks. Pop this styler into the convenient travel case and carry it with you for salon-level style wherever you go.
23. A Shampoo That Is Made Especially For Lashes and Brows
BeautyGARDE Lash and Brow Shampoo, $15, Amazon
Shampoo doesn't have to exclusively be for hair. Enter this hypoallergenic, oil-free soap that is made just for brows and lashes, which could definitely use some extra love — especially if you tend to wear makeup. This gentle formula will remove dirt, oil, and makeup while going easy on the sensitive skin around your eyes. The product even comes with a soft brush that can be used to gently scrub shampoo around the small hairs, removing any unwanted substances, including the toughest waterproof makeup.
24. A Smoothing Cream That Minimizes The Appearance of Pores While Brightening Complexion
Etude House Beauty Shot Face Blur, $13, Amazon
Korean beauty company Etude House cranks out some pretty incredible products, and this face blur cream is no exception. The lightweight cream utilizes micro-powders to cover pores, softening the skin's texture, and leaving a smooth, glowing look. Not only will this blending cream tone and smooth skin, it will also brighten your complexion, making it an ideal pre-makeup primer.
25. A Revitalizing Setting Spray That Works To Keep Makeup In Place While Hydrating Skin
Bella Jade Makeup Setting Spray, $12, Amazon
This fast-drying setting spray is a refreshing way to give your skin a revitalizing pick-me-up, while effectively securing your makeup into place. Made with plant-based ingredients like moisturizing green tea extract, the spray can be used in the morning after makeup application (you don't want all that hard work going to waste!) and again throughout the day to keep your face feeling bright and extra-hydrated. Thanks to its gentle, non-irritating qualities, the spray is ideal for all skin types, especially those with sensitive skin.
26. A Professional Ceramic Straightener That Protects Your Hair's Moisture, Resulting In Soft, Smooth Locks
XARA Professional Flat Iron, $35, Amazon
This two-inch flat iron is an easy, fool-proof way to ensure smooth, straight locks. InfraRED MoistureLock heat technology gently heats entire hair strands while protecting the cuticle area's natural moisture, and ceramic ionic tourmaline plates prevent frizz, yielding smooth, touchable locks. The heat settings are adjustable between 250 and 450 degrees, so you can easily tailor the heat to your hair type.
27. A Clever Sponge That Instantly Cleans Makeup Brushes For Easy Color Switching
Vera Mona Color Switch Solo, $17, Amazon
After using Color Switch Solo, you'll never have to think about the often-laborious task of cleaning makeup brushes just to use the same ones for different colors. Simply stick your brushes into this black polyurethane sponge when switching between different colored shadows or powders, and the makeup particles will sift straight to the bottom of the container, leaving your brushes clean and ready to use.
28. A Textured Washboard For Your Makeup Brushes That Quickly And Effectively Cleans Tools
Esarora Makeup Brush Cleaning Mat, $10, Amazon
So maybe you've got the actual makeup application thing down, but struggle with the whole cleaning-your-brushes process (I mean, who doesn't?). Worry not, because this set of two brush cleaning pads (one for home, one for the road!) couldn't be easier to use, and it has a five-star rating from 80 percent of reviewers! The non-toxic silica gel material is totally safe for both brushes and your skin, and features a variety textures that accommodate all types of brushes — think of it as a mini washboard for your favorite makeup applicators.
29. A Brush-On Mascara Remover That Combats Even The Toughest Waterproof Mascaras
Kiss Me Heroine Make Mascara Remover, $16, Amazon
If you're an active wearer of mascara, then you're familiar with the frustration that can come with trying to remove those stubborn clumps that seem to hang onto your lashes for dear life. Thanks to strong ingredients like ginseng root extract, zubak oil, and royal jelly extract, this brush-on formula can wash away even the toughest waterproof mascaras. At the end of the day, just brush on a layer of this remover, wait one to two minutes, and wipe away for smooth, natural lashes.
30. A Powder That Keeps Excess Sebum Off Your Face
Skinfood Peach Multi-Finish Powder, $12, Amazon
Made with real peach extracts, this translucent multi-finish powder from popular Korean brand Skinfood is also made with calamine — so it's a gentle way to remove excess sebum from oily skin throughout the day. It can be used on its own or over makeup, and it also minimizes the look of pores. Reviewers love how it doesn't irritate sensitive skin.
31. The Brilliant Patches For Those Who Can't Bother With Concealer
Nexcare Acne Cover, $8 (36 Pack), Amazon
For anyone who hates covering up pimples with concealer or just can't help but pick at them, this acne cover is a great solution. Working like a sponge throughout the day or night, they remove pus and oil, which helps reduce the appearance and size of them seemingly overnight. However, they're transparent, so there's no reason you can't wear them during the day as well. They'll change from clear to white when it's time to remove them.
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