What it is: An FDA cleared at-home device that claims to deliver permanent hair removal results using Home Pulsed Light technology. According to the makers, clinical studies at three months post-treatment showed 70 percent hair reduction. Flash&Go uses gentle pulses of light energy to physically disable hair growth. Light energy is absorbed by the hair follicles (causing them to surrender in a battle between light and darkness), while the surrounding tissue remains at normal temperature.
Why it's great: Reviewers love this at-home hair removal device because, to put it simply, it works. "I was skeptical at first, but seeing really is believing," says one user. "I have used it so far on my face and calves and it has made such a HUGE difference," says another user. One reviewer says she used it on her underarms and chin with "great success." And another TotalBeauty.com reviewer says that after eight months with the Flash&Go, she is "hair free." Readers recommend you give the device some time to work and use it regularly. "You have to stay at it and treat every two weeks at the beginning, no short cuts or skipping a week. But once you are done, you never have to book another wax appointment or shave again, and that is worth it to me," says one satisfied reviewer.
Before you buy: The Flash&Go device comes with 5,000 flashes -- typically 1,000 flashes are needed to completely treat (read: leave silky smooth) a large area like a leg. Refill cartridges come with 1,000 flashes and cost $40. It can't be used on brown or black skin, or on blonde, white or gray hair. The manufacturer suggests six to eight treatments for complete hair removal.
Salon rate: Laser hair treatment prices depend on the area being treated, but can range from $100-200 per area, per treatment. You need around six treatments to see a difference, with occasion touchups thereafter.
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*At time of publication
What it is: A gel polish kit for at-home use, including an LED lamp to cure your gel nails.
Why it's great: "This was definitely one of the best beauty purchases I have ever made," says one reviewer. TotalBeauty.com readers love this gel polish kit because of the lasting results. "I tried this five days ago, and it still looks like I just, just, just did my nails! No chips, smudges ... nothing," raves one reviewer. She adds that the process is really simple -- "It dries immediately." Another reader agrees, calling the kit "idiot-proof." Readers with a weekly nail salon habit also say the kit is a major money saver over time. "This is saving me so much money by using this instead of going to the salon," raves one reader.
Before you buy: The gel starter kit comes with one color. You can choose from pink chiffon, scarlet red or raspberry wine. Other colors (they have a wide range) can be purchased separately for $11.99 each. From the starter kit, you'll get about 10 gel applications. Once you've depleted the products in your starter kit, you'll need to replace them with the gel primer, base and top coat kit, $11.99 total.
Salon rate: A gel manicure in a salon runs about $35-40 and will last around two weeks. Readers say the SensatioNail manicures also last about two weeks, and at 10 applications per bottle, you're initially spending about $6 a manicure (when factoring in the cost of the LED lamp, and $2 thereafter to cover the cost of replacement products.
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*At time of publication
What it is: Like a crockpot for wax, this little bowl will keep your wax at just the right temperature, a crucial element in avoiding senseless pain during self-waxing.
Why it's great: Professional and amateur waxers alike found this little device to be a game changer in waxing. "I cannot live without it in my kit," says one aesthetician. This "must-have" will "warm all types of wax from soft wax (strip wax) to hard wax (stripless)," she notes. One woman who uses it at home says she "keeps looking for new places to wax," because this machine makes waxing "fun." Intrigued yet? Another reviewer says the wax warmer is a "must-get if you want to save money."
Before you buy: This waxer, plus at-home supplies, won't run you more than $60 ... but be sure to watch a few YouTube waxing tutorials before pouring on the wax. Replacement wax is around $15 for a 14-ounce jar.
Salon rate: Waxing your lip or eyebrows will cost anywhere from $10-40 at a salon. A full leg costs around $70, and a Brazilian costs $50-75.
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*At time of publication
What it is: A handheld LED device for treating acne. The blue light and dermal heating neutralize acne-causing bacteria.
Why it's great: This handheld, at-home acne-destroying device is loved by reviewers because it gets rid of acne fast. "Whenever I use the device on a premature blemish, it gets rid of it and I notice a difference within a day or two, which is great," says one user. Another reviewer says her "blemishes have faded drastically by the next day." One woman noticed a difference in her overall skin after just two weeks of daily use. A TotalBeauty.com member who says this helps keep her skin clear on a regular basis uses it while she watches TV -- nothing like catching up on your TiVO and clearing your skin at the same time, amiright?
Before you buy: Silk'n Blue should be used every day, for three to four minutes on each area of the skin, for three to seven weeks. The head is about two inches wide, so you can expect to spend a lot of quality time with this device.
Salon rate: A blue light treatment is usually $80-100 in a spa or medical office, and will usually include a facial and 20-30 minutes under the light.
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*At time of publication
What it is: An at-home, professional quality airbrushing kit that comes with your choice of a foundation, blush and highlighter.
Why it's great: While readers acknowledge this is no small purchase, they also confess they're addicted to their Temptu. "I'm so glad I invested in this product! I'll never use regular foundation again," says a reader. "Even though it's really expensive, it's one of my best makeup buys ever," says another. Although it looks like a heavy product, readers say this system provides a completely natural look. "It's a second, more perfect skin," says one reader. "NO makeup line and it looks amazingly natural!" says another. Readers also say it's convenient and hygienic, as there are "no brushes to clean" and "no fear of bacterial contamination, which you may have with using sponges or brushes."
Before you buy: Readers say they go through about one makeup pod a month with daily application, although they get more out of the blush and highlighter pods. Replacement foundation pods are $45, blush pods are $30 and highlighter pods are $35. Bronzer blushes (they don't come with the starter kit) are $35.
Salon rate: A full airbrush makeup application (popular for brides) costs $85-200, but generally includes full eye makeup application, too.
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*At time of publication
Think you're the DIY beauty queen because your Pinterest page is stacked with pins for lemon and honey masks, apple cider vinegar toner and exfoliating coffee bean foot scrub? Before you get started on your papier mâché crown, give one of these DIY beauty gadgets a spin. When used correctly, our readers say these beauty devices saved them tons of time and money -- we're talking thousands of dollars. That's enough to bankroll your own DIY skin care line made from your personal lemon orchard and beehive, ladies. Here's the lowdown on spending a little (these high tech beauty gadgets aren't cheap) to save a lot.
