Australians tend to be the hibernating sort - only flocking outside once the depths of winters have passed. The return of the sun also heralds the start of the social season, which carries on for months. These events require an amped-up beauty routine, and it’s one that isn’t complete without a slew of savvy pampering tools.
Here, BD uncovers a handful of innovative beauty saviours to assist with party preparations.
Maintain that mane
Australian heat is generally accompanied by a hefty dose of humidity. And while beachy locks are great, going out to dinner or drinks with a halo of frizz isn’t such a good thing. That’s where the Philips EasyShine Ionic Styling Brush steps in - a product specifically formulated to tackle frizz and static electricity. Its ioniser generates negative ions, helping to neutralise the positive charge of static electricity and nix frizz.
Keep your fingertips fresh
You don’t need to be a nail-biter to have nails that have seen better days. Acrylics, shellac and even regular polish can be a natural nail’s undoing. But just as exfoliation can do wonders to buff the skin, so too can it help to restore cracked and dull nails to their former glory. Mavala Lightening Scrub Mask for Nails helps to rid the nails of any impurities and dead skin, smoothing them in the process. Containing lemon extract, vitamin B5, almond oil, wheat germ oil and shea butter, the scrub gives nails nourishment and nutrition, while lightening their shade.
Lash revolution
Thanks to the likes of Kylie Jenner and her full-lashed Kardashian clan, lush lashes are seeing a revival. Falsies can be difficult to master without the steady hands of an expert or an appropriate set of tweezers, which is why a tool like Manicare Glam False Lash Applicator is so helpful. The tool takes the fear out of applying false lashes, as well as the time factor for finicky placement. To use, the product is held against the eye, following the contour of the eyelid, allowing for fast and easy placement on the natural lash line.
Hair-free is care-free
Laser hair removal has been on the radar of Aussie women (and men) for some time. Now, advancements in technology mean a trip to the treatment centre is not even necessary. BaByliss has developed Homelight Connected IPL Hair Removal - a laser hair removal system that can be used at home. In a genius move, the product not only removes hair permanently but also synchronises with smartphones or tablets to guide users through each treatment. Through this partnership, it is also able to journal each treatment, as well as schedule a reminder for your next.
Glow, you good thing
What is a skimpy summer outfit without glowing skin to accompany? In an age of increasing awareness about sun damage, consumers are turning to fake tan formulas. As with make-up, the key to good application is a flawless base. Prevent blotches and score an even tan with the help of a buffing mitt. ModelCo’s best-selling Blend Buffing Mitt will prevent those streaky marks we all know - and hate! The glove is reusable, custom-designed and created from water-resistant velour. It’s also a personal favourite of brand ambassador Rosie Huntington-Whiteley.
Cover your base
Make-up brushes are now considered an integral part of cosmetic application, with many experts turning to brushes for both hygiene and ease. But not all brushes are equal - with Real Techniques’ Bold Metals Collection standing out from the crowd. Every component of the brush collection has been carefully designed, with white bristles to show exactly how much make-up is on the brush before application, tapered handles for pro brush belts, weighted handles for optimum control and angled brush shapes to fit the face perfectly. And to the delight of the social media obsessed, the Real Techniques brushes are potentially the most Instagram-worthy on the market due to their metallic stems.
Brows are back
Thanks to Cara Delevingne and Gigi Hadid, a power brow is now back on the periphery. But not everybody is blessed enough to be born with a strong set of arches, which called for the development of the Eylure Brow Stencil. The reusable brow template helps users to create the ideal brows armed only with a brow pencil. With four stencils to choose from, there is ample opportunity to pick a pair that suits individual preference.