Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Beauty Tools Worth The Splurge

There are some products that come out on the market that literally make my jaw drop when I see the price tag and I can never justify spending my hard earned money. There are also those same products that draw me in, cause me to spend the money, and I have never been happier to spend that stack of cash. Today I am going to round up some products that seem absurd to spend money on, but I have personally bought and LOVED. 

Please keep in mind that everyone views their money differently and I am not recommending that you go spend money on these products if you don't feel it is worth it, I'm simply sharing my thoughts and experiences. 


1. Clarisonic


The most important thing when it comes to applying makeup, is your skin. It is the base for your everyday life, and whether you are choosing to wear makeup, or go sans free, your skin is so important. I used to only use a makeup wipe to remove my makeup. Then I progressed into using a makeup wipe, and a facial cleanser. I thought I was absolutely cleaning my face as much as I could, and thought the Clarisonic might be a waste of money. I ... WAS ... WRONG

On a completely normal makeup day, with just foundation and powder, I will use a makeup wipe, and then cleanse with my clarisonic and be STUNNED with how much makeup and dirt was still trapped in my pores. When the Clarisonic is used consistently it has been extremely effective for me with clearing up my skin. I definitely notice that when I get off track with using mine, my skin will get clogged up. 

I also think it is important to note that if you decide to try out a Clarisonic, expect your skin to break out for a few weeks. This is a good sign, don't give up! A skin care specialist once explained to me that all the bacteria on your face is on a "conveyer belt" and the blemishes on your skin have really been underneath the skin for a few weeks getting ready to come to the surface. When you start to use the Clarisonic, you will be clearing up that conveyer belt, which is going to make those blemishes come to the surface. This is often referred as your skin "purging". 

The Clarisonic I have is the Clarisonic Mia 2. It runs for 1 minute, with four different pulses which indicate to move to a different section on your face (10 seconds on each cheek, 20 seconds on nose/chin, 20 seconds on forehead). You can also buy different brush heads for your Clarisonic, I use the one for sensitive skin because it is the softest. 

2. Beauty Blender

This isn't as expensive as the Clarisonic, coming in at $20. But when you really just look at it and see that it is a sponge, it seems a little ridiculous that it is $20. I have tried a few different sponges for applying foundation, and nothing compares to the Beauty Blender. I have purchased three of them over the years, but have never regretted my purchase. Whenever I decide to switch it up and apply my foundation with my hands, or a brush, I instantly grab my Beauty Blender and fix it. I feel like my makeup is just sitting on top of my face, and when I use the sponge, it really meshes with my skin and makes it look 10x more natural.

To use a Beauty Blender, you run it under water and it will double in size. You then ring it out in the sink so it is just left damp. I apply a pump of my foundation right onto the big end of the sponge, and then disperse it around my face making "bouncing" motions to really blend it IN to the skin. I use the pointed end of the sponge to apply my under eye concealer, it is great at getting in all of the small spots.

3. Makeup Brushes

The definition of "splurge" can mean different things for different people. With that being said, I think it is important to get good quality makeup brushes. I will link some sites down below that I have tried brushes from and have loved all of them. I will list them from cheapest to most expensive, but I would confidently recommend any of them. I believe there is a definite difference in your makeup when you use a good quality makeup brush. Especially when it comes to an eyeshadow blending brush, that is my absolute must have for good quality brushes. Blending out your eyeshadow is so important!!

1. Eco Tools (found at Target, Walmart, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens)
4. Sedona Lace (majority of my brushes are from this brand, they have great deals during holidays)
5. Sigma (if you're willing to spend, they have amazing sets that have everything you need)


4. Hot Tools

Good hot tools for your hair is very important. I love having healthy hair, and having good quality hair tools is just as important as my daily care to my hair. I mainly use a straightener, and a curling wand, and they are each a splurge, but could definitely be worse. Having good ceramic tools that disperse heat evenly, heat up quick, and stay nice over time, are essential.

My straightener is from GHD, it was actually a Christmas present from my boyfriend three years ago and still works like it is brand new! This is the model I have, and I would highly recommend it. They have cheaper models, and other brands definitely sell flat irons that are similar for a lower price. I can highly recommend this one though, it has held up with daily use and lots of traveling for three years! 

For curling wands, I use a set I got from Nume about three years ago as well. The set I bought came with four different size wands that all attach to the same base, and I absolutely love it! I feel the same on a curling wand, it is important to have a nice ceramic wand (or iron) that will distribute heat evenly, warm up quick, and stay high quality over time. This is the set I have. 



The OCD person in me really wishes that I could make this post 5 items, but this is all I can come up with, without straying from what I truly believe! I am completely comfortable splurging on items, because trying out new products is so fun and exciting for me, but at the same time I make sure I have read a lot of review from bloggers I trust before swiping that card. I definitely have other items in my stash that I have splurged on, but these four right here I could recommend to anybody and truly say that it is worth your time and money to invest in these items (if you are comfortable with it ;) ). 

As always, thanks for reading
xoxo, Jaimie :) 

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