Gone are the days in which you have to book a pricey appointment to achieve healthy, glowing skin or shiny hair. Thanks to brands that make esthetician- and dermatologist-grade tools, serums and other beauty essentials more accessible, you can now work professional-level products into your daily routine — all from the comfort of your own bathroom.
But how do you know what will actually deliver the results you want, and hence be worth the cost? Fortunately, lifestyle and beauty expert Ami Desai spoke with TODAY to share some of her favorite beauty tools. From a hair growth stimulating tool to a light therapy acne patch, each of these tools are worth adding to your routine ASAP.
Keep reading to see all of the beauty tool must-haves approved by our expert, plus other picks previously on the show.
Seen on TODAY | Previously on TODAY | More innovative beauty | How we chose
Best summer beauty tools seen on TODAY
Love Wellness Bye Bye Bloat Depuff & Sculpt Bundle
The benefits of lymphatic drainage are aplenty: An enhanced immune system, a reduction in anxiety, among other benefits. But these treatments can become quite costly. Fortunately enough, there are some at-home treatments to try. While not all are alike, one of Desai's favorite finds is this one from Love Wellness.
"This is the first at-home kit that I think is really effective, and goes beyond de-bloating with immune system and circulation support," she notes. In the kit comes three products — a clay body mask, a body oil and a lymphatic massager — that equally tighten, de-puff and activate lymph nodes, whether it be before, during or after the massage. And for a limited time, you can get 50% off when you order a subscription of this product. Note: Subscriptions come in one, two, three or four month options.
Solaris LED Hair Growth Stimulating Brush
"You might have heard about red and blue light therapy for your skin and all the anti-aging benefits it has, in addition to helping produce collagen in our skin," explains Desai. "The same goes for our hair." The perks of using light therapy on the hair can be beneficial for those looking to combat hair loss. This hair brush uses both red and blue light to thicken hair, boost hair growth and control oil production.
The benefits don't stop there, though. Consider the brush a three-in-one tool because it has vibrations to boost blood flow in the scalp, and it can be great for detangling your strands, too.
LAB Acne Light Therapy Patch (1-Pack)
We are big fans of acne patches, but these are unlike any we've tried. This brand offers a twist to your standard acne patch by treating breakouts with powerful blue and red light. When combined, the two lights can fight acne-causing bacteria and calm irritation in just three minutes, according to the brand. And it's FDA-cleared, reusable up to 30 times and has hands-free HydroGrips for a comfortable and secure fit.
Kiss Salon X-tend LED Soft Gel System
Hitting the nail salon can be time consuming and costly. Instead of sitting at the nail counter, Desai suggests taking advantage of the Kiss X-Tend Press-On Nails System, as it brings gel nail extensions right to your home. Inside the DIY curing system is "an LED lamp that provides a salon-level manicure that lasts up to 14 days," along with pre-polished nails to avoid the mess of your average nail polish.
Even better? You can receive 20% off this product when you purchase on the brand's website and use the code TODAY20 at checkout.
Joban Tinted Deodorant
Dark underarms can be an insecurity for some, and can be caused by an array of factors, from genetic to hormones. But fortunately, there are quick remedies for combatting the issue. Case in point: Joban Beauty's Tinted Deodorant.
Unlike other deodorants on the market, this one implements makeup to "conceal" unwanted pigmented along the underarms. Select from one of the five colors, apply and blend with either your finger tips or a brush. Plus, "it’s transfer-resistant, sweat-proof and waterproof if you let it set properly. I worked out with this on to test it and it held up so well," says Desai. "Even though it’s a deodorant, it can be used all over the body, wherever you might want coverage, and it has the freshest smell."
Beauty tools previously seen on TODAY
Bustle Executive Digital Editor Faith Xue previously stopped by TODAY with Hoda & Jenna to reveal some of her highly suggested beauty tools.
Solawave 4-in-1 Red Light Therapy Skin Care Wand
This celeb-loved and viral skin care tool offers a variety of skin benefits through red light therapy and microcurrents. To use, start with a clean, dry face and simply run the wand over your skin in slow motions. It can be paired with any serum, adds Xue, to boost results and help the wand glide over the skin more easily. From reducing fine lines and wrinkles to depuffing to fading dark spots, Xue says this wand is easy to use and will give you a healthy glow after just five minutes each night.
CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask
If you're looking to level up your red light therapy game, Xue says this LED mask really delivers results and can be used for just 10 minutes a day. The brand mentions that during a clinical trial, 95 percent of users saw improvement in skin tone, texture and firmness, and 35 percent saw reduced wrinkles in four weeks.
The Detox Market Super Chill Facial Pill
This previous Shop TODAY Beauty Award winner is a quick fix for facial depuffing and soothing inflammation, says the brand. Before she pops it in the freezer pre-usage, Xue says she loves filling it with coconut milk for the ultimate hydration. You can also fill it with plain water, floral water or chamomile tea, says Xue.
Esker Body Plane
If you're looking for an alternative to harsh exfoliants, Xue says this body plane tool is perfect for minimizing dry skin because it gently scrapes away dead skin cells, revealing baby soft skin underneath. According to the brand, this tool should be used on warm and damp skin, and paired with your favorite body oil.
Sol de Janeiro Body Firmeza Massage Tool
This tool allows you to give yourself a lymphatic drainage massage to help eliminate toxins right at home, says Xue. After applying a body oil, the brand says you gently glide it across your body to help sculpt and reduce bloating.
Ceremonia Scalp Massager
If you have scalp concerns, such as dryness, itchiness or dandruff, Xue says a scalp massager is for you since it can help stimulate blood circulation and get rid of product buildup. You can use it with a scalp serum before you shower, or while you're shampooing for a gentle massage, she says.
More innovative beauty products and tools
Desai, Cosmopolitan Beauty Editor-At-Large Julee Wilson and NewBeauty Senior Editor-at-Large Sarah Eggenberger previously joined the 3rd hour of TODAY to share some of their favorite smart beauty products to de-puff and give your skin the boost it needs.
ESK Microneedle Eye Patches
If you were curious about trying microneedling, these eye patches are a great option for beginners. Desai explains that the patches create tiny painless holes in your skin that stimulate its healing process, producing more collagen and more elastin.
According to the brand, each patch contains 2,000 dissolving micro-needles that are infused with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, peptide, retinal and more skin-loving ingredients. You can use them in any spot where you're looking to decrease fine lines on your face, says the brand. Plus, Desai loves them for hyperpigmentation and managing acne.
Solaris It's Lit LED Gua Sha Facial Massager
This gua sha massaging tool is taken to the next level with LED red light therapy, heat and vibration, says Desai. According to the brand, this 3-in-1 facial gadget is meant to help stimulate collagen production, tighten your skin, reduce inflammation, promote product absorption and it even offers relaxation benefits. That's not all, Desai mentions it can also help relieve symptoms of TMJ.
Haus Labs Triclone Skin Tech Medium Coverage Foundation
This Shop TODAY editor-loved foundation has 9.5 billion views on TikTok! Desai says it feels and looks like second skin, and she loves it for the abundance of natural ingredients (20 to be exact!) that can help reduce redness and protect the skin from environmental stressors. According to the brand, the ingredients include fermented arnica, plant squalane, fermented green tea and more.
Panasonic Heated Lash Curler
If you have flat lashes that are hard to curl, Desai has the tool for you. She says you'll no longer have to take a blow dryer to your lash curler because this heated lash comb will do the work for you. According to the brand, you gently glide this portable beauty gadget along your lashes (before or after mascara) for a natural-looking curl.
Arey To The Root Volumizing Serum
According to the brand, this patent-pending topical serum claims to slow gray hair growth and re-pigment gray strands, (the brand mentions it works best on hair that's up to 30 percent gray). Desai says this is a great way to cut down on salon visits, and save your hair and wallet from constant re-coloring. Plus, the brand mentions that you can expect a healthier scalp and more voluminous hair in just three months.
Viori Hair Shampoo Bar
Desai loves shampoo bars as an eco- and travel-friendly way to clean your hair. You don't have to worry about spilled bottles or liquid requirements with these, Desai says. According the brand, the shampoo bar contains longsheng rice water which Desai says is rich in antioxidants that keep your locks both strong and moisturized.
Viori Hair Conditioning Bar
You can also grab Viori's conditioning bar which is also infused with sulfate-free and natural ingredients like longsheng rice, shea butter, aloe vera and more, says the brand.
Youthforia BYO Blush
According to the brand, this blush has a formula that reacts to your skin's pH level, creating the perfect shade for your cheeks. The brand also mentions this blush is suitable for most skin types and safe enough to sleep in.
NuFace Fix Line Smoothing Device
Wilson says she loves this mini NuFace device because she can give her skin a smoothing boost anywhere, from her car to her office desk. The brand says this microcurrent tool will reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus this kit comes with a smoothing serum.
Rose Inc Skin Enhance Luminous Skin Tint Serum Foundation
Wilson says this tinted serum also works extremely well as a foundation. Containing skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, squalane and peptides, the brand says the formula is designed to visibly plump and hydrate with a sheer coverage.
Soft Services Clearing Mist
If you're prone to acne on your body, Wilson loves this clearing mist to banish "back-ne" and any other body breakouts. According to the brand, this spray contains ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid and zinc, and is perfect for those who often wear athletic wear and tighter clothing.
Minti Toothpaste Tablets
"Less waste puts a huge smile on my face!" said Wilson. To use, the brand says you simply pop a fluoride-free tablet into your mouth, chew and brush like you normally would — resulting in a minty fresh smile.
StackedSkincare Dermaplaning Tool
According to the brand, this dermaplaning tool was developed by an expert esthetician and it exfoliates the face by removing dead skin cells. Eggenberger loves this product for removing any peach fuzz and says for best results, hold the skin taut and gently glide the blade with short, light strokes. The brand says after consumer evaluation, 92 percent of people saw an increase in skin smoothness after 12 weeks of use.
NuFace Mini Starter Kit
Eggenberger is a fan of this at-home micro-current device. "NuFace has backed up its products with a clinical trial where 85 percent of users experienced improved facial contour."
According to the brand, this toning device is FDA-approved and stimulates the face and neck with micro-currents, which contours, lifts and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Coming with a hydrating gel formula primer, the brand says to expect to see results when used five minutes a day, five times a week.
FaceGym Active Blast Concentrated Collagen Daily Treatment
This vegan collagen skin booster serum is designed to dramatically reduce the appearance of wrinkles, expression lines and redness, while also increasing skin's brightness, according to the brand. Eggenberger says you apply the product on clean, damp skin and use it as a quick seven-day regimen or use the 28-day set for a full skin reset.
Facial Lounge Cryo Globes
Eggenberger says cryotherapy is a technology that harnesses the power of cold temperatures to eliminate and target skin concerns. The temperatures work to "increase blood circulation, minimize pore size, soothe inflammation and give your skin the perfect healthy glow. Especially great for lymphatic drainage and for relieving sinus pressure," said Eggenberger.
According to the brand, these glass tools are filled with a cold liquid and are meant to be kept in the freezer for the best results.
Mount Lai Gua Sha Facial Lifting Tool
Eggenberger says this Gua Sha device is a "facial lifting tool with roots in traditional Chinese Medicine and has been used for thousands of years."
"This facial massager works to help firm and lift skin, while also helping improve the effectiveness of your skin care products by helping them to penetrate deep into skin," she said, adding that Gua Sha has potential benefits such as improving blood circulation, lymphatic draining and reducing puffiness.
Daily Concepts Daily Rose Quartz Facial Roller
For instant de-puffing, Eggenberger loves this rose quartz facial roller. She says it's another great tool to maximize the benefits of your favorite serums and promotes lymphatic drainage of the face. This product from Daily Concepts, is made of pure rose quartz and should be stored in the freezer for maximum de-puffing effects.
"When shopping for Rose Quartz Rollers make sure to look for solid stone. Some companies may cut costs by hollowing out the stone, which compromises not only the quality, but your results, Eggenberger said. "Also look for dual-ended options with both narrow and wide roller treatments so you can reach every space on your face."
How we chose
The Shop TODAY team spoke with lifestyle and beauty expert Ami Desai, Bustle Executive Digital Editor Faith Xue, Cosmopolitan Beauty Editor-At-Large Julee Wilson and NewBeauty Senior Editor-at-Large Sarah Eggenberger to gain insight into choosing the right beauty tool and other innovative beauty products, as well as tips for proper usage.
