These beauties primp and prime to perfection, working overtime to deliver salon-worthy results, all while we’re curled up on our couch. From at-home gel manicures and hair removal devices, to DIY pedicures–we get all beauty and the geek to bring you our top 3 Beauty Gadgets & Gizmos…By Katie Martlew
Get smart: ORLY smartGELS System
What is it? Your talons’ ticket to a long lasting, salon-worthy gel manicure at home. The system includes a Starter Kit RRP $79.95 and an LED Light (used to cure the gels) $99.95, both sold separately. Included in the Starter Kit is all the tools of the gel nails trade that you’ll need to nail the look, including a cleanser, primer, base + topcoat, cuticle oil, remover, mani tools, and instruction guide.
How it works: After selecting your desired ORLY SmartGel nail colour (there are 12 shades to choose from and retail at $23.95 each) follow the step-by-step instructions to prep, prime, apply base, and coat and cure for 30 seconds at a time (using the 39 bulb LED light). Finishing off with basecoat, cleanser and cuticle oil for shine and protection.
Tip: For a step-by-step video in-depth instruction on how to apply and remove the Smart Gels by Catherine Baek, ORLY’s Global Education Manager, click here.
Our results:
What can we say? It was love at first LED light. It’s Super easy to do (the entire process took around 20 minutes). We currently just entered week two of our Haute Red hued manicure and it’s practically flaw-free, minus a few minor chips. The smartGels manicure lasts for up to three weeks, and we loved that you can simply paint over the gel nails with your regular polish for a quick colour change, and remove again without disturbing the gel Mani underneath. Smart, right?
Visit www.orlybeauty.com.au for a list of stockists near you.
Smooth operator: Emjoi PediSmooth
What is it?A real treat for dry feet, the Emjoi PediSmooth is a pain-free, portable, battery operated pedicure device made from natural micro-mineral stone designed to buff away calloused, coarse, cruddy skin.
How it works: The PediSmooth has an inbuilt rotating roller that spins 360˚ 30 times per second. It comes with two spare rollers, the pink one is used for coarse skin and the white is used on very coarse skin. Just glide over problem areas for no more than 2-3 seconds at a time (you can go back over super stubborn areas the second time around if you need).
Our results:
Hello soft, supple, smooth, feet! Admittedly, my prior self-pedi exfoliation repertoire was limited to a pumice stone and Ped Egg (cringe) so I was super excited to try this. Foot razors are a big no no in beauty land, as they can cause infection and spread bacteria, so I was delighted to hear the PediSmooth was made from natural stone, which gently buffs off rough, dry skin, rather than razoring it. Also, it’s safe to use. If you push too hard, the device stops in its tracks to prevent you from going overboard. Two big toes up from me!
Tip:For an ultimate mini pampering sesh, light some candles in your bathroom, and create a relaxing little foot soak using bath salts and essential oils for 10 minutes to soften up the skin prior to using the Emjoi PediSmooth.
RRP $29.95 www.emjoi.com.au
Easy peasy: Veet EasyWax Electrical Roll-on Kit
What is it? The busy-girls best beauty-buy, this hand-held, self-heating mobile waxing device will leave you hair free in a flash, all in the comfort of your own home. For hair removal on legs, underarms and bikini area.
How it works: Plug it into the wall and wait approx 20mins as it heats up to the perfect temperature and you’re good to go. The wax glides onto the skin using a roll-on applicator (be sure to apply in the direction of the hair growth), distributing an even layer of warm natural beeswax (sensitive-skinned-gals rejoice!). Then, just grab your waxing strips and go for your life! Tip: For optimum hair removal, make sure your skin is free from product before using, as the wax won’t adhere as well.
Our results:
Forgive me for waxing lyrical, but I adore this little beauty. As a waxer from way back, I appreciate the quick and easy self-heating function like no other, and don’t even get me started on the ‘less-mess factor’. Big fan!
RRP $39.95. Available through supermarkets and pharmacies nationally.
